XF System
Phase One
2013
A hardware overhaul
We collaborated with Phase One on creating a full redesign of their camera system to help them deliver an improved user experience for professional photographers and enhancing the Phase One identity through their hardware portfolio.
The XF Camera system is Phase One’s fastest, most robust and most expandable camera system for professional photographers.
Development
Sketches
2D drawings for sketch model making
Sketch model making prototypes in model board
Refining, recording data and making iterations through sketch models
3D scanning of selected ergonomic handgrip from sketch models for use as a reference guide in final CAD.
Solidworks CAD
Hand sketching refinements
3D printed prototypes
Renderings for CMF reference
Early concept renderings
Phase One_XF System
Improving workflow for professional photographers
A hardware overhaul
We collaborated with Phase One on creating a full redesign of their camera system to help them deliver an improved user experience for the professional photographer and enhancing the Phase One identity through their hardware portfolio.
The XF Camera system is Phase One’s fastest, most robust and most expandable camera system for professional photographers.
Focus on ergonomics
Improving the ergonomic handling experience of the Phase One hardware was a key element in the XF becoming a respected tool for the professional photographer. We focused considerable attention on details around the grip section to achieve a design that felt secure and balanced when held, as well as being comfortable to function multiple controls.
Douglas Sonders, Fstoppers
“ It may seem silly to some, but I am absolutely excited about these ergonomic improvements…
The XF is a huge evolutionary step forward in terms of user comfort, customization, functionality, and most-importantly, the implementation of the much-improved Honeybee auto focus system.”
A coherent design language
Our preceding work on a strategic design language with the IQ Digital Back considered working with a future portfolio of hardware products for Phase One and was integrated into the design of the XF system. part of the strategy was to clean up and reduce the visual clutter that is often common in professional cameras, and to create a coherent design identity that works both in offering comfort in use alongside presenting itself as a serious, quality and professional tool.
Modular design fitting to workflow
The customisability through exchangeable modular viewfinders and personalisation of camera controls (dials, keys and touch screens) solves the problem with photographers who require flexibility with tools for their work. The expandability and upgradability through hardware and software as well as attention to ergonomic handling, all help to improve workflow and offer a long product life span.
A process of rapid iterations
Our process of working with the design of the XF camera body was very much hands on in the workshop. We made a large number of quick hand made prototypes that we tested for ergonomics and were easy make iterations on. Once an ergonomic design was settled upon through these models we had it 3D scanned to deliver the most accurate translation into CAD and helping speed up the full development process.
