What goes into the creation of such an innovative product? We had the opportunity to talk with LG engineer and designer who have been involved in the development of the Round Cassette from its inception to its release on the market. Let’s hear what they had to say about the development process and some important factors that allowed them to make the innovative LG Round Cassette a reality.
Q
What elements of the Round Cassette development do you feel were most important?
A
We focused on creating a design that is harmonious with space as well as the comfort users would experience. Of course, we also took the convenience of installation into account.
Q
The LG Round Cassette has some unique features including TRUE 360°Airflow. What kinds of technologies were used to implement it?
A
We optimized the curve of the air outlet for perfectly circular airflow. We designed the cassette so that the airflow is directed horizontally when the Crystal Vane is hidden inside the unit and, when the Crystal Vane extends lower out of the unit, the airflow goes downward.
The Crystal Vane helps direct more precisely for more comfort
Q
Surely the Crystal Vane is not made of crystal. Then, what is the Crystal Vane?
A
The Crystal Vane directs airflow up and down according to what the user wants. The vane itself is a curved transparent piece that goes around the unit. We call it ‘Crystal Vane’ because the vane shines like crystal when it reflects light.
Q
What was the inspiration for one way piping? And, how did you make one-way piping possible?
A
Most air conditioners have the refrigerant piping on the left and the condensate drain on the right.
To install a unit, installers must climb up a ladder twice, and we definitely felt the need to fix this problem. So, we first needed to secure some extra space for one way piping. We pulled this off by using spaces around the unit more effectively.
One-way piping is not only more convenient for installers but it’s also safer
Q
What is the biggest advantage of the Round Cassette?
A
Performance, quality and design are really what set the Round Cassette apart. In other words, it’s ‘well-rounded’.
Q
Tell us about the concept behind the Round Cassette design.
A
The concept of the Round Cassette design was comfort and harmony. Unlike typical home air conditioners, the Round Cassette defies gravity and is installed in the ceiling. So, some complicated changes, such as distortion, could have been necessary, but we went to great lengths to prevent this.
The Round Cassette design was centered around comfort and harmony
Q
From an aesthetic perspective, why is the cassette circular?
A
In mathematics, the circle is the perfect shape. A circle has no angles or corners and is aesthetically pleasing. This is why we considered implementing a circular form.
Q
What was the most important aspect of the Round Cassette design process?
A
For most B2C products, the answer would likely be ‘customers’. But I think it is most important to simultaneously consider ‘customers’ and ‘environments’. When it comes to customers, you must consider not only construction firms, installers but also end-users. As for environments, you must consider how the product exists in a space and how it complements the environment and atmosphere.
Q
What element of the Round Cassette design do you appreciate the most?
A
Cassette designers are always trying to visualize airflow. This is a very difficult task and not easy to accomplish. But, I felt that we had to visualize the airflow to maximize the satisfaction of getting cool air.
Q
What type of customers appreciates the Round Cassette the most?
A
Customer who install the product in any commercial space where the ceiling is particularly high. LG Round Cassette will stand out as an iconic feature in those spaces.
The Round Cassette is ideal for open commercial spaces with high ceilings
Q
What value and meaning does the Round Cassette have for customers?
A
When it comes to our product, I hope we developed a product with value that customers can recognize. I also really hope this product is one that people can be proud to say, ‘I installed that.’
The LG Round Cassette journey from concept to installation was an adventurous commitment and learning experience for LG engineers. Not only are they proud of the results, but they hope each installer is proud to install the product and each customer is proud to have it installed. We would like to thank our guests for giving us this opportunity and sharing the development process of the LG Round Cassette.
