Design Challenge:
Beyond haptic interfaces there are currently many design opportunities for new computer configurations based on existing hardware and software technology. With input device manufacturers merging sketching tablets with LCD display technology to create more natural sketching and writing systems, and with the development of gesture input systems and voice recognition software, current keyboard/mouse configurations would seem a backward choice for a new generation of human oriented computer systems.
Manufacturers of general purpose computer systems will need to innovate more on specific areas of computer use. However, computer manufacturers will nee to balance this with mass market production needs, and therefore will need to develop computers with new input technology for a larger target market.
The design challenge here was to develop a mass market desktop computer which is not driven by a keyboard or mouse, but works using pen/touch screen input and voice recognition.
Design Solution:
This product is an all-in-one multi-purpose desktop computer used for a variety of creative and general purpose tasks such as internet surfing, general homework, graphic design, digital artwork and office administration.
Without the need for a keyboard or mouse, this leaves a free footprint for a user oriented product with more space for the working surface. The product here has managed this by carving an angled surface into the computer base leaving room for a pen and CD/DVD unit which neatly merges as part of the product. The screen is deliberatly large to reflect likely prices of LCD and touch screen technology in the very near future.
The main housing is protected with a thick transparant casing through which can be seen the titanium curves which make up the housing design. These titanium curves flow into the working surface, contrasting beautifully with the illuminated display.
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