New technology helps Hozelock customers manage their watering
Hozelock is an established manufacturer of hoses, fittings, and water timers, long-cherished by gardeners.
It was not until recently a brand associated with connectivity, IoT and smartphone apps and yet it recognised these new technologies could help its customers to manage garden watering, especially when away from home. The development challenge was considerable and so Hozelock engaged PDD to help it explore how to achieve its goals with a high profile, mass-market product to lead its range.
Our initial investigation married Human-Centred Design (HCD) with Technology Scouting and Feasibility to explore and align what ‘should be done’ with what ‘could be done’. HCD techniques explored the needs, wants and contexts of use to establish the features and interaction principles. The Technology study established practicality, cost/benefits, implications and the risks associated with connecting an ‘App’ all the way to the ‘Tap’.
Design and engineering work shaped the user experience, interaction look-and-feel and defined the App navigation whilst the technology stream wrestled with the logic of schedules and the integration of technologies as diverse as smartphone operating systems, web modelling languages, radio-protocols and embedded code on dedicated hardware. PDD managed the implementation working closely with Hozelock and App-coding company, ‘Tangent 90’, through to product launch in store and on the Apple and Google sites.
The Hozelock Cloud offers an efficient product for use on iOS and Android devices. Its launch was hailed with a flurry of publicity and awards from gardening and trade bodies. PDD is proud to have helped Hozelock to achieve its ambitions.
Competition wins
GLEE (Garden, Leisure and Entertainment Exhibition) New Product Gold Award 2015
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Garden Product of the Year 2016
GIMA (Garden Industry Manufacturers Association) Product Award 2016
