Audi Layer
A 4-in-1 input device for a desktop PC
Audi Design Challenge 2015
Finalist (Top 4)
Theme: A Design for the Lifestyle Audi Pursues
Section: Product
Designed by Jarim Koo
Introduction
Audi designs are about people’s daily lifestyles as well as automobiles. Personally, I found it really significant to project the spirit of Audi into other various products used in people’s daily lives and expand the brand image of Audi, so I started working on this design.
Insight
On the premise that an Audi owners’ top priority lifestyle is driving their Audi cars, I devised various scenarios for their second lifestyle. Out of all the scenarios, I researched on what is empathically taken for a routine and chose a desktop PC in people’s office lives as a second lifestyle target. On inquiry, I found out that so many input devices are tangled up together to support a desktop PC that the desk space gradually becomes inefficient, further causing other problems. Therefore, I attempted to draw solutions to such problems, based on the design philosophy of Audi.
Concept
As a 4-in-1 input device for a desktop PC, Layer is a functionality-based product that expands users’ pleasure and convenience of using a desktop PC into the domain of their office lives. This 4-in-1 product makes it possible to use the desktop space efficiently, and as it is customized for users’ intentions, Layer provides users with flexible user experiences. Besides, since Layer has a wireless charging function, all the other kinds of input devices are used and charged in a wireless way, which clearly shows ‘Advance through Technology’, the brand philosophy of Audi.
4-in-1
As a 4-in-1 input device, Layer is a design that combines 4 different input devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a track-pad & tablet and a touch-pen, into a single device. Such a design of combination provides a pleasant and comfortable desktop environment by maximizing the efficiency of space.
Customizing
Layer can be properly customized for different work purposes, such as web-surfing, paper work, professional work and taking notes, so it provides users with flexible user experiences.
Maximization of Efficient Functionality and Usability
Wireless Charging
Layer, a 4-in-1 input device, is designed in a smart module structure that enables users to carry out snap-coupling with magnetic force. All the modules support the bluetooth wireless system of Layer for users to use the other input devices conveniently. Especially, the body on the bottom has a near-field wireless charging function (inducive coupling method). Therefore, only with a charging cable connected, it is possible to charge all the input devices at the same time since Layer works as a charger.
On the bottom side of the mouse, there is a charge-indicating LED light with the mouse logo projected. When all the input devices are combined and charged, a soft light comes from the mouse, which helps users notice the state of charging.
* On the rear side on the bottom, Layer has a C-type USB charging port.
Design Philosophy of Audi and Beauty of Balance
The design of Layer is borrowed from urban, balanced, neat and moderate images of modern architecture. The design aesthetics of this product is 4-in-1 that all the 4 different input devices show a single unity while performing their own roles at the same time. It clearly shows the design philosophy of Audi that pursues balanced designs that functionality and aesthetic styling coexist together.
Keyboard
The main characteristic of the keyboard design is sustaining the unity between the keys and the body and securing better usability at the same time. As all the spaces between the keys are either plane or curved, every key is naturally divided from each other, further providing users with comfortable and luxurious typing experiences.
The Audi font graphic on the keyboard is designed in an intaglio way, so it expresses Audi’s own brand identity delicately. Besides, with LED back-light on the keyboard graphic and settings customized through software, Layer provides users with smart user experiences.
Delicate Details
Mouse
The form of Layer is super-slim and simple. This 4-in-1 device is designed at the optimized ratios and has feelings of harmony and neatness. Especially, out of all the input devices connected with a feeling of unity, the mouse exquisitely has the same character line as that on the side of Audi vehicles, and it is designed fit for the usability of Layer, while intuitively expressing the elegant and dynamic image of Audi at the same time. Besides, by adopting minimum parting lines and edges for the entire design, Layer shows mechanical sophistication and delicacy.
Track-Pad & Tablet
The track-pad & tablet that supports the force touch is a plane large enough to cover the entire keyboard and even use finger motions easily. Besides, with the touch-pen, it can be used as a tablet.
Touch-Pen
Users can take out the touch-pen by simply pushing it when taking notes or carrying out professional works. The main characteristic of the touch-pen design is that the shape of the pen tip is for the coexistence between edges and planes. It makes possible to use this touch-pen intuitively, further providing users with much better user experiences.
* The touch-pen is located at the rightmost part in the frontal surface of Layer and designed in a push-structure.
Premium Values
In Layer, each input device is in a dark grey aluminium uni-body structure, so they add dignity and exclusivity to Audi owners’ office lifestyles.
Measurements
Height: 0.48-1.93 inches (1.23-2.37 cm)
Width: 14.58 inches (37.03 cm)
Depth: 4.72 inches (12 cm)
Keyboard
Height: 0.29-0.48 inch (0.74-1.23 cm)
Width: 14.58 inches (37.03 cm)
Depth: 4.48-4.72 inches (11.39-12 cm)
Mouse
Height: 0.76 inch (1.92 cm)
Width: 2.06 inches (5.23 cm)
Depth: 4.72 inches (12 cm)
Track-pad & Tablet
Height: 0.21 inch (0.54 cm)
Width: 11.71 inches (29.75 cm)
Depth: 4.72 inches (12 cm)
Touch pen
Height: 0.16 inch (0.40 cm)
Width: 0.46 inch (1.18 cm)
Depth: 4.27 inches (10.85 cm)
Designed by Jarim Koo
