Abstract
This article focuses on bathroom design and more specifically on the sub-sector commonly known as “wellness”. This sector is characterized by its essential element, water. It is possible to generate several types of sensations through water by utilizing several variables such as composition, temperature, and pressure. The leading companies in this sector are allocating more and more resources in the design phase of development. These products need to meet a more demanding market, not only in regards to the product, but also the environment.
This is a growing and complex market because its purpose is not just selling a physical product, but also the types of sensations and emotions that are generated. This set of sensations should result in positive emotions for the user. In short, the aim is to sell ”wellness”. The sensory design plays a key role in this process. It’s also essential to consider the product aesthetics, both the presence aesthetic and the aesthetic in human interaction.
A critical issue in today’s market place is how to obtain the feedback from users. This feedback contributes vital information that is essential in order to improve the features of design for each product. This information can bridge communication barriers between the end user and the product design team: retail, sales department, technical after sales .. each of these units filters the user feedback with a self-interest that lead to the discovery of concrete needs. Therefore providing specific designs that could be vastly improved in terms of interaction and emotional design.
The study of sensory characteristics and user feedback for current products create the basis for future “wellness” designs. The interaction of users with these products and their experience strongly influence research and development. The wellness products are designed to improve the physical and mental health of users through hydrotherapy. By creating more effective sensory and emotional relationships, not only will we achieve greater success in the market, but also enhance the quality of life for the users as well.
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Gago, S., Lloveras, J. (2013). Human Emotional Interaction and Hydrotherpy: Industrial Design Keys. In: Aiguier, M., Caseau, Y., Krob, D., Rauzy, A. (eds) Complex Systems Design & Management. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-34404-6_17
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-34404-6_17
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