‘We continuously iterate… building prototypes, testing, and refining the design until we get it right: Dyson’s Josh Mutlow | Technology News

Dyson is known for its emphasis on user experience. How do you ensure that your floorcare products are not only efficient but also user-friendly?

When it comes to our products, the journey is extensive. It can take us months, or even years, to develop a product from an idea to the point where we believe it’s ready for market launch. During this time, we design, prototype, and test the product. Occasionally, we invite individuals from other departments to trial the products and provide feedback. Through this process, we often discover mistakes or areas for improvement. When things don’t go as planned, we return to the drawing board, consider the feedback, make design changes, and test again. We continuously iterate — building prototypes, testing them, and refining the design until we believe we have got it right.

With the rise of smart home technology, how is Dyson integrating connectivity and automation features into its floorcare products to enhance convenience and performance for users?

At the moment, our floorcare products do not have connectivity. However, within our environmental care category, we have integrated this feature, especially in our purification technology. This connected technology allows users not only to interact with their purifier – setting schedules, turning it on, and viewing real-time air-quality data – but also helps us gather data from the device. This data provides insights into the air quality in your home over time. In essence, we already offer connected products. While I cannot specify what the future holds regarding connected products, we do have a connected purifier in our lineup.

With increasing awareness of sustainability, how does Dyson approach eco-friendliness in its air purifier products, including recycling options for filters and reducing overall environmental impact in India?

There are two aspects to consider. Over the past one to two years, we have started using a byproduct from the food industry in the 3D printed parts employed during our development cycle. This initiative aims to minimise our environmental impact during product development. We are on a path to expand this practice across our broader product range. Our philosophy centers on designing durable, high-performance, and top-quality products that last long. To ensure this, we subject our products to rigorous mechanical tests.We recognise that certain components of our machines, like filters, might need replacement over time. For instance, after several years, a filter might require changing. To address this, we maintain a stock of spares and accessories for 7 to 10 years, underscoring our commitment to product longevity and robustness.

The author is at Dyson Campus at Malmesbury, UK.