MIDEA SOLSTICE
Between PM & Product Design
Shaping an HVAC product to meet market-specific needs through user-centered innovation and industrial design.
My contributions:
Market Research
ID Coordination
Interface Design
Management
Tech Specs
Industry
Home Appliances / HVAC
Date
2024-2025
Target Market
Residential end users & professional installers.
Growth Stage
Mature-stage multinational
A global Brand Meets Local Insight
Solstice was developed as part of a strategic initiative by Midea, one of the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers, to expand its HVAC portfolio in Europe. While Midea operates on a global scale, with production powerhouses and R&D centers worldwide, the challenge here was different: to design a solution specifically for the French residential market.
This project wasn’t about scaling an existing product. It was about starting fresh, adapting to regional constraints, regulatory standards, aesthetic preferences, and the workflows of local HVAC professionals.
From insight to industrialization
Solstice needed to be more than just technically solid. It had to be intuitive to install, effortless to maintain, and blend seamlessly into French homes.
We started with an in-depth market and competitor analysis, focusing on the behavior of French users and HVAC installers. This phase uncovered key insights that informed decisions on:
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Product form factor and proportions
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Interface clarity and usability
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Access to key components for easier installation and maintenance
A major part of our focus was on making life easier for HVAC installers. This meant:
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Reducing the number of required tools
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Improving service access points
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Streamlining maintenance workflows
In the final stages, I worked with engineering teams to validate the product, support certification, and prepare for distribution. Solstice was certified for the French market and launched with a clear message: innovation with local insight.
Solstice successfully bridged Midea’s global innovation capabilities with the specific needs of the French market. The result was a user-friendly, installer-focused, and regulation-compliant HVAC product—delivering comfort, efficiency, and ease of use.