Washy (2024)

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/3289db_0b956b4b7dac4a83a5098c8a3f6f3318/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

In our project Project Future Home, we speculate the needs of Gen Zs - future home owners and create home appliances suited to their needs. Through extensive research through interviews, I discover that  Gen Zs lack the connection to their appliances. I redevelop the washing machine’s user interface,  adding the interactive AI Washy and gamification features onto the appliance to boost user connection.

By incorporating different gameplay mechanics from various different games, I added features such as "stat bars" so that users will be able to easily understand unfamiliar topics like the different wash types in the washing machine. Moreover, the stat bar allows for easier comparing of different wash cycle features, so users are able to make their own decision as to what kind of wash they would like to do.

In order to boost user retention, I devised up achievements that users could receive after using the machine. This allows the users to explore features in washing machines that they would typically not know of, and hence not use. In addition, the mascot, theme and animations can be unlocked from exploring features, giving users an incentive for using their washing machine more.

During the wash process, special interface and animations are added to give a better visualization as to what stage other wash cycle is at. Other types of animations can also be unlocked.

A weight sensor is visualized to prevent overloading of the washing machine.