Nova: Transgenerational Design Project
Designed in 2012
Nova is a clothes hygiene system designed specifically to meet the needs of older generations and those with disabilities. The benefits it provides extend well beyond this user-base.
A new way to wash clothes
Nova is a rethinking of how we all do laundry. The result is a design that not only allows those with disabilities to do their own laundry, but also solves latent needs of all other users.
Wholesome beginnings
This project started as an open-ended research project to identify the needs of the elderly. The goal was to design a product to enable them to regain independence in an aspect of their lives.
primary research
In order to truly uinderstand the issues that affect the elderly, our designer stayed with a 95 year old Primela Vyas for one month, and documented all of her pain points.
Finding direction
It was determined that the user would like to live independently, but doing laundry was too physically taxing for her to do on her own. This is something that most of us take for granted, but it was a reason that Ms. Vyas needed to live in an assisted living facility.
Ergonomics
Through testing and validation, it was found that the fundamental flaw with current clothes washing systems lied in their ergonomics. The strength required to operate washing systems at traditional angles made it impossible to use.
Prototyping
We made full-scale prototypes of the initial concept using 3D modeling and a CNC router. The drastic size improvement can be seen in the image on the left.
Realistic implementation
We changed the motor, the shock system, the evaporation system, and the water system. This allowed us to fit an entire wassher and dryer into a single, small form factor that can be used in any room that has a power outlet and access to water.
Presentation
This design was chosen to be showcased at the Industrial Designer's Society of America Southern District Conference, and was also featured at a design conference hosted by the University of Houston.