Every household depends on home appliances for one need or another. Whether it’s baking cookies or getting the laundry done, these machines are simply indispensable. This is why their design is such a fundamental subject.
For a long time, home appliance designs focused on functionality. While that is still largely the case, consumers are now also keen on the user experience that an appliance has to offer. The design question thus becomes, what home appliance features make for a great user experience? Plus, how can they best be incorporated into your design?
Here are some key factors that are worth considering.
Safety
There are always some risks associated with the use of machinery. Some risks are dependent on how well a machine is designed while others can be set off by human error. In either case, it is imperative that you come up with design features that mitigate both machine and human errors.
Electrical malfunctions are some of the common and most dangerous risks posed by home appliances. To prevent them, it would be best to ensure that all cords are well insulated and have sufficient ingress protection. Other provisions such as auto power off when an electrical device is left idle for a while are also welcome additions.
Structural safety is equally important although it is often overlooked by most designers. Devices with sharp corners, for instance, present a risk for members of a household. More so if they have children who could easily walk into such devices and get hurt. Round corners would be a much better alternative.
Handling Provisions
When moving houses, karting appliances is one of the most precarious tasks that anyone can take on. They are not only heavy but they never seem to have any provisions on the body for handling. Lifting them thus becomes a ladder of chaos between finding a proper place to hold while simultaneously balancing the weight of the appliance.
Consider taking a different design approach by ensuring that the home appliances you offer are more mobile. Casters with brakes, for example, could make movement much easier. Alternatively, if casters would pose a risk, some smooth slots to place a hand while lifting could be just as helpful.
Aesthetics
The appearance of an appliance is just as important as how well it works because it forms part of the decor in a home. This can, however, be a tricky balancing act given as decor tastes vary from person to person. Some consumers may prefer sleek and modern styles while others delight in more traditional fashions.
A home appliance product line that offers a variety of options to choose from would cater to a wider consumer base. Consider offering:
- Different color combinations
- Size options
- Different finish styles
For buyers with unique tastes or special decor requirements, it would be a nice touch to offer custom designs. While it is a niche service, some successful high-end home appliance brands that have tried it are proof that there is a demand for such services in the market. From a profit perspective, most clients that seek custom designs are often willing to pay premium rates.
Durability
Given the pivotal roles that home appliances play in day-to-day living, they are highly susceptible to wear and tear. Dents, scratches, peeling paint, and a general lackluster look after a duration of use is not uncommon. Yet, unfortunately, none of these flaws can be painted over.
Designs that can remain in top condition for the long haul are always a major hit among consumers. This is because quality home appliances are a major investment that most consumers anticipate will last them about 5 years or more. If your product is not able to live up to this, it would be a raw deal for them.
The materials and quality of the mold used to manufacture your brand of home appliances will determine their durability. Make an effort to choose a home appliance mold manufacturer that does stellar work and uses premium quality materials. You can find more information on mold designs and processes on this website.
Ease of Use
When it comes to user experience, there exists a thin line between sophistication and complication. Granted, a modern home appliance should offer all the bells and whistles of technological innovation. However, too much technology can become counterproductive if the final product ends up being hard to use.
Whereas the technical back end of the device can be complicated, aim to make the user interface as simple as possible. Some design features you could use to achieve this include:
- Responsive touch or press buttons
- Quick and safe power on/off system
- Well-labeled and easy to adjust settings
- Remote operation provisions via smart technology or Bluetooth
- Child safety provisions where possible
Given the break-neck pace of today’s living, interactive features are highly appreciated by consumers. Reminder alarms, for instance, have been known for saving numerous casseroles from getting burned to a crisp. When coupled with other auto safety features, they improve user experience by a mile.
Conclusion
A well-designed home appliance may cost more than other alternatives in the market as it requires precise workmanship and quality inputs. Fortunately, the modern consumer is fast coming alive to the fact that value matters more than price. If they can find true value in the functionality and user experience your home appliance has to offer, they will gladly pay for it.
