Serene Bathroom Scale: Redefining a Product, Creating a New Experience
This project served as a cornerstone in my career trajectory as an industrial designer. Conceived during my sophomore year in design school, it garnered significant acclaim within the design community and was recognized as a finalist in the prestigious Industrial Design Society of America Product Design Competition.
At its essence, my focus extended beyond mere aesthetics to enhancing the user experience. Recognizing the inherent negativity associated with traditional bathroom scales, I sought to transform this clinical and impersonal device into something inviting and human-centered.
Through exhaustive user research, I uncovered a prevalent ergonomic flaw: the misalignment between the user's posture and the scale's interface, typically located on the floor. To rectify this, I designed the scale with a rounded shape and contoured top surface, mirroring the natural curves of the human foot.
Employing innovative sensor technology, the scale seamlessly activates upon detecting the user's presence, yet discreetly fades away when not in use. To infuse a sense of delight and encourage positive interaction, the scale emits a playful tune upon completing weight calculations, prompting the user to step off and view the discreetly concealed white LED display.
Conscious of departing from the cold and clinical nature of traditional scales, I deliberately moved away from flat surfaces and cold materials like metal and glass. Instead, I opted for warmer, more inviting materials and organic forms, creating an experience that is as comforting as it is functional. This design approach redefines the conventional bathroom scale experience, offering users a seamless blend of form, function, and human-centered design.
Furthermore, I brought this vision to life by creating a fully functional prototype with an acrylic body and Arduino electronics, ensuring that the design's innovation and functionality were tangible and achievable.
DESIGN & UTILITY PATENTS:
US D700,093 S,
US20140326517 A1
