keep your laptop clean
problem statement “dirty qwerty” In a jaw-dropping London office study, a keyboard was found with 150 times an “acceptable limit” of bacteria — enough to induce “Qwerty Tummy,” or an upset stomach in a human being. Eye-opening statistics such as these indicate that humans are at a severe risk for illnesses, as dirty laptop surfaces enable us to become germ-transmitting machines.
Your keyboard is
Laptop surfaces contain
Alcohol only removes
5X DIRTIER
E.COLI & STAPH
3% GERMS
than a toilet seat
bacteria and pathogens
from laptop surfaces
misconceptions
How can we motivate people to clean their laptops thoroughly and frequently?
“My laptop isn’t that dirty.” “I don’t need to clean my laptop.” “I don’t need to wash my hands.” “The germs on my laptop aren’t considerable.” “Eating food while using my laptop isn’t a big deal.”
problem analysis the issue P e o p l e d o n o t e ff e c t i v e l y c l e a n their laptops. u sage - Use for long period of time - Light, air quality
clea n i n g
germs
- Paper towels, Windex
- Multi-task, build up germs - Eat, drink, bodily functions - Dirty hands
- Grease stains, finger foods - Particles fall under keyboard
S pills / f ood messes
- Hide under keys
- Clorox, vacuum - Products still leave germs - Expensive, inconvenient
- Carelessness — need for multitasking
- Accumulate when not killed - Transmit to others if user shares laptop
- Environment — air quality, humidity, lighting - Pets — dander, saliva, germs - Space — cramped, with no designated computer area home e n v iro n me n t
res u lt D i r t y l a p t o p t h a t s p re a d s g e r m s O pport u n ities C l e a n i n g p ro d u c t s , e n v i ro n m e n t
USER/TASK ANALYSIS timeline Use your laptop
germs incubate
tip keyboard
gather supplies
wipe screen
wipe surfaces
3 0 s e c o n d s - 6 + hours
up to 2 days
30 se c on d s
2-3 min u te s
1 min u te
3 min u te s
Su r f the web, bl ow y our n o se , text a frie nd, s pill yo ur c offe e, et c.
G er m s hide, grow f ro m liquid on s ur f aces ; u s e r cont act , us er get s s i c k
U s e r w a n t s t o re m o v e larger particles first b e f o re c l e a n i n g
User locates necessary supplies for cleaning laptop surfaces
U se w e t/m o i st c l e a n i n g to w e l e tte , o r spr a y so l u ti o n a n d to w e l
U se c l e a n i n g c l o th to w i pe ke ybo a rd a n d o th e r su r fa c e s
user reaction High stress low stress
emotion cause
UNAWARE
annoyed
irritated
disgusted
cannot foresee potential harm from germs
dirtiness of laptop makes using laptop difficult or more unpleasant
realizes the laptop is dirty
dirt residue on cloth, streaks on screen, chemical smell left on hands
higher priorities
tries to clean quickly
TARGET AUDIENCE USER PROFILE Male & Female Ages 22-35 Middle-upper class individuals $45,000+ individual annual income Living in urban, suburban homes Successful professionals Ambitious in respective fields Spend over 5+ hours on computer Always busy, packed schedule Travel frequently
FOCUS GROUPS Multitaskers — known for eating, texting and Facebooking simultaneously due to limited time workaholics — spend long hours in front of their laptops, hard to focus on anything else early adopters — seek out the latest technology and products, in tune with the economy and market
analyzing the user
juju kim
joonho syn
22 years old Assistant editor at ESPNRadio.com
34 years old systems engineer at a9.com
1 BR apartment in Farmington, CT Spends 9-10 hours on the computer a day
Studio apartment in San Francisco, CA Spends 8 hours on the computer a day
MARKET INSIGHT “You can never be sure if they will scratch your screen. It’s hard to find products (both the cleaner and the wipe/towel) specifically for cleaning electronics.”
MARKET INSIGHT “I’m not really sure if all of the products on the market actually work or not.” (uses iKlear products with wipes and microfiber cleaning towel)
IDEAL PRODUCT “Something that wouldn’t scratch the screen or harm the computer in any way, something low maintenance, something that doesn’t leave a residue or a smell.”
IDEAL PRODUCT “I’d like a UV light that kills bacteria. You would put an open laptop inside and bathe it in anti-bacterial UV light. It would be quiet and roughly the size of a large printer.”
WHY DON’T PEOPLE CLEAN THEIR LAPTOPS? “People have other priorities than maintaining the cleanliness of their laptop regularly. People also don’t have time or are too busy. One other deterrent is the lack of suitable cleaning products for laptops.”
WHY DON’T PEOPLE CLEAN THEIR LAPTOPS? “It’s not that important. I’m good at keeping my laptop/computer clean so it usually isn’t an issue. It’s not something you think about until it gets nasty. I’m not going to stop using my laptop so it doesn’t worry me much.”
Jason nikowitz
26 years old Math teacher at bolingbrook high school grad student 2 BR condo in Naperville, IL Spends 8 hours on the computer a day MARKET INSIGHT Jason does not clean his laptop; he had no insight on products. IDEAL PRODUCT “[Cleaning your laptop is] not important at all. It would have to be very easy to use and very inexpensive. Not an inconvenience.” WHY DON’T PEOPLE CLEAN THEIR LAPTOPS? “They see it as unnecessary. I’m aware of many harmful pathogens present in most things I use everyday, but I continue to use them. To actively clean my laptop would suggest that I should actively clean my remote control, cellphone, etc.”
analyzing the user pain factor
source — Cleaning their laptop intensity
college students (18-25) Intensity — HIGH, constantly use laptop, sharing
Sarah Stachnik
laptops, high-germ environment timing — NEVER, after it affects their lifestyle awareness — ignorant about cleanliness of laptop
Young adults, adults (23-40)
28 years old math teacher at bolingbrook high school House in Oak Forest, IL Spends 8-10 hours on the computer a day MARKET INSIGHT “Cell phones are the dirtiest things we carry with us; I spend more time on my computer than I do on my phone during the week. That’s why I try to use [Windex Electronic Wipes to disinfect my computer and clean my screen] as well as use hand sanitizer all day long.” IDEAL PRODUCT “Something to clean the crevices of the keypad and the mouse.” WHY DON’T PEOPLE CLEAN THEIR LAPTOPS? “Laziness, forgetfulness. I feel that many people don’t think about it when they are using the devices. The germs are there, but there aren’t many dangerous ones.”
Intensity — HIGH, constantly use laptops, take from
home-workplace, multitasking with laptop
timing — SOMETIMES, while it affects their lifestyle awareness — SLIGHT when visible signs of dirtiness
middle-Aged Adults (40-60) Intensity — MEDIUM, people think they have a
“healthy” or “clean” lifestyle timing — SELDOM, prolonged, afterwards awareness — SIGNIFICANT concern about problem
awareness
timing
insights from interviews young adults live on their computers. The target audience spends countless hours on their laptops, eating greasy foods, sneezing, texting, and multi-tasking. Laptop surfaces are the perfect breeding ground for germs. busy go-getters prioritize. Securing a promotion, maintaining a social life, and sleeping may be more important than cleaning their laptop. Furthermore, cleaning requires too much money and/or time or effort, even if it only takes five minutes. ignorance is bliss. People do not bother to clean their laptops because they do not know the potential risk of the illnesses at hand, or they choose to ignore it.
MARKET RESEARCH
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
Moshi’s Complete Cleaning Kit
Viziflex Keyboard Covers
niceeshop hightech sticky jelly
$7.50 / 75 count Pre-moistened wipes to disinfect a multitude of surfaces
$25.00 / kit TeraGlove™ cleaning cloth, dual-purpose keyboard cleaning pen, duster brush, 4 reusable microfiber strip, spray bottle
$16.00 / cover Biosafe® coated cover to protect computer keys from microbes
$2.99 “Super Clean” cleaning compound with blue cable tie
Eco-friendly Washable microfiber No harsh solvents
Flexible, durable polyurethane Only company to offer antimicrobial protection Latex-free Glare-free
Choice of color Easy to use Usable on keyboards, mobile phones, printers
Overrated, overpriced Expensive Pump malfunctions
Only available for certain models (PCs, desktops) Expensive
Confusing directions (written in Chinese) Not for heavy-duty spills Terrible chemical smell
pros
Easily disposable Bleach-free Kills 99.9% bacteria in 30 seconds Durable cloth
cons
Slightly flammable Harms eyes Doesn’t kill norovirus
MARKET RESEARCH
Swiss+Tech USB Micro-Vac
virwall Virashield uv sanitizer
Innovera Gas duster
3m keyboard cleaner kit
$9.92 Rubber-nozzled car and keyboard vacuum
$249 Germicidal 254 nm UV light lid for standard computer keyboard
$4.02 / 2 pack, 10oz cans Can of compressed gas emitted through nozzle
$7.85 / kit Four finishing cloths, greasecutting cleaning solution, multipurpose scrubber
Ergonomic shape/scale Brush nozzle cleans vents, monitors, other electronics High power available
Kills bacteria, viruses in approximately 30 seconds Eco-friendly Efficient
Good PSI Thoroughly blasts dust out Good balance between quality and price
Efficient/effective scrubber Does exactly what it says Fits into nooks and crannies
Expensive Bulky
Quickly runs out of power Not as good as 3M Bursts strong enough to damage graphics card/motherboard
Doesn’t clean under keys Keys still “appear” dirty Expensive Only 4-5 keyboards can be cleaned with given portion
pros
cons
Weak power, no suction Flap is useless, inefficient USB malfunctions
benchmarking price vs. lifespan
size vs. safety
Comparing the amount of time product can be used to the cost of the product
Comparing the laptop’s vulnerability during product’s use to the product’s scale safety
lifespan more time
white s pa c e
white s pac e
$3
$250
0.5
more safe
in3
1,500
size
price
less safe
less time
effectiveness vs. complexity
insights from market research
Comparing the number of steps the product needs to the product’s germ-killing ability
The most successful products on the market were the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, the VirWall ViraShield UV sanitizer, and the Viziflex Keyboard cover. However, they all have certain drawbacks.
complexity more steps
more germs
germ-free
effectiveness
less steps
white s pac e
in3
The product with the most potential for an adaptation or a redesign was the VirWall ViraShield UV Sanitizer because the germicidal 254 nm UV technology was most promising to harness and utilize in the new product. However, this product is too expensive, large, and not aesthetically pleasing.
ultraviolet light research uv-c technology ABOUT Germicidal 254 nm UV technology deactivates bacteria’s DNA upon the bacteria absorbing light; thus, microorganisms and pathogens cannot reproduce.
closer look Where is this light located on the spectrum? cosmic rays
gamma rays
x-rays
visible infrared
radio waves
ultraviolet visible light
x-rays
how it works Short-wave, low-pressure mercury vapor tubes render UV wavelengths deadly to microorganisms
100 nm
germicidal wavelengths
pros non-chemical approach inexpensive, low maintenance typical applications Drinking Water Food Processing Medical Cosmetic industry protection from MRSA E. coli Swine flu Staph Strep Influenza A Norovirus Other viruses
400 nm
short-wave uv-c (100-280 nm)
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE GERMS?
This wavelength (254 nm) is the ideal resonance for killing not only bacteria, but viruses as well.
300 nm
UV-C forms bonds in DNA
DNA cannot replicate
cannot reproduce
product applications The product will incorporate the cleaning technology of the STER-L-RAYÂŽ Cold Cathode germicidal lamp. + bulb built to withstand frequent starting + 20,000-hour rated effective life + does not produce considerable heat or ozone 1-pin bulb base connects to battery-powered lamp holder Sheet of quartz glass to be placed over bulb to allow UV rays to penetrate to laptop surface cold cathode lamp
quartz casing
1-pin base
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Versatility In addition to portability and ability to kill germs from laptop surfaces, the product’s functionality should be extensive serve more benefits for the user. The user should foster an attachment to the product.
PRICING While the target audience is for people that are more successful and well-off, the price of this product should be reasonable. The product should cost close to its worth, justifying the perfect balance between quality and expense.
Ideal design
Efficiency
The product is steady balance between versatility, pricing, and efficiency. Most importantly, it is not overrated or unjustly expensive.
Cleaning your laptop surface should be a quick and easy task. The product should be straightforward to use and small enough for the user to carry in their bag.
The product should be designed simply and straight-forwardly for the user.
The product must thoroughly and safely kill harmful pathogens. Ideally, the solution should prevent germs from accumulating on the surfaces, as well as kill the germs present on the surfaces.
inspiration early
luxury
fashion
Materialism
bold
open-minded
edgy organized
style
wealth
ideation sketches wipes
VACUUM CLEANERS uv technology
laptop cleanliness
sponges
wands
concept sketches/uv technology portability
keyboard lid
too bulky not convenient
smaller scale multipurpose electronic holder
form EXPLORATION
curved, ergonomic form
bottom padded with microfiber fabric
human factors research form studies
Too narrow and long
Too narrow/formless
Comfortable but bulky
To narrow, but ergonomic
Too small, but ergonomic
ideal form
Wide face base Curved edges for multiple, comfortable grips Not too bulky, aesthetically clean INSIGHT A larger cleaner would be more efficient to clean, but the product’s portability and versatility would be compromised.
anthropometrics Male AVERAGES Hand width: 3.5 in Hand length: 7.5 in Grip width: 3.7 in
FEMALE AVERAGES Hand width: 3.0 in Hand length: 6.9 in Grip width: 3.3 in
form refinement 2-d modeling After experimenting with a rough 3-D form, base shapes were created. Actual size paper models were tested to find the right balance between the UV surface area in which the bulbs would be placed (white area) and the actual size of base which could be coated with a microfiber cleaning cloth (color area).
stage 1
stage 2
7.5 x 3.5 in UV TRAY — 6 x 3 in 5 x 3.75 in UV TRAY — 3.5 x 1.5 in
8 x 3.5 in UV TRAY — 6 x 3 in
4 x 4.6 in UV TRAY — 2.8 x 2.4 in
Stage 1 — Too bulky/rectangular
stage 3
3.8 x 4.75 in UV TRAY — 3 x 1.9 in
3.9 x 5.3 in UV TRAY — 2.6 x 2.3 in
ideal form
Stage 2 — Erratic curvature Stage 3 — Ergonomic fit Originally, the first stage bases’ scaling was imagined to fit a phone inside, so that users could deeply and quickly disinfect their phones. However, the ideal form is no compromise for effectiveness. The ideal form is an ergonomic bean shape that can be gripped from both ends comfortably. The area for UV bulbs in favorable as well. The scale enables portability, enough area within the tray to house UV light bulbs, and a snug fit into the user’s hands.
additional Considerations
How can the device be powered conveniently? Batteries are probably too bulky to house within the device, so it should be able to charge with an external, USB-capable charger.
What are the capabilities of the product? The product should be able to get rid of germs and miscellaneous grime on laptop and other electronic surfaces.
How can the product’s lifespan be prolonged? The bottom base’s microfiber should be washable and reusable, and the UV lamps should be easily replaceable.
refined concept Bean-shaped device encasing an aluminum tray encasing two UV cold cathode lamps
lcd touchscreen — to set clean time
base
electric charge socket
Electric Connection socket
sockets for Base’s pegs
body
Uv lamp tray
electric pin + sleeve
uv cold cathode lamps (2)
final product
a stylish, hand-held, portable cleaning device that keeps laptop surfaces free from germs and gunk VERSATILE — Not just for laptops. For your phone or any of your electronics. REASONABLY-PRICED — The most bang for your buck on the market. EFFICIENT — Killing germs and wiping away grease within seconds.
form/function the interface
0:00
power source lock screen power on/ off controls time
+ Simple one-finger touch operation + Auto-off/on, auto-flip screen + Lock icon to lock screen during operation + Effective exposure time less than three minutes
FUSS-FREE CHARGE BY APPLE With the recent release of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, the number of people worldwide owning iPhone 5 and Apple chargers is greatly increasing. Kic is powered by this charger because many of its users are also loyal Apple customers as well. The iPhone 5 charger may be universal to most of their devices, as well as commonly purchased. Thus, charging kic would never be a hassle.
how to use SET TO DESIRED EXPOSURE TIME. One laptop should be clean from less than three minutes of continuous scanning. Lock the touchscreen so your hand doesn’t interfere. SCAN AND PAN KIC ACROSS SURFACES. Aim the base at targeted areas about 2-3 inches away from surfaces. WIPE DOWN SCREEN WITH MICROFIBER BASE. Get rid of any gunk inhibiting laptop use. Kic fits comfortably in any of the hands of any target user. Carefully contoured edges fit snuggly in right- and left-handed people’s fingertips.
t lef d han
right hand
specifications
durable, shiny, ergonomic body
replaceable, durable, safe uv lamps
detachable, anti-scratch microfiber-covered base (hand-washable)
keep it clean
iconic “bean� form
exploded view 1
Touchscreen
1 2
Allows user to program desired time of UV exposure
2
outer body Curved edges, inside houses electronic technology
3
base Three pegs enable snug connection to body
4
3 uv lamp tray Cradles two UV lamps, enables electronic connection
5
uv Lamp
4
Create germicidal wavelength for killing germs
dimensions 5.25 x 4.2 x 2.5 in
5
materials/finish uv lamp
uv lamp tray
outer body/base
$8.50 / two 3 in long lamps STER-L-RAY® Cold Cathode germicidal lamp, quartz tubing
$0.85 / in3 Aluminum 6061T6 wrought heat treatable alloy
$0.20 / in3 High density (HD) Polyethylene plastic, UV-stabilized with Benzophenone
details Custom-sized lamp >5 watts (replaceable bulbs), custom-sized Crystal Clear™ quartz material (sheet form) placed over bulbs
details Commonly-used aluminum alloy, contains wiring/socket connecting 1-pin base of the lamp
MANUFACTURING Injection molded to create shape, high density — tough, chemical and heat resistant, workable, hard
details 24” x 36” countertop needs three minutes UV exposure to eliminate Salmonella, thus kic requires less than three minutes UV exposure to be germ-free
finish Anodized Type III Hard Coat — clear finish, durable, reasonably priced, eco-friendly, easy to maintain
finish ABS (Engineering Resin) — reasonably priced, impact resistant; Benzophenone anti-oxidant additive prevents UV degradation to plastic
base (underside)
touchscreen
pricing
$0.25 / in3 Ultra-fine microfiber suede cleaning cloth (polyester/nylon fibers)
$0.75 / in3 Liquid crystal display (LCD), liquid crystals paired with electrode, glass, polarizer
MATERIALS $15.00
MANUFACTURING Thin filament crafted from polyester and nylon, divided into fine fiber (1/100 diameter of human hair), woven
MANUFACTURING Glass-coated with metal oxide film, creates pixels to create display, polymer layer added, liquid crystal incorporated in parallel grooves, then sealed; glass polarized
details Absorbent, cost-effective (reusable), antimicrobial, non-smearing, light (not for heavy spills)
details Widely used in electronics, versatile, compact, requires little energy to use
OVERHEAD & LABOR $7.00 30% MARKUP $6.60 estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price
$28.60
color study inspiration Our users are some of the most ambitious, exciting, adaptive businessmen, artists, or socialites — to name a few. Thus, Pantone’s Fashion Color Report for Spring 2013, a guide for trendsetters and designers, was a complementary pairing for kic’s bold and iconic form.
mauve PANTONE 18-3224 vision / luxury / quality
cerulean PANTONE 18-3949 intelligence / efficiency / logic
mint PANTONE 15-6114 motivation / growth / restoration
raincloud (lcd screen)
coral
PANTONE 12-4302 neutrality / solidity / stability
PANTONE 18-1651 warmth / power / love
environment
The story Meet Elizabeth. Her hands move a mile a minute. An ambitious, recent college grad who landed herself a job in the city as an art director for a magazine, she is always creating, thinking, and doing with her hands. To say she’s busy is an understatement. From frequent commutes on the subway to countless hours touching up photos on the computer, her free time comes in the form of listening to two minutes worth of NPR’s latest on her laptop while enjoying a bottle of Corona. Her hands are important. They sign releases; they fire away on her keyboard; they create. They’re also her oneway ticket to many illnesses, like strep throat, MRSA, and an upset stomach. She’s a smart girl. But between getting little sleep and working long hours at the office, cleaning her laptop, a place where germs are rampant, is not her top priority.
She’s tried products on the market. The multi-step kits and the wipes did not do it, though. Too much effort for such a simple task: to get rid of those pesky germs. So she decided to try something new. Kic, a versatile laptop cleaner efficient enough to meet the demands of her busy life. It fits perfectly in her leather tote without taking up too much space. It’s simple and quick. It uses the same charger as her iPhone 5s and iPad Mini, too. It’s been a long day. Editorial production for the February issue is finally complete. After a greasy pizza lunch, straight six-hour design session, and a four-mile run she decides it’s time for a clean. She reaches for KIC in her tote, and seamlessly glides the device over her keys and screen for a minute. She takes her earbuds out and places them on her nightstand and covers them with KIC. She sets the timer for one minute and heads off to reward herself with a hot shower before bed.
acknowledgments citations, by page problem statement
dailymail.co.uk/health, abcnews.go.com/Health
market research
amazon.com, clorox.com, store.moshimonde.com, viziflex.com/laptop, businesswire.com
ultraviolet light research
businesswire.com, iuva.org, ultraviolet.com
Human factors research
“Measure of Man and Woman” (By Alvin R. Tilley, Henry Dreyfuss Associates)
materials/finish
verilux.com, asminternational.org, onlinemetals. com, youboat.net, thealuminumsource.com, acemetalfinishing.com, ineos.com, science. howstuffworks.com, ingslane.com, plastics.ides.com, eplastics.com, gopolymers.com, viacheminc.com, “Designing for Moldability,” Proto Labs, Inc. (2nd Edition), neatitems.com, cleanlink.com, seattlefabrics. com, macrointlco.com, jjshort.com, plc.cwru.edu, amazon.com
color study
colour-affects.co.uk, empower-yourself-with-colorpsychology.com, pantone.com
Thank you!