A Legacy of Innovation in Water Purification
]In 1990 Tami4 (Tana Water) was an established company known for its point-of-use (POU) dispensers catering to B2b and institutional clients such as banks and hospitals. In the early 2000 the company decided to research the an opportunity to penetrate the domestic market leading to the creation of the family bar, a revolutionary domestic water dispenser that redefined Tami 4’s(Tana Water) market position – making it a leader in domestic water solutions and leading to its acquisition in 2008 by Strauss Water, a subsidiary of the Strauss Group, and a global leader in water purification and filtration systems.
Blueprints and Breakthroughs
From 2000 to 2008, Nekuda was essential in shaping Tami4’s evolution. Nekuda led product definition, technology miniaturization, full development process, DFM and NPI. Collaborating with NewDealDesign, a renowned design firm from San Francisco, we created a product that had both cutting-edge aesthetics and user-centric features. This flagship project, the Tami 4 Family Water Dispenser, became the most advanced, compact water dispensing solution of its time, incorporating a patented filtration system that fit seamlessly into any kitchen.
The Spark Behind the Revolution
The Tami 4 was designed to disrupt the domestic water dispensing market by offering a compact, technologically advanced solution that prioritized user experience. This aligned with Tami4’s philosophy of “customers for life”, focusing on fostering long-term engagement and satisfaction for each client.
Big Challenges, Small Spaces
A key challenge was designing a compact product without compromising on sophisticated technology. The team had to miniaturize the internal components to fit comfortably on kitchen countertops while ensuring reliability and serviceability. Additionally, creating a maintenance-friendly design that allowed users to replace filtration and disinfection components (filter and UV) themselves was crucial for aligning with the strategy of reducing service dependency.
The Secret Formula of the Tami 4
The Tami 4 family(T6) set itself apart with a combination of groundbreaking innovation and strategic design that redefined the domestic water dispenser market. Its user-centric maintenance system, featuring an easily switchable filter, empowered consumers to handle routine tasks independently, eliminating the need for technician visits and enhancing user convenience. This self-service feature, coupled with customizable settings for water temperature and serving size, provided a level of personalization that was unmatched in the industry. By seamlessly merging advanced technology with compact, kitchen-friendly design, the Tami 4 family(T6) offered a product that was both functional and visually appealing. This blend of innovation and user empowerment positioned it as a game-changing appliance in a competitive market.
Design with a Purpose
The Tami 4 family(T6) design was sleek, compact, and adaptable to various kitchen styles, merging elegance with practicality. Engineering efforts ensured that the mechanical components could withstand thousands of interactions, guaranteeing long-term reliability. The internal structure was built to allow simple part replacements, enhancing both user and technician experience.
The Long Game for Loyalty
The easily replaceable filter system not only supported the “customers for life” model but also minimized the need for technical assistance, ensuring a low cost of ownership while driving revenue through filter sales – creating a consistent revenue stream. This approach encouraged customers to stay engaged, supporting long-term loyalty and fostering repeat business.
Video courtesy of Strauss water LTD
The primo
in 2007, we started designing and engineering the new Tami 4 Primo, taking it upmarket with quality design, even better user expertise, and improved serviceability. It was a big success, which led to Tami 4 getting bought by Strauss Water.
More Than Just Water
The Tami 4 family(T6) transformed the water dispenser market with its blend of innovative engineering, thoughtful design, and strategic insight. Nekuda’s contributions were key to establishing Tami 4(Tana Water) as a leader, proving that with the right mix of design and strategy, even everyday appliances can lead to industry transformation.
