A More Convenient and Connected Laundromat Experience
INTRODUCTION
Project Summary
As part of my Master’s, I led Laundromate, a case study exploring how technology can enhance traditional laundry services. The project focused on integrating IoT for real-time scheduling, monitoring, and notifications to improve efficiency and user experience.
BACKGROUND
The Need for Smarter Laundry Solutions
Most laundromats still operate with traditional systems, leading to inefficiencies and customer dissatisfaction. There is an increasing demand for modern, user friendly solutions to enhance the laundry experience.
The lack a washer and dryer at home
16% of households (19.6 million) lack a washer and dryer at home
American Housing Survey (AHS)
19.6 m
Demand for More Convenient Laundry Services
In 2022, 86.5 million Americans have tried on-demand laundry services
Dry-Cleaning And Laundry Services Market Size Report, 2030, n.d.
86.5 m
Research
Define The Problems
I observed laundromat users to identify pain points like unpredictable wait times, and unattended laundry being moved by others.
Unpredictable Waiting
“Long wait times and uncertain machine availability make laundry frustrating.”
Needs of Various Machine Size
“I’d like to check machine size and type beforehand for better planning.”
Unattended
laundry handling
“I often forget my laundry, and some items go missing when others move them.”
Machine availability should be predictable
Machine variety is a reason to choose a laundromat
Unattended laundry handling is a concern
How might we improve the laundromat experience to make it more efficient and user-friendly?
Brainstorming
A Streamline From Reservation To Pick-up
Sub Idea
Loyalty Rewards
Main Idea 2
Laundry Process Tracking and Laundry Locker
Main Idea 1
Real-time Machine Availability and Reservation
PERSONA
Time-Crunched Professionals
Clair Kim (late 20s)
Marketing Analyst
Living in an apartment in an urban area without an in-unit
laundry machine.
Goal
Save time on laundry with a convenient, tech-enabled solution.
Minimize laundry hassle by using smart services.
Frustrations
Hates the time and hassle spent going to the laundromat.
Finds waiting for laundry to be finished very unproductive.
Gets frustrated when machines are all occupied.
Doesn't like having to figure out coins.
INTERACTION IDEATION
User Flow
Flow 1 Check Availability & Reserve
The user needs to quickly find a laundromat with available machines, compare capacity and wait times, and reserve a machine to avoid a wasted trip.
Flow 2 Track Progress & Plan Pickup
The user needs to connect their phone to the machine via RFID, receive reminders, and choose to pick up laundry immediately or have it stored in a locker.
Flow3 Earn Rewards with App-Based Punch Card
The user needs to join the rewards program, track progress towards rewards, and apply them with a code at checkout.
Final Design
Managing Your Laundry In A Hand
FINAL DESIGN
Main Interaction and Interface
Flow 1 Check Availability & Reserve
Flow 2 Track Progress & Plan Pickup
Flow3 Earn Rewards with App-Based Punch Card
DESIGN SYSTEM
Design Components and Items
