Tech

Water is fundamental to our very existence – as central to our health as it is to the health of our planet and every other living thing on it. As such, the contamination of our oceans and water supply by microplastics, chemicals and other pollutants is a serious problem that must be confronted. So too is the need for individuals and society as a whole to change their water usage habits. Rising global awareness of these matters has led to increased demand for innovative solutions that can save and protect water, both at home and in nature. Home is where people typically consume the most water, using it for all sorts of purposes – from showering to washing the dishes – every single day. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family consumes approx...

In this installment of On the Job, we look into the design history of LG SIGNATURE to learn how LG’s luxury brand provides unparalleled customer experiences. What role does design play in shaping the home appliance user experience? Let us consider the thoughtful innovation that enables users to knock twice on their LG InstaView refrigerator to see inside without even having to open the door – or the smart screen applied to LG’s latest washers which streamlines control by replacing the more traditional dials and switches with an intuitive touch-based interface. (From left to right) Sangin Chung, Jayoen Kim, Inyoung Hwang and Mimi Bae at Home Appliance & Air Solution LG SIGNATURE UX Design Team In both of these cases, LG has cleverly evolved key elements of what is called ‘user experie...

In this installment of On the Job, we meet with UX sound designers from the Strategy UX Governance Team at LG Corporate Design Center’s UX Lab to learn how they use sound to enhance the usability and accessibility of LG products. How do you know when a load of laundry is finished? Most likely, it’s because of a melody played by the washing machine – something simple but catchy that instantly tells you your clothes are ready to unload. But it’s not just washers. Most electrical devices, from laptops to TVs and refrigerators, employ tunes or sounds to provide helpful feedback that enhances the user experience. As people have become so accustomed to their appliances and gadgets using sound to communicate all kinds of information, the importance of sound design where products are concerned i...