THE PURPOSE
In this research study, we set to learn more about Indian people’s lives, behaviours and habits around air pollution and air purifiers to understand the ideal user needs for a new connected IKEA Home smart air purifier.
Use research helps the business better understand user needs and drive product innovation with care.
STARKVIND Air purifier, 2021.
WHY THIS MATTERS
In 2019, India was one of the countries with the worst air pollution in the world, with 11 Indian cities making it in the top 15 ‘Most Polluted Regional Cities’ in South Asia. Delhi holds the title of the most polluted capital city in the world.
"In a north Indian city like Delhi, unfortunately the choice isn’t between good and bad air quality, but between bad and terrible air quality" - Man, 40 yold, Delhi
Air pollution in India - 2020
THE PROCESS
We conduct human-centred research in order to minimise risk, cost and ensuring that we address people’s needs. Our work includes both digital and physical experiences - starting with the unknowns to understanding the problems users have. We conduct two types of studies: UX research which gives a better understanding of human needs and behaviour and UX testing which helps us to find usability issues we didn’t expect.
For this study ,we engaged with over 170+ Indians through a survey and deep dived into the lives of 10 Indians through ethnography to understand the impact of air pollution on people and their families and their quest to improve indoor air quality. The research lines of inquiry were directed to understand participant routines, their health priorities, and how they use their current air purifier.
Each of the phases were conducted separately, but the insights from the phases eventually merged to triangulate the data from each study and get a better overview of the market. The source of each insight is tagged with an appropriate legend marked on the sections.
Multidisciplinary user research method by Space 10
MY CONTRIBUTION
Due to the diversity of our business, we are continuously designing new research methods. We start by defining our impact (scope), designing our method (including recruitment profile) and establishing cross- functional strategic partnerships for collaboration.
In this project, due the travel restrictions during the COVID19 pandemic, we developed methods for remote user research and usability testing using assistive technology. We designed a remote digital ethnography study and conducted online in-depth interviews with 10 participants across four cities in Northern India, to understand their concerns around air pollution, air purifier usage habits. The research lines of inquiry were directed to understand participant routines, their health priorities, and how they use their current air purifier. During this study we developed a new type of usability testing methods that informed the development of new IKEA Home smart Air purifier: STARKVIND.
Remote digital ethnography - 2020
Data analysis of digital ethnography - 2020
THE PRODUCT - Purifies your air and holds your cup
Air purifiers are a brilliant way to keep your home environment in the best shape possible, filtering out harmful particles and pushing out clean air. Many purifiers come in the form of rather ugly boxes that can be an eyesore, but the Ikea Starkvind aims to change that.
STARKVIND air purifiers filter away up to 99.5% of dust particles and other airborne allergens and can clean the air in rooms up to 215 feet² in size. Designed for modern living with details to suit life and home. Many purifiers come in the form of rather ugly boxes that can be an eyesore, but the Ikea Starkvind aims to change that.
Starkvind connected air purifier - 2021
THE TEAM
For the clean air study conducted in India, we collaborated with SPACE10, a research and design lab on a mission to enable a better everyday life for people and planet.
Space 10, Copenhagen - 2020
