iGlass Technology
Product Design
I conducted field-observations and end-user interviews to help engineering and product management teams design a desirable consumer electronic, "smart-window" product.
1.
Background
The purpose of this project was to: 1) understand whether there was commercial viability for a new electrochromic* film developed in a university laboratory; 2) if so develop and distribute a commercial product.
​
* Electrochromic describes an object that is able to change its color properties when stimulated by an electric current. For example, a car's rear-view mirror that dims in the night time.
2.
Define
Target
Market
Originally the iGlass team wanted to target the commercial real estate market, as this offered the largest market potential for their product. I advised them to pursue high-end home owners instead as there would only be the need to convince one risk-tolerant decision-maker rather than a series of risk-averse decision makers.
​
iGlass's Marketing Director conducted online surveys of home owners and confirmed the interest in purchasing an "adjustable dimming window film" at a price point that was commercially viable.
3.
Initial
Design
The original design would be ordered directly by end users (homeowners). 1) The end user would submit their window dimensions to the website.
2) iGlass would print the film to dimensions and attach it to a power bar.
3) The homeowner receives the package, sticks the power bar to the top of the window and rolls down the film.
4.
Field
Observation -
Window Film
Installers
I knew that one of the success factors would be installation partner buy in. Installing window film is a specialist craft, not something most homeowners would want to try themselves. Besides, having installation partners onboard to recommend our product would be an invaluable sales channel.
​
I contacted the leading window film installer and after a phone call confirming their interest in carrying the product, we arranged to conduct field observations of their film installation process.
* Not my video, but shows same process I documented
Challenges with initial product design after observing window film installation.
(Video time codes corresponding to above video in parentheses):
​
1) Film installers like to first adhere window film to top of window, then work their way down. (3:24). Our current design with the powerbar on top and already attached to the window film would cause significant adoption challenges.
​
2) Film installers need extra room beyond the size of the window. When the inner portion of the window is attached, they use a sharp knife to cut the window film to perfect size. (4:30)
​
5.
Product
Redesign
After observing the window film installation we made the following design changes in collaboration with our installation partners:
​
1) The powerbar would be on the bottom of the window and attachable after the window film was adhered. This revealed an additional benefit of more sun hitting the bottom of the window as many roofs extend out over windows.
​
2) The window film would have a 1/2 black buffer on the right and left sides so that the installers could use a knife to accurately cut edges and the electric components would not be cut during that process.
6.
End-User
Interviews
After designing a product installers would be happy to use, we had to get input from home owners. We interviewed five homeowners that loved the view from their windows.
​
1) There were no averse feelings to having thin black horizontal lines on windows when film was light. This was preferred to having thin light lines when film was dark.
​
2) Owners did not want to control the windows from the powerbar. They wanted the windows to integrate with switches on their walls and/or to a connected smart device.
​
3) They felt the final price of the installed windows was reasonable.
7.
Final
Design
The final design, seen in video below, incorporated:
​
1) Separate powerbar and film as requested by installers
​
2) Connected device that could be controlled by wall switch and/or smart device.
