Cloud RO
UX Design Research
Cloud RO collaborated with ELEVEN to design their flagship product – a smart reverse osmosis water filter. Cloud successfully launched in 2023.
I led design research, uncovering actionable insights that led to revolutionary innovation in residential water purification!
Methodology
Research began with a thorough competitive audit and immersion exercise. The whole team from research, to design, to engineering installed and lived with an undersink water filter to develop empathy for our users.
Next, a qualitative, in-home research study was conducted with a controlled sampling of water filter users to uncover actionable design opportunities.
Research revealed:
Standard RO - filters are perceived as plumbing
Cloud RO - filters are perceived as cartridges
Plumbing vs. Cartridge
Users were observed to feel anxiety and fear when replacing filters that visually read as “plumbing.” To many, filter replacement was considered high-risk or even professional-use only. The same users, however, felt confidence and ease when replacing filter “cartridges” such as the water filter in their fridge.
Opportunity: apply the design language of a comfortable filter cartridge to a our advanced, RO filtration system.
Standard RO - filter replacement happens under-sink.
Cloud RO - detachable filter magazine allows for filter replacement at a comfortable height
Undersink Maintenance
Filter replacement was observed to be regularly postponed, even at the expense of water quality. Ergonomic challenges were identified as key contributors to this behavior. Because RO systems are plumed in place under the sink, users are typically forced to perform this task contorted on the kitchen floor.
Opportunity: redesign the filter replacement experience to improve ergonomics.
And More!
After learnings and design opportunities were identified, the Industrial Design team at ELEVEN designed a new water filter that addresses the shortcomings of existing systems and integrates innovative connected technology to enhance user experience.
Since its debut in 2023, Cloud RO has gained a devoted user base, enjoying the benefits of good design and purified water.
