Arçelik Neo Washing Machine

End-to-End UX/UI Design for a Connected Appliance

Situation

Neo Washing Machine is a cutting-edge appliance that increases the washing experience with AI technology. Conventional washing machines usually have crowded sets of programs and extra functions which creates complexity. The Neo redefines the complex controls and crowded program groups with a highly functional and user-friendly interface. Its unique “Optimix” feature optimizes the washing process according to soil level, laundry load, textile type, and dosing detergent, ensuring that every garment is cleaned to perfection. With the accompanying HomeWhiz app, users can easily select a greater number of programs remotely.

Task

Aligning with the project management brief, I was responsible for the Mobile UX/UI design, aiming to simplify the laundry experience, enhance user convenience, and seamlessly integrate the HomeWhiz app into users’ daily lives. Designing a digital experience for a physical product required considering the complete washing journey across both touchpoints. The process began with preliminary research, benchmarking the physical designs and connected mobile UX flows of various brands. Following the benchmarking study, user interviews were conducted. Once the design prototype was completed, I crafted user scenarios, and a usability evaluation report was generated by test center based on quantitative online user testing (CAWI) and eye-tracking results.

Result

The new product’s designs, built into the existing HomeWhiz ecosystem, was well received by users: products showed higher customer preference over market equivalents based on test and research findings, and HomeWhiz app usage increased. The app’s rating on Google Play and the App Store rose from 2.1 in 2022 to 4.6 by the end of 2024, reflecting the improved clarity and ease of use across both the physical interface and the connected app experience.

Responsibilities

UX Research

Benchmarking

Wireframing

Design Development

Prototyping

Iteration & Expansion Based on Usability Evaluation

Duration

Up to 24 Months

Project Team

Mobile UX/UI Design

Ceren Çalışkan Türel

Product UX/UI Design

Nur Fındık Önal

Graphic Design

Mustafa Demirel

Product Design

Soner Ilgın

Neo Washing Machine — Winner of Two Design Awards

Project Gallery

Cohesive Design Solution

Designing a digital experience for a physical product required considering the complete washing journey across both touchpoints. I analysed existing washing machine interfaces, usage habits, and user needs to create a cohesive experience between the Neo washing machine and the HomeWhiz app.

The design focused on simplicity, accessibility, and ease of use across both interfaces. Based on user research, the five most frequently used programmes were prioritised on the physical interface, while the HomeWhiz app provided access to a wider range of programmes and additional functions. This approach reduced the complexity of the physical interface while giving users greater flexibility when needed.

Flexible Program Access on HomeWhiz

User research showed that washing programs are not used with equal frequency. Based on these findings, the five most frequently used programs were prioritized on the physical machine, making everyday selections faster and easier. For users who need more flexibility, the HomeWhiz app provides access to a wider range of programs and additional functions — keeping the physical interface simple and focused, while giving users greater choice through the app without adding unnecessary complexity to the machine.

A Playful & Connected Experience

The HomeWhiz app extends the physical product experience by maintaining the same logic and interaction principles, allowing users to remotely manage and monitor the washing process.

I designed custom-designed icons, micro-interactions, and playful visual elements to support clear communication and strengthen the connection between the physical product and its digital counterpart.

Dr. Ceren Çalışkan Türel