top of page
openpict.png
heroshotPlic.png

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
detail.png
closeupgrey.png
detail1.png
detail2.png
Screen Shot 2020-02-22 at 6.21.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-02-22 at 6.21.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-02-22 at 6.21.32 PM.png

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.

explodedPlic.png

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

1context.jpg

- 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

4772969-infographic-anahy-by-anahy-carri

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

Apple_new-iphone-se-white_04152020_big.j

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

IMG_20190216_213715.jpg
IMG_20190218_124601.jpg
IMG_0097.JPG
IMG_20190218_131411.jpg

TOP SIX DIRECTIONS

CMF
INSPIRATION

longboard-wood-art-and-wood-product-desi
edward-hopper-wall-mirror.jpg
home.png
2014-11-08-20.32.56.jpg
SC-0001-Clear-plastic-chair3.png

REFINEMENT + PROTOTYPING

20190314_142915.jpg
Screen%20Shot%202020-02-24%20at%202.24_e
IMG_1070.JPG
IMG_1073.JPG

SHOWCASE HIGHLIGHTS

Screen Shot 2019-06-05 at 5.40.37 PM.png
Menu

Your Direct Link to Your Closest Contacts
PLIC

bottom of page