Project Goal: Design a user-friendly mobile application (Ilma) that allows users to control and monitor their Iittala purifying device.
Brief
Since COVID-19 discovery, closed management methods have been applied in order to avoid the further spread of the virus and to reduce the infection rate.
This lead to positive and negative impacts on both the environment and the human comfort. During the lockdown, the human activity pattern was highly altered, the majority of people spending almost all their time at home. This resulted in a unique indoor air quality.
Mechanisms of airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors are highly debated. To prevent the possible virus transport indoors, possibly aggravated through the outdoor air, into the closed indoor micro-environments, houses were tightly closed.
In turn, this will elevate the exposure levels to the indoor air pollution, which are emitted during a vast range of inhabitants’ activities.
While people spend almost all their time at home, air pollution exposure levels are multifold higher than those outdoors during the lockdown periods.
Company Analysis
Iitala Started as a glass factory in Iittala, Finland. Believe objects should be distinctive, combinable, and multi-functional, with lasting design that inspires individual use and expression.
As a company based in Finland, where quality, aesthetics, and functionality are important values, Iittala believes in interior design that lasts a lifetime. The progressive philosophy of our design heroes, Kaj Franck and Alvar Aalto, still inspires us to keep Iittala forever relevant.
We don’t just create beautiful objects. We believe in timeless design.
Design Language
iitala believes in Timeless Design
Alvar Aalto Collection: Premium design products, which became an international icon of Finnish design.
With different forms, colors, and sizes, customers have a variety of choices that give them a sense of well-being.
iittala communicates qualities, for example, agelessness, drawing in, Scandinavian, progressiveness, and uniqueness.
Challenges
IItala roots are firmly planted in Finland and Nordic values are what guide them. For nearly a century and a half, thier core set of values have helped the company in creating design that is balanced, progressive and essential.
Our challenge is to design a digital product for purifying device that matches the history of the design language of the brand and focuses on the end user of the brand.
SWOT Analysis
Hypothesis
Now a-days most families have one or more members working from home with children studying online and outdoor activities reduced a lot since the beginning of COVID-19. the necessity here that the homes need to filled with fresh air constantly to renew the energy and minimize the blocked feeling of sitting at home most of the time.
We believe that developing an app that provides a full remote control of a purifier device will assist people to assure that they are fully aware of the air conditioner and access remote control for a smooth effective user experience.
User Research
Conducting User Survey
I conducted a user survey to prove my hypothesis and gain user insight. To reach a larger audience, I wrote a short, 8-question survey and posted it on different online communities and Facebook groups that matched the target user profile. I received 21 responses
Results
- 60 % said that they often use purifiers at their homes and offices
- 70 % said that they would like to start their device before reaching home remotely.
- 80 % said that they will appreciate the fact that they can turn off the device remotely.
- 50 % said that they feel the need to check the air status inside their home
Personas
User Journey
Features:
Remote Control:
Turn the purifier on/off. / Adjust fan speed (multiple levels). / Set schedules for automatic operation.
Monitoring:
Real-time air quality data (e.g., PM2.5, VOCs). / Filter life status and replacement reminders. / Historical air quality data and trends.
Customization:
Create user profiles for different rooms or personalised settings. / Set preferred air quality goals. / Choose from various night light colors (if applicable).
Additional Features:
Educational content about air quality and the benefits of using a purifier. / Troubleshooting guide for common issues. / In-app support options (e.g., chat with customer service).
User Interface (UI) Design:
Clean and Minimalist Aesthetic: Match Iittala's brand identity with a clean, modern, and user-friendly interface.
Intuitive Navigation: Simple and clear navigation menu for easy access to all features.
Data Visualization: Use clear and concise charts and graphs to represent air quality data.
Color Coding: Implement color coding to visually represent air quality levels (e.g., green for good, yellow for moderate, red for poor).
Night Mode: Include a night mode option for a more comfortable experience in low-light environments.
User Flow
Low Fidelity
User Experience (UX) Flow:
Onboarding: Upon first launch, guide users through a quick setup process to connect their Iittala purifying device with the app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Home Screen: Display the current air quality status, fan speed, and filter life percentage. Provide quick access buttons to control power, fan speed, and schedules.
Detailed Monitoring: Offer a dedicated screen with detailed air quality data, historical trends, and customizable air quality goals.
Settings: Allow users to personalize their experience by creating profiles, setting schedules, and adjusting night light preferences (if applicable).
Support: Provide easy access to troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and in-app chat options for customer support.
Connection
Control
