design-people | work product design

Double iF award for new ventilation control experience

Airmaster

Airlinq provides fresh air through intuitive interaction, empowering end-users in schools and offices to control indoor climate. At the same time, the slim panel blends discreetly with its environment. design-people's innovative solution for ventilation control has resulted in two iF 2013 awards - an iF product design award and an iF communication design award for the interface design. The iF award is an internationally recognized seal of quality which is awarded to excellent design. A great recognition of our ambition to create meaningful user experiences that seamlessly integrate product and interaction design!

Our initial user studies revealed that end-users would often like to adjust the ventilation program, but are reluctant due to the technical character of current control panels. Airlinq therefore focuses on giving end-users a simple interaction with the primary function of the panel - adjusting the air exchange. Our thinking was verfied through the involvement of female teachers, who would be typical users of the panel, in a concept focus group.

By simply swiping clockwise or counterclockwise along the Airlinq panel's distinctive circular element, the air exchange in a room increases or decreases. The circle elements light up while swiping and settle into an unobtrusive single element indicating the setting that has been chosen. Secondary functions are accessible to advanced users only through a PC software. Overall the new design encourages end-users to influence the indoor climate when needed, but prevents them from accidentally adjusting settings that result in a lower system efficiency.

The new Airlinq panel is the latest addition to the successful ventilation design line that design-people has created in close cooperation with Airmaster over the past few years. Airlinq lifts the user experience of the Airmaster system to new heights - and further strengthens Airmaster’s position as an innovative ventilation brand.

Development partner: JE electronic a/s

Services: user research, interaction design, product design, user feedback

Discreet ease of use

DEVI Danfoss

Danfoss is a leader in indoor climate solutions. The Devireg Touch thermostat is taking the lead in intuitive operation of floor heating.

The ambition with DEVIreg Touch has been to create a thermostat that stands out with a clear and restrained interface. The primary goal was to improve usability and accessibility for all users of comfort regulation and to bring awareness of environmental aspects closer to the user.

User involvement has helped focus interaction on essential and beneficial features. The straightforward first touch experience makes the user feel empowered. It confirms the expectation arising from the clear cabinet and graphical design that the interaction is accordingly intuitive. Advanced features like 'timer' and 'away' are accessible in the second level through the comprehensive 'home menu' screen.

The installer UI is based on wizards that guide the installer through the setup process.

DEVI is a Danfoss product brand

Services: interaction design, product design, focus group concept feedback, usability test

Watch the DEVIreg Touch video here

New water meter rocks the market

Kamstrup

The new Kamstrup water meter is a revolution in a technology driven market – however it does not show, and that is on purpose.
The list of new features is impressive - new digital measuring system, new anti magnetic materials, free mounting angle, easy read-out, long life battery. At the same time the product design with its classic round shape creates instant familiarity and trust among users.
The combination of high quality finish, remarkable user benefits and design details makes the difference and indicates the innovation of the product.

Kamstrup's marketing director Lis Muusmann puts it this way:

"Even though the complexity of functions in the new meter has increased, our users operate MULTICAL 21 with ease. The market feedback is overwhelming and has exceeded all expectations. To comply with orders we are currently building a new production facility".

MULTICAL 21 is part of Kamstrup's new water meter design line. See more on http://multical21.com/com/everything-counts.aspx

Sleek audio design

Jamo

How to design a classic satellite speaker to fit into the modern living environment as companion to flat screen TV’s? And how to make it attractive for the female part of the world?

Our product design team converted these challenges into a discreet, yet unique speaker design for Jamo. The overall shape is an evolution of Jamo’s design language; there is a clear overall form statement while refined, soft form details catch the attention when you get closer and touch the product. The signature element is a characteristic grill pattern that gives the product identity and style.

Services: trend research, product design

Twisted ergomomics

Migatronic

The new line of Migatronic welding torches extends a range of easy-to-use welding equipment designed by design-people. User field studies revealed the need for improved ergonomics to make the torch a good tool for extensive everyday use. Thus an innovative twist mechanism was made part of the design concept. The possibility to adjust the angle of the torch gives a far more convenient and less stressful use of the torch for the welder. A good example of valuable userdriven innovation and design.

Engineering partner: Formkon A/S

Services:

user studies, ergonomic concept, interaction and product design

Integrated sound design

Jamo

Jamo’s new In-wall and In-ceiling loudspeakers aim at the American market.

The new product lines consist of 18 different loudspeaker models that all are based on the same design principle. The pivot able midrange and tweeters are placed on a bridge, that is fastened by a center plug in the middle of the bass woofer. This stable structure enhances the sound performance and is at the same time a unique design element. After the wall fitting, the speakers are covered by a white grille with magnetic snap.

Services:

design research, product design

Intuitive remote design

Triax

Triax new remote control is used together with different Triax satellite TV receivers. It is sold all over Europe.

In the development process a special effort has been made to optimize the interaction design of the remote. The way the buttons are organized and prioritized enhances their intuitive use. The restrained overall design expression of the new remote represents a new design direction for Triax.

Services:

design research, product design

Corporate audio design

Jamo

Jamo is a renowned danish brand in the home entertainment business.
A tight and inspiring collaboration between Jamo and design-people has led to a strong and consistent design line. The design-DNA covers a wide range of audio products - from small iPod systems to powerful sound equipment. The minimalistic design goes with modern interior design trends which makes the sound systems an attractive choice, also for female users.

Services:

Product design

Long lasting design DNA

Danfoss

The elegant wall mounted units form a range of controls that follow the same interaction and design principles.

In 2004 the deviheat 130 succesfully launched the design line with a red dot design award. Since then a number of different controls extended the Danfoss-DEVI product and design line. A new red dot design award for the deviheat 233 in 2008 confirmed the succes of the long lasting design DNA.

Services:

Design DNA, product design

Lighting furniture

Louis Poulsen Lighting

Louis Poulsen, the renowed Danish lighting company, was looking for innovative add-ons to their inground spots. design-people contributed with a sculptural fitting called Pagoda, that combines two characteristics: In terms of lighting the illuminated cube is a signal post. At the same time it’s shape invites you to take a short rest.

The Pagoda is Louis Poulsen’s first public furniture, and its innovative character was recognized at the Light+Building fair in Frankfurt, were it was given an Innovation Award for Architecture and Technology in 2006.

Professional design line

Migatronic

Migatronic's welding machines are used by professionals at production sites and workshops throughout Europe. Their new design is based on thorough research of the every day use of these machines.

A user focused handling concept together with new engineering principles and innovative use of plastic parts set a new standard in this business.

The robust and instrument like look of the new welding machines make them a "must-have" for the professional welder.

Development partners: DIS, Formkon, Ole Olsen

Services:

Product design & user interface design

Fresh air with invisible design

Airmaster

In 2003, Airmaster teamed up with design-people to create a product line based on innovative, energy efficient ventilation concepts. The product family spans over a range of ventilation fittings and operation panels. The products provide clean and fresh air where it is needed - in designs that are clean and unobtrusive, with a limited visual impact on architecture and interior. Although the design is discreet and long lasting it has a strong design DNA, that helps Airmaster to stand out in the market.

The latest addition to the Airmaster product family is the AM 1200. Here, we came up with an innovative concept for a ventilation system specifically designed to meet new standards for classroom ventilation. Not only does the new system integrate well in classrooms due to a customizable modular design – it also offers an option for noise cancelling surface materials that improve classroom acoustics. A valuable benefit for the learning environment!

Services: design DNA, product design, design communication

Simplicity and reliability through design

DEIF

design-people has a long-lasting collaboration with DEIF, leading manufacturer of power control solutions and marine controls. As these products are often used in rugged environments and stressful situations, intuitive user interaction is essential.

The design line design-people has established for DEIF covers both interaction and product design. User research has been a valuable tool to frame and prioritise user needs so that the interaction design meets the demands of basic users as well as installers and service technicians.

As reliability is extremely important for these devices, a robust, professional and long lasting design expression was implemented in the family of control and indicator products designed throughout the last ten years.

Services: design DNA building, user research, interaction design, product design

Form follows interaction

Powercharge

The new ‘Aura’ battery charger makes life easier for people who depend on an electric wheelchair. Based on field studies of users, the new Aura contains a number of innovative features.

A cable management rim around the cabinet combined with a wall mount fixture make the new charger far more convenient to use. The new circular display gives clear status feedback about the charging process to the user while at the same time contributing to a strong design DNA.

Services:

User-research, interaction design, product design, product name, pictures, brochure