When design helps save energy…
As empirical studies have shown, energy consumption for room heating increases by about 6% for every degree by which room temperature is increased. At the same time, the main reason people waste energy is simply a lack of awareness of the correlation between personal thermostat settings and consumption. In this range of thermostats, we introduced a graphic ‘Ecometer’ which indicates potential energy savings as a function of the selected temperature and an ‘Ecosymbol’ reward in the form of a leaf for energy-saving temperature settings. In addition, the change of display color intuitively visualizes the graphic information for the user.
All settings can be made locally via capacitive touch buttons following a self-explanatory user menu. Some devices in the range offer the alternative of setting all parameters even more conveniently using a free app for smartphones which then transmits the data via acoustic data connection to the device.
Never before have compact flush-mounted timer thermostats offered as much convenience and incentive to save energy.
Simulations allow testing of usability at an early stage of development
In order to give decision-makers the opportunity to test all functions of the new user interfaces before initiating the costly and time-consuming process of coding, we offer prototypes that simulate the menu flow and all user interactions. In this way the user experience can be tested in a realistic environment, while improvements can be integrated cost-efficiently at an early stage of development.
- Client: Vimar
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- Other design projects for Vimar
Main challenges
- Good readability of information in a compact device
- Maximum comprehensibility of all user interactions with symbol-based user guide
- Comprehensive and informative app interface
- Intuitive menu flow through complex set-up process
Services provided
- Design of physical devices
- Development of menu structure and interaction
- Layout of LCD displays
- Mobile app: menu structure, interaction design and graphics