Roomba 600 Series ID Refresh
Apr 2019 - Apr 2020
Enter a new era of innovation as the revered legacy Roomba experiences a revolutionary
ID refresh
The Roomba Refresh project marks my debut venture at iRobot. It starting as a modest parts reduction effort, then it quickly morphed into a significant program with broader potential. As the lead ID, my focus extended beyond mere parts reduction. The challenge lay in not just updating components but in giving a 25+ years old robot a contemporary makeover. We aimed to seamlessly integrate a well-established design language that not only streamlined functionality but also imparted a fresh, modern appeal, harmonizing effortlessly with present-day homes. Despite its entry-level price, the new premium design resonates with everyone.
Role
Lead ID
Contribution
Concept Development
Industrial Design
User Experience
Prototyping
Color, Material and Finish
Design For Manufacture
Design Refresh on
iRobot Legacy Product
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Iconic Reimagined
Delve into the renewed ID aesthetic with a visual overview. While strict constraints limited changes to the robot chassis and outer shell, we successfully revamped button geometries, UI elements, logo style, size, and location. The implementation of the Nucleus design language played a pivotal role in reshaping the overall faceplate geometry. Furthermore, our exploration extended to the careful curation of a globally appealing CMF, featuring four colors that are making waves across the world.
Mission Initiation
Need For A Change
Having been in the market for over 25 years, our Roomba holds a special place in the hearts of people and their furry friends. Despite its enduring popularity, we acknowledge that its appearance has started to show its age compared to newer entries in the same product category. Our mission is clear - breathe new life into the Roomba by providing it with a fresh and contemporary aesthetic. Simultaneously, we aim to streamline the manufacturing process, reduce parts, and enhance cost efficiency.
Design Goals
Nucleus Design Language
UI
Side Branding
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Redesigned
Integrated
Removed
Removed
Redesigned
Preserved
Parts Reduction + Simplified Manufacturing = Cost Efficiency
We conducted a thorough analysis of the existing components requiring streamlining and devised an effective plan. Following our research findings, we opted to eliminate the handle, seamlessly integrated the UI ring with the faceplate, and redesigned the UI buttons and faceplate geometries using the Nucleus design language. This strategic approach resulted in a significant reduction, consolidating the total number of parts from 5 to just 2 pieces. This not only simplified the manufacturing process but also enhanced overall efficiency.
Design consistency
Unifying the design aesthetics across our entire product spectrum involves adhering to a consistent design language, standardizing UI icons, and button geometry. This commitment extends to incorporating uniform side brandings across various product tiers and categories. My focus is on meticulous attention to detail, aiming to rejuvenate the 600 series with a refreshed, contemporary look that seamlessly aligns with the overarching design consistency evident in our diverse product portfolio.
Design Process
Global CMF Research
While crafting the color palette for the model, we collaborated closely with the design research team to execute a global CMF study across households in 5 different countries. Although the primary objective of this research was to contribute insights for the broader spectrum of next-generation robot CMF, my involvement provided a valuable opportunity to observe, learn, and derive inspiration from the research sessions. This immersive experience led to the development of five distinctive colors for the model-making phase and played a significant role in guiding the development of production color films.
Color Film Development In Japan
As the lead ID, it is crucial for me to personally assess and approve samples. To ensure the utmost precision and design integrity, I traveled to Japan for the color film development phase. This not only facilitated optimal productivity but also ensured that the colors aligned seamlessly with the target samples. During this visit, I provided guidance to the color technicians, streamlining the matching process. I had the opportunity to witness the various procedures involved in developing different colors and gain insights into the production line at the factory. The experience was exhilarating and unforgettable, and the team is delighted with the end results following an intensive and rewarding five-day effort.
Design Initiation + Cosmetic Model Making
We initiated the design process by conducting iterative brainstorming and sketch sessions within the design team. Subsequently, we deconstructed the existing robot to gain a deeper understanding of the constraints and crucial features/geometries essential for preserving functionality. I generated the CAD and 3D printed parts to assess overall geometry and test tolerances around the outer shell and buttons. Upon confirming the design and geometry, we progressed to developing the ID cosmetic models to impart a realistic look and feel. This step proved invaluable for the following design reviews, marking a smooth transition to the next phase.
Production Sample Review
After finalizing the color film development, we proceeded to refine the button geometry for production tooling, conducting an additional round of button color matching with various faceplate film colors. Following the completion of this color matching process, we embarked on the film UI LED transparency test and button UI test. Through careful review and fine-tuning of the final samples, we officially initiated mass production, gearing up for the product launch in 2020!
A Simplified Design For A Simplified Cleaning
Your chore list just got shorter. The refresh-designed Roomba is a vacuum loaded with cleaning essentials and powered by the iRobot app. Its 3-Stage Cleaning System has three levels of powerful suction for custom cleaning on carpets and hard floors. With a sleek, low-profile design and our Edge-Sweeping Brush, dirt and dust can’t hide in corners or under your couch. While you kick back or go out, it can go to work on your floors.
Media News
The refreshed design of the Roomba 600 series swiftly propelled it to become the top-selling entry-level robot in the market. Since its launch, it has consistently secured the position of the No.1 best-selling and most popular Robotic Vacuum Cleaner (RVC) product during Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday in the consumer electronics category for many consecutive years.
