Contender, 8th in the World


Mark S. Kimbrough of Design Edge


Aria




What is it?
'Aria' is a new concept in personal computing which incorporates a LCD projector display system, eliminating the need for the traditionally bulky CRT monitor. This LCD/PC is designed for the small office and home environments.

What makes this design different or better? (e.g.,. materials, research)
Forms, materials are appealing, appropriate to home environment:
One of the greatest challenges for any designer is addressing the spatial constraints of the traditional desktop. Personal computers and their peripheral devices overwhelm the work space and frequently force the user to compromise not only their environment, but also compel them to adopt physiologically damaging work habits. Research into the work and home environment has yielded new and compelling configurations for computing tools.

Aria's innovation lies in its adaptation of existing technologies to produce an exciting new product category. By integrating LCD projection display technology into the traditional PC, we have eliminated the bulkiness of the CRT monitor and have gained the ability to project the 'screen-images' onto any wall or display surface. Furthermore, by leveraging DVD technology, Aria is fully suited to act as a home theater and gaming center. This LCD/PC has evolved the traditional PC, and provides expanded functionality that transcends both the home and office environments.

The unique configuration of 'Aria' allowed for provocative design. One of the innovative attributes of this product, is its transportability. The user is offered the ability to 'hang' the computer of the side of the desk, sit it on top of a table or counter, or situate it on the living room floor, for a relaxing evening of movie viewing. Every effort was made to minimize the size and maximize its adaptability to any given use-mode. The final form resembles a thin, flat, football, and is intended to be transported, in one hand, like a large book, satchel, or purse. A uniform recess runs the circumference of the 'oval' form to insure a comfortable grip. The Aria computer is not intended to be portable in a 'laptop' sense, rather a 'mobile appliance' within a given environment.

Aria also attempts to break the stigma of traditional computer boxes. Its inviting form blends with small office and home environments, yet relies on intuitive placement of controls and detailing to give this product expressive flair. With casual, intimate settings, personalized decor and multi-tasking use of space, the home environment represents a dramatic departure from the conventional office. Likewise, the use of computers is fundamentally different in the home, with a cross generational user population mixing professional work, education, personal communications, entertainment and other activities anywhere in the house at any time of the day. Using forms and materials that better integrate into the home emphasizes it as 'functional sculpture' and adds value to the home environment, over-and-above it's contribution as a 'tool'.

What hardware and software were used to design it?
Vellum 3D on a Macintosh platform.

How is it intended to be manufactured or produced?
What you see in the photos is a prototype machined out of RENSHAPE and polycarbonate. In production, the main housings would be slated to be injection-molded out of an abs/polycarbonate blend.
The exposed edge of the oval form would be injection-molded polycarbonate. The foot and selected components are diecast aluminum.

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