
Miyagi Aesthetics
IoT-Powered Smart Wax Heater
The 'warmer' project presents a smart wax warmer designed to revolutionize salon efficiency, featuring advanced temperature control and a sleek, modern design.
The Challenge
In the fast-paced world of salon services, time is of the essence. Aestheticians often found themselves waiting excessively for wax to reach the appropriate temperature once they arrived on site, leading to inefficiencies and client dissatisfaction. The need was clear for a smarter, faster solution that could seamlessly integrate into the salon environment and transform the warming process into a streamlined experience.
The Insight
To address this challenge, the team embarked on a journey of insight and exploration. The key was to create a device that not only efficiently warms wax but also provides precise control over its temperature. This led to the integration of advanced load cells to measure the wax quantity, paired with a smart thermostat capable of reading and controlling the current temperature. The solution needed to be intuitive, enabling aestheticians to focus more on their craft and less on waiting.
Sketching & Ideation
The design team envisioned a product that married functionality with a modern aesthetic. The initial concepts revolved around a clamshell fixture constructed from sheet metal, offering durability and a sleek appearance. Multiple design versions were explored, each iteration honing in on creating an intuitive user interface, both through a touchscreen display and a complementary mobile app. These early sketches laid the groundwork for a product that was both beautiful and highly efficient.

Development
In the development phase, attention to detail was paramount. The team leveraged detailed CAD renderings to meticulously design and assemble the warmer's components. Transparent panels and highlighted welding lines guided the assembly process, ensuring precision and clarity. Special attention was given to the unique shape and size of the cleats and brackets, which were crucial for the warmer's structural integrity and functionality.



Refinement
With the technical foundations in place, the team turned their focus to refinement. Material selection was critical, opting for a brushed aluminum that not only exuded a modern aesthetic but also offered practical benefits in terms of durability, cleanability and heat retention. A minimalist clamshell assembly reduced part count complexity, and allowed for passive heat egress. The digital interface was carefully crafted to ensure user-friendly interaction, allowing for effortless temperature adjustments via the touchscreen and app. This stage was about polishing every detail to align with the overarching vision of efficiency and elegance.


The Solution
The culmination of this meticulous process was a sleek, modern wax warmer that transcended its functional requirements. The final prototype embodied a harmonious balance between technology and design, featuring a digital interface that provided aestheticians with precise control over the wax temperature. With its sophisticated appearance and intelligent features, the warmer not only solved the initial problem but also elevated the salon experience for both professionals and clients.









