Mettle UX | Ruth Thomas

Mettle

Smart Electric kettles

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

Industrial Design | UX Design | Conceptual Design

1.5 weeks

Transforming a conventional appliance into a versatile, connected device.

The modern Indian consumer seeks more than just function from their appliances; they look for products that can adapt to their unique routines, preferences, and lifestyle. As kitchen spaces become more compact yet multifaceted, there’s a growing need for appliances that are versatile and capable of doing more than one thing well. With the growing integration of smart home technology, the Indian consumer values connectivity in appliances, enabling them to control and monitor devices through mobile apps or voice assistants.

Secondary & Primary Research

Understanding the functioning of electric kettles, exploring the range of features currently offered by kettles in the Indian market and understanding existing user needs, their experiences and aspirations.

How do electric kettles work?

Traditional electric kettle

A bimetallic strip acts as a temperature sensor. Steam from boiling travels to the base, where it heats the strip. The differing expansion rates of the metals cause it to bend, triggering a switch that cuts off the power.

*Detects boiling in general, not a specific temperature.

Advanced electric kettles

Relies on electronic sensors or thermostats that precisely detect water temperature, allowing the kettle to monitor the exact temperature at any time.

*Detects preset temperatures.

Key components:

Heating element

Thermistor or digital temperature sensors

Thermal fuse

Microcontroller

User Interface (Buttons/Touch Screen/App)

Smart Connectivity Module

Power-base connector

Lighting Indicators (LEDs)

Water Level Indicator

Existing products

Source: Google images

Explainer videos, customer reviews, feature study

Key insights

Consolidated insights from secondary and user interactions, online product usage reviews, as well as from personal observation.

Safety and Convenience

Water drips down towards the body of the kettle, causing a mess and potential safety hazard.

Ergonomics for Stability

In old teapots, the thumbpiece – Located at the top of/on the handle provides a support for the thumb, promoting a sturdy grip and providing more control when pouring.

Extended Use Case and Maintenance

Some users use the kettle to boil eggs. Other users were concerned about ease of cleaning the kettle after using it to boil eggs.

Digital Control Preferences

Not all users feel the need for an app to control water boiling.

Portability and Versatility

User considered using a kettle while travelling (e.g. train journey), to make hot beverages.

User personas

The Tech-Savvy User

Priya Sharma is a 30-year-old digital marketing specialist living in an urban area. As a tech enthusiast, she integrates smart devices into her daily life, valuing convenience and efficiency. She enjoys controlling her kettle remotely through a smartphone app, allowing her to receive notifications and customize temperature settings for her favorite beverages. Frustrated by manual controls, Priya finds it inconvenient to check the kettle while multitasking, and she relies on the app to start her morning herbal tea while she gets ready for work.

The Hands-On User

Raj Mehta, a 45-year-old freelance photographer in a suburban area, prefers practical, easy-to-use appliances that match his dynamic lifestyle. Frequently on the go, Raj values straightforward, tactile controls on his kettle to quickly prepare hot water for coffee or tea without needing a smartphone app. Disliking the added complexity of app-based controls, he finds it convenient to adjust settings directly on the kettle, especially after a long day of shooting or while hosting friends for meals.

Design criteria

The design of the kettle should cater to different use-case scenarios.
Additional temperature settings to cater to more use-case scenarios should be provided.
provide clear indicators for heating, boiling completion, and error states.
indicate the water level
1 litre capacity with IoT enabled features

Features for the Tech-Savvy Urbanite:

Mobile App Connectivity and Voice Assistant integration: It allows the user to control the kettle remotely through a dedicated mobile app. They can start heating water, adjust temperature settings, and receive notifications when the water is ready. Users can also command the kettle using voice commands, making it convenient for hands-free operation. The user can choose to maintain the temperature as required for up to 30 minutes. An audible tone on the app let’s the user know your when the kettle is ready.

Customized brewing and steaming profiles: While the app provides pre-existing settings, it also allows the user to create and save personalized brewing profiles for different types of beverages. It allows the user to steam eggs, idlis, dhoklas in small quantities for a quick breakfast before work.

Safety: The kettle has an integrated LED strip that indicates when the kettle is in use. It also stays lit until the utensil has cooled down after use, to prevent any untoward incidents. Users can also receive alerts in case of overheating or malfunction.

User interaction analytics: The app can collect anonymized data on user interactions with the kettle to improve user experience and optimize product performance over time. Insights can be used to refine features, enhance usability, and anticipate user needs.

Water level monitoring: A load sensor detects the water level in the kettle and relays this information to the mobile app. Users can easily check the remaining water level and receive alerts when it's time to refill.

Smart Electric Kettle

with IoT enabled features

CORT

The Brewmaster

Inspired by the timeless Italian Moka pot, Cort short for cortado is another name for perfection.

Simple, elegant no-frills kettle with possible controls on the slightly oversized docking station. The robustness of the kettle construction and its timeless elegance makes it a long-term presence on your kitchen counter.