Smart Hydro Kaitoha Wai Pā-kore

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Smart Hydro is a smart water dispenser focusing on hygienic concerns in common areas. Due to the outbreak of the pandemic, there have been increased hygiene concerns. The design provides a touch-free solution by utilizing infrared sensors. The automatic filling also reduces contact for a more sanitized and ergonomic experience. The modern design, combined with innovative technology, makes Smart Hydro an essential product for offices, gyms and any other common area.

Dimensions & Packaging

Product height is 140 cm. Width is 36 cm. Depth is 40 cm.

Tags

product design, smart design, smart technology, design for covid, water dispensor, accessible design

Production Technology

The primary production technique for Smart Hydro is plastic injection due to its benefits in complex design allowances, reduced weight, and enhanced material strength. So the manufacturing technique for shell parts, including the main body and arc, is chosen as plastic injection. Within the plastic casing, most support parts are bent out of an aluminum sheet.

Design Challenge

Water dispensers are very conventional in terms of production technologies. The main creative challenge was to offer a new form-factor to a widely adopted component layout. However, the restrictions of internal components were influential in shaping the form. Another challenge was regarding user behavior. Smart Hydro offers a new interaction pattern, so users need to learn and get accustomed to the new practice. To overcome this problem, tests were carried out using paper prototypes.

Research

The research started with shadowing and observing user scenarios to understand the products social context. Water dispensers acted as spots for socializing and cooling off. Due to this, Hydro Smart is approachable from several angles and is a conversation starter. Literature research on interaction design helped with gestural design. Several examples and guidelines were investigated. Finally, photo collages were prepared in terms of space layout and interior design to position Hydro Smart.

Inspiration

Covid-19 demands us to make changes in our daily lives, along with the products we use. In common areas, water dispensers are contacted by numerous people throughout the day, posing a threat to public health. By benefiting technological innovations, it is possible to bring people together without risking their health. Smart Hydro is a step forward to designing products for public health. Smart Hydro offers a unique design emphasizing ergonomics and hygiene, highlighting itself among the many other conventional water dispensers we encounter.

Project Duration

The project started in May 2020 in Ankara and finished in January 2021 in Ankara.

Operation Flow

The product interaction starts when the user places a container on a predetermined area on Smart Hydro's counter. Sensors on the side panels perceive the hand's motion and the container's presence on the counter. Once these two variables are confirmed, water starts to flow. The dispensation resumes until the user leans to pick up the container. Once the sensors perceive a motion, water flow is interrupted. This interaction aims to minimize physical contact and thus increase hygiene level.