Isis range of tapware and shower mixer.
Customer research revealed the way people entertained in their homes frequently involved using large food platters to display food, and that these were very difficult to rinse under traditional kitchen mixers. There was also an unmet customer need for a short swivel spout basin mixer for ensuites. These two main insights led to the unique Isis range of tapware. With due reverance to Pasifika design language, the indicators ably communicate the concept of mixing temperatures in an appropriate way, and are hidden when not needed like the words inside the covers of a closed book. The spout shape was inspired by waka. The indicators later became the inspiration for the Methven logo.
To achieve a wide market footprint from a minimum number of components a modularised system was designed:
> Tall body + long spout = kitchen mixer.
> Short body + long spout = bath mixer.
> Tall body + short spout = wash vessel mixer.
> Short body + short spout = basin mixer.
The Isis range also successfully incorporated a number of technical improvements:
> The high level swivel spout permits rinsing of large food platters.
> A swivel spout on the basin mixer improves the ergonomics of use over a wash vessel or hand basin when washing your face.
> A new high endurance concealed swivel mechanism was developed with an improved diameter over height ratio to give smoother operation without misalignment or play.
> The higher velocity aerated basin spout outlet permitted a reduced water consumption rate of just 5 litres per minute, significantly better than industry standard.
Sales exceeded projected targets and within a year the pressed external body was retooled as a high volume die casting. A feature of the external body was that it could be installed in two different orientations depending on customer preference and to cope with any spacial constraints on sink and basin benches.
Role: All design work on entire project.
Tasks: All NPC, NPD and NPI work for the Isis range from research right through to launch. Project duration was exactly one year to the day.
Isis was a finalist in the German iF Design Awards and won a Highly Commended Best Award.
(iF Award Finalist)
