Our cars and homes are increasingly modernized through innovative technology, allowing us to create personalized settings to control site, sound and space. At the touch of a button, mirrors move and seat readjusts for maximum comfort and visibility within our cars. A single panel can control our entertainment system, temperature settings and lighting levels (among other things) within our homes. Although the bathroom has seen numerous creative and sculptural innovations recently including Axor Urquiola and Scoop, it remains antiquated in comparision with our other inhabitable spaces.

Ondus Collection. Manufactured by Grohe.

Grohe Ondus has attempted to change this. An icon-based user-interface that operates the bath, sink and shower, it is aiming to reduce the complexity of everyday life through preset personalized bathing functions. How do real people behave in the shower? In the initiation and development of Ondus, Grohe asked this question and subsequently delved into the subject . “Preset functions allow the user to personalize their bathing experience. These unique features have consciously been developed based on a true user-understanding of people and context of use.” According to the company, “The result is the easiest interface we have ever designed…” The Ondus AquaFountain, a celebrated component of the collection, exemplifies its functionality and design: a tall, slender shower equipped with a modern digital control. Initially, only a power switch and an analog clock face are visible, but once activated the panel reveals its range of illuminated icon controls. Intuitive function: the Ondus collection is made to be easy. One touch digital precision controls are complete with all necessary functions, including a pause button for unforseen distractions, which allows you to stop your shower and resume at the same temperature and pressure. Its sleek and streamlined design is enhanced by the lack of visible buttons and gadgets. The perforated showerhead aims to emulate the natural flow of water.

Digitecture is the latest addition to the Grohe Ondus Digital Faucet Collection: everything you need for the bathroom on a single, slim, wall-mounted panel including temperature control, touch pad operation, a sleek faucet and holders for soap and cups. Environmentally friendly, the Ondus Digitecture adjust the water to the perfect temperature to avoid wastefully running water. “Grohe Ondus exudes the very essence of water. This iconic collection was created following the Grohe Sensual Minimalism philosophy, which defines the fusion of simplicity with emotion. Inspired by nature, but not organic; flowing yet controlled; inviting interaction thus stimulating the sense.” Although it was introduced a couple of years ago, it was recently was awarded the Best Bathroom Product in the Grand Designs Awards 2009. Each component is surrounded by a chrome ring, which “celebrates the beginning of a rising interface.” The collection is available in MoonWhite, VelvetBlack and StarLight Chrome.