Smart Homes: Looking to the Future
Whirlpool Corp. conducted a global survey on what the future smart home will look like. They contacted over 2,000 homeowners and renters around the world to see what they need and want in a smart home.
“The responses we received to this survey were abundantly clear: Consumers said they need simpler, faster ways to manage their lives — in other words, they still feel products for the home aren’t solving these problems,” said Christian Gianni, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Whirlpool in a recent press release.
Here’s what Whirlpool Corp. found that respondents want in their home appliances:
- 72% said they wanted faster, simpler ways to manage their lives
- 58% and 52% felt that laundry and cooking, respectively, take up too much time
- 74% want smart appliances that help reduce food waste
- 75% want smart appliances and other products that help manage or reduce water usage
- 78% said smart appliances should help them save money
- 64% said smart appliances should help save on electricity costs in particular
- 69% reported they want products they can personalize to meet their needs
CES 2019 awards
Whirlpool took their findings and brought innovative products to the Consumer Electronics Show 2019. They earned five Innovation Awards for:
- KitchenAid Cook Processor Connect
- KitchenAid Smart Oven+
- Whirlpool Smart All-In-One Washer & Dryer
- Yummly digital recipe platform
- Whirlpool Connected Hub Wall Oven
The CES 2019 Innovation Awards award companies on outstanding design and engineering. The Awards focus on companies using cutting-edge consumer electronics across almost 30 categories.
Final thoughts
Companies like Whirlpool that pay close attention to consumer needs and wants will have the upper hand in the smart home marketplace. Consumers want smart appliances and devices that help with their household chores, and it’s an obvious assumption they’re willing to pay for these conveniences. Especially the products that help them save money over the long run.