The assignment given to design firm Elemental8 (formerly designafairs USA) for the Motorola/Clearwire Signal Booster Accessory Antenna was slightly atypical: the portable internet signal booster not only had to be functional, portable and elegant, it had to be able to "generate the most visual attention in public environment." Meant to be clipped onto a laptop's LCD to boost wi-fi signal strength, the device would do double duty as a subtle but effective cafe-table billboard for Clearwire, an ISP offering internet service in the United States, Ireland and Denmark.

So how did Elemental8 satisfy the requirements? Let's take a look:

Visibility: High-contrast in both surfaces (glossy vs. matte) and colors (black vs. white), along with an upper focal point for the Clearwire logo, enables the antenna to "be recognized from at least 20 feet away when deployed."

Functionality: Antenna can be rotated 270 degrees, and tilted +100 degrees / - 50 degrees, allowing subscribers to capture the best signal possible. The retractable, rubberized grip allows users to clamp the antenna anywhere on laptop screens of any thickness; it also makes a nice "grippy" base, for use on a tabletop (photo below).

Elegance: The lower portion, co-molded in dark elastomeric rubber, uses pinstripes to disguise the retractable grip.

Portability: Unit folds flat, for fitting into a laptop bag (photo below).

"What I like the most about this piece is its distinct yet balanced appearance, with form and function presented noticeably and harmoniously," says Benjamin Chia, Elemental8 CCO and head designer on the project.

More info: Elemental8 Company Profile

Date Posted: February 15, 2008
Views: 17546