Concept appliances give us a peek into the future. They may look great as mock-ups, but the real test to determine if a company has a potential new product is consumer feedback. Televisions and microwaves, once viewed as blue sky concepts, have found their way into almost every home of the average consumer. Since their mainstream appearance, manufacturers have found ways to update and alter the efficiency of these, and many other products, to generate sales and meet consumers’ demands. Historical buying trends such as size and affordability have become requirements, allowing other buying trends to quickly emerge. A new high-efficiency washing machine from Whirlpool Corp. called Vantage offers a number of design features intended to give the user an experience similar to that of a consumer electronic (CE) device. This is the first laundry appliance built with a USB port to allow it to be loaded with new cycle programs and software updates the touch screen user interface is programmable). The washer comes pre-programmed with 33 wash cycles. Many of these are specialized for washing unusual items, such as stuffed animals, shower curtains and shoes, allowing users to create their own settings. The EcoMonitor feature of the Vantage displays energy savings per load as well as over the lifetime of the appliance, providing reinforcement to consumers of the environmental benefits included in their decision to purchase premium appliances. Electrolux famously sponsors the annual Design Lab competition focused on the design of concept appliances. Some of these concepts are exercises in fantasy, relying on technology such as teleportation, while others seem practical enough to be market-ready. The 2010 Bifoliate dishwasher concept addresses a real consumer need for people who want to avoid unloading the dishwasher and putting away dishes. The Bifoliate concept builds the dishwasher capability directly into the cabinets. Toma Brundzaite of the Vilnius Academy of Art in Lithuania designed a two-compartment appliance; dishes are stored and washed in either compartment. After they’re removed, used, and put back, they are washed and remain there until needed again.
