Aroma Hearth: Combining Aroma-Therapy and a Soothing Light Effect.
Gathering around a fire is a deeply human interaction. Our body reacts to day time and night lights in distinctly different ways, by releasing hormones that change or behaviour. Our long history with fires is embedded in our psychology and affects our mood.
"The brief requires an innovation on the Dimplex leading electric fire technology Optimyst and a broad look into potential uses of the technology for other purposes and environments. Functional prototyping of the product proposal is required to display the design and prove its features and manufacturability."
Different iterations of a way to utilise the mist feature were made to explore the possible uses for the technology. The feedback received led to a simplification of the product, by focusing on a smaller range of features, to ensure the small form factor was kept. As the diffuser implementation marked the central and most differentiating aspect of the design, all following ideation was based around this function. To further realise the brand goals and to assess functional requirements and features market research and an interview were done.
Based on these ideas the concept was developed into its final form and features were added in the design specification. A cardboard model and initial testing prototype were made to realise the form, size and functionality from previous development sketches into a three-dimensional object.
The final design changes were laid out taking several important design specifications into account. A heating element was added to improve mist flow. The water container in the base, surrounding electronics and cable management were implemented. Filling ease was improved. The layout of the buttons needed to be considered with user interaction in mind and the electronics were designed and programmed to control the main electrics. The final prototype was built by milling the central wood exhaust (this could be injection moulded and veneered in industrial versions) and press moulding the plastic housing.
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An aromatherapy brand was designed, to complement the product.