Designing an interface language and interactions for everyday appliances

Panasonic USA challenged us to design the interface of the near future. It needed to contain common design language and behavior across key consumer appliance experiences. Meaning that in the future, Panasonic interfaces would have one cohesive look and feel, and behaved according to a single master program.

Challenge
Imagine the interface of the future while being respectful of both Panasonic interface and design strategy guidelines and cultural differences and engineering realities.

What we did
We began with a comprehensive marketplace review, which included a competitive review, a review of global Home Appliance UX trends, applicable UX systems in other categories and UI materials and technologies exploration. We then created strategic themes based on insights of interface study, Home Appliance (HA) and general consumer trends and insights. 

By then focusing the exploration into two strategic themes, we were able to craft four design languages using interface design, logic flow and user scenarios. Then, working closely with the head of UX in Japan, we created design directions for Washer/Dryer, AC (smartphone remote) and Microwave.  

Outcome
We imagined a smart, connected future where the interface is absorbed into the natural world. The technology becomes so ubiquitous it disappears like electricity or water.

By removing mechanical cliches and metaphors and replacing them with natural and human interactions, we created a familiar, easy-to-use interface – resulting in less effort for more enjoyment.

Panasonic leadership celebrated this vision as an inspiring direction for their technology and it and became the direction for future design pathways.