Creating a distinctive product in a mature category is never easy. The market for room thermostats is crowded with products that often look and feel alike, making differentiation a significant design challenge. Together with the GF Building Flow Solutions/ Uponor in-house design team, Seos Design set out to create a new generation of Smatrix thermostats that would strengthen Uponor’s design DNA while delivering a clear and intuitive user experience.
The project began with competitive benchmarking, trend analysis and concept development aimed at identifying opportunities to stand out in the market. At the same time, the collaboration supported the further development of Uponor’s design guidelines, helping to establish a stronger visual and functional foundation for future products.
The design process focused on balancing aesthetics, usability and cost-efficiency. The goal was to create a thermostat that feels unmistakably Uponor while remaining easy to use, durable and commercially viable. Working within strict cost targets required careful consideration of every design decision without compromising the overall user experience.
The project is an excellent example of successful teamwork between Seos Design and GF Building Flow Solutions/ Uponor’s in-house design team. Through a shared vision and a consistent approach to design development, the collaboration produced a product that strengthens brand recognition while offering a premium user experience in everyday use.
The quality of the design was recognized internationally when the Uponor Smatrix Thermostats T-247 and T-267 received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2026. The award represents the second Red Dot recognition achieved through the collaboration between Seos Design and Uponor, demonstrating the long-term value of a shared commitment to design excellence.
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