What is it?

The Atari VCS (Video Computer System) is a re-invention of the original Atari 2600 from 1977. This new system blends the best of consoles and computers to offer the ultimate gaming platform.

Design Approach

Atari came to Surfaceink after completing a successful Indiegogo campaign. They already had a preliminary design concept that needed a lot of refinement to be realized for commercialization. Our goal was to turn the concept into a production-ready design while retaining the spirit of the original Atari 2600. Design work included a totally new part break-up strategy, refining all physical proportions, ventilation strategy, connector I/O integration, wood material research and specification, and a totally new back panel design which brought visual simplicity and order to a dense feature set.

It was an honor to work with Atari on this project; an iconic brand with deep roots in Silicon Valley.

What is it?

A LiDAR camera intended for robotics laboratories and research facilities that require high image resolution, depth data and high frame rate capabilities, the Intel RealSense L515 is the smallest depth sensing camera on its class.

Design Approach

The design of this camera addresses many conflicting product constraints, including: ample ventilation, multiple connectors, rear mounting bosses, a 1/4-20 adapter, drop-worthy durability, sensors with wide view cones, and “smallest-in-class” size target. The circular, machined-aluminum form allows easy access to angled connectors while wicking off heat from multiple processors. The round form also achieves the smallest possible shape to encase all components while representing a totally unique deign in the depth sensing product category. The (uppermost) RGB camera required a totally clear lens in front of it, unlike the other two sensors, which are discretely located behind a tinted mask. We created a circular window for the RGB camera which accommodates the view cone, but also serves as a visual cue to properly orient the unit - the RGB must be up. This simple detail became a visual signature as well as a helpful usability cue. Ventilation on the top and bottom aid in the convection of cool air through the device.

The upper ventilation ports (exhaust) feature a slot detail that is carried over from the D400 series (also featured on this website), whereas the lower ventilation ports (intake) feature a different approach due to their proximity to the 1/4-20 mount and increased airflow requirements. Here we added an additional plastic part, which allowed for thinner ribs and greater airflow. Inspired by the intake grill on a late model Porsche 911, this detail also gave a high performance aesthetic to the device.

What is it?

TrackR bravo allows you to track your stuff. Attach the coin-sized device to any item, then use the TrackR app to locate it in seconds. Quickly ring a missing wallet around the home or press the button on the bravo to ring your phone on silent mode. TrackR's Crowd GPS Network enables you to recover lost or stolen items on a map with GPS updates when another TrackR user happens to walk by your missing item.

Design Approach

Inspired by the admission pins used at the San Francisco MoMA during my childhood, the form is a single, folded sheet of thin aluminum which decreases overall dimension, when compared to plastic and raises the perception of quality and durability.

What is it?

A concept for VR headphones that never came to be. This pair of headphones can fit over an Oculus Quest headset due to the floating contact pads that leave space above the ears vacant for the Quest’s straps. To better immerse the user in the VR experience, the headphones offer 3-Dimensional sound by locating speakers in front and behind each ear to broaden audio imaging.

Design Challenge

The goal for these headphones was to allow full immersion in a VR experience with 3D audio while wearing an Oculus Quest headset….yes, that’s a lot of stuff on your head! Additionally, there was a desire to keep the headphones “off-ear” so the user could hear sounds or other players within the same room. In order to break up the mass of the device, the speakers are offset from the main yoke and anodized red, which allows them to float like a satellite armature. We wanted to combine the aesthetics of gaming, Hi-Fi audio and space crafts to create a totally new class of headphone that elegantly orbits around the user.

What is it?

MākuSafe is an entirely new safety ecosystem for small and large industrial facilities. The wearable devices, base station and software platform enable a safety manager to monitor worker safety by collecting environmental data around each employee and formulating an overall picture of existing threats to worker safety.

At the beginning of the work shift, each employee inserts a freshly charged MākuSafe device into their personal armband/holster and begins work. Any exposure to hazardous conditions throughout the day is transmitted to the cloud. If a worker identifies a new safety concern, they can press the button on their device and report the issue as a voice memo. This action will notify the safety manager of the issue and place a pin on the location.

All MākuSafe devices live in the base station located near the existing time clock. The base station recharges all batteries between shifts and serves as the connection to the MākuSmart cloud platform. To retrieve a device, employees enter their employee number on the base station’s keypad. The base station assigns a device to the employee by illuminating the LED ring around that unit. Once the employee places the device in their armband they are ready for a full shift and even overtime. The safety manager can then view a comprehensive picture of workplace Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) data and trends through an informative dashboard that helps to highlight abnormalities or potential risks.

Design Approach

Before kicking off the design phase, our Surfaceink design team and MākuSafe visited potential MākuSafe customers to learn more about daily routines in large and small manufacturing facilities. Together, we toured factories in the Des Moines area and observed work environments, employee workflows, and safety related issues. Most importantly, we spoke with safety managers and employees about their needs and preferences. All of these observations served as the foundation for the design of the MākuSafe product system.

We learned from potential users that they didn’t want a “tech gadget” on their arm and were concerned it might be too fragile. This motivated us to explore a design that was durable and rugged like other tools they use at their work. Concepts were explored through sketches, physical models and preliminary CAD models.

Promising concepts were further developed into functional prototypes and evaluated by the entire Surfaceink team in terms of feasibility, performance and usability. Working together, our integrated team of designers and engineers finalized the product direction with the client.

What is it?

The Precision T series is a high performance workstation line, aimed at prosumers and professionals that require high performance computing such as CAD or CG. This series was a is a ground-up redesign with new component layout, improved portability, and a brand new look.

Design Challenge

Create a clean, purposeful and powerful workstation design, befitting of its capabilities and one that projected confidence to its demanding users. The machines require abundant air flow to cool, so we invented a diamond perforation pattern that is extremely open but thanks to its uniquely louvered 3D geometry you can’t see directly through to the chassis inside. Two thick aluminum handles make it easier to carry this hefty workstation and all access is gained through a large side door. The interiors are much cleaner than the previous generation with access to drive bays and power supplies both being tool-less. This project was truly an exercise in removing extraneous detail to arrive at a utilitarian solution that is elegant and just works.

Recognition

IF Design Award - 2012

What is it?

Flow is an elegant, voice-activated, stereo speaker system intended for recreational use at home.

Design Approach

Inspired by the introduction of the Amazon’s Echo, Flow represents an alternative that offers brilliant stereo sound and a home-decor friendly design that is made of hand-cast porcelain. Flow’s organic shape is an example of “form follows function”. The gently bending cone shape gracefully travels from woofer to tweeter in a way that celebrates the relationship between the two speaker cones, but also eliminates standing waves inside the resonating chamber which is a common dilemma with traditional “cubic” speaker cabinets. The gently reclining angle also allows the sound to projects upward into the room. The ceramic body is hand-cast by Mudshark Studios in Portland and provides a sturdy enclosure that is not prone to flexing under sound pressure waves.

What is it?

A computer vision device intended for robotics laboratories and research facilities requiring high image resolution, depth data and high frame rate capabilities.

Design Approach

The design of this camera addresses many conflicting product requirements, including: extremely open ventilation, multiple connectors, rear mounting bosses, a 1/4-20 adapter, drop-worthy durability, sensors with wide view cones, and a need for smallest possible size. The machined aluminum form provides a premium aesthetic and durability while wicking off additional heat from various processors. The smooth, teardrop form (side view) reduces visual mass and helps to prevent unwanted snags on surrounding edges and surfaces.

This product required a lot of air to pass over the internal heat sink, but the only location we could place the vents was toward the rear of the product, which looked random and unbalanced. The small scallop at the front end of the vent slots increases the total length of the vent pattern and allowed us to “visually center” the vents on the product. This vent solution was so well received that it has become a signature detail on most RealSense cameras.

What is it?

The Leitz Icon Smart Labeling System is a portable, wireless label printer. Before Icon, label printers were often big, difficult to load, and generally low tech, but Icon introduced BT connectivity, portability with an accessory battery pack and iconic design.

Design Challenge

The challenge was to completely redesign and engineer the label printer from scratch. Icon has a distinctive profile that was derived from a funtional mechanical layout. The main box volume holds the label cartridge, the middle bridge contains the print head, and the front overhang contains the label cutter. The dramatic overhang also serves as an ergonomic handle and presents a strong branding element. Label rolls load in through the top of the printer. A first for this product category, each label roll is contained in a cartridge made of recycled thermo-formed paper pulp. A microchip in each cartridge communicates roll size to the printer and remaining label quantity to the user, making the system smart, automatic, and easy with a reduced carbon footprint.

Recognition

Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA), Silver- 2014

Chicago Athenaeum GREEN Good Design Award - 2014

International Design Award (IDA), Silver- 2014

Red Dot Award - 2015

SPARK Award, Bronze- 2015

IF Design Award - 2015

What is it?

A label cartridge accessory system for the Lietz Icon printer. Each cartridge contains a 22 meter long adhesive label roll and is offered in four different widths. This “smart” cartridge houses the paper media in a container mostly made of recycled paper pulp, but also features an NV RAM chip which can communicate the type of label media to the printer and the quantity of remaining labels to the user.

Design Challenge

A core objective was to create an environmentally responsible solution, something new for the label printer market at the time. There was a design goal not only to house the label media, but also to protect it for multiple use cycles and also count the remaining number of labels as the roll was consumed. The cartridge housings are made of recycled thermo-formed paper pulp, a robust natural material serves as both the cartridge body as well as its own protective shipping box. The green “visor”, made of recyclable plastic, is a multi-purpose paper handling detail. It hinges up during installation to provide the paper-to-print head interface, eliminating the need for manual paper feeding like other printers. A tiny NV RAM chip in this visor communicates roll size to the printer and remaining label quantity to the user. Just drop it in, close the door and print. When not in use, the visor can be folded down, in which case it works as a cleat and secures the end of the label roll in place so it won’t retract and get lost inside the cartridge body. Never before has a printer cartridge offered this level of functionality, convenience, security and environmental sensibility.

Recognition

SPARK Award, Allspark Platinum - 2016

Spark Award - 2015

Chicago Anthenaeum Good Design - 2015

Indutrial Design Excellence Award, Silver - 2014

What is it?

Winner of the 2013 DARPA Robotic Challenge, Schaft is a biped robot made by a small Japanese robotics company, also called Schaft. This company was purchased by Google Robotics shortly before winning the 2013 DARPA, and soon-after the head of Google Robotics, Andy Rubin, decided the robot needed a more approachable and friendly appearance. That is where I got involved.

Design Challenge

In anticipation of a huge unveiling to Larry Page and Sergey Brin, our team was tasked with designing and engineering an entirely new cosmetic housing for the existing robot. The housing could not interfere with any of the functional or thermal aspects of the robot and also had to be durable enough to withstand multiple “falls”, which are daily occurrences with an R&D robot. After 8 weeks of furious sketching, CAD modeling, foam mock-ups, SLA prototypes, and 4 weeks spent in Tokyo working side by side with the robotics engineers, we arrived at a durable solution that protected the Schaft robot, but also brought a fresh expression that embodied the optimism and approachability of the google brand.

What is it?

A premium acne therapy device, Solta Medical’s Isolaz 2 product targets the root causes of acne through a clinically proven combination of vacuum extraction for deep pore purification. It utilizes broadband light to destroy acne causing bacteria, and features a unique profusion mode which enhances the delivery of topicals into the skin. Isolaz 2 can be found in advanced dermatology clinics and skin care spas throughout the world.

Design Challenge

The client requested a modular cart system that elegantly housed their laser and vacuum technology, while also providing excellent usability and access for dermatologists and service technicians. After exploring numerous design concepts and architectural approaches, we arrived at modular cart design that allowed for partial or full-featured installations, according to individual customer need. The cast aluminum base with 4” wheels along with smooth stainless steel handles allow this deluxe cart to confidently navigate busy dermatology clinics or skin spas, while the compact and sturdy form enables Solta sales reps to easily transport the product in their personal vehicles when visiting customers. The clean lines and premium materials echo the precision technology within, and help Isolaz 2 to seamlessly integrate with the luxury décor of a Beverly Hills health spa or the daily rigors of a downtown dermatology clinic.

What are these?

Both the Nook GlowLight Plus eReaders (5” and 7.8”) offer a paper-like reading experience and features GlowLight technology which provides a pleasing visibility in low light situations. These 7th generation Nook eReaders represent the “people’s choice” in features by bringing back physical page-turning buttons to help readers navigate quickly, offering a thin, soft-touch body shape for easier grip, and GlowLight technology for night reading.

Design approach

Since the Nook team trimmed down to primarily sales and marketing personnel, we worked directly with the Taiwanese ODM on these devices. They had an underlying architecture that was 90% the way there, but Nook wanted additional features and a unique industrial design. Our team created many design iterations and held nightly meetings with the ODM to develop and refine the designs. As each prototype and eventual tooling build occurred, I would review parts and give detailed feedback on refinements for form, button feel, durability, tolerance, CMF, etc. until we arrived at product that achieved Nook’s quality standards.

What is it?

Cisco's umi Telepresence product is an enterprise-level, 1080p video conferencing system with no latency created for the family living room. Umi features an HD camera with an 8 mic array that sits on top of your television, affixed in place by an adjustable mounting bracket that will fit all displays from 10mm thick to 4”. A simple handheld remote control is used for placing video calls and navigating umi's on-screen UI, while a codec/set-top box performs video streaming and audio decoding duties. umi connects to your home network wirelessly or via ethernet cable.

Design Challenge

This product was Cisco’s first consumer telepresence product. They wanted to develop a video conference system for the home that offered the same immersive experience as their enterprise telepresence suites offer for corporate customers. From a design standpoint there were a number of challenges. The camera housed a number of large components including a 100mm long camera mounted to a gimbal which was capable of a massive 45 degrees of motion, an array of 8 microphones that were spaced 25mm apart, and a large processor board which required space and ventilation. All of this needed to be housed in a compact form that discretely could sit atop a standard LCD display. Additionally there was the set-top box and remote control to design, which were completely different form factors than the camera unit, yet needed to share a family look and feel. The eventual design language came about as a simple arc that represents a elemental “bridge” of communication, but is also reminiscent of the Cisco logo - an abstraction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Recognition

Red Dot Award - 2011

What is it?

KarbonPad is a write-on clipboard/tablet intended for the educational market. Its powerful processor employs a stroke-analysis algorithm that recognizes hand-written numbers, letters and symbols when written with pen or pencil and then instantly translates the written information into data which is sent to a cloud server. The student simply places the paper test form on the tablet and writes in their answers. Once complete, the student’s entries are uploaded to the cloud and graded immediately, allowing the teacher to focus on teaching rather than grading.

Design Approach

The overall form is similar to a clipboard, and features a touch sensitive membrane below the paper. On the upper portion of the device, there is an array of buttons to enable multiple choice entries in the case of a live exam. The product features a cast aluminum ring in the corner which is a security feature for easy lock-up, but also a fun, tactile detail. The KarbonPad is a durable education tool that cuts down the workload for teachers and makes learning fun for students of all ages and cultures. It measures 14.5 inches by 10.5 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds.

What is it

DeepView is a burn analysis technology that utilizes different color spectrums of light to analyzes tissue characteristics and identify the boundaries of dead, damaged, and healthy tissue without even touching the patient. It is portable and intended to be positioned over any area of the body to provide rapid, real-time results allowing more accurate determination than is possible with the human eye.

Design Challenge

A totally new product for a medical startup, this product is intended for everyday burn clinics, military hospitals, and/or triage centers in the case of a major disaster. DeepView is designed to be completely rugged and mobile, yet extremely flexible with regards to reach as it needs to accommodate patients who are seated or lying down. The two level surface allows the display to be at eye level while providing a low enough mounting position for the long swing arm to stow in an upright position for easy transport. Since space and access can be cramped in an emergency burn unit, the swing arm and display can be rotated and viewed from almost any position - this is also helpful for left or right handed technicians.

What is it?

The Hewlett-Packard Photosmart A826 Compact Photo Printer allows you to easily view and print your photos and navigate menus via the 7" color touchscreen and the included stylus. Draw or write captions on photos with the stylus or your finger, and add captions and stories via the touchscreen keyboard. The printer can also be used as a digital photo frame - thanks to the large display; then as images appear, you can select them to print with one touch of your finger.

Design approach

As the industrial design lead at HP Photosmart, I led the industrial design effort and worked closely with hp’s human factors (UI) team on the “magic frame” interface which ultimately enabled the A826’s ground-breaking “keyboard-less” interface.

The basic concept was to create an “at home photo printer kiosk” that could be used by family members, regardless of their technical ability. After conducting in-home ethnographic research in homes throughout America and testing early concepts with users in our San Diego research facility, we identified an opportunity to develop a printer “appliance”, much like a toaster or coffee machine, where one could make photos at home. Just insert an SD card and your photos appear on the display. Then, simply navigate through and select the pictures you like (or want to edit with the basic photo editing tools) and print.

The simple and approachable design language is intended to remove technical anxiety and lure users in to explore the product. The stylus was a truly “last minute” addition by the hp marketing team, and was actually a modification to existing tools, but somehow it all worked out.

Cisco’s TelePresence 500 offers the ability for geographically separated businesses to connect via high-quality audio and video streams for “telepresence” meetings. The primary benefit is the ability to conduct a face-to-face meeting without the expense or environmental impact of travel. Designed for an executive office or cubicle, this unit is smaller and less expensive than prior systems. The 32” display can be used as an extension monitor by the user, but when a telepresence call is placed an HD camera lowers down to create optimal eye contact for the call while only partially obscuring the image of the other caller. Side lights emanate an pleasant glow which illuminates the user’s face and eliminates unwanted shadows.

What is it?

The Cobra Tag sensor attaches to your keys, purse, computer bag, or any other item you want to protect from loss. If you become separated from that object, the sensor communicates with the free app on your smart phone to notify you and remind you not to leave your valuable behind. The Cobra Tag is also a two-way finder, you can also tap the button on the Cobra Tag fob to ring your Smartphone. If you are looking for your Cobra Tag protected item, use the phone’s application to make the Cobra Tag ring. To secure your phones data, the powerful PhoneHalo application can be set to lock your phone when out of range of your tagged item. Never lose your valuables again.

Design challenge

The goal was to create a small device that could easily attach to a number of objects such as keyrings, straps, and briefcases. Since the primary market was keyrings, I felt it should feel good in the hand and be fun to twirl about. I sketched the final design in the first hour and then drew 30 other ideas only to realize that I got it right the first time! The client (two engineers also named Chris) felt the design was just right, so we went with it. The company was originally named Phone Halo, and that is the origin of the gold ring, which is intended to represent a halo…or cast the device as a guardian angel of sorts. Right before production, the product name was changed to Cobra Tag, but the halo remained:)

Recognition

Popular Mechanics, Editor’s Choice Award - 2011

What is it?

The HP d7360 is a premium photo printer targeted at the consumer photo enthusiasts and features onboard photo editing tools and the first ever touch display interface on an HP Photosmart printer.

Design story

This printer was one of the first products to unveil HP’s new “Operation One Voice” design language which was a company-wide design initiative involving every consumer products division. The primary focus of the initiative was to align all products with common branding implementation, color pallet, form language, button shapes, and iconography (back, enter, print, cancel, etc.). This might sound fairly straight-forward, but please consider that HP had over 500 unique product SKUs shipping at the time and all were managed by different fiefdoms ie. scanners, PCs, All In One Printers, Laser Jets, Ink Jets, large format printers, calculators, and more. The d7360 not only met HP’s Operation One Voice goals, but surpassed every photo printer that had come before with improved technology (touch display and Vivera Inks) and a totally re-imagined design language that repositioned the product as a beautiful object that was easy to use and looked good from any angle.

This was the third generation of printers that I designed while at HP. After a couple years of trying to find my footing as one of two industrial designers in a large printer organization, this printer represents where everything finally came together - a clean design with great usability, premium materials, ergonomic side handles, and a smooth back panel with no exposed ribs or date codes (a first for HP printers!).

What is it?

This desktop speaker system was a collaboration between Montgomery Pfeifer, Logitech and the master audio engineer (and ex-NASA scientist), Dr. Godehard Guenther. At Montgomery Pfeifer, we had both Logitech and SoundMatters (Dr. Guenther’s company) as clients, and Herbie Pfeifer managed to introduce the two companies with this product being the happy outcome.

Design Story

I worked closely with Herbie on the design of these speakers and where he came up with the beautiful subwoofer, I came up with the satellite speakers. We started with collaborative sketches that aligned to the acoustic volume requirements, and the final designs were revealed through foam models that I carved in our basement workshop. Designing a “bucket” based product is always a tough challenge…a totally drafted form that needs to easily pull out of the tool, yet not look like every other flower pot, dog bowl, etc. I was always happy with how this solution ended up. Process: I would hand-carve a set of models, we would critique them, refine details, repeat… I have fond memories of working with Herbie on this project, and attending numerous design reviews with Pierluigi Zappacosta (the founder of Logitech), Dr. Gunther and Herbie - all masters in their prime.

A year or so later, I was working in the same Montgomery Pfeifer workshop while listening to the radio when I heard an announcement for a “listener contest” in which a set of these speakers were the first prize for the lucky caller! It was great to hear such an announcement in the very same shop where they had been created.

What is it?

The second ever fingerprint sensor designed for Digital Persona, this product was designed as a low-profile laptop version of the original product, this made possible by a lower height sensor module. In this case, the module (as shown) came before the ID project.

Design Approach

This product has no buttons nor UI except “put your finger here”, so that is what I aimed to communicate with the design. The asymmetrical chamfer detail was developed as a tactile lure to “touch here”, and it worked.

What are these?

The HP Photosmart 7850 and 8050 are two different photo printers which are based on the same underlying printer mechanism; they are priced at $149 and $199 respectively. Both printers offer brilliant photo print quality and include a propriety cartridge, that stows in the lid, for loading 4x6 and 3x5 photo paper stock. The main difference is that the 8050 offers more advanced editing features with a color LCD interface. Both printers also perform as high resolution ink jet printers as well.

Design Approach

We set out to create two different printers that were based upon the same printer mechanism and (largely) the same injection molding tools. From a marketing perspective, the goal was to cover more price points. From a design perspective, the main challenge was how to make each product appear unique and provide a great user experience, while not having one appear printer lesser than the other. The solution came down to creating two unique control panels, one with a segment LCD and one with a more fully-featured color LCD. Both control panels offer great navigation for the user with a clean look and feel. Since both product casings were identical, we relied heavily on a color and texture differentiation. The 7850 looks more simple and elemental thanks to a gloss white finish and monochromatic grey endcaps that feature a unique Pirelli pattern. The 8050 received silver paint and dark grey plastics as well as two-tone endcaps (thanks to an additional tooled part) which helped to emphasize the iconic handle design on sides. In the end, both printers were very well received in the marketplace, and neither one looks like “the cheap one”.

What is it?

Vanta is a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence device used by miners and scrap metal recyclers to identify alloys. It is also used in refineries to analyze and test critical parts such as piping, pumps and valves in order to prevent catastrophic failure. Vanta fires X-rays into a metal sample which causes certain molecules to fluoresce, thereby identifying the material in less than 2 seconds. It is designed to withstand very harsh industrial environments. It is the only XRF device that is IP65 rated for protection against dust and water, and it’s drop tested to military standards.

Design Approach

Every aspect of this design focuses on ease of use including the intuitive user interface, comfortable weight distribution and ease of transport. The sinuous aluminum detail that fans out to become the nose cone is actually the primary heat sink that wicks away heat from the X-ray chamber while also separating it from the water resistant fan compartment; an assembly approach that was conceived through industrial design explorations and became a visual signature for the product. The battery-in-handle provides a low center of gravity and also features a robust strap mount for times when the user needs both hands free to climb scaffolds or make repairs.

What is it?

The Enroute Transcarotid Neuroprotection System is a revolutionary new type of vascular surgery device designed to significantly reduce the risk of stroke during carotid artery stenting. Carotid artery disease affects millions of people worldwide. Plaque builds up in the Carotid arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain and if dislodged can cause a stroke. The standard procedure is to introduce a stent via the femoral artery in the groin, or with risky open artery surgery. However, these methods can dislodge plaque and cause an embolism. Enroute is a new surgical method that mitigates these risks. A small incision is made in the neck to introduce a catheter, then the carotid artery is tied off below the incision which causes the blood to flow in reverse, away from the brain. During stenting blood and any dislodged plaque flow out of the body through the Enroute system where a filter captures the plaque. Clean blood is then reintroduced into the body through the femoral artery. Enroute provides protection for the patient’s brain during the entire procedure.

Design Approach

Surgical procedures are time-sensitive and can be messy; the tools involved must be intuitive, clear and reliable. The goal here was to create a product that was easy to locate and clearly communicated how to switch on and off the “reverse flow” feature. The device is designed to fit in the hand and rest flat on the patient’s body. The buttons are located in such a way that either right or left handed surgeons will find the lever directly under their thumb by simply flipping the unit. Early concepts were cylindrical, but I eventually proposed the final flattened lozenge shape, which ensured the device would stay put and not roll off the patient’s body during surgery. Additionally, I proposed visually featuring the plaque filter as a sort of “vacuum tube-like” jewel to show off the trapped plaque that might otherwise have gone into the patient’s bloodstream. The client didn’t request such feature and hadn’t considered the filter as a design feature, but appreciated how it emphasized the value proposition of their innovative solution.

Recognition

International Design Excellence Award (IDEA), Bronze - 2015

International Forum (IF) Design Award - 2016

Spark Award - 2016

Good Design Award (Australia) - 2016

What is it?

The HP color LaserJet 2500n printer is the first ever 4-color LaserJet produced by HP. Targeted at small and/or home office customers, it provides network connectivity with professional-quality color laser functionality at an affordable price. Small enough to sit on a desktop, the LaserJet 2500n offers reliable and fast printing with easy access to toner cartridges. There is also an optional 500-sheet paper tray accessory, which brings the total print capacity to 875 sheets. After introduction, the 2500N sold continually for over 15 years and is considered one of HP’s most successful printers.

Design story

I designed this printer as a staff designer at Montgomery Pfeifer, before I joined HP. There is no doubt that the positive experience I had working with the HP team on this project certainly influenced my decision to eventually work there.

The (black and white) LaserJet printer that preceded this product was basically a beige box which had been a staple in corporate print rooms for about 7 years. When HP decided to develop their first ever color LaserJet, they thought it might appeal to a different customer, one who creates more colorful content and potentially smaller businesses who, up to that point, couldn’t afford other high throughput color printing options. They needed a product that could be a consumer product and a commercial product at the same time.

It occurred to me that another beige box would not suit this new market opportunity, nor would it adequately broadcast the creative potential that this new color LaserJet represented. After exploring many concepts through full-scale sketches and foam models, the eventual design solution (dubbed ‘Babar’) emerged as a totally new expression for a LaserJet printer. Rather than a 6-sided box with a top, front and back, the 2500N features a sloping waterfall facia which unifies all input and output trays and also simplifies the appearance of the entire product; bringing it into the realm of a sculptural piece of furniture. The back and sides are unified into a sort of shawl that gently wraps around the entire product further simplifying the appearance and resulting in organic shadow lines from every angle. Lastly and most significantly is the handling of the output tray which drew inspiration from a bird bath. I wanted the output tray to present each print as a spring presents water, with a balance of harmony and mystery. My hope is that every time a user retrieves a print, they feel a sense of delight and accomplishment.

What is it?

The HandPunch product is a time and attendance solution for large companies or institutions. Rather than requiring employees to interact with a punch clock, time card or remember to bring their key card, they need only place their hand on the product’s reflective platen and their unique hand outline is recognized within one second - done. The system also offers other options for double and triple identity authentication, if desired.

Design story

Recognition Systems came to Montgomery Pfeifer as a client with an existing product, which was basically a steel box with one open side where the user placed their hand inside to get scanned. It was crude, unwelcoming, and difficult to see where to place your hand, but it was reliable and durable. They explained that in correctional facilities they were having trouble with inmates destroying the device, rather than have a record that they had shown up late…an that is why it was in a steel box. They were seeking design help because they had received inquiries from large financial organizations, who liked the technology, but not the design.

Our team reviewed the product and concluded that the technology was amazing, but the existing design would make anyone feel apprehensive. We explored many concepts that aimed at bringing a sense of dignity and privilege to the process; to make the user feel that they were being given exclusive access, as opposed to being counted. In the end, one of my concepts was selected for the final product (shown). The design features no side walls, so the user can more easily see where to place their hand. The top is repurposed as a little awning on which the user interface lives. Overall, the design has the look of a small ATM machine, and has the color of a dark grey flannel suit…which adds to the “all business” goal of exclusive access. A large sweeping arc runs from top to bottom and suggests that the product is actually emerging out from the wall and helps the product identify as an architectural feature, rather than a box that was hung on the wall.

What is it?

Surf Phone is a networked home computer concept that was was commissioned by Alcatel, and intended for French high school students. Almost an updated version of the successful Minitel product from the early 80s, this product was envisioned as an internet portal for students to use from home where they could access libraries, class syllabi and other educational resources through limited access to the internet.

Design approach

The task was to create a design that could incorporate a stylus-enabled 7” LCD , full qwerty keyboard and premium audio into a kid friendly product that would be fun to use, and comfortable whether used on the lap or when lounging on sofa or bed. This product predates the first iMac by a few months, but I was in the same design zeitgeist as evidenced by a similar color scheme and organic form language. Sadly, this product was never produced, but I was always pleased with the concept.

Dell commissioned our team at Montgomery Pfeifer to explore concepts for a new type of home computer. They proposed a computer that lived in the family room and commandeered the TV as a display. The goal was to create a crossover product that served the whole family as a computer, gaming console and music server. I came up with the concept shown here. Intended as a lifestyle product, it has soft rounded forms, completely hidden I/O ports (except for two headphone jacks), a rotating LCD that could accommodate horizontal or vertical use cases, and a cast aluminum base that not only dressed the cables as they went to the floor, but allows the computer to hover beside the sofa or on a coffee table. Dell selected my concept, requested a few refinements and then never called back…”oh well”.

A few years later Dell released the “Studio Hybrid” computer, which appeared to be inspired by my original concept.

What is it?

The first ever flat screen monitor produced by Sun Microsystems.

Design Challenge

The original design brief from Sun’s engineering team had an 19” LCD, a large power supply brick, motherboard, and fan all crammed into one giant mass, which basically had the same size as the CRT product it was replacing. Working alongside Paul Montgomery on this design, we explored different ways to reduce the visual mass and get the “thin” display to float a bit more. Ultimately, we removed the large power supply from the upper LCD area and placed it inside a monolithic totem that served as a stand for the display and also provided convenient storage for any unused cable slack. This decision gave the product an architectural quality and significantly reduced mass from the flat screen display area…allowing it to float. The softly creased pillow form on the back of the LCD allowed the side edges to appear thin, while the center represented the thickest part of the assembly, and fields of perforation provide ventilation, while also functioning as a design motif that ties the display and base together. The boomerang foot shape added some levity to an otherwise brutalist composition, but in hindsight, I would change that foot now…

What is it?

The Ultra 5 and Ultra 10 were the first SPARCstations to have some PC compatible hardware components, such as ATA hard disks and video processors. They represented a more affordable SPARCstation and were available in both “pizzabox” (Ultra 5) and “tower” (Ultra 10) configurations.

Design Challenge

The main challenge here was to create a design language with clear signature details that could be shared between two form factors and be recognizable as Sun Microsystems machines. Whenever designing these older ATX box based machines, one had to contend with “off the shelf” floppy drives and CD ROM bays that had a huge impact on the overall aesthetic. With these products, I deliberately gave those drives a large open space to exist, and didn’t try to hide them. They were juxtaposed by a simple field of perforation on a lowered, offset plane and then both products were supported by two little feet. The feet added a strongly needed signature to an otherwise common form factor and gave these units an immediately recognizable character.

What is it?

The incredible workstation pictured on the right (codename TAZMO) was designed by Herbie Pfeifer in 1995. As a young designer, I was lucky to work with Herbie on some minor details and proportions of that product toward the end of its design phase. Later in 1996, I designed the workstation on the left (codename QUARK) as a cost-reduced sibling to TAZMO. At that time, Sun Microsystems was diving into the “low-cost” realm of commercial workstations spearheaded by SGI, and QUARK would be one of Sun’s first products to utilize an off the shelf “ATX” chassis. The design goal was to maintain the visual DNA of Sun’s high end workstations, but at a more affordable price point.

Working on this era of Sun Microsystem machines is how I cut my teeth as a designer and I am eternally grateful to Paul Montgomery and Herbie Pfeifer for taking me in, and for their kind, patient and generous mentorship. They both made a huge impact on my development as a designer and influenced how I “see”.