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Education Experience Apr 2017 - Nov 2017
Graduation Project The redesign of exposition setup for 3D fine art reproduction Applied Labs, the Netherlands Individual master thesis
Sep 2016 - Feb 2017
Contact Address
Choorstraat 23A 2611JD, Delft The Netherlands Email & Phone
sevenshao0717@gmail.com +31 (0) 653673835
Joint Master Project Breakfast set design TU Delft, the Netherlands 5 member team-work Personal contribution: Research, Concept ideation, Envision, Usability test
Jan 2015 - July 2015
Trainee CBD group, Beijing Personal contribution: Research, Concept ideation, Visual Interface
2015 - 2017
Master in Design for Interaction TU Delft 2010 - 2014
Bachelor in Industrial Design Beijing University of Technology
Skills Major area of interest
Product UX, Usability testing, Storyboarding, Data visualization, Freehand and computer sketching Technical
High level in Rhino, Keyshot and Adobe Creative Suites Familiar with Arduino, Solidworks and 3D printing Language
Native Mandarin Speaker, fluent in English III
I have my passion in design, which I regard as fire ignite my initiative. To me, design, no matter it is an APP, a product or a service, is fire that visualizes all the endeavors of the whole design team. It also transforms all resource involved and bring people warmth and light, sometimes, hope and happiness. Similarly to flame reaction, the result of design is depending on the ingredients used and different ingredients should be mixed harmoniously for efficient combustion. From my personal perspective, there are three elements that are responsible mostly for a ‘gorgeous flame’. They are serendipity, savvy and empathy.
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Serendipity
Savvy
Empathy
Spark
Leading wire
Torch
Known as the ability to discover the un-
A good design can never be done with-
The flame on torch is for inherit, and
expected, many deem it as the essence
out sufficient research, so a reasonable
inheritance reveals mutual understand-
for designer or the benchmark to decide
translation from research result to
ing on one sprit, which calls for empathy.
whether someone is qualified as a de-
insight, from data to knowledge becomes
A great design always accomplished by
signer. Empirically, serendipity is always
crucial. Within the analyzing phase, it is
the joint effort of a team and profound
embodied as sparking when we are con-
the ability of savvy that connects research
understanding of target user. Team col-
ducting ideation or analyzing research
and design and ensures the quality of
laboration requires empathy, and so does
result. It motives a designer to move on
analysis. Savvy resembles leading wire,
the comprehension for user and clients.
and to out-stand their work. Hence, ser-
transmitting the spark from research
Empathy, like the semantic of torch,
endipity, as an designer’s instinct, plays a
to design phase and even further to
tunes people into the same channel
fundamental role in good design.
conceptualization.
becoming essential to great design.
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content
Mindful Breakfast set
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Living Air quality sensor
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Redesign of Wake up lamp
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3D replica Exposition setup
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Jet Range hood design
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Tuxedo/Eclipse Water heater design
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Elite Cooktop interface
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breakfast set design A kettle for family use and mindful interaction
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Current breakfast
Ideal breakfast
Background
Interestingly, many of them believe morning time is a crucial period of
This was a Joint Masters Project established by an Indian company,
wish they would have played with children more because only less than
VISAVIS, who aimed to compete within the OEM industry of Europe. Five
30% do so.
students from three different masters involved in this project and we developed multiple concept of breakfast set, fitting within the aforementioned market vision and making the basis for a product line.
the day especially for physical affection, in which more than half people
There is one group of people can be the most representative for this contrast between theoretical and practical life - the Yupp. Yuppie is the abbreviation of Young Urban Professionals, who have good jobs, live in
YUPP
an urban areas. But they also experience the difference of life in the
According to the ‘life at home’ report from IKEA (2015), most European
be, so a new name was given to those people - Yupp.
countries present their own features in terms of morning ritual and
Yupp was chosen to the group to focus on not only because the contract
perception of breakfast, but they are all under a trend of busy lifestyle.
weekdays and in the weekends, just like most parents and parents-to-
in their life but also their sensitivity to trend and societal changes. 3
User research with daily homework Participants were provided the booklet one day prior to the start. They were asked to take pictures of their morning breakfast/ table and answer the questions on the booklet for each day. The collage is the result of their homework. It already reveal the difference between their breakfast for weekdays and for weekends. And having breakfast is always a family behavior.
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From user research to product features
of making breakfast. One of the imagined scenario is that the whole family craft food together in a
Ideal breakfast
Ideal interaction
Product features
sunny garden, it is the scene when they can freely According to the result of generative session with
talk to each other and being mindful to cooking
target user, ideal breakfast in their mind should
process.
not only provide enough energy, but also benefit mentally and physical health.
This actually reals the gap between Yupps’ break-
Mindful Energy
Transparency
Surprise
Crafting
Family vibe
fast in weekday and weekend. Therefore, the new
For them, having breakfast is not simply a meal
breakfast set should create a moment of relaxation
of the day, it is a moment for boost, which helps
by means of mindful interaction and pulled them
them get right mindset and plan activities. Since
out of their fast paced lifestyle by the vibe that’s
that moment is always relaxing, Yupps prefer to
created by crafting food together. In a nutshell,
step back from the rushed world and enjoy the in-
the set should offer transparency, impression of
teraction with partner and children or the process
crafting, small variations and family vibe.
Morning boost
Relaxed
Shared 5
Craft food Craft food is about making food on a small scale and in a honest and mindful way. It’s an activity that requires people to focus on the preparation process. The preparation process is also about knowing what one eats and about appreciating food. Everyday mass produced foods are cheap and effortless to prepare, this leads to them being taken for granted. Craft foods take a step back; food is not taken for granted, but seen as a precious thing that should be prepared with care. To capture the interaction of crafting food within the VISAVIS products, the choice is made to make modern representations of the craft way of making food. Furthermore, the interaction is also optimized for open-to-everyone use. Archetype of preparation per product: •
Kettle -- Pot over a fire• Blender -- Pestle and
mortar
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•
Coffee maker -- Mud coffee and french press
•
Toaster -- Placing bread next to a fire
•
Bread maker -- A fired bread-kiln
Product selection All five concepts were designed into a product family and all of them contribute to a mindful breakfast to different levels. The concept of kettle was chosen to design further in the next phase of the project, because it best represented the intended interaction of the product line. Moreover, the shape and form of the kettle did evoke a relaxed and shared interaction that clearly differentiated the product from its competitors. The way the controls were positioned to make the users experience the product in a more mindful and back-to-basic way. 7
Lid and neck The thin gap around the mouth of the kettle provides a path for the steam to escape, also indicate the outlet for pouring. The neck provides a good grip to hold the kettle while filling water from a tap source. The kettle can be opened by unscrewing the top lid, on which there are textures serving as use cue. The smooth, continuous handle line invites people to grab the kettle intuitively.
Container and base The inclined shape of the base applied with textures, making it easily noticeble for people to activate at first sight.The subtle LED light resembles bonfire, which is the traditional way to boil water. It also indicates the activation of the kettle. The container remains stable while filling it up to the 1.25 litre mark (maximum). The double walled design keeps the water warm for an extended period making it ideal for a small family setting.
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Storyboard The kettle is then activated by turning the base ring clockwise or anti-clockwise until a click sound and light activates. The transparent window shows the process of boiling water. When the water is boiled, the kettle deactivates with a click, with the ring coming back to its original position. The user can then pour water accordingly (with one or two hands, depending on the content of water in the kettle ). The round shape of the kettle allows it to be grabbed from all sides, making it perfect to sit in the middle of a family dining table.
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bree The air quality sensor
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Introduction Concept Bree demonstrates a new purpose for an interface to home systems: supporting residents' relationship with their home instead of direct functional operation. Computer artefact Bree is connected to a home ventilation system. The system largely regulates air quality. Bree enables the residents to integrate automated air quality into their relationship with their home. Bree evokes the feeling of interacting with an unobtrusive living creature. This supports residents in establishing a spontaneous relationship with the ventilation system. Bree is part of the currently running Climate KIC Building Technology Accelerator 2nd Skin project.
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Breathing excercise
Respond to air quality
Bree can propose three different breathing excercises, which can be activated during different time of the day and each one results in health benefits and air quality awareness.
There are more than 10 people in your house or there is something burnt in the kitchen
In time, the residents can develop trust in the ventilation system and feel less need to open
Morning
windows. With this, Bree exemplifies a new
breathing excercise
Feeling awake and feeling the benefits of breathing good air
approach to sustainability. Openning a window while it is very cold or warm outside, compared to the inside temperature normal breathing
Someone sitting at the table
waking up
Midday
Evening
Z
Z
hybernation
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Night
breathing excercise
breathing excercise
Having a break and feeling the benefits of breathing good air
hyper ventilating
normal breathing
shiffering
Close the window in order to save energy
Feeling relaxed and feeling the benefits of breathing good air Openning the window in order to improve the air quality of the house
Video is available on: https://vimeo.com/184110388 13
wake up lamp redesign Based on the usability test
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Finding usability problems The redesign started from the usability test of the original design of Medisana wake up lamp. All the weaknesses in the usablity were summarized and rated according to their severity. The crucial problem were then taken into account of the redesign, which was demanded to be more comfortable in handling, simplistic in its usage, and consistent in task flow and feedback whilst improving its readability. 15
The redesign
Luminous elements The entire middle part of the product lights up, according to the applied configuration . This part will have the same luminous capacity that the original product product has as well
Shape and material The same type of material is applied for the embodiment of the product, creating a smooth and modern appearance. This means that the display is integrated in the same material as well. The shape is inspired by the Mediana form language.
Snooze
Off
An independent and unique button to snooze the alarms. Because of its large surface and its location on the top of the product, it provides easy access and is used intuitively from the bed.
A large and independent button that is easily accessible from the bed. Its surface is indented and embedded in the snooze button. Therefore it is easily recognizable by its tactile properties.
Activation and confirmation buttons All features have a dedicated button for activation and configuration. The secondary buttons provide access to the configuration menu of the various features.
Base The shape of the base indicates stability.
Main display The display provides feedback of configuration and activation of all different functionalities. To indicate the relation between the display and the physical buttons. the display is located close to these buttons.
Light & sound control The knobs that control the light and sound are place on the side of the main display, to convey that these controls are independent features. The icons indicate the functions of knob and button.
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Connections Available connections for MP3, FM antenna and power outlet
User test Procedure
Evaluation of the redesign The goals of the evaluation were examining if the problems identified in the previous user test were solved, and refine the redesign according the new problems arose. The procedure of the test remained as same as the previous test with the original design. In order to reach the research goals, data were collected during the user test. These qualitative data and quantitative data provided insights into the efficiency, effectiveness and experience of the usability. From the graph of ‘accomplishment and hint’, it is clear that almost all users were able to complete the tasks and a few of them needed a hint. Compared to the previous test, the accomplishment of the tasks increases sharply and the required hints decreased significantly. The data from instant data analysis, AttrakDiff form and Likert scale were also analyzed and compared with the test result of the original design. Thanks to that, conclusions focused on usability and experience could be drawn.
Hints and accomplisment
Regarding usability, the icon of the nap, sound of the forest (two leaves) and configuration function Yes
(dots) were difficult to understand. Since focus was on the display of the prototype, the knobs on the
No
sides were harder to find and some participants had difficulties with discovering that the knobs could turn. The select button was used to click multiple times to scroll through the different functions,
Hint
while this should be done with the arrow buttons. As for experience, the feeling of confidence was higher, because the perceived difficulty of performing the tasks is rated more positively compared to the previous test, and participants encountered less difficulties in practice. Configuring the reading environment was done differently
Original design
Redesign
from the other tasks. Therefore, usage of knobs was unclear without prior knowledge.
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Concept Refinement The final concept of the interface was refined based on the user test result.
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Refinement of the logic Comparing to the original design, the main function of the wake-up light is highlighted by setting aside the additional functions. The configuration of music and light is moved to the side of the lamp, while the setting of time, alarm and nap are configured by the same logic.
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Video is available on: https://vimeo.com/260630438 21
Exposition setup Design based on design intervention and trend analysis
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Context Defination In order to define the possible locations for exhibiting 3D reproduction, a questionnaire was issued online for participants to pick the one that is most attractive for them. Eight locations were selected. Among those options there are mainly three types which are within the exhibition (beside the real one, along with other paintings), exclusive exhibition area (specially prepared room, workshop
A. Entrance of the show room
B. Auditorium
C. Hallway
D. Cafe
E. Along with other paintings
F. Beide the real one
G. Specially prepared room
H. Workshop room
room) and outside the exhibition area (auditorium, hallway, cafe and entrance of the showroom) it is clear that more than half of the participant choose to have it in the exhibition area, within which ‘beside the real one for them is the top choice since they can compare the real one and the reproduced one, and it is also a clear indicate for them to interact. People who like to experience the 3D replica in the exclusive exhibition area think it can include more interactive information and create better atmosphere. For the area outside the exhibition, people would like to experience 3D replica for relaxation when they have a rest
E. Along with other paintings F. Beide the real one 15% 43%
In the exhibition area
58%
15%
21% 21%
G. Specially prepared room
A special exhibition area 6%
Out side the exhibition area
3% A. Entrance of the show room D. Cafe
3%
6%
6% H. Workshop room C.Hallway
B. Auditorium 23
Engaging diverse communities and new generation by merging technologies and new functions
Being collaborative by cross-a collaboration and co-curating with visitors
Sharing with diverse communities onsite and online
Being delightful by applying fresh approaches
Being authentic by making knowledge transparent and making interaction intuitive
Being agile by providing seamless experience and flexible way of storytelling
Future Context Coupling with the current role and future development of museum, a vision is created to demonstrate how art museum will be like in the future. In the vision, art museum turns to be an moving castle which can constantly intake fresh ideas from the environment to comply with the fast changing world.
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User research Observations were conducted to understand user behavior in front of the oil painting, and I found that visitors hold different interest towards different genre of painting. Their approaches to access to a painting were limited. It only includes close observation, text label beside the painting, audio guide and their phone. Hence, some gadgets were used as design intervention to explore new interactions. They were selected based on normal interactions they have encountered with painting and stimulus to different senses. And painting seems to be the most intuitive way that they can learn from a painting.
Camera
Brush
Gloves
Earphones
Mouse
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Personas 95% CI Interest level
5.50 5.00
y=2.83+0.33*x R =0.245
4.50
Figure 5.3 Error bar plot together with linear regression that shows the relationship between knowledge level and interest level Figure 5.4 Bar chart of interest distribution Figure 5.5 Top 2 fields of interest in different knowledge levels
Interview were also conducted later in the art museum. Based on the qualitative data, visitors are cluster into three group based on their interest and knowledge with oil painting. For each group a persona is made to represent their features.
4.00
3.50
Normally, I go to art museums after symposium, so I want to validate
3.00
1
3
4 Knowledge level
the new perspective of understanding that I have learnt. If I am with my
Knowledge level1 - Laymen Knowledge level3 - Hobbists Knowledge level4 - Amateurs Knowledge level5 - Experts
2.50 5
Goal
Average score of interest
5
Paul 'the Professional'
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58 years old; Art college professor 3
colleagues, I like to share with them of my interpretation.
“As much as I personally would like to know this picture is what I can already see in the painting. It’s a kind of style I do like because I studied art and it's a kind of my favorite style.” I would like to experience the feeling when I am in front of the real paint-
2
ing, drinking in abstract beauty and different impressions. So I want to 1
Goal
see the real artworks meanwhile know more about them objectively.
5 Painting context
Movement & School genre of painting
Material used Artist
Techniques Painting content
Beauty
Elena 'the Amateur'
28 years old; Design student
“It is excited and vibrant because of how he created it, they (artists) are doing it for reasons”
Average score of interest
5
I just want to witness those famous paintings and share the experience of
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‘I have been there’ on social media. Most times I just follow the route of
Goal
3
2
Louis 'the Experience seeker' "I am here just to see the girl with a pearl earring, because it
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38 years old; Software engineer
5 Painting context
Movement & School genre of painting
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must-sees. Blockbuster exhibitions are really attractive for me.
Material used Artist
Techniques Painting content
Beauty
is so famous"
The concept Inspired by the work of art restoration, the setting is a resemblance of art restoration, which allows art amateurs explore the 3D replica by ‘paint’ on it. The setting consists of two main parts which are a ultra-short throw projector and a platform. Tools related to art restoration are displayed on the platform, including a brush, a palette and a pair of magnifying glasses integrated with earphones. The variable LEDs on the palette light up as ‘paint’ indicating the original colors of the yellow ‘fading’ parts, projected by the ultra-short throw projector. The LED inside the brush will turn to the corresponding color when user dip onto the certain ‘paint’, the color becomes visible with the help of optical fiber attached directly to the LED. A pair of bone conduction earphones is integrated to the magnifying glasses, creating an immersive way of storytelling. 27
Pickup
1. A visitor is attracted by the setting and the flaking effec, then he sees the indication saying that he needs to pick up the glasses (earphone) first.
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2. The visitor gets a request from the painter through earphone, asking him to do a favor to restore the painting (replica).
3. The visitor gets a brief introduction what he needs to do by the painter, at the same time the colors on the palette light up.
4. The visitor picks up a color by using the brush after making connection between the provided colors and the light spots on the replica.
5. The visitor hears the story of the painter’s life event that relates to his selection, visitor has to guess which part the color belongs to
6. The visitor can brush on the painting trying to imitate the painter’s technique
7. After the visitor brushes on the right spot, the rest of the story about technique is told to him, and the visitor will recieve praise to let him continue the experience.
Video available at: https://vimeo.com/262862324 29
kitchen appliances design Range Hood, Gas water heater and cook top
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Jet New generation High end range hood 32
Being aware of the raise of new consumer group and their fast-paced lifestyle, Vatti, one of the leading kitchen appliances manufacturer in China, established this project to explore the design possibilities of their range hood in both short term and long term. The whole project took one year, from competitor analysis, trend study, user research, to ideation, evaluation and conceptualization. It ended up with couple of concepts and what is shown here is the concept for short term optimization of current product from Vatti.
From the analysis of competitor and trend
From the need of user to product features
to design generation
The futuristic development of range hood is
project the direction. Based on features summarized as below, insights were generated and clustered into five focus that the new generation range hood should target on.
not only determined by trend but also users. It is users’ needs define the feature of the new generation range hood, so In the user research, ethnographic research and gener-
After the workshop with the R&D, marketing and design team from the client, a short term and long term
ative session were hold. Qualities of the new
platform opportunities were carried out. The short term direction was concentrated on upgrading of existing
generation range hood can then be identified
product with inheritance, while the emphasis of long term platform was put on the Innovation of key technolo-
by linking the characteristics of target user
gy with revolutionary solution.
concluded from the research.
HIg hen
In order to define the ’the new generation’, the focus of competitors and macro trends were analyzed to
d
od users e ho ng ra
Pursuit convinence Care about health Focus on quality
Long term-Flexibility
Smart structure
New technology
Better interaction
v ing in iciable Be
Qua liti es
Fe
Int
es
Short term-Upgrade
of techno ng lo eli
gy
of electric ion m at
r oto
nt applia ege nc ell
Inn ov
Enjoy cooking
od they care e ho ng a r of Function
Good performance No noise
Smart structure
Better living
Space management
New technology
Better interaction
Better living
Space management
Comfortable Intuitive Perception
Simple to operate Easy to clean
Fashion looking
Appearance Matching with kitchen
Interaction
Hardware
No oil dripping Natural light Durable buttons 33
Inspiration Inspired by the curves and windows’ alignment of airplane, the appearance of ‘Jet’ applied minimal design language and technical feeling. It was a new overhead range hood, which combined traditional overhead range hood and side range hood.
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Easy-disassembled oil panel and 3D oil filter The top surface of ‘Jet’ employs black painted metal while the chamber is made of stainless steel.
The chamber is designed deeper and wider compared to traditional overhead range hood to extend negative pressure zone, which results in better extraction performance.
Fume can be better guided, filtered and collected thanks to the design of guiding panel together with 3D oil filter. Airflow brings fume to the oil filter from three directions after guided by the glass panel. Moreover, the panel also can be easily disassembled for cleaning after certain time of use. 35
The design of interface
buttons can be free from grease. The control
The interface is finished by anodized alumi-
control, voice control and hot wash) are placed
num. The LED indicator lights are right on the
on the different side of the display to provide
top of each button, which is activated by metal
clear affordance.
touch sensor beneath. In that case, those 36
of wind power and additional function (wireless
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Tuxedo High-End Gas Water Heater
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Inspiration The design of Tuxedo is focused on the expression of elegance as the embodiment of high-end. The concept is inspired by the decent uniform worn by gentleman in formal occasions. Tuxedo is designed to fit in the luxury style of furnishing just like a gentleman mingled in a aristocratic ball.
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Professional + Household In China, gas water heater has gained popularity for decades. It is used for the hot water supplement for kitchen and bathroom, it is even used as central heating unit providing heat for the whole house in some countries like Japan. As a high end model, ‘Tuxedo’ has following features: •
Waving Surface create elegant and strong effect
•
Touch screen in the middle with gradient indicator
of temperatore embodies elegence and friendliness
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Top view of the gas water heater •
Friendly lighting design show the status of the temperature
•
Ventilation on the top reveals power silently.
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Eclipse Gas Water Heater With Remote Controller 42
Inspiration Eclipse is a special moment when the moon escapes from the job of bringing moonlight to the earth. While taking a bath is always consider as the time when people can escaped from a busy working day. This concept bridges the two ‘escape’ together, allowing people to better enjoy the relaxing moment. The person who is taking shower can accurately control the temperature, instead of calibrating the tap of hot water and cold water. The shape of the controller and the indication light are also inspired by eclipse.
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Real-time Temperature control ‘Eclipse’ offers a remote controller which can be attached on the wall of bathroom or kitchen. User can control the temperature of hot water in real-time comparing to which the person who is taking bath has to ask another person for help to adjust the temperature since in most Chinese families, thermostatic Mixer can hardly control the temperature precisely and it is not very popular in China. 44
Friendly interaction + Household There is a silicon ring wrapped the interface, which can attach the controller on the wall steadily, besides, it has alarm function in case of losing. 45
Elite Interface Design for Flipover Cooktop 46
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Interface design of the cooktop All functions are placed in symmetry. The ‘Lock’ and ‘Switch’ are placed in the middle as a separated layer. The icons for ‘Fire level’ are combined with circular shape to comply with the icon of ‘Flip’ function. When the cooktop is flipping down, only the upper part of the icon lights up to indicate that user can touch the button to flip it up. 48
Animation for the interface is available at: https://www.behance.net/gallery/64046129/Switch-on-motion-of-cooktop-interface 49
Sketch and Rendering
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