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MEET
PLIC
A direct link to your closest contacts
DURATION
11 Weeks | January - March 2019
PROJECT
Data Collection
DISCIPLINE
Electronic Design
UX Design
TEAM
Bryan Lee Budiman
Timothy Chong
Kit Chen
Micah Mutch
As mobile technology progresses, we often fail to look back on the increasingly large volumes of contacts collected and the way to access a specific contact. In the current method of storing contacts, all contacts are treated as the same even though some are significantly more cherished than others. Along with it, when we want to do anything to the contacts in our phone, we need to press countless buttons which is confusing for our parents or grandparents.
As a result, contact lists never see the light of day except when needed to look up information and for the elders, they need to ask their grandchildren whenever they want to call a specific contacts.
In here, PLIC stands as a simplified smartphone design that promote and remind users of only their most meaningful contacts in a physical way. We sought to change the utilitarian feeling with a product that changes the functionality to be noticeable, yet unobtrusive in our daily lives.
Product
How It Works
Taking the form of a picture on the wall, the Plic establishes a direct link to your closest contacts. Plic can be placed around user's house to remind them of their meaningful contacts throughout their daily routine. When opened, the Plic immediately video calls the specified contact. No need to install an app or type in a phone number. It can be held like a book or attached to the wall. Once done, close and the Plic is magnetically attached to its charging base, which blends in seamlessly into its meaningful location.
Screen Cover Clear Acrylic
Camera Protector Stainless Steel
Camera Lens Sapphire Crystal Cover
Motherboard Recycled Electronics
Mirror Silver Glass
Right Body Pinewood
Left Body Pinewood (stained)
360 Degree Hinge Rubber
- PLIC The Process -
Research
CONTACTS
an often overlooked form of media collection. It is data that is used purely for utility, versus other forms of media collection that spark nostalgia and love.
3rd
Data Collection Preferred
after Picture and Music
Considered Valuable to their Friend
4.5M
People Exchange Contact Everyday
>47%
Adults Call Family or Friends Once a Month
CURRENT
TECHNOLOGY
Smartphone is a cellular telephone with an integrated operating system and full of extra features.
Used 2,617 times in average by more than 4.86 B people
Too much distraction
Harder to value contact specifically
Hard to understand for Baby Boomers
Tendency to make contact information outdated
Difficult to add contact information
Users are confused with people with same names
Contacts are becoming unimportant
PARTICIPATORY DESIGN
USER PREFERENCES
Make / Prototyping
Wooden Material
Door
Minimalistic
Physical Contact
Simple
Tell / Storyboarding
Mobility
Various Settings
More Control
Updated Contact
Enact / Body Storming
Scatter
Pressing Mechanism
Open the Door
Reminder
Tool for Calling
TOP SIX DIRECTIONS
CMF
INSPIRATION
REFINEMENT + PROTOTYPING
SHOWCASE HIGHLIGHTS
Menu
Your Direct Link to Your Closest Contacts
PLIC
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