Before i get into the pure idea generation stage i need to find myself an actual target audience for this project. By doing this it will help me to gather more ideas depending on the demographic that i want to design a product.
The ideal age demographic for a new digital at home product like the Amazon Alexa for example or other smart assistants depends on the product’s features, usability, and target needs.
A younger audience like University Students for example are likely to adapt to new technologies faster than an older audience, An older audience has a growing interest in using voice-controlled devices like Siri and Alexa due to the ease of use. Especially if some of the audience have some form of a mobility issue by having a new easily accessible product would be helpful.
As a lot more older adults are becoming comfortable with new and emerging technology and willing to adopt smart devices having a new product that is accessible to them.
All of the original and existing home heating systems lack the ability to adapt, be energy efficiency, and also to have a personalised style. They all rely on basic scheduling and being used manually. This is leading to wasted energy and inconsistent temperatures. I think that homeowners need a smarter solution, one that has the features of, voice control and weather control to create a more comfortable at home environment.
I separated the problem and user statement into two different sections to give me a bit of clarity for the actual topic in discussion.
<aside> <img src="/icons/report_gray.svg" alt="/icons/report_gray.svg" width="40px" />
Problem - Current home heating systems tend to waste energy and don’t adjust well to people’s needs, making homes uncomfortable and less efficient.
</aside>
<aside> <img src="/icons/profile_gray.svg" alt="/icons/profile_gray.svg" width="40px" />
User Statement - As an older member of public i want a way in which i can control my home heating in a much easier way and a way in which it fulfils my needs.
</aside>
I used IDEO’s style of phrasing a question by putting it in the term ‘How Might We?’, which found to be very helpful.
<aside> <img src="/icons/question-mark_gray.svg" alt="/icons/question-mark_gray.svg" width="40px" />
How Might We? - Find a solution to creating a new smarter, easier and more efficient way of heating up our homes.
</aside>
From gathering my research and information what i want for the key outcome of this project is for me to be able to provide a new smart home heating system that will be easily accessible with all ages groups, and also help to create more efficient homes.
I will now start to create some user personas to help me further grasp in what ways this new product would be used for them and how it could help.