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Individual School Project
Product Design Studio 4
Market & User Research
3D Modeling, Rendering
16 Weeks
01.17.2022 - 05.06.2022
Adobe Creative Cloud
Rhino, Keyshot
IKEA is adding a family of electronic devices to their product lineup for 2027. To achieve so, it’s crucial to first develop a new design language system (DLS) to guide the creation of two distinct thematic directions. Then, one direction will be chosen to serve as the basis for the rest of the product design process, which will result in one hero product and one complimentary product.
An affordable, minimalistic, portable heater coupled with a complimentary desk fan, both prioritizing aesthetics without compromising functionality: a balance that desperately lacks in the current air products market offering.
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The project adhered to the following schedule, which helped maintain organization and creative cohesion.
Identify Pain Points And Opportunities
Develop New Design Language System
Ideate 2 Directions For Hero Product
Refine Chosen Direction By Client
Design Complimentary Product & Packaging
For an in-depth visualization of each stage in the design process, please visit the website through a desktop computer.
The designated hero product for the project was a space heater. The research process was initiated by gathering information from secondary sources on the existing market offering’s strengths and weaknesses
Primary research was held by surveying and interviewing both space heater users and providers. Their responses played a crucial role in identifying the specific shortcomings of current market alternatives.
In conclusion, both the secondary and primary research conducted indicated the space heater market lacks heaters that simultaneously succeed at the following aspects:
Upon finalizing the identification of the four key areas lacking simultaneity, a market analysis using a 2x2 matrix was carried out to determine the optimal positioning for IKEA within the market landscape.
The four aspects outlined in the research stage (aesthetics, heating flexibility, portability and safety) are then to be addressed through three IKEA design principles that resemble the brand’s identity. The following three seemed the most suitable.
Mood boards were carefully put together to embody the three design principles, aiming to subsequently guide the creation of two distinct thematic directions for two different design proposals.
Using distinct interpretations of the principles, two thematic directions were curated, with the first direction emphasizing cleverness through multi-functionality, while the second direction prioritizing aesthetics and affordability.
The thematic directions led to the following design directions, each obeying a different interpretation of IKEA’s design principles.
This first concept design offers a wall-mounted, stylish alternative to traditional infrared heaters. By carrying a decorative wooden piece slightly covering the aluminum panel and warm LED lights subtly reflecting on the wall, the user experience transcends the simple act of feeling physically warm to feeling emotionally warm.
The second concept design consists of a portable ceramic heater meant to be easily transported throughout the house. Arriving in a playful aesthetic, this alternative is light and versatile, allowing users to carry it with them as they move from room to room, placing it on different surfaces and keeping it close to them at all times.
The chosen design direction by IKEA representatives was the second one, following the Modest Fun thematic direction. To finalize it before adding a complimentary product, I was suggested to subtly tone down the childish aesthetic and make the heater more “IKEA”. I went back to IKEA's product catalogue and thoroughly examined items that were in harmony with the upcoming heater.
As a complement to the hero product (the heater) a desk fan was introduced to provide proper counterbalance, following the same thematic direction curated for the heater. This addition served to enhance IKEA's air product category with a well-rounded offering.
At last, we can admire renders of the products harmoniously coming together, aligning seamlessly in their purpose to provide a democratic yet visually pleasing approach to air products.
