The OSIM uKimono is a next-generation slimming belt built upon the success of its predecessor, the uZap. Designed as a lifestyle product, the uKimono cleverly utilisizes the combination of new materials in manufacturing, bold and youthful colors, and an enhanced user interface - combined with an innovative massage mechanism.
I held two portfolios in this project - industrial design and interaction design - which meant that I defined both the CMF for the project and the interaction experience. Needless to say, it was a challenging task, requiring that I learn new materials, manufacturing methods, and work hand-in-hand with the firmware developers.
Based on the UX platform, I created the interaction workflows and interface design for the uKimono. I conducted user research using paper prototypes to validate the flows and to identify any potential usability issues—documenting all of this information into a specification. The engineers and quality assurance teams used this specification as the standard reference for the product development and testing.
I worked with a color trend expert to conduct market research as well as to forecast the trending colors that would be most attractive to the target customer segment when the uKimono was scheduled to launch. The research yielded three trending color - all of which were highly successful for the uKimono throughout the product's lifespan.
I referenced the findings from the research to create the colors, materials, and finishing (CMF) specification. This specification also included new manufacturing methods for combining fabrics and upholsteries with plastic parts. The CMF specification documented all of the material details and became the reference for both manufacturing and quality testing.
