Anton In-Home Care – 2020
Aging in place often comes with inherent risks. Medications can have complicated schedules, accidents can make contacting emergency services difficult or impossible, and regular checkups can slip by the wayside. But it doesn’t have to be unmanageable. Together with the product development team at Anelto, we developed Anton, an in-home device that makes ongoing care and wellbeing a personal experience.
Design
We began developing concept directions from an understanding of the ultimate product requirements. Being most typically placed on a desk or counter, the screen needed to be tilted to a viewing angle appropriate for both standing and seated users, including those in wheelchairs. We also needed clear and rich sound to broadcast at high volumes and across large rooms.
Central to the device is the 7″ screen and an on-board camera. They make calls with friends and family an immersive experience, but also provide healthcare professionals with critical visual information on the user’s wellbeing. Taking into account the field of view of the preferred camera component and viewing angles of the LCD screen, we cross-referenced ergonomic data and determined the optimal tilt and height for the device. We then developed a range of concepts that provided a stable platform with potential for good acoustics and whose forms were aesthetically approachable and appealing.
Anton In-Home Care – 2020
Aging in place often comes with inherent risks. Medications can have complicated schedules, accidents can make contacting emergency services difficult or impossible, and regular checkups can slip by the wayside. But it doesn’t have to be unmanageable. Together with the product development team at Anelto, we developed Anton, an in-home device that makes ongoing care and wellbeing a personal experience.
Design
We began developing concept directions from an understanding of the ultimate product requirements. Being most typically placed on a desk or counter, the screen needed to be tilted to a viewing angle appropriate for both standing and seated users, including those in wheelchairs. We also needed clear and rich sound to broadcast at high volumes and across large rooms.
Central to the device is the 7″ screen and an on-board camera. They make calls with friends and family an immersive experience, but also provide healthcare professionals with critical visual information on the user’s wellbeing. Taking into account the field of view of the preferred camera component and viewing angles of the LCD screen, we cross-referenced ergonomic data and determined the optimal tilt and height for the device. We then developed a range of concepts that provided a stable platform with potential for good acoustics and whose forms were aesthetically approachable and appealing.
The concept ultimately selected balances user needs like stability and viewing angle with requirements of functional components within the device. The rear portion of the form supports the screen but also houses a large speaker with its own sealed acoustic chamber. This blending of aesthetics, user experience, and engineering into a cohesive design was the key to a successful design.
We also placed large tactile buttons within easy reach and view. Physical volume controls make adjustment quick, and a dedicated privacy button disables the camera when desired.
Engineering
Working closely with Anelto’s electrical engineering team, we realized the initial design with full engineering and design for manufacturing. We developed several prototypes along the way to support component selection, test assembly strategy, and for FCC certification. Once refined, we documented each part and described assembly process for an easy transition to manufacturing by overseas and stateside partners.
Engineering
Working closely with Anelto’s electrical engineering team, we realized the initial design with full engineering and design for manufacturing. We developed several prototypes along the way to support component selection, test assembly strategy, and for FCC certification. Once refined, we documented each part and described assembly process for an easy transition to manufacturing by overseas and stateside partners.