Iris Case Studies Samsung's IoT Journey: From Concept to Smart Domestic Appliances
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Samsung's IoT Journey: From Concept to Smart Domestic Appliances

Iris
Consumer Goods
Electronics
Product Research & Development
Samsung, a global leader in technology, had a vision to connect all of its domestic appliances to the Internet of Things (IoT) by 2020. However, the company faced a significant challenge in translating this ambition into a compelling consumer proposition. The task was not just about integrating IoT technology into appliances, but also about understanding how this technology could enhance product performance and meet consumer needs. The challenge was to research market opportunities, generate and validate ideas for new domestic appliances that leveraged IoT. This required a deep understanding of the technology landscape, relevant applications for IoT, and how these could be linked to consumer needs and behaviours.
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The customer in this case study is Samsung, a multinational conglomerate headquartered in South Korea. Samsung is known for its wide range of products, including smartphones, televisions, and home appliances. The company is recognized globally for its commitment to innovation and technology advancement. In this project, Samsung aimed to leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance the performance of its domestic appliances, thereby providing a compelling proposition to its consumers. The company's goal was to connect all of its domestic appliances to the IoT by 2020, demonstrating its commitment to technological innovation and consumer-centric product development.
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Samsung engaged with global product and marketing teams to conduct extensive consumer research in six globally representative markets. The research was not limited to standard quantitative and qualitative panels; it also included ethnographic studies to understand the usage of domestic appliances by families. The insights from this research were combined with technology and market trends to identify opportunities for product innovation. Through fast-paced, design thinking-led workshops, a long list of 40 concepts was created and refined down to a short-list of eight. This process led to the creation of the 'Family Hub' fridge concept, which Samsung unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
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The operational results of this project were significant. Samsung was able to successfully integrate IoT technology into its domestic appliances, resulting in the creation of the 'Family Hub' fridge. This product not only demonstrated Samsung's technological prowess but also its deep understanding of consumer needs and behaviours. The extensive research and design thinking workshops allowed Samsung to identify and capitalize on market opportunities, leading to a compelling product that leveraged IoT to enhance performance. The successful deployment of the kits across various regions further demonstrated the global appeal and relevance of the product. This project underscores Samsung's commitment to innovation and its ability to transform ambitious visions into tangible products.
6,000 full kits produced
1,000 kits deployed to APJ
1,600 kits deployed to US
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