Winner of the 2020 Core77 Design Award
Runner-Up
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Design Intent-Empathy
Alto users are lab researchers working hard every day to better understand human diseases and discover drugs to improve human life. They have an analytical mindset and they focus on the technical details of their research.
Nicoya wanted this product to remind them of their passion and purpose – and connect on an emotional level by exuding positivity, inspiration, drive, trust.
We augmented existing workflows and emotional behavior to build a logical journey that informs an immediately understandable interaction.
Although we wanted a striking and appropriate image, we also wanted the product to recede when in use, so the researcher can focus completely on the task in hand and maintain flow – accentuating Defining Moments and Peak activities (relationships of displayed information to a successful procedure, loading and confirmation).
Competitors
Nicoya differentiates itself from the competition because it is a smaller footprint on the lab bench, has no plumbing to attach or doors to open.
Brand Language
It is also very important to establish Brand equity with products that people want to call their own. This will often be the only Nicoya touch point outside of their web site. The instrument image establishes a feeling of confidence and sophistication, the product interaction generates further attraction with an intuitive UI, substantial overall feel and smooth door transport (slides inside the machine). This device is appropriate from beginner to expert user.
Innovation, Materials exploration:
The use of a machined, etched and anodized ‘sample plate’ surface set the scene for the complete instrument. The front cover is laser-cut aluminum with the same finishes. The rear is a mix of sheet metal (for flat side surfaces), and moldings for display bezel and rear cover. Overall finishes are matched for texture and color.
DFM
Nicoya has an established CM in Singapore, with a bias towards instrumentation. We helped establish all production processes and sequence of assembly (so we could have precision joints at all user facing component interfaces).
There are no traditional SPR accessories like pumps, vales, tubing. We developed an early rapport with the CM and designed to be manufactured at an affordable price point in less than three months!
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