Roomba Combo 10Max AutoWash Dock
Jan 2023 - July 2024
Design elevated for appeal and function. It does everything you could imagine
The Roomba Combo 10Max is the newest flagship in iRobot's lineup. It features the AutoWash station, iRobot’s first pad-washing dock for 2-in-1 robots, which enables hands-free mopping and vacuuming for over a week in any home environment. The AutoWash dock ensures your robot cleans effectively by washing the mop pad between missions and after tackling your home's dirtiest rooms, so it never drags a dirty mop across your floors. This dock also refills, empties, recharges, and washes the mopping pad, allowing the robot to clean independently for up to 30 days. The stylish design, crafted from premium materials, seamlessly blends into any home with customizable top accessories, making it a piece of furniture you’ll be proud to display.
Role
Lead ID
Contribution
Concept Development
Industrial Design
Prototyping
User Research & Case Study
Hardware UX
Color, Material and Finish
Design For Manufacture
Design Mentorship
A New Era of Clean
The Future Design is Now
Raising the Bar in Design
The Roomba Combo 10Max AutoWash Dock transcends traditional standards, creating a seamless, integrated experience of cleaning and smart living. It’s designed to be celebrated, not hidden away. This isn't just a product; it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
Better Autonomy - So You Can Do More
Enhanced Features Beyond the Previous Generation
The 10Max AutoWash Dock takes care of refilling, emptying, recharging, washing, and drying the mopping pad, allowing the robot to operate independently. This means you can reclaim valuable time and focus on the activities you truly enjoy, while your home stays effortlessly clean.
Personalize It - Craft Your Unique Design
Mix and Match the Way You Like
We know that everyone has unique tastes and preferences, and we aim to create a product that accommodates all. After more than eight months of dedicated research, development, and design work, we have curated these CMF options to provide a high level of modularity and customization. This thoughtful approach ensures that you can personalize your product to suit your style and needs.
Design Process
AutoWash Dock Design Research Initiation
In early 2023, we initiated the AutoWash Dock design research study with one key question: "How can we seamlessly integrate robotic docking into users’ lives?" Through extensive research and data collection, we gained valuable insights and identified crucial action items to ensure we were on the right track. This research provided a solid foundation for the development of the program.
Form Study > Prototyping > Surface Pattern Exploration
We kicked off the form study using a combination of quick sketches and digital CAD renderings to define the dock’s design language. By experimenting with different heights and viewpoints, we developed 15+ prototypes to refine the form and collaborated with ME team to finalize the optimal product height. I also spent 6+ weeks exploring various A-surfacing patterns for the dock's outer shell, creating 3+ rounds of mockups to perfect the pattern for the 10Max AutoWash Dock.
Tank IDUX Research & Development
We explored over 10 tank design concepts and collaborated with the design research team to conduct in-home research and internal quick studies. Through interviews with more than 15 participants, we gathered valuable insights and constructive feedback on designing the optimal tank. Working closely with the research, product, and engineering teams, we analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of each concept to make an informed and confident decision.
Dock UI Research & Refinement
Collaborated with UIUX and EE, aim to refresh the dock UI design into a modern & sleek look and feel from the previous gen. Explored 4 new concepts, and the top proposal was a clean glossy black UI panel with no visible icons. Conducted 6 in-home research sessions to better understand user needs and pain points, guiding us in selecting the optimal direction for UI refinements.
UIUX Collaboration - Pad Wash Roller Maintenance App Onboarding Experience Research
APP Design Recommendation
- App images and instructions should be representative of what user sees & does with the product.
- Set maintenance expectations early. Show how it works, who does what, what happens after it’s completed.
- The app should support users for the first time as well as the Nth time.
IDUX Design Recommendation
- Improve differentiation between removable dock components.
- Improve connection between UI and tank layout orientation.
- Improve the overall hardware experience around tank interaction.
Robot Docking Illustration Study & IDUX Recommendation
During development, we identified a challenge with users being unclear about the robot's docking orientation when manually docking, as the 10Max introduces rear docking for the first time. To address this, we proposed adding an illustration to the dock ramp to provide a visual cue for manual docking. We conducted a brief internal study with 6 participants to refine our recommendation, and this solution was successfully implemented in the final production.
AutoWash Dock Cleaning Tool Case Study
We also discovered that debris and wet marks were building up over time on the dock’s outer ramp and within the “cave” areas, leading to frequent cleaning and maintenance by users. To tackle this, we conducted a thorough competitive analysis and spent over 3 months on an in-depth case study. This led us to propose a dedicated cleaning tool as a practical solution to address the issue effectively. Click to see more.
Multi-stage Engineering Builds Review
From generative concepts to prototypes to final production, we progressed over a total of 7 builds from P0 to PP(Pre-Production). I take great pride in creating world-class products that are simple, intuitive, and visually appealing, even when navigating complex constraints. I led the design efforts and meticulously evaluated each build, focusing on form, proportion, aesthetics, materials, and color to ensure the highest quality.
Co-Exist
It’s the design language and CMF strategy that defines our docking products. We utilized top surface for aesthetics and functional differentiation. We believe CMF matters. It shapes our brand and builds customer experience. It helps blending smart technology into home environment seamlessly.
On the Press
From rave reviews to excitement about its performance, witness the buzz that accompanied the launch. Explore the social pulse and see firsthand why the Roomba Combo 10Max AutoWash Dock is making waves across platforms.
