Ultimate Ears (a Logitech company) asked the Herbst Produkt team to assist in the definition and execution of a new custom forming true wireless ear bud. In addition to the Industrial design of the physical product, the client asked our team to think through what the ideal on-boarding process might be. Thinking through this also helped us to better define the constraints for the industrial design. Though the product itself is technically advanced and require user set up, we sought to create an experience that was engaging and fun!
THE CURRENT SOLUTION
How might we simplify and engage users in a valuable "at-home-curing" process and feel confident in their results.
RE-MAPPING THE PROCESS
The client asked our team to define the "ideal" experience. The past solution involved not only a lot of back-n-forth on the users end, but also was not efficient for the manufacturers and supply chain. Our team mapped out a process that involved eliminating multiple steps for both the user and the supplier that would be more streamlined and efficient.
THE OLD V.S. THE NEW
v.s.
PUSHING THE TECHNOLOGY
Our research concluded that users wanted a simplified process for custom ear buds. After working with our engineers and manufacturers, we finalized an onboard curing system. This device allows the user to cure the buds and immediately start listening to music. This eliminated the need to any further shipping and manufacturing. We also developed a universal tip "one-size" tip that form and fit into a vast majority of ear sizes.
3 SIMPLE STEPS
In the previous version of the app, users expressed feeling lost in the on-boarding process and unsure as to how long the entire process would take. A simple journey map with 3 easy steps allows users to know where they are in the process and visually makes the process seem appear simple.
KNOWING WHAT YOU'RE IN FOR...
Not knowing when the curing was going to start and what would happen when the curing was in progress seemed to be a point of anxiety for most users. A "pre-curing" feature of the on-boarding process let's users know what they're getting themselves into, how long it'll take and what to expect!
MORE CONFIDENT CURING
Not knowing what is happening to your ear buds during the "curing" process was a point of anxiety for most users. We decided towards a more informative design that more accurately depicted what was happening to your earbuds through detailed renders and phase descriptions.
UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE
An optional educational feature allows for the user to learn more about the benefits of custom formed ear buds. Understanding the value of custom cured earbuds justifies the time required to set up the new device.
