An Improved Design of IPL Hair Removal Device for Generation Z

Abstract

This master thesis reports the research and design activities about designing a new Philips intense pulsed light (IPL) Lumea Prestige hair removal device for generation Z users. Philips invented an Intense pulsed light hair removal device for a painless hair removal experience. However, the new consumers generation Z are coming to the market who are born between 1997 to 2012. Philips would like to see how the IPL device can fit into generation Z consumers. Firstly, research was conducted about the current usability issues of the IPL hair removal device. Secondly, generation Z was selected as the target group because of the current market trend. Thus, user research was conducted about understanding the generation Z personal care characteristics. Contextmapping method was used here for deeper understanding of the users. Next, research was done about finding out how to match the current IPL device insights with the characteristics of the generation Z, and how the Philips IPL device can fit into the generation Z personal care routine. In the end, a design goal was discovered based on the research. Afterwards, co-creation and ideation were conducted for discovering ideas for the design. Moreover, an exploration on shapes was conducted as well. In the end, a new shape and a new design were created for the generation Z users. In the end, usability tests have been conducted with real generation Z participants in order to validate the design goal.