Design Continuum

Johnson Controls (JCI) approached Continuum to develop a new range of Control Units and Thermostats that would create a contemporary, positive, innovative Johnson Controls image, a global brand identity, and an intuitive and attractive user interface. In particular, JCI was seeking a partner whose concepts and ideas would push the limit of current industry standards and break through the pre-conceptions with its existing design.

Continuum began this project by seeking to understand the buying process for HVAC systems and the user requirements from around the globe. Our research team partnered with Johnson Controls to conduct in-depth immersion research in cities across Germany, Italy, the UK, and North America.

During the research process, it quickly became evident that there was a very diverse group of stakeholders whose needs had to be addressed: architects, technical consultants, HVAC installers, building managers and end users. Using the information and requirements from these different groups, Continuum drilled down and adopted four main principles to take the redesign forward: ease and intuitiveness of use, contemporary look, globally accepted design, and top performing electronics and mechanics.

Using these guidelines, Continuum worked with Johnson Controls to build aesthetic concept models that were then tested with users across the globe. The result was an extremely sleek, elegant design that performed better and was easier to install and use than past models or the competition.