Theodore started working on a lighting design in the latter part of the 1960s that would allow a hand full of lights to be moved between different bases to create various levels of light  . . .  The light sticks were created.

Through multiple sketches, Theodore came up with three bases, the cylinder (C4), bowl (B8) and bar (D7). Each of the bases can use the same light stick(s) to create different variations on light. Each base allows a few or many light sticks to give the perfect amount of light for the perfect atmosphere.

In the original designs, each base would be plugged into the wall allowing the light stick to draw the power from the base.

In 1970, the original design patent was acquired and the first lights were manufactured and marketed in the U.S. by Knoll International.

In 2018, THWaddell Designs was created to redevelop the original light with modern technology and functionality. In 2023 THWaddell Designs was renamed Participation Designs.

Participation Designs joined with University of Texas, Dallas through a Capstone Engineering student program to update the designs with new technology. The design process took 12 months with a student team.

The new light stick and base designs include the Participation Designs mobile app to manage the lights as a single or group, single or multiple light sticks and single or stack charging of the bases.

Each base has a battery and will last on an average of 1 week with 8 light sticks between charges. The original light stick is a white light. Each base can be used with as few or as many light sticks up to the maximum number per base.

Paragon Innovations was engaged to manufacture the lights in February 2020 and the first prototypes were delivered in December 2020.

The new designs have received and are protected by updated patents and copyright protections in addition to the original patents.