9 - Re-design (hardware)

The overall response from the questionnaire suggested that the device was too big. It would have been difficult to use whilst being carried. If you were using the old design and carrying it using the handles you wouldn't be able to reach the buttons to do anything. The handles actually have no point other than for carrying it around so we decided to chop them off and have a strap instead. This makes the device much smaller and removes an almost pointless part of the design. We then thought it would be a good idea to have the buttons at the top corners of the device and expand the sides as it goes up. You'll get a better idea looking at this picture:


The user can grab the top left and right sides of the product which are specifically swollen to make it easier to hold. Grabbing the device in this way also means you have your thumbs free to press the buttons.

The point of being able to hold and use the device at the same time is even more important now that the age range has increased. It's much more likely a seven year old will want to walk around and use the device at the same time or even in other situations where it's not possible to rest it on your lap.

The general look is a lot more trendy and attractive. We think it will really appeal to our new age range and it's unique shape will ensure it flies off the shelves.

In our new design we have also included a retractable string which connects between the device and the end of the stylus. The string has a very light retracting force so the string is dragged in but isn't noticeable enough to be annoying when using the stylus. The child can get the pen out from the device by pressing the nib side of the pen in and and make the rubber side pop out.

Based on the responses from the questionnaire we have also decided to make the product available in a range of colours...