The present invention relates to a lighting system (1) with a user interface (3) for controlling the lighting color and/or intensity of a lighting unit (2) determining the lighting conditions in a room. The user interface (3) is based on a system comprising a detection device (4) and transponders (6). Bringing the transponders (6) within the detection device (4) so that they will be detected causes the transponders (6) to send a response signal, which signal controls the lighting color and/or intensity of the lighting unit (2). Each transponder (6) is programmed to control a particular color or a specific light intensity.