Eco Factor: Recyclable computer saves energy.
The recent advancements in technology are making gadgets smaller, more efficient and more powerful. Chip and hardware manufacturers are racing against time to develop the smallest circuits which could be used to power the most efficient computers designed to take the load of our future needs. Avery Holleman is one such designer who believes that computers of tomorrow will be completely different to the boxes which we are accustomed to. Avery is the designer of a stunning computer system called the Napkin PC.
Developed for a group of people or the members of a team, the Napkin PC consists of several Napkin modules, which function as the display, a Pen for giving commands and a base station that controls all the Napkins. The PC aims to bring out the creative passion of the user both individually and in group sessions. Since all the interfaces are controlled by a centralized base station with high speed RF wireless connections, the PC encourages spreading out and allows for multiple creative workflows that can interact or just as easily stay independent. It also enhances group interaction and collaboration by allowing any number of interfaces that can be passed around or pinned up, but which all communicate with a central network.
When powered by the Pen, the Napkin is a multi-touch input display which responds to human touch as well as the Pen. The intuitive use of a pen and paper is exploited by the design, making it very easy to use. Also the ability to work on multiple interfaces in parallel, instead of shuffling through windows on a single interface, makes multitasking much easier.
The Base station is designed to interact like a napkin holder. The user can grab an interface from the stack in the middle of the table. The computer itself is somewhat hidden in the Napkin holder, its only reminder being the OLED status display on the front. The user only really interacts with the Napkins and the Pens. This helps them maintain hands-on, creative freedom. The square Napkin form is used because it is modular, but also because it conveys the idea of being one of many. This helps the user stay relaxed and open minded because less importance is put on a single interface.
The environmental sustainability of the PC is most innovative with the Napkin interface. It is the most numerous component and the one most likely to need replacing due to wear over a few years. Therefore it is beneficial to make it easy to recycle which is accomplished by powering it with an inductive circuit. This eliminates a hard-to-recycle internal battery.
[Thanks: Avery Holleman]
