I worked on R&D efforts for multiple product concepts based around emerging low-cost WiFi hardware that paved the path to the creation of the Amazon Dash Replenishment service. This service allows both Alexa and supporting devices to re-order consumables ranging from toothbrush heads to batteries. Our team developed the two initial product concepts that Amazon used to prove out this service. These included the Dash Wand for re-ordering groceries by voice or by scanning the bar-code on an empty box, and the Dash Button, which let customers order supplies with a single button press. While these bootstrap products have been discontinued, Amazon’s Dash Replenishment service is now integrated with Alexa and is used by more than 120 different products and devices.
Dash Button
The Dash Button provided one-press ordering for frequently purchased items. Each button was configured for a specific product, making reordering as simple as pressing a button placed on your washing machine or near your coffee maker.
Dash Replenishment Service
The Dash Button concept acted as a test vehicle for Amazon’s Dash Replenishment service, now integrated with Alexa and used by over 120 products and devices to automatically or easily reorder consumables.
Dash Wand
The Dash Wand combined voice ordering with barcode scanning, allowing customers to reorder groceries by scanning empty packages or using voice commands. Our team iterated through multiple product concepts and prototypes to get the Dash Wand on the product road map. The idea of a single-use WiFi appliance planted the seed that grew into the Dash Replenishment service.
