DIY KYOTO
Associate became involved with DIY Kyoto in late 2005 and then worked as a brand consultant for them for two years. Working closely with the team, Associate help to develop the brand and deliver a communication strategy that would lead the brand to market. Associate still collaborates with DIY Kyoto from time to time and is delighted by their recent successes. In terms of changing behaviour, this is by far the best gadget of the decade.
DIY KYOTO was established in 2005 by three RCA graduates Greta Corke, Jon Sawdon-Smith and Richard Woods. They met post graduation at the V&A Brilliant exhibition in 2004. Here they struck up an immediate rapport and were soon hatching a plan for the creation of DIY KYOTO. Soon thereafter, they were selected for the NESTA pioneer programme and forged ahead with research and development.
They presented the Worldwide Launch of their inaugural product called Wattson at the Milan Salone del Mobile in 2006. These first limited editions Wattson’s went on to exhibit in the UK at 100% Light and Designersblock in 2006. The first ever manufactured Wattson previewed at the Milan Salone del Mobile 2007 and the manufactured version at 100%Design 2007.
What is Wattson?
Wattson is the inaugural product from DIY Kyoto, a brand that empowers people to take control over personal energy use and help improve quality of life. Wattson is a neatly designed and easy to use wireless device that can be placed anywhere in the home or office. When switched on, it shows how much energy the other electrical devices that surround it consume; this encourages you to make sensitive choices about how to use power. The graphic and colour sensitive Wattson display system shows power use in Currency, Watts and as a changing spectrum of colour. The accompanying software also allows you to join a wider community of Wattson users and likeminded people.
DIY Kyoto value intuition and empowerment, their products seek to blend these values with those of utility, elegance and efficiency. Their first product, Wattson, looks rather lovely, helps save money on bills and allows users the chance to really live a life of less is more.
