iFlow

Johannes Berkhout

 

 

In a technology driven era where everything is going digital, why not your faucets… Current faucets are mostly technologically restricted so it was high time for a fully digital tap that will be easy to use by all people young, old and even people with disabilities. The design process started by looking at water and technology, the forms and feelings that are associated with the two were used to derive its shape and function. The shape of the iFlow is a wave like feature that runs from subtle organic lines into a geometric rectangular shape. This symbolizes the fusion of the fluidity of water and the rigid nature of technology. The iFlow has incorporated the very popular touch screen technology to increase peoples understanding of how to interact with it. The touch screen controls basic functions like flow and temperature and represents this as colored flowing graphical rendering. But, with the addition of various sensors and controllers, the screen is an interface that has the potential to do so much more. An electronic control unit that has Wi-Fi capabilities controls all of these functions. The iFlow utilizes induction heating to warm the water; this technology is energy efficient because the water is heated at the source when it is required so you remove the need for heating water all day in a conventional geyser. More benefits of the induction heating are that you don’t have the residual water wastage from running water until the water is at the right temperature. It also greatly reduces the cost of plumbing because you only need one water supply to the tap assembly. The components in this tap are also relatively inexpensive making the tap a viable solution for flow control in the modern bathroom especially in homes that have incorporated “smart home” technology. Looking at the combination of form and function and the fusion of fluid and rigid, the iFlow is truly innovative product that will change the perception people have of their water use experience.