speck design

Effortless Document Object

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Effortless Document Object Prototype of EDO tablet in the form of a binder which included digital tabs.
  • Effortless Document Object Prototype of EDO tablet in the form of a binder which included digital tabs.
  • Effortless Document Object Prototype of the EDO tablet featuring a camera, stand, and scanner.
  • Effortless Document Object Module prototype which included a detachable signature card and scanner.
  • Effortless Document Object EDO tablet prototype with two-page viewing capability.

Background

Ricoh Innovations offers a series of consumer products to promote office efficiency.  As a replacement for the traditional pad of paper and pen, Ricoh Innovations conceptualized a new e-Ink device called the “Effortless Document Object” (EDO tablet).  Having already worked with Speck Design on two other projects, Ricoh Innovations came to us to design and fabricate a functioning prototype of the new EDO tablet concept.

Challenge

The EDO tablet concept had several requirements in addition to needing the look and feel designed:

  • A writing surface (potentially more than one)
  • Wireless connectivity to printers
  • A multi-day battery life
  • Ample digital storage
  • A built-in camera
  • Tablet-to-tablet sharing capabilities 

The research department was in charge of determining if any of the markets, insurance companies, medical companies, or automotive companies, had unique needs.  With this information in mind, the requirements could then be tailored to the individual markets.

Solution

Going into the project, Speck Design was already familiar with the development of key consumer electronic products from working with previous clients such as Apple, Nike, Coca Cola, North Face, Fisher Price, SmartVue, and Palm Computer.  Speck Design worked on three iterations of the EDO tablet ensuring that the needs of the user were met, and fulfilling the aesthetic and hardware requirements.

The first step entailed researching the habits of a specific target marketas a means of gaining insight into the possible design attributes and various functions of the EDO tablet.   Second, after onsite observations and interviews with potential users to understand the use and flow of documents in their workplace, we transformed the information into full-scale conceptual models to visualize and assess the alternative design concepts.  The 3-D models presented to Ricoh addressed functionality, human factors, ergonomics, usability, materials, aesthetics, and the manufacturing processes. 

The models presented to Ricoh presented several clever solutions to the EDO tablet including a scanner, detachable signature card, camera, digital tabs, and a stand that would allow the user to set up the tablet vertically or horizontally.  Ultimately, the foam models enabled Ricoh to confidently choose a feel and design.  After the phase 1 selection, Speck Design developed the full mechanical design of all parts of the tablet and assembled fully functioning prototypes.

Results

For the EDO tablet project, Speck Design conducted research, analyzed, observed, and organized the information into useful design requirements to create a compelling prototype.  Speck Design applied user-centric design techniques to refine Ricoh’s requirements to implement the design through detailed mechanical architectures.  The EDO tablet has since been introduced to the market as the Ricoh eWriter.  Pleased with the thorough job from concept to functioning prototype, Ricoh continues to partner with Speck Design for additional projects.

PROJECT INFO

  • Client:

    Ricoh

  • Project:

    Effortless Document Object

  • Industry:

    Consumer