RTR-02 · Dimming interface

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RTR-02

Rotary dimming interface

A rotary add-on that can be attached to different dimmer modules to create a light-dimming interface. Being compatible with a wide variety of frames, serves as a gateway for the Plejd smart home system to reach many households.

Role · Industrial design + Development + Project coordination

Status · Pre-production

Company · Plejd

Year · 2020 - 2023

The challenge

Plejd is an IOT company, mainly operating in the Scandinavian market. They offer lighting control products that can be controlled wirelessly and via app. Their mesh technology creates an ecosystem of interconnected products.

The goal of the project was to redesign their existing rotary interface, RTR-01, to enhance the installation experience and optimize it for new markets. Retrofit compatibility with many 3rd party frames was vital to achieve the goal and reach many new homes.

The process

Product journey

Throughout the development process, all stakeholders were taken into account. Given that Plejd has most of its teams in-house, they were frequently asked for feedback, which was then implemented in the design. It was a matter of balancing the different pain points to create the best possible solution.

For Plejd, the electrician's experience is of utmost importance, and offering them useful features and a clean design is a way to maintain a long-term relationship. Even though the product will be covered during use, the installation should still evoke an emotional response in the installer.

The development process was highly iterative, with a 3D printer always close at hand it was easy to prototype ideas and get feedback. Working on this project led to learning many prototyping tools, different testing methods and how to gather quality feedback. Involving suppliers early in the process was essential to create an informed design, we had a tight collaboration with them since many parts were custom-made or required advanced manufacturing methods.

Design process

Sketching was used to think visually, rather than as a presentation tool. To achieve a clean exterior, most features were hidden inside. This was a challenge given the low profile of the dimmer, but ideating many section views and concepts made it easier.

Development process

As the project was getting closer to production, more technical methodologies were required to evaluate the design. This stage was not my favourite, but it was a great learning experience that will be useful in many future projects. I learned how to do cost estimations, manufacturing drawings, tool layout reviews, part inspections, etc.

The results

CMF

The brand’s colours are mostly white and blue. However, this design added black, creating contrast and making the white parts stand out. For parts that enhance the installer's experience, the brand's signature colour, blue, was used to improve their perception of the brand.

Frame compatibility

The mounting plate includes many features, allowing compatibility with the main electrical frames in Europe.

Mounting accessories

Some frames are attached with a wing-nut, designed to be tightened without any tools. Some others require an adaptor for the shaft, which fits with an annular snap.

Claws

When installed in old households, it’s possible to use metal hooks that expand sideways and grip the wall. They are replaceable and engineered to resist big forces.

Integrated features

In order to reduce part count and cost, several features were integrated into the same parts. Making use of forming threads or removable tabs, for example.

Complex exterior- clean exterior
Complexity in the product internals serves to achieve a clean exterior.

+ Puck

As mentioned before, the product’s main functionality, dimming, is not completed until the electronic module is added, giving the rotary interface different functionalities. RTR-02 was designed to match and elevate the puck’s form and colours.

+ Frames