THE APPLE EFFECT IN HOME APPLIANCES: WHEN DESIGN MEETS DAILY LIVING

Philips, Panasonic, LG, and Electrolux are some of the first names that come to mind when people think of home appliances. For decades, these big companies have ruled kitchens, living rooms, and laundry rooms. Dyson, on the other hand, has completely changed the way we think about everyday machines in the last 15 years. Dyson is often called the "Apple of home appliances" because of its bold designs, cutting-edge technology, and high-end brand image.

Making the Ordinary New

Dyson didn't just invent the vacuum cleaner; it revolutionized it. In the early 1990s, James Dyson introduced the world's first bagless vacuum, solving a problem that was previously thought unsolvable. Since then, Dyson has consistently transformed ordinary household items into luxury status symbols. The Supersonic hair dryer, the bladeless Air Multiplier fan, and the futuristic Dyson Zone headphones with built-in air purifiers are all testaments to Dyson's disruptive approach. Dyson's success, like Apple's, comes from making everyday tasks into extraordinary experiences.

Why Dyson Is Better Than Older Giants

• Design-led Innovation: Panasonic and Philips often focus on making products that are useful and affordable. Dyson, on the other hand, bets on radical design, just like Apple's iPhone changed the way people thought about phones.

• Premium Pricing Strategy: Dyson set itself up as a high-end, desirable brand instead of competing on price, similar to how Apple does with "luxury tech."

• Like Apple Stores, Dyson stores are not just retail spaces; they are tech galleries. The focus is not on price tags, but on the stories behind the products. Dyson understands that it's not just about selling a product, it's about selling a better way of living.

• R&D Investment: Dyson's commitment to innovation is evident in its substantial investment in research and development. The company spends more than £2 billion a year on R&D, allowing it to stay ahead of competitors and continually push the boundaries of what's possible in the home appliances industry.

• Expanding across categories: Like Apple, Dyson is not limited to a single product category. In addition to its iconic vacuum cleaners, Dyson also produces a range of other home appliances, including hair care products and robots, demonstrating its versatility and commitment to innovation.

Competitors Were Left Behind

Samsung and LG have been at the top of the smart-home race with their connected fridges and AI-powered washing machines, but their appliances are often still seen as practical. Even though Electrolux and Bosch are known for their engineering, they don't get as much attention or buzz on social media. Dyson, on the other hand, has made gadgets into things people use every day.

The Dyson Airwrap didn't just go viral on TikTok because it's a hair tool. It represents luxury, innovation, and status, much like carrying the newest iPhone. Dyson's products are not just tools; they are symbols of a better, more sophisticated lifestyle.

What we can learn from Dyson: Becoming the Apple of Home Goods

1. Design as a way to stand out: Make beauty as crucial as usefulness.

2. Premium over price wars: Don't fight at the bottom; build desire at the top.

3. Tell stories about your products: Don't just sell a tool, sell a way to live better.

4. Community and culture: Make customers into fans who spread the word about the brand.

What Will Happen to Home Appliances in the Future

Dyson is already investing in AI-powered home robots and energy-efficient devices because sustainability and innovative technology are driving the industry. Apple made us rethink the phone, and now Dyson is making us rethink what a "home appliance" really is.

GETTING LEADERS READY TO THINK DIFFERENTLY

Our Business Administration program at Raffles Jakarta teaches students how to analyze industries, identify gaps, and develop innovative solutions, just like Dyson did to the old guard. The business leaders of the future won't just compete; they'll change whole industries.

Are you ready to join them?

References

Apple Inc. (2024). Apple reports record results. Apple Newsroom. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.apple.com/newsroom

Euromonitor International. (2024). Home appliances industry overview. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.euromonitor.com

Financial Times. (2024, November 12). Premium branding reshapes the home appliance market. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.ft.com

Forbes. (2023, December 7). How design thinking is revolutionizing everyday consumer products. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.forbes.com

Statista. (2025). Household appliances - statistics & facts. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.statista.com

The Economist. (2024, September 18). Why consumers are willing to pay more for design-led appliances. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.economist.com