Familia is a hybrid concept for Lexmark that combines a digital picture frame and a printer together. Designed to broaden Lexmark's product offerings, it takes printing outside of the typical office environment.
As a picture frame, the front of the product is kept simple and clear of details that may take away from the viewing experience of the digital content.
Details and features are visible from the back. For displaying contents continuously, the device is powered from the wall.
The soft, braided cable reduces unwanted tension from the feature, allowing it to lay down onto the table with ease.
The cable is routed from the back side of the product. Combination of the flush connection and the scoop detail allow the product to be flat on the table for printing. Visual design interests, including the branding, are applied to the back rather than the front, as frames should never interfere with the actual pictures being shown.
Reloading the supply is as easy is pressing the touch detail on the top. A cartridge that holds both the ink and the paper is released in a single sliding motion.
The heart of the Familia concept is in the Media Pack. This supply cartridge is a pre-packaged combination of photo paper and premium ink. The amount of ink held in each cartridge is matched to a stack of 24 sheets of photo paper. When the paper runs out, the ink runs out. Combining the supplies make purchasing and reloading simpler for the users, and it keeps the SKU simple for Lexmark.
Process 1: The project started with a broad range of questions to challenge the business what a printer can be. Letting go of technical constraints in this early stage of conceptualization allow ideas to flow wild. Ultimately, an idea of creating a device with social and family connectivity at home becomes very appealing.
Process 2: These sketches illustrate the initial form development process of a new hybrid concept for Lexmark. The ideas revolve around creating a small, family oriented display device that can also print. The form must support displaying pictures as well as printing them in full, 4”x6” size. Early ideation focused on softer forms, high lighting the opportunity for the product to be picked up by the users and moved around the house for sharing.
Process 3: Design development leads to an extruded volume with a wrapped detail. The design proves to be more modern then previously explored rounder forms. At this point, effort is placed on refinement of how the details flow together. The form factor also creates an opportunity to use wood laminate, an appropriate material for a product designed to be used in a home.