Problem: Recording slideshow presentation is cumbersome.
The inspiration for Pico came from my personal experience of recording class lectures. It was very uncomfortable to record hour long lectures with my hand.
Then I had the idea of building in the camera into the projector to automate the recording process.
I saw a the opportunity to design a hybrid device that can project as well as record images
User Survery
I conducted a survey to professors who give lectures regularly using projectors.
Trend Analysis
With Web 2.0, people increasingly create, share, and consume their own presentation content.
Industry Analysis
Miniaturization is shrinking the size of projector and camera modules.
Insights from Discovery
Concept : Projector + Camera
Mind Mapping
I mapped out everything I wanted to achieve with this new product to guide my design process.
Iconic Graphics
The projector lens next to the camera lens started to look like eyes. So I decided to add a microphone in between them to create a face. The result was an iconic graphic identity that visually communicates the unique functionality of this hybrid device.
Form Exploration
I mainly explored vertical and horizontal arrangement as well as different form factors that would be ideal for this device. I decided to go with the horizontal arrangement because it allows a wide aspect touch screen on the back.
The final design is a horizontal box similar to digital cameras with a pair of feet that flip out of the body. They allow the device to stand on its own and protect the ports when not in use. There is also a tripod mount on the bottom for more flexibility.
I kept the overall user interface very simple with the use of 2 buttons ( on/off and record/capture ) and a touch screen. With a screen and wireless technology built in, the device is self sufficient and independent of a computer. The result is a projector that’s as portable and easy to use as a digital camera.
Ideas from Insights.
Computer Aided Design
I built a CAD around model around the dimension of the 4 inch 16:9 touchscreen display I intended to use on the back.
I built the model with the intention of 3D printing it, so every part was a complete solid.
Rapid Prototyping
With the CAD model complete, I converted the NURBS surfaces to mesh and exported the file into .STL format for printing on the FDM 3d printing machine.
Branding + Logo
I originally branded the device Pica for Projector Camera. However, I later found out that in pathology, the word pica means abnormal craving for inedible substances.
Therefore, I changed the name to Pico, named after the type of projector module that enables this device.
The logo went through several iterations. I couldn’t use a regular typeface so I created my own letter forms specifically for the final logo.
The final logo uses pure geometry just like the industrial design of the device.
Packaging
I wanted to create an unboxing experience that communicates the unique functionality of of Pico. So I explored several options for packaging the device.
Since Pico really is a 2 product in 1 package device, my favorite direction was the idea of the product packed between two boxes representing the projector and the camera.
With the direction chosen, I figured out how exactly the two boxes would fold together.
Then, I determined the overall structure of the packaging.
The product is placed in between the two boxes that house the cables. CD drive is inserted in between.
This is a render of the final packaging design. The graphics are 1:1 renders of the product to communicate the size and functionality of the product.
The filp-out cover reveals information about the product. The two boxes slide out sideways.
The product is revealed by pulling the two boxes apart.
Each box contains the necessary cables. The CD drive acts as a backdrop for the logo.
With the final design validated, I created the pattern for cutting out the physical model.
Delivery
Here is Pico completed inside the packaging before it was shipped off. This project was intended for the 2010 IDEA award by the Industrial Designers’ Society of America. I wish I had taken more pictures of the final model, but I was more worried about shipping the model on time.
This was the first project I carried out the design from concept and industrial design all the way to packaging and branding. I must say the process was exhausting, especially making the actual packaging of the product. But the result was more tangible and satisfying.
