Laundromat Self-Service UX

A laundromat 2 blocks from campus recently replaced its coin-operated machines with app-connected washers and dryers that you start from your phone. That upgrade eliminated the need to carry quarters while creating a new dependency on WiFi connectivity and battery life that the old system never required. From the app you can see which machines are available, select wash settings remotely, and get a push notification when your cycle is done. Leaving and coming back rather than sitting and watching your clothes spin is now the default. Front-loading commercial units replaced the old top-loaders, using less water and detergent, and the wash quality is noticeably better. Cost runs about $3.50 per wash and $2.50 per dry cycle, paid through the app with a stored credit card. I do laundry there about once a week and the app notification has saved me from leaving my clothes in the dryer overnight more than once. Used to happen regularly when I had to guess how long the cycle would take.