FURNITURE KOHLER sōk DEEP THINKING 134
By Kohler Co. For additional information about the KOHLER s ok overflowing bath or other Kohler Co. products, consumers may call 1-800-4- KOHLER or access the Kohler Co. Web site at KOHLER.com. Most Americans can be classified as either bathers or showerers; that is, those who prefer the relaxation of bathing versus those who prefer the stimulation of a shower. Each group of consumers has their own specific preferences, and at Kohler, product design and development teams make it their unified mission to understand and address those needs directly. For example, specific issues that came out of recent academic research and focus group conversations with consumers who enjoy the bathing experience included a desire for revitalization and tranquility, deep enough water to allow bathers to float weightlessly and consistent water temperature. Customers also told Kohler that, with a standard whirlpool bath, it can sometimes be challenging to relax amidst the noise and vibration generated from the pump. Kohler now adds chromatherapy to its celebrated sōk overflowing bath. This innovation offers a luxurious retreat, providing the opportunity for bathers to slip into the peaceful warmth of the water and allow each color soothing to invigorating to gently wash over them. INNOVATION FALL 2002 Yearbook of Industrial Design Excellence 135
Like an infinity pool, water continuously overflows all sides of the sōk bath with a gentle flowing rhythm that soothes the senses. Taking this input into consideration, Kohler s designers, industrial engineers and human factors specialists began to plan. The team wanted to create a product that wasn t just about getting clean, but also about relaxation and rejuvenation. Reinventing the Relaxing Ritual The process began with an image of an ancient ritual of the bath sinking slowly into a deep pool of perfectly heated water. Kohler designers then added an array of features that would satisfy the needs of consumers, such as: Effervescence. At the simple touch of a button, tiny bubbles rise up like vintage champagne caressing the body. An unbroken pane of water. At the tub s circumference, water gently slides over the edge to serenade the bather with the softest of water music. Chromatherapy. The idyllic pool is illuminated with an array of colors: pure, calming white; harmonious, balancing green; and invigorating red. When Kohler s design team embarked on this exciting project, members wanted to create a soaking tub that combined depth with the visual excitement of falling water, which in turn would elicit sounds that mimic waves, waterfalls or rippling streams. The Kohler team also talked to a number of whirlpool bath owners, who provided Kohler with the impetus to devise a method of quietly moving water a form of water stimulation that was a contrast to the aggressive water action typical in a whirlpool. Kohler intentionally understated the shape of the sōk Overflowing Bath to visually convey a sense of serenity and to offer architects and interior designers a neutral shape that would be equally elegant when placed within traditional or contemporary settings. The sōk tub s tiny, effervescent bubbles were a result of applying technical formulas and conducting extensive experimenting. To create these tiny bubbles, however, all variables had to be in perfect alignment, such as the pump speed, tub height, rim width and effervescence port locations. Persistence and Plywood Paper and CAD software enable designers to develop a great number of products, but the bathtub simply isn t one of them. The user s experience is as important as the tub s design, meaning members of the Kohler team had to physically experience the sōk tub prototype the same way the end user was going to experience it. At Kohler the product design process is very handson and involves extensive experimenting in order to confirm what works, functionally and experientially; what works, but hasn t yet been considered; and what doesn t work. For the sōk bath, designers, human-factors specialists and engineers ventured into the wet lab daily to assemble rough, fully functioning prototypes characterized with a motor, pump, plywood and PVC piping. Regardless of the performance outcomes each day, the team welcomed the challenges because they represented opportunities for innovation. 136
The architectural simplicity of this soaking tub belies its advanced technological concept. Human comfort and convenience are paramount without looking like a therapeutic device. Niels Diffrient, FIDSA Above: A reincarnation of the bathing ritual, the sōk overflowing bath creates the ultimate soaking experience, submerging the bather from shoulder to toe in this ultra-deep, tranquil pool. Right: Consumers can take this unique soaking bath and customize the installation that matches their desires. For example, this home spa environment features a ceiling-mounted laminar-flow bath filler that is both physically appealing and visually arresting. INNOVATION FALL 2002 Yearbook of Industrial Design Excellence 137
FURNITURE The manner in which the actual depth of the sōk tub was determined serves as a great example of why prototype testing is so critical to Kohler s product design process. From Kohler s research and external sources such as plumbing showroom managers, the team learned that women are the primary users of bathtubs and also are usually the decision makers in the bath-fixture purchase process. Based on its earlier research, Kohler s design team determined that the soaking tub had to be deep. When first designed, the tub s depth was 24 inches, but prototype testing revealed this depth was a problem. When a short-stature female climbed into the sōk prototype, she was literally up to her eyeballs in water! To address the problem, Kohler molded a seat into the tub at a depth of 19 inches. And Then There Was Light Despite a highly successful launch of sōk in 2001, the Kohler design team wasn t quite finished. As an option for consumers, chromatherapy (light therapy) was added to sōk, with four LED lights placed within the tub s inner walls providing the illumination. A sequence of eight colors from soothing to invigorating cycles through every eight seconds; the bather simply touches a button to rest on any color. The research into the chromatherapy was fascinating because people had such strong reactions to it. Initially the range of color was going to be limited to shades of blue, but the Kohler design team quickly learned that there was a surprising acceptance to a wide spectrum of cool-to-warm colors. Other findings revealed that people disliked the look of orange water until they got into the tub and felt immediately energized. Some individuals felt red Kohler's human-factors specialist conducted an in-depth analysis of the seat area, bathing well length and overall tub depth. was intimidating, while others found it provocative. And while some people didn t care to see themselves bathing in pure white light, others found it ideal for reading. Interestingly, they all agreed that the color sequence should progress from cool to warm and not the reverse. Making a Splash KOHLER sōk was officially released to the marketplace in May 2001. Within just a few months it was obvious that it would be well received. At year s end, unit sales far exceeded company s original projections. The sōk bath was a terrific success for our company in a variety of ways, said David Kohler, president of Kohler s kitchen and bath group. The project combined unique consumer insight with excellent design and technical execution to produce a product that consumers around the globe are excited about. Designed to create a more relaxing bathing experience, sōk has touched consumers both experientially and aesthetically. It is the essence of what we strive to attain at Kohler. Designed by Carter J. Thomas, IDSA, and the Plumbing New Product Development Group and Plumbing Advanced Development Group of Kohler Co. for Kohler Co. Kohler Co. would like to thank the following individuals for their dedication, hard work and perserverance on the KOHLER sōk overflowing bath project: Carter J. Thomas, lead industrial designer; Mike Cook, engineering technician; Bob Giese, senior human factors specialist; Dave O Connell, lead designer of the Advanced Development Concept Group; Peter Swart, staff technical analyst. The remaining members of the development team are Ron Bauer, Paula Forseth Dick, Randy Graskamp, Mike Moldenhauer, Dave Hiberhauser, Gary Kubichka, Mike Macleisch, Rick Olson, Dave Ourada, Bob Rogers, Mark Johansen, Jim Swendson, Tim Jorsch, Scott Knapp and Steve Weise. 138