Heima
FLUID Design
Heima
Our life is shaped by an increasing pace and a strong symbiosis with technology. Especially millennials with their emotional evaluation of the world desire a space that helps to unwind. They need a home that helps them cope with their day-to-day challenges in new ways. They desire a personalised space of well-being.
Yet, smart home products today are focused on automating chores only. So we asked ourselves: how can we respond to these needs and opportunities?
To create individual comfort, Heima uses light and sound. Heima features large speakers in the front and back and a light panel for indirect lighting when mounted on the wall. The device also controls already installed connected devices such as radiators, window blinds, lamps, speakers and future IOT solutions to co-create a desirable atmosphere. The goal is to have the user fall asleep with a smile at the end of the day.
An example case: Clara comes home late, her calendar shows a more than full day. Her travel data indicate that her train home was fully booked. Her heart races. Heima starts playing that new favourite slow song in a soft volume and dims the warm lights. The windows and blinds slowly close and make the city noises disappear - the radiators are already pre-heated.
Natural tones, round forms, a discrete front and refined details promise quality, trust and a desirable extension of the home decor. The combination of a fabric cover and the ceramic-plastic-composite body lend the device tactile qualities.
By mirroring the users emotional state, the core inspires self-reflection. Concepts like Zero UI help deepen the relationship between user and object - Heima is made to work completely automated, without requiring active input from the user.
The design gives the user total freedom - it features an easy to use wall mount and a carefully designed stand that allows it to be placed anywhere. A range of well-chosen colours allow for self expression.
Heima understands the user by sensing biometrics such as the tone of voice, body language and facial expression - peripherals like wearables or smart phones provide additional data. Powerful algorithms turn this data into output.
If the user however feels like changing the current output, they can use gestures to control Heima. The device responds with an intuitive LED matrix that sits behind the fabric cover.
