Smart products are using an array of software components to create meaningful product experiences layered over innovative hardware. This is posing a new design challenge for product designers as we migrate from a process of focusing on one main component to a process that requires juggling the design of many components concurrently. The key to cracking this problem isn’t that difficult; design the flow of data from one component to another using the user’s natural behavior as a guide. The problem lies in implementing this type of workflow because it requires a shift in thinking and an increased level of coordination. Starting with the user’s intent and their environment, the designer can orchestrate an experience across the components, ultimately defining the features and functionality of each. By embracing the convergence of traditional product design and newer, software design strategies, a hybrid process will emerge that can tackle the increasingly complex task of designing a smart product.

1. Designing Cohesively
Across Product Components
Lauren Von Dehsen: @lvondehs

2. Carnegie Mellon University
Industrial Design & HCI

3. R/GA, Experience Design
Nike+ FuelBand
R/GA Connected Device Accelerator

4. The object = product.
The software = product.

5. Object & Service = Product.

6. Hardware
= Product.
Firmware
App(s)
Website
Cloud

7. The goal is to create a single,
cohesive product experience
across all components.

8. Designers must create a layer
of utility that benefits the user.

9. And choreograph the illusion of
seamless connection.

10. Designing Connected Devices
5thoughts:

11. Features cross technical components.
User flows must too.
1/

12. Hardware
Firmware
App(s)
Website
Cloud

13. Hardware
Web
Hardware
App
Web
App

14. Consider human actions.
They are critical to digital features.
2/

15. Take a nap Play a sport

16. Anything can happen at anytime.
Design flexible elements.
3/

17. 1 2 4 53

18. 1 2
4
5
3

20. www.medium.com/@lvondehs
Design for dormancy,
not just for interaction.
4/

21. Active
Passive

22. The absence of an experience
is also an experience.

23. Understand the medium.
All of them.
5/

24. Capabilities
Strengths
Limitations
Dependencies
RolesHardware
Firmware
App(s)
Website
Cloud

25. Thanks.
@lvondehs