[на рус.яз. см. предыдущий пост]
In this part we will talk about biodesign of electronic devices.
To be continued.
Immediately let us agree that we shall use the term "biodesign" as a trend in industrial design, which was founded by German conceptualist designer Luigi Colani. And let's not equate biodesign with eco-design, where some of the experts seriously consider the concept phone from briquetted dandelions.
One of the main ideas of Luigi Colani lies in the fact that nature is the best creator, and a man needs to notice this and to introduce in his life. In October last year it was possible to attend his lecture in the Centre of Contemporary Culture "Garage" in framework of the event Moscow Design Week 2010. In particular maestro repeated the simple idea that in nature there are no right angles and rectangular shapes. His lasting creation based on this postulate.
Of course, one can argue about the prospects of this trend in design, but no one will undertake to dispute the fact that the design of phones should maximally take into account the anatomy, physiology, and even anthropology, along with other factors. However, the majority of smartphones are like small bricks. What can designers change in the near future?
It is natural to start with case design. On the one side, the smartphone is usually located in hands during use. Now we recall that any hand object is prepared specially for the convenience of holding and operation and pleasant tactile sensations, whether it is a pen or dumbbells. What about smartphones? Nothing. (Some thoughts are in Part 1 of this Article in this regard.)
On the other side, the polygonal shape is more natural for the case during a telephone conversation. Such shape was reflected in the design of handsets of some stationary devices long ago. In addition, we may cite as an example the concept of Huawei Folded Leaf Phone by Claesson Koivisto Rune
as well as serial smartphone HTC Hero.
Japanese designer Mac Funamizu advanced a little further with his concept FiiL. Except the variable organic form the main advantage of this device is a volumetric display. In this case, the designer has in mind the screen's ability to create three-dimensional objects (buttons, switches and drawings) on its surface, rather than stereoscopic image. The main disadvantage of the traditional touch screens is their perfectly smooth surface. Despite the danger mobile phone users will always type SMS-messages on the go and even while driving. So let's make this process a little safer. In the case of FiiL user will be able to feel each button on the virtual keyboard. Now the keyboard is no longer virtual. And when the phone is locked, unlock switch becomes the same real like the switch on the wall.
In addition, we should note another Leaf Phone by Anastasia Zharkova from the standpoint of organic form. As you might guess from the name of the concept, this phone resembles leaf of wood, it is made from organic materials, environmentally friendly plastic mostly. Leaf Phone's functionality deserves attention because it approaches to the minicomputer. The device is capable of performing a variety of tasks, there is even an interactive laser projector that can display a keyboard on any surface. The main source of energy is a solar battery. Finally, it should be noted flexible housing of the phone, adapting to the lines of the human body; Leaf Phone can be worn on the arm as a bracelet.
In principle there is no special obstacle to making customized phone (also about personalization in Part 3 of this Article). Moreover, the housing can be produced on a specially made casts of the customer, just as the individual ear headphones are manufactured now, whose form repeats the geometry of the ear canal of the individual. Any person can not abandon such gadget that fits in his hand and feels comfort near his ear.
Further development in biodesign can lead to the rejection of traditional phone form factors. We don't care how the phone would look like if we use a fairly original headset. Do you know the universal gesture symbolizing the conversation on the phone? Of course, this gesture is a little finger and thumb separated at a right angle. This is a very old gesture, which arisen long before the first mobile phone emerged. It became a prerequisite for the development of ultra-portable Bluetooth-headset Color Rings by BCK, which is simultaneously fashion accessory. As the name implies, the headset consists of two multi-colored ring which fit over the thumb and little finger and perform functions of the speaker and microphone. You need to separate the fingers at right angles to activate the headset. Distance sensor is used in this device for such extraordinary command.
Implementation of a very interesting invention promises even more radical change in form factor and some familiar principles of information transfer. In 1958 Patrick Flanagan, when he was still teenager, invented a device that allows anyone to hear through the skin, even the totally deaf, even with a surgically removed middle ear and moreover with a completely atrophied auditory nerve. Patrick called his device "Neurophone".
Scientists established through experiments that there are two separate channels through which the brain can hear. One channel is for frequencies from 20 to 20,000 Hz (normal tone). This channel conducts the sounds in the cochlea (inner ear) through the air or through bone conduction. The second channel of hearing was opened by Patrick Flanagan in 1958 and was investigated by Dr. Martin Lenhardt and his colleagues in the 70's of last century. The second channel conducts ultrasound waves with a frequency of 28000 to 100000 Hz through the bones, body fluids or skin for hearing organ, which was opened again, located in the brain and known as the labyrinth. This organ of balance is a crucial part of the vestibular system.
Many studies on this subject were classified by different departments. For example, when the application for the invention of digital Neurophone was sent to the Patent Office, the National Security Agency (NSA) United States Columbus egg", which took place last winter in Laboratoria Art & Science Space in Moscow
If you use this invention in everyday life, you can quite forget about traditional speakers and headphones. This invention can change personal electronics drastically, including mobile phones. Manufacturers already produce stereo Neurophone with digital processor, providing excellent sound. And researches in this area are continuing.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the study of the natural environment in general and human nature in particular, and then the application of new knowledge in design (biodesign) are able to change your personal electronic devices fundamentally in the near future.To be continued.
Very interesting post!
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