Refresh Cleaning

Project partner: Robert Thomas AG

Challenge: Redesign the vacuum cleaning experience.

 

 

[Translate to Englisch:] Staubsauger Prototyp Thomas AG

 

Together with the company Robert Thomas AG, the HPI D-School student team wanted to simplify the use of vacuum cleaners with water filters in family households. The company itself already had a wide-ranging product selection of vacuum cleaners with water filters, which are particularly friendly to allergy sufferers, since it is possible to vacuum without dust bags and even the smallest dust particles are bound in the water. Even though the result of cleaning with the water filter vacuum cleaner convinced the customers, the operation was often perceived as too complicated and the subsequent cleaning as too unpleasant.

The Design Thinking team started exactly here and developed a new product that combines the high cleaning power of water filter technology with the simplicity of bag vacuum cleaners. Dust particles, bad odors and liquids are quickly picked up and transformed into a jelly-brick within seconds. In this process, the vacuum cleaner does not need to be opened or cleaned itself. This compact and hygienic clog can be disposed of in household waste or used as a water reservoir/compost for potted plants - so normal waste can even be turned into something useful!

 

[Translate to Englisch:] Projektgruppe Staubsauger

 

In addition to the positive effects for the environment and the high cleaning power, it was important to the student team that vacuuming itself can become an experience that can also be fun - especially if no one needs to feel disgusted afterwards.

Robert Thomas AG was so impressed by the innovative prototype and the progressive ideas that they launched the 'Thomas crooSer eco'. In addition to the original design, it has a replaceable bumper to cushion collisions with furniture. Moreover, nozzle change can be done by foot, the vacuum cleaner can be turned 360° and is small enough to clean even the farthest corner.

The cooperation with the HPI D-School and the collaboration with the student team convinced the company and today the quiet compact vacuum cleaner is available in many different colors.