Increasing therapeutic benefits
Other innovations have focused on health and therapy; thus the industry has seen growth in design elements related to aromatherapy, mood lighting (photobiology), improved hydrotherapy options and soothing water features.
There are several aromatherapy solutions available on the market today. They are either liquid-based or use scent-infused air that is injected into the hot tub. Some LED lighting systems feature zoned controls that allow the consumer to turn on just the light system or zone they want (e.g. underwater only or bartop only). These new lighting systems promote tranquility through photobiology and use certain colours (e.g. blue) to promote relaxation, while also adding ambiance.
Improved hydrotherapy is seen in the vast array of jet styles and sizes available on the market today. Designers can choose from normal directional and rotator jets to specialty designs and custom seat compositions to perform specific massage tasks (e.g. deep tissue or acupressure).
Design should focus on the end user
Hot tub design should always be innovation-based and focused on health, hydrotherapy and quality. Practicing a ‘user-centred’ design approach, while offering a balanced mix of functional features, will allow users to customize their hot tub and enjoy the ease of ownership through quality design.
User-centred design is critical when considering any product with which the end user will have direct interaction. Everything from controls and seat comfort to ease of ingress and egress must be considered. Even maintenance items must be easy to obtain and understand. Understanding the goal of each design and the intended user group is critical in bringing a successful design to the market.
Vic Walker is a senior industrial designer at Dimension One Spas, a hot tub manufacturer in Vista, Calif. He has almost 20 years experience as an industrial designer and more than 10 years experience in the pool and hot tub industry, in which he has been awarded more than 15 patents for his contributions.
