Superstylin'
I strongly believe design is much more than styling and on most projects I try to have a good dose of research to lead on the right direction.
Still, some times, depending on the schedule, budget or special circumstances, it is necessary to quickly explore design solutions, and styling certainly helps.
In this section you will find some examples of solutions with an interesting twist.
Please take a look!
High End Multimedia Monitor:
Challenge: The client was a mayor monitor manufacturer whose sales were decreasing due to the desktop category loosing market share against All in One solutions and portable computers.
Seeking to create a value proposition, the client requested the design of a high end multimedia monitor that could fit ANY MP3 player on the market, avoiding proprietary connectors and license costs.
Approach: This monitor design tries to create a new experience for young users that seek versatility, value and style in their everyday environment.
The product can work in two modes. The first is to operate as a speaker only, working with the screen and computer turned off. In this mode it uses less energy, reducing the environmental impact. The second option is to work as a monitor, connected to a computer or other devices trough VGA and/or HDMI connectors on the back.
The flexibility it provides to connect any audio device, allows the manufacturer to save royalty and licenses costs. This reflects in an advantage for the end user both in flexibility and lower market price.
A strong focus was put on the style, creating a different perception about technology products and a better integration with furniture and interior design.
The fabric that covers the body has several functions. On the front, it creates a pocket to keep cables out of sight and hold the MP3 player (or other devices) in place. In the back of the product, it creates a cover and protection for all the cables and connectors, working as cable management and improving both safety and appearance. The disk on the base works as volume control.
Lastly, the fabric cover reduces the amount paint used (and the resulting pollution); and facilitates disassembly and recyclability.
This second concept uses a furniture approach, providing a shelf on the base of the monitor with a retractable cable to connect the MP3 player and a magnetic detachable remote control.
Since the product, most probably, would not be working on the point of purchase, it was considered as a key factor to communicate the audio quality in a visual way.
The use of bamboo proposes a good alternative for a low environmental impact and wood is usually associated with good audio quality products.
The speakers and subwoofer are located on the base to keep the monitor looking thin and the design of the back panel resembles the one of HiFi consoles.
All in One Computer: The hinge on the back is not on the typical horizontal position. The inclined hinge distributes the forces in a different way and doesn't need to be so strong, helping to reduce the material costs and shipping weight.
On the top area, the product features silicon bristles that hide the ventilation openings and can help to keep notes and pictures in place.
All in One Computer: This proposal was focused on trying to achieve a very slim profile. The frame-less screen and fabric speaker grille help to give it a very distinctive look.
All in One Computer: Proposal for a perpendicular placement architecture. This solution helps reduce the panel thickness and improves the thermal performance. The optical disc drive (ODD) pas placed on the center and facing to the user.
All in One Computer: With the hinge located on the center bottom, all the back panel can be removed as a single part in one easy step. This helps the end user access to the components in case of adding more memory or changing the Hard Drive.
Home Server: Several approached for a fan-less home server. The goal was to reduce the noise and power consumption for the European market.
These stylish solutions aimed to place the product on the living-room, integrating to the rest of the audio/video systems and changing the way people think about the typical servers.
Still, some times, depending on the schedule, budget or special circumstances, it is necessary to quickly explore design solutions, and styling certainly helps.
In this section you will find some examples of solutions with an interesting twist.
Please take a look!
High End Multimedia Monitor:
Challenge: The client was a mayor monitor manufacturer whose sales were decreasing due to the desktop category loosing market share against All in One solutions and portable computers.
Seeking to create a value proposition, the client requested the design of a high end multimedia monitor that could fit ANY MP3 player on the market, avoiding proprietary connectors and license costs.
Approach: This monitor design tries to create a new experience for young users that seek versatility, value and style in their everyday environment.
The product can work in two modes. The first is to operate as a speaker only, working with the screen and computer turned off. In this mode it uses less energy, reducing the environmental impact. The second option is to work as a monitor, connected to a computer or other devices trough VGA and/or HDMI connectors on the back.
The flexibility it provides to connect any audio device, allows the manufacturer to save royalty and licenses costs. This reflects in an advantage for the end user both in flexibility and lower market price.
A strong focus was put on the style, creating a different perception about technology products and a better integration with furniture and interior design.
The fabric that covers the body has several functions. On the front, it creates a pocket to keep cables out of sight and hold the MP3 player (or other devices) in place. In the back of the product, it creates a cover and protection for all the cables and connectors, working as cable management and improving both safety and appearance. The disk on the base works as volume control.
Lastly, the fabric cover reduces the amount paint used (and the resulting pollution); and facilitates disassembly and recyclability.
This second concept uses a furniture approach, providing a shelf on the base of the monitor with a retractable cable to connect the MP3 player and a magnetic detachable remote control.
Since the product, most probably, would not be working on the point of purchase, it was considered as a key factor to communicate the audio quality in a visual way.
The use of bamboo proposes a good alternative for a low environmental impact and wood is usually associated with good audio quality products.
The speakers and subwoofer are located on the base to keep the monitor looking thin and the design of the back panel resembles the one of HiFi consoles.
All in One Computer: The hinge on the back is not on the typical horizontal position. The inclined hinge distributes the forces in a different way and doesn't need to be so strong, helping to reduce the material costs and shipping weight.
On the top area, the product features silicon bristles that hide the ventilation openings and can help to keep notes and pictures in place.
All in One Computer: This proposal was focused on trying to achieve a very slim profile. The frame-less screen and fabric speaker grille help to give it a very distinctive look.
All in One Computer: Proposal for a perpendicular placement architecture. This solution helps reduce the panel thickness and improves the thermal performance. The optical disc drive (ODD) pas placed on the center and facing to the user.
All in One Computer: With the hinge located on the center bottom, all the back panel can be removed as a single part in one easy step. This helps the end user access to the components in case of adding more memory or changing the Hard Drive.
Home Server: Several approached for a fan-less home server. The goal was to reduce the noise and power consumption for the European market.
These stylish solutions aimed to place the product on the living-room, integrating to the rest of the audio/video systems and changing the way people think about the typical servers.