Feature: Home Laundry


Consumer convenience


Considering consumer pain points is key when launching new products, BSH Home Appliances tells us more.


“T


he fast pace of modern life influences consumer preferences


for washing machines,” says Alex Lucas, head of business unit - laundry, BSH Home Appliances. That’s why the business is focusing on the functionality of its products. Whether it’s cost-efficiency, ease of use or time-saving, consumers are continuously seeking out products which will make their lives easier.


Cost-efficiency As energy prices continue to rise, consumers are evaluating the cost-efficiency of their household essentials more than ever before. Lucas says “Given the current need to conserve resources, consumers prioritise energy ratings when selecting a washing machine. Opting for an A-rated model that consumes less electricity not only benefits the environment but also saves money in the long run. We are working hard on updating the Bosch range of washing machines to enhance their eco-friendliness and sustainability. Our objective is to ensure that every model in the range is rated as an “A” for energy efficiency, giving consumers the confidence that they are investing in the most environmentally friendly appliances available. We have integrated Active Water technology


spend more on appliances which reduce the laboriousness of household tasks and therefore increase leisure time. Lucas says “Models with quick programmes that can expedite regular wash cycles are gaining popularity. Some models even offer 15 and 30-minute quick wash options. However, consumers should be aware that there is a trade-off between speed and energy efficiency. Quick programmes typically consume more energy, so homeowners may mistakenly assume that shorter runtimes translate to lower energy usage.” In terms of convenience, the development


of innovative solutions to minimise time is key for consumers as Lucas adds “Stain removal is another critical feature to consider. BSH offers models with a targeted stain removal option that allows consumers to eliminate four different stains (grass, blood, oil, and red wine) without pre-treatment. Simply select the stain type before starting the washing program, and the machine will adjust the temperature, cycle, and water amount accordingly. This saves time as there is no need for pre-treatment.”


Above: WGB256A1GB


into our washing machines. This innovative feature adjusts the water volume based on the load size, preventing excessive consumption and reducing waste. With this technology, consumers can be reassured that they are not only saving energy but also conserving water.”


Time-saving Whilst energy usage is often higher with time-saving goods, consumers are inclined to


Ease of use Lucas highlights how consumer pain points must be address when launching new products. “At BSH, we are dedicated to enhancing the functionality of our smart products while keeping our consumers in mind. For instance, we understand that many consumers struggle with correctly setting up their machines in terms of water hardness and detergent dosage. To address this, we have introduced a new Home Connect feature called Detergent Scan, which works in conjunction with our automatic dosing system, I-DOS. To optimise the results from I-DOS, we recommend updating the machine settings with the details of the detergent being used. This is necessary because different detergents have varying strengths, and the detergent bottle provides the proper dosage for your load.” “Detergent Scan simplifies the setup process


Above: WGB256A1GB Spring 2024


by recognising that consumers generally rely on auto settings rather than manually adjusting their washing machine settings. Simply scan the detergent bottle using the Home Connect app, and the system will determine the detergent strength and program the washing machine accordingly, ensuring optimal detergent usage through our automatic dosage system. Detergent Scan also configures the hard water settings. The app utilises your location settings to identify your region and access a hard water database, automatically adjusting your machine accordingly. With just one scan, consumers can optimise your washing machine settings for both detergent strength and hard water conditions in their area. This feature is available for all our WiFi- enabled, I-DOS models.”


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