[UNIT 06 : Home appliances]
Date: November 2(Sat) 2019 16:00 - 17:00
Guest: Gen Suzuki(UNIT 06 / Uniit Leader)
Introduction: Aesthetics of home appliances considering space and time
At the unit meeting, we discussed how there are two axes in evaluating beauty, which is one of the themes of this year's award. One axis is space. We look at the spatial aesthetics to judge whether the product is beautiful as an object existing in the space. In other words, we appraise the beauty of form and shape.
The other axis is time. We evaluate whether the product functions beautifully, whether the product background and recyclability are considered and whether it proposes ways to pass on the tradition in the long run. There are different dimensions in beauty, but we focused on these two axes when evaluating the products.
Smart Coffee Brewing Machine [GOAT STORY GINA] (GOOD DESIGN BEST100)
What stood out this year in Unit 6 is that there were many more products that connect to the network. Not requiring to load all the functions on the hardware has allowed the products to be lighter. This smart coffee maker [GINA] is a good example. The design has brought back the classic look of a coffee dripper. The base of the coffee maker is equipped with a scale and Bluetooth to accurately measure the amount of coffee grounds and water. The dedicated app guides the brewing process to help recreate the best brew. It also allows users to share their recipe with people around the world. For home appliances, it is important to harmoniously balance the soft aspect of lifestyle and culture with the angular aspect of technology. This product was highly evaluated for showing the way for the future appliances by layering on just the right amount of technology while preserving a sophisticated culture.
Washer and Dryer [Mi Front-Load Washer and Dryer Pro] (GOOD DESIGN BEST100)
This washer by Xiaomi also relies on an app for customization and other complicated operations. This makes it possible to keep the interface simple with the round dial nob on the top center of the machine performing all the functions. The company uses the same interface for other products in various categories like blenders and electric skillets. This motivates the users of one product to want to purchase others once they become familiar with the interface.
Xiaomi has won an award in another unit for "Mi Home," which is a platform for apps for all of its products. The unprecedented product that has no rival in the world and the unified app design left us a lasting impression.
Freezer Trash Bin [CLEAN BOX] (GOOD DESIGN BEST100)
This home-use freezing trash bin is designed to store away household waste such as compost and soiled diapers for babies and elderly. It is well designed with a streamlined and modest appearance. In this aging society, there are more instances of at-home nursing, which could put the burden on not only the person taking care of someone, but also on the person being taken care of due to the psychological stress caused by the unpleasant smell and other factors. The respect shown to everyone involved led to a high evaluation.
Air Purifier [HITACHI Air purifier EP-PF120C/90C EP-PF120J/90J] (GOOD DESIGN BEST100)
This air purifier is designed for the Chinese market. China has a more serious problem with air pollution so the product is built larger than the ones you see in Japan. All the judges were impressed with the degree of perfection of its product design.
The unit looks smaller than it actually is thanks to the front panel made up entirely of louvers and the backside slanted at a 45-degree angle so it fits in tight corners and unutilized spaces. The details are totally streamlined, including the way it turns on.
Electronic Piggy Bank [Little Can] (GOOD DESIGN BEST100)
This is a cashless piggy bank that went through evaluation in China. There is some room for improvement in terms of product quality, but it was well-received by the judges in China. There is a strong demand for a product like this because the whole country is moving toward a cashless society. This product offers the tactile experience of putting money into the bank even though it deals with electric money that cannot be physically touched. It is a rational solution provided in 2019 to give a physical sense to digital money.
This product was also selected for Best 100, which shows a good representation of the products for that year. I believe it was appropriately chosen as it perfectly illustrates this age of transition.
Air Purifier [BALMUDA The Pure]
This air purifier not only filters out air and odor, but also has the power to create a comfortable living space. Streamlined to offer only three modes, it has a pleasant running sound and uses light in an effective way. The pathway of air entering from the bottom and ejecting from the top is lit up, which gives a clean impression as if the air is purified in a cylinder of light.
Bread oven [BreadOven TO-ST1]
This toaster is designed to toast a single slice of bread. It may sound like a niche product, but it does appeal to many as some data shows that Japanese people are spending more money on bread than rice. The manufacturer has applied the same technology used in its high-quality rice cooker for developing this toaster. Equipped with functions to also prepare French toast or toast topped with eggs, the toaster urges you to imagine a happy scene in the dining room. The innovative approach taken by a large corporation like Mitsubishi to develop a product with such an original concept using its advanced technology is definitely something that we want to support.
Summary: Anticipation for a new wave of network-based home appliances
Only about 30% of the entries this year for Unit 6 was from Japan. There were 39 award-winning works from the home appliances category.
I perceive a trend for Japanese companies to move away from BtoC and shift its focus on BtoB.
Another trend is that companies that have been concentrating its efforts on BtoB and are now entering the BtoC market. Start-up businesses are also developing interesting products.
As seen in washing machines and coffee makers, we are starting to see a new wave of network-based home appliances. I look forward to seeing more interesting products from Japanese companies.