Kambrook Axis Kettle
Kambrook & the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
The Kambrook Axis kettle is the result of a collaboration between itself and the RMIT. Designed in 1996, the Axis kettle was designed to try and reduce the energy use of the kettle and to conserve water. Using user-centered research techniques, designers at the RMIT observed that kettles were often overfilled and that users would typically boil a kettle, walk away, and then boil the kettle again. The design of the kettle included three features to encourage users to conserve electricity and water. Two 'eco-feedback' mechanisms were introduced to persuade users to change their kettle practices. First, a temperature gauge to indicate that the water is at an appropriate temperature to make tea or coffee. Second, a volume indicator located at the top of the jug. Third, the designers insulated the kettle with a double thick wall to improve heat retention and reduce the need to re-boil the kettle.
Creative Contribution
What was the significant innovation in approach or thinking behind the project/artwork? How can this be recognisably attributed to the involvement of creative practice?
The designers employed user-centered design techniques wherein observations of current kettle practices were conducted. The design response was based directly on observational work. In addition, the Axis kettle has contributed to how domestic appliances are understood to be green. Previously, a green kettle meant a product that could be recycled. Here, being green is the remit of the manufacturer and not the user. The Axis kettle, by virtue of its emphasis on green usage, also makes the user accountable for green practices.
The influence of creative practice can be observed in the use of user-centered design techniques.
Collaboration
What were the disciplinary contributors to the project? What model of research / development was followed? What were factors leading to success / problems?
The research and development was based on User-centered design.The success of the kettle is attributed to the designers direct response to observations of kettle use.
Values
What were the outcomes of the project? How were these disseminated to outside stakeholders? What models of value are implied by this project? What was the Impact of the work?
The main outcome was an innovative consumer product.
The main values were as follows:
The axis kettle makes end-users and their water usage practices open to design intervention.
User observations and user-centered design techniques focused design intervention on end-use, rather than manufacturing for example.
Sustainable practices can be achieved by optimisation and small changes rather than radical innovation.
Links and Resources
http://www-staff.lboro.ac.uk/~cddl/kambrook_kettle.htm
Sweatman, A. and Gertsakis, J. (1996) Eco-Kettle: keep the kettle boiling, Co-Design, Vol. 05-06 No. 3
http://www.co-design.co.uk/eco.htm
