GRID: The Design Language Story

Jan 2024 - July 2024

Geometric. Rational. Iconic. Dynamic - Defining iRobot 3.0 Visual Identity

GRID is iRobot’s new design language that defines the look and feel of iRobot next-gen products. It indicates the balanced and harmonious arrangement of components, showcasing a visually organized and cohesive design across all products. Lines intersect each other and create an iconic composition and that is what makes this design language scalable and flexible. Every line has its function to provide a meaningful experience that is carefully designed with a lot of attention to detail. The GRID design language makes our products stand out from the competition while maintaining a premium look and feel.

Role

Sr. ID

Contribution

Concept Development
Industrial Design
Design Trend
Prototyping
Market Research & Benchmark Study
Hardware UI/UX
Color, Material and Finish

Platform Transition from VSLAM to LiDar

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The New Platforms Post a New Set of Challenges to the Current iRobot Nucleus Design Language

The transition from VSLAM to LiDAR represents a significant shift in iRobot’s platform architecture, introducing new design challenges and opportunities. As sensor placement, internal component layout, and spatial organization evolve, the existing Nucleus design language must adapt to accommodate these technological advancements. The integration of LiDAR demands a rethinking of product proportions, surface treatments, and interaction points while maintaining iRobot’s signature aesthetic and user experience. Additionally, environmental factors such as debris accumulation and wet residual buildup in key functional areas, like the AutoWash Dock ramp, require thoughtful material and structural solutions to enhance durability and ease of maintenance. This evolution of the design language ensures a seamless and intuitive experience while reinforcing iRobot’s commitment to innovation and performance.

Product Research & ID Vision

Conduct Research to Help Understand Better the Current Market & ID Form Factor Trends

Understanding market trends and user expectations is crucial in shaping the next generation of iRobot products. Through extensive research, we analyze competitive landscapes, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer preferences to identify opportunities for innovation. The shift from VSLAM to LiDAR requires reevaluating form factors, material choices, and spatial organization to ensure seamless integration while maintaining a distinctive iRobot identity. Insights from this research guide our design decisions, ensuring that our products remain at the forefront of both aesthetics and functionality.

ID Goals & Vision for Next Gen

The next generation of iRobot products aims to push the boundaries of intelligent home automation with a refined design language that balances form and function. By addressing challenges such as sensor integration, durability, and user interaction, we strive to create a seamless and intuitive experience. Our goal is to enhance usability while reinforcing iRobot’s premium look and feel, ensuring that each design evolution contributes to a smarter, more efficient, and aesthetically cohesive product ecosystem. Through thoughtful material selections and innovative structural solutions, we aim to set a new benchmark for robotic design excellence.

Introducting New Design language - GRID

GRID - Geometric. Rational. Iconic. Dynamic.

GRID is iRobot’s new design language that defines the look and feel of iRobot next-gen products. It indicates the balanced and harmonious arrangement of components, showcasing a visually organized and cohesive design across all products. Lines intersect each other and create an iconic composition and that is what makes this design language scalable and flexible. Every line has its function to provide a meaningful experience that is carefully designed with a lot of attention to detail. The GRID design language makes our products stand out from the competition while maintaining a premium look and feel.