DESIGN NAME: myAir.0 - Foldable Bluetooth Mouse
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Foldable Bluetooth Mouse
INSPIRATION: It’s no easy task trying to juggle a mouse on our laptop in one hand while holding a coffee mug and other items with the other as we move around our workspace in the office or at school. While we can simply put the mouse into our bag or pocket, the unsightly, and awkward, bulge it creates in our pocket presents another issue. myAir.0 was aimed at eliminating these daily issues by fitting all components into a thin 4.5mm form factor for easy storage while enabling it to fold into a sturdy full-sized 3D mouse for quick set-up and action.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: myAir.0 is an origami inspired Bluetooth computer mouse. Its special origami design allows for a completely new form factor. It can be folded into a sturdy full-sized 3D mouse instantly while being completely flat at only 4.5mm thin when unfolded. It was designed with max portability and aesthetic in mind as it can fit invisibly into any bag or pocket without the unsightly bulge for people to take it anywhere. myAir.0 is the perfect companion for today’s mobile lifestyle.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: With its ergonomic design, high-precision optical sensor, Bluetooth connectivity, and custom buttons mapping, myAir.0 provides exceptional performance for both work and play. But what truly sets myAir.0 apart is its unique SmartClick foldable feature. With it, myAir.0 can quickly spring into active mode from its idle state. Users can swiftly fold it and myAir.0 will magnetically click into shape in less than 1 second, providing a sturdy structure. When not in use, simply flatten it to save battery life.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in Jan 2022 in Hong Kong and will be shipped the first production in April 2023. The project started Kickstarter crowdfunding in Oct 2022 and reached targeted goal in just 23 minutes.
|
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Looking at the design of the ordinary computer mouse, it’s apparent that the general design and form factor hasn’t been changed for decades. In revolutionizing the compact design, myAir.0’s origami concept provides an advantage in incorporating the larger optical sensor into the overall construction. Also, sourcing of the battery type that offers a good balance between slim fit, battery life, and circuitry integration is another major factor to its innovative compact form factor.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Folded up - 72 x 42 x 115mm
Folded Flat - 122 x 122 x 4.5mm (10mm on sensor area)
Package size - 140 x 140 x 6mm (10mm on sensor area)
TAGS: Origami Mouse, Foldable Mouse, Computer Mouse, Mobile Working
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Researches done by other manufacturers have suggested that using a mouse is more precise, efficient, and can minimize pain and fatigue when compared to a touchpad. Even so, many tend to rely on their laptop’s touchpad for mobile working, forgoing efficiency and comfort for portability, since a touchpad gives them one less bulky item to carry.
CHALLENGE: First of all, the design itself seems simple, but it is challenging just using limited polygons to create a full-sized mouse shape while keeping it ergonomic and intuitive to use. Secondly, it isn't easy to make this mouse sturdy. It has to be as sturdy as an ordinary mouse.
ADDED DATE: 2023-03-03 12:44:51
TEAM MEMBERS (5) : Designer: Horace Lam, Project Manager: Carol Chan, Project Consultant: Tammy Lo, Marketing Consultant: Kenny Au-Ieong and Product tester: Shanice Chan
IMAGE CREDITS: Horace Lam, 2022.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Patented. HK30051162. 2022.Hong Kong.
|