Interview about YD 32 Ultrasonic Humidifier, winner of the A' Home Appliances Design Award 2020
Ultrasonic technology vaporize the water and the essential oils in order to create a mist in the air. RGB led light create a color therapy while the oil parfume is an aroma therapy. The shape is organic and related to the main purpose to connect people to nature and relax. Blossom shape reminds you that this therapy makes you born again each time with new energy.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe dual-therapy concept emerged from the desire to create a multi-sensory wellness object rather than a simple appliance. During early research, we observed that users often associate humidity, fragrance, and ambient light with moments of relaxation. Integrating ultrasonic nebulization with color therapy allowed us to synchronize two complementary stimuli—hydration and mood enhancement—into a single, coherent experience. The idea grew naturally from exploring how technology could support emotional well-being through both visual and olfactory cues.
The blossom shape was inspired by the calming symbolism of a flower opening. We wanted the object to visually represent the release of fragrance and vapor—like petals revealing their scent. This botanical reference introduces softness, serenity, and a sense of nature indoors. The shape enhances the therapeutic experience by creating a direct emotional link to organic growth and renewal, reinforcing the diffuser’s purpose of restoring balance to the environment.
Working with Federico Gonzales Bosque brought a complementary design perspective centered on emotional usability. His experience with expressive lighting helped refine the RGB system so that illumination interacts harmoniously with the vapor flow. Together, we explored how light could subtly amplify the aromatherapy experience—never overpowering it. Federico contributed significantly to calibrating the diffusion chamber, ensuring that the essential oils disperse consistently while the light remains soft, seamless, and fluid. Federico is my business partner since 2008.
Our design philosophy focused on reducing cognitive effort for the user. We wanted the object to be self-explanatory, with a minimal interface that would not interrupt the visual purity of the form. This led to integrating discreet touch controls and using light feedback to communicate modes and status. Every interaction had to feel natural and effortless, so we removed unnecessary mechanical elements and ensured that ergonomics and aesthetics evolved in parallel.
We analyzed typical user habits and found that a 200 ml reservoir offered the ideal autonomy for daily relaxation rituals without making the unit bulky. Extensive prototyping allowed us to refine the ultrasonic module to deliver a consistent 30–40 ml/h output—enough to noticeably improve humidity in a personal space while staying energy-efficient. This balance was essential to keep the design compact, elegant, and suitable for desks, nightstands, and small rooms.
Italian homes and contemporary European interiors often prioritize minimalistic, well-organized spaces. During the design phase, we focused on creating an object with a small footprint that could integrate naturally into living rooms, offices, or bedrooms without dominating the environment. The dimensions (13 × 22.5 cm) were chosen to ensure visibility without imposing presence—an object that complements its surroundings. The vertical development of the form also optimizes vapor diffusion while keeping the base compact.
The main challenge was achieving a consistent vapor flow while maintaining silent operation. Ultrasonic systems can sometimes produce irregular mist or noise from resonance. We addressed this by redesigning the internal chamber geometry, adjusting the airflow paths, and selecting materials that reduce vibration. Another challenge was preventing essential oil residues from affecting the ultrasonic plate, which required careful separation of the aroma compartment. Solving these problems shaped the final clean, reliable performance of the diffuser.
The YD 32 is rooted in the idea that wellness devices should be emotionally expressive yet technologically unobtrusive. We foresee future products adopting this same balance—fluid forms, multi-sensory interaction, and discreet smart functionality. The objective is to shift from “gadgets” to “companions for well-being,” where technology is fully integrated into design semantics, making home therapy devices feel more natural, intuitive, and connected to personal rituals.
Integrating essential oils required careful engineering to protect the ultrasonic plate and ensure stable mist output. We designed a dedicated aroma compartment that allows the fragrance to diffuse through the air channel without directly contacting functional components. The airflow and vapor stream were calibrated to carry the aroma efficiently, providing a uniform olfactory experience. The system maintains purity of vapor production while enriching it with scent in a controlled, balanced manner.
Sustainability guided several decisions. The device operates at very low power thanks to ultrasonic technology, which consumes significantly less energy than traditional steam-based humidifiers. Its LED lighting is efficient and long-lasting. The compact volume reduces material usage, and the internal components are designed for long-term durability with minimal maintenance. We selected recyclable plastics and designed the product to be easy to disassemble for responsible end-of-life handling.
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