01. The Task.
Waschraum, Northern Germany’s largest laundry service, formerly under the Eco-Express brand, commissioned us with a complete relaunch of its activities. Starting with a new branding through to a completely functional application environment that enables customers to make mobile payments.
After the first meetings, we saw that equipping around 20 laundromats would require a huge investment, both in terms of designing the user journey and developing the technical hardware. We therefore advised our client to take a step-by-step approach and rely on customer feedback at every stage of the project.
02. The Prototype.
As a first step a lean technical setup allowed us to control a number of specially branded washing machines from representative salons via a mobile web application. Our “must-haves” were a common code base for the teams to work from and a cost-effective server solution that would be scalable if successful.
Finally, we have opted for customer involvement and full transparency during all process steps. Supported by special offers, which were communicated via posters and notices, we motivated laundry customers to use the new payment method and give their feedback and suggestions via various channels.
03. The Branding.
A smaller aspect in terms of budget, but no less important, was the relaunch of the Waschraum branding, including the search for a new name for the company. Our client, which used to be part of a larger group of companies, wanted to split up and relaunch as an individual company in the future.
The new name refers to a common laundry room, which was once common in a larger house. We designed a new lettering using simple letter shapes and adapted the color palette to create a fresh and modern new look based on the previous colors. With a wink, the foot of the R slips out of its old corset.
04. The Backend.
A backend functionality allows our client to manage Waschraum customer accounts, complemented by an automated invoicing system. Various specific contact forms had to be designed that automatically receive information about location and types of machines used, allowing to troubleshoot more effectively.
The overall goal was to improve his workflows, minimize paperwork and automate the laundry’s reimbursement processes with a lower error rate. The contact forms use pre-filled information retrieved by scanning QR codes and come with the customer’s IBAN verification and much more.
Backend Accent Colors and Icons Set
Waschraum Backend Template — Tickets Page
05. The Acceptance.
Soon this became a success story. Customers embraced the idea of replacing coin-operated machines with a convenient mobile payment system far beyond our expectations. We were also happy to receive all kinds of feedback via social channels to improve the technical environment for our customer.
It became clear that it is not just about a simple payment process, but about building a completely new, long-term digital ecosystem that helps to simplify work processes, save energy and money. Methods for saving hot water overnight or during quiet hours based on user density are just one encouraging result.
3 Weeks
25%
2 Months
50%
5 Months
75%
1 Year
100%
Waschraum Scheduling (Hover or Tap the Circles)
06. The Application.
Together with our partners we are developing the fully functional application with database-supported customer accounts. The technology behind it is the programmatic approach of a highly functional component system (React). Device control, product stores and organization are flexible and scalable.
Our vision is open. Design and functionality are constantly being developed. Payment and language options are being expanded and the technical setup has been revised to ensure stable operation even in unstable internet conditions. Last but not least, security issues are also taken seriously.
Building a Digital Infrastructure.
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