Addressing simple problems is the way to get consumers to buy into the smart home of the future. That’s the takeaway message from the results of a new global survey by Whirlpool Corporation, which gathered responses from more than 2,000 homeowners and renters in four different regions of the world. Consumers are craving smart features that are easy to understand, and that represent a practical and efficient addition the everyday household tasks.
Findings from the survey include:
- A majority of consumers (72%) are looking for simpler, faster ways to help manage their lives
- Over half say that cooking (52%) and doing laundry (58%) take up more than the preferred amount of time
- Three in four respondents are interested in smart appliance features that reduce food waste (74%), manage water usage (75%) or help them save money (78%)
- Two in three respondents say it's important that their appliances help save on electricity costs (64%)
- Two in three respondents actively seek out products that can be personalized to their unique preferences (69%)
Source: PRNewsFoto/Whirlpool Corporation
“Consumers said they need simpler, faster ways to manage their lives — in other words, they still feel products for the home aren't solving these problems," said Christian Gianni, senior vice president of product development at Whirlpool. “When it comes to smart home technology adoption, the technology must provide a purposeful solution in their lives.”
As for Whirlpool, the company plans to introduce more than 20 new products and services across its brand portfolio at CES 2019 that seek to address what consumers are looking for in areas such as cooking, cleaning and doing laundry.
CES 2019 attendees can visit Whirlpool at booth #41925 in the Smart Home section, located at the Sands Expo Center. The show runs January 8-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more Electronics360 coverage of CES 2019, click here.
