Case Study of Whirlpool Essay Example
Case Study of Whirlpool Essay Example

Case Study of Whirlpool Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (494 words)
  • Published: April 18, 2017
  • Type: Case Study
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Question No. 1 Answer: Structured Problems

A problem which can be broken down into a series of well-defined steps. Un-structured Problems. A problem that requires the use of intuition, reasoning, and memory. A product design is balance of Art and Science. The first thing in any new product design is to explore basic form (what it looks like). This is not a scientifically structured phase, rather it relies on one's having a "good eye" for aesthetic.

Once that's finished, then the structured phase begins: defining geometry, understanding the interfaces, applying appropriate materials, etc. Ultimately product development is a back and forth iteration with both structured and unstructured phases. However, in case of Chuck’s realization this problem looks like an un-structured problem because Chuck had never gone through this kind of experience. He has no past no past record for the impact of design change on p

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ay-off. He has the fears and threats regarding new design.

Question No. 2 Answer: Chuck’s first step was to surveys other “Design centric” Companies like Nike, BMW, Nokia

Focus on Customers preferences. Do not focus on Bottem-line returns. Puts Design prototypes in front of customer focus groups. Get detailed measurements of their preferences about Aesthetics, Craftsmanship, technical performance, ergonomics and usability. Chart the results against competing products and the company’s own product. This approach gives the Decision makers a base-line of objective evidence from which to make investment decisions.

Evaluation Design investment decisions are now based on facts not opinion. The new decision making approach has transformed the company’s culture and led to bolder designs because the designers can now make a strong case for making those investments. By following this approach the company ca

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do innovation in their products.

Question No. 3 Answer: Chuck Jones was appointed as Chief designer

Whirlpool is an Electriv Appliance company and every house has some kind of appliances.

Because of the Whirlpool leaders' commitment to change, the company has made the shift from being a player in what's often described as a commodity industry to being a leading brand-focused consumer-products company. It leads in design and usability. It has embarked on a brand strategy, and has put the customer at the center of its product-development efforts. The design team incorporates industrial design, human factors/usability, anthropology, graphics, model-making, and user interface and interaction design.

There's a usability and anthropology group in every area in which Whirlpool does business. Designers leverage the contextual usage information developed in these groups before they start any ideation or concept development. First, start with a clear transformation strategy and enlist the help of transformation experts around you. Second, adapt your communication style and tools as your transformation plan unfolds. And finally, be relentless and resilient about driving the transformation you seek.

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