Lucid
Industrial Design, Conceptualisation
Ideation, Innovation
Introduction
The Design Project 2 (Technically Complex Product) was 8 weeks long. We had to observe the products around us and find the problem areas associated with using the product. I chose a washing machine which I observed in the scenario of the NID college hostel (a shared washing machine). The process involved studying the product, the market study, trend analysis, ergonomic study (both physical and cognitive), form and coming up with an alternative design.
Brief
Improve the usability and form of a shared washing machine for student use. The new design should be contemporary, compact and should be able to stack multiple machines next to each other
Upon listening to the users and understanding their usage, I observed that the problem areas can be surmised into ergonomics pertaining to putting dry clothes and taking washed clothes, unaware of how much detergent to add, too many controls while majority wants just a quick wash setting, and overall quality of washed clothes.
Market Study
A market study was conducted at Chroma Store, Ahmedabad. Different models of washing machines were observed along with their salient features.
Design Benchmarks
Current trends includes the following keywords: boxy form, medium transparency and boolean
Future Users
Trend forecast revealed that the future users would fall into the category of over-stimulated, future-shock, memory-makers and the new-sensorialists.
These users would want less cognitive load, more tactile feedback and total information and transparency when it comes to the products they use.
Form Explorations
Iterations
A number of ideas were tried along the way and the learnings were documented.
Final Form
Lucid - Logo
The inclined L of the Lucid Logo indicates the way of opening the door of the Lucid Washing Machine. The word Lucid is synonymous with transparency which is what the user will experience as the top panel of the machine is made of transparent material.
Features
Features
Usability
Laundry tub
The laundry tub has been designed aesthetically, keeping in mind the overall flow of water during laundry process. The lint filter can be inserted to the top side of the laundry tub. This step is taken to ensure that the lint filter is cleaned frequently.
Mode of operation
CMF Options
Trend forecast of colors for the year 2025 (WGSN and Coloro study) revealed that futures users would have an inclination towards the following key colors.
Intense Rust, Midnight Plum, Sustained Grey, Apricot Crush and Cool Matcha.
Tools and processes used
Sketching
Rapid Prototyping – Thermocol, Acrylic sheet
Quick mockups using MDF boards
Rhinoceros 3D – 3D Modelling
Keyshot 10 – Rendering, Assembly video
Adobe Photoshop – Post processing
