4
The Idea
The objective for Aerosmart was to develop a more fully featured
version of the Smartload dryer to match the AquaSmart washer,
including an LCD display to offer increased functionality. And to offer
Fisher & Paykel’s first multi-lingual dryer.
The original Smartload dryer project began on the 11
th
of October
1998 with a single one-hour meeting. After 1166 days of design and
testing it was finally ready to be released.
The aim of this project was to design the first top loading, large
capacity dryer. We wanted to create a dryer that combined sophisticated innovative
design and functionality, with unmatched ergonomic advantages for the consumer.
There were three key requirements, which had to be implemented within the design.
• Load Size
• Cycle Time
• Visual Match
The opportunity to design a full sized dryer that matched the Intuitive washer arose.
Once the brief was created we had the choice of designing a standard dryer or doing
something innovative. Knowing that Americans had a strong preference for top loading
washers we started looking at ergonomics. This is where the idea of top loading
developed, accessing the drum from the top rather than the front.
Enhancing ease of use through ergonomics and surface
form was our main priority. We also wanted to design a
dryer with an enhanced overall appearance, in an effort
to give it more solidity within a crisp, clean modern
look.
We designed the dryer with a similar philosophy to the
washer, giving it a strong, solid feel through curved
surfaces. We have continued, and enhanced, the
interface logic to ensure that the dryer is as easy to use
as the washer. All the external features of the washer
have been replicated by the AeroSmart design to
guarantee they are truly a matched pair.
It had to be able to dry large loads, dry
them quickly and needed a matching
washing machine.
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