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Brief

// To create a hassle-free fabric care experience 10 to 15 years into the future.

The agenda of the project was to come up with conceivable concepts that would open up new thoughts and perspectives in the field of laundry care that could be later referenced by the client for future projects. This particular project is an expansion of one of the many ideas that we came up with as part of the process. //

Research at glance

Research on emerging technology

Conducted research on emerging tech concepts such as
Zero UI, Phygital and multisensory interfaces, Wearables, embeddables, predictive interactions using sensors, Intelligent materials and programmable matter, Additive manufacturing and data visualization.

Research on laundry technology

Compiled a wide range of existing and emerging laundry advancements. These include the advent of robotics in laundry care, laundry care closets, Dry steam washers, Waterless laundry technologies, Mini washers, and advancements in detergent. Zero UI, Phygital and multisensory interfaces, Wearables, embeddable, predictive interactions using sensors, Intelligent materials and programmable matter, Additive manufacturing, and data visualization.

Research on Environmental trends.

A thorough study was conducted on the problems associated with microplastic shedding and the current prevention methods in regards to laundry care. Detrimental effect of grey water on soil, falling ground water levels and poor water quality in tier one cities.

Research on clothes and Fabric trends

Conducted a study on different fabric types. Looked into concepts such as fashion as a service, clothes as an interface, Smart fabric and E-textiles, Sustainable clothing trends and technology, R&Ds on microplastic reduction and so on.

User Journey Map

Based on the research data, we boiled them down into keywords with descriptions that would be used for ideation

Keywords and Descriptions

Tier one cities

The rise in the tier-one cities in India due to rural-to-urban migration will cause a rising demand for laundry and laundry services, especially during the weekends since that’s the default schedule for people who reside in these areas. Families with this behavior will have double piles of clothes to wash leading to a demand for higher-capacity laundry machines.

Shared use cases

Paying guest facilities and hostels are highly common in tier one cities. Laundry solutions for co-living, co-housing and micro-housing scenarios should be looked into in the context of laundry. Current machines are not designed for such scenarios.

Conscious consumption

More than half of India’s total area is facing high to extremely high stress, especially the people in tier-one cities who are at higher risk of surface water supply disruptions. What water is available is often severely polluted. People have genuine concerns over water usage.

Segregation habbits

Another reason for multiple piles is the segregation of different segregation habits.

Dynamic stress level and leisure time

A preoccupied mind space and stress level will be more on weekdays and less on weekends. so maybe the appliance can suggest quick actions and take quick decisions on weekdays that will reduce users chores.

Final Brief and design directions

// Design a waterless washing machine featuring the ability to manage multiple loads in different context efficiently. This design provides flexibility and adaptability while offering a user-friendly interface that enhances connectivity and visual appeal.. //

Batch loading

The reason why we went for batch loading is because as of now the whole connectivity aspect doesn't really provide meaningful functionality for the washing machine unless It has the capability to load the clothes by itself. Then it opens up possibilities for you to schedule your laundry remotely.

Ease of segregation

The majority of the users do exhibit some sort of segregation behavior which is also a function of where they are from what garments they use. People have different ways of handling this. Some people have more optimized methods so that things will be easier others on the other hand have a logistical nightmare that they are not even aware of.

Minimal UI

There is a lot of scope for improvement in the HMI area especially considering the emerging areas of AI and machine learning. The washer can have the capacity to decide the best setting for the analyzed variables resulting in a much simplified UI removing all the multitude of options available in the washers today.

Remote access and Scheduling

Waterless laundry

Future consumers will be more aware and well-informed about conducting laundry in a sustainable way. With growing awareness of water scarcity and conservation, the need for minimal water-based washing is indeed going to be a reality in the years to come.

Bulk detergent dispenser

Bulk detergent dispenser as a concept already exists in the market. There aren’t a lot of reasons to have it in today's machines but soon with connectivity and automation this will become mandatory due to the convenience that comes with it.

Mock up to test the Idea with users

There are 2 compartments one for the detergent and the other for additional liquid such as softener.

Bulk Dispenser

The two bins that could be bought or 3d printed and assembled could be used as your personal laundry bin or for segregation. Place them on the machine and the washer will load the clothes and washes once the main pile is done. This allows you to schedule multiple loads remotely.

Batch Loading

XOrb waterless laundry

Xorb - The waterless machine concept was introduced in 2008 by the University of Leeds, U.K. The proposed washing machine design uses about a cup of water per load. Researchers have shown that polymeric beads made up of nylon can effectively remove stain from the cloth as dirt is absorbed by these beads.

Quick glance status bar

When the machine is turned on it will show the amount of detergent and softener is left and once the machine starts washing it will show the status of laundry. This way you don’t have to come near the washer or take out the phone ot check the status.

Pedestal

Once the laundry is done the machine will load the clothes in the pedestal compartment from which you may collect the clothes easily instead of taking it one by one.

some of the XOrb polymer beads will be stuck in the clothes which will be left in the container. The small plastic tray is provided to collect them and put them back in the machine.

HMI

Iteration and experiments

Washing machine program icons often don't fulfill their intended purpose, as users tend to read the accompanying titles instead of relying solely on the icons. Creating unique and easily recognizable icons for a multitude of wash programs can be challenging. Therefore, It was decided to opt for an alternative approach by using visual images to represent each program. This approach aims to reduce cognitive load when selecting a program.

Iconography

Status animation

Client - Whirlpool, Gurgaon

Duration - 6 months