Heatworks Model 3

The Heatworks Model 3 is an energy efficient tank-less water heater. Using graphite electrodes and electronic controls, we pass controlled electric currents through the water. This transfer of electrical energy into the water increases the thermal energy, creating heat.

Heatworks approached frog to build a company strategy, brand, and industrial design for their next generation water heater.

Designed at frog in 2018 with: Jon Grossman, Ryan Wickre, Inbal Etgar, Ara Acle

Winner of the 2018 Red Dot Design Award

A new perspective on water heating

Our driving design principle was around the innovation of the technology inside. From the branding to the industrial design, our concept was all about “new perspectives”.

Under the Hood

There are some controls and settings we only wanted users to use once, such as some cable attachments and voltage controls. We decided to lock these under a frame in the final step of installation, preventing potential dangerous changes from happening while the device is running.

We also made this part red, first to match our brand identity, but also to alert users to the danger of this step.

Refined labeling, hidden once installed.

This product category is defined by regulatory overload - tons of stickers and information that must be included on every level. Improving the product meant developing a labeling system that can evolve for different markets and sales channels. The final design included detailing out an approach to breaking out information in clear and easily update-able pieces.

We also recognized that most of this was totally unnecessary after installation. By hiding it all on the rear surface, this information isn’t announcing itself when it is not needed.