In order to control light and thus its effect, the lighting designer has various techniques and technologies at his disposal. The execution of a lighting design involves decisions and choices regarding the controllable variables of light.

Intensity
The light intensity range depends on the choice of luminaire and on its distance from the illuminated object. Dimmers allow the designer to manipulate intensity.

Color
The color of light depends on the color temperature of the light source.
Color can be manipulated by the use of color filters and the deployment of additive and subtractive color mixing techniques.

Direction
The direction of the light depends on the position of the luminaire relatively to the illuminated  object. The direction of light is often referred to as the lighting angle.

Quality
The quality of the light depends on the size of the light source, on the optical system of the luminaire, and on its distance from the illuminated object (referred to as ‘throw”) – a large source and a short throw will yield a diffused light beam, while a compact source and a long throw will result in a sharply focused beam.

Pattern
The shape of the light beam and the way light is distributed inside the beam boundaries is referred to as the light pattern. Each luminaire has a typical light pattern which is usually described by its beam angle, field angle and cut-off angle. Complex patterns may be achieved using projection techniques.

Movement
Light is fluid. Any of the above mentioned variables might be used dynamically, creating movement. 
A light beam may be moved in space like any other object. Other attributes of light may change fluidly creating complex dynamic patterns.