Nexo-Pad

Para qué sirve

It allows you to use the commands and shortcuts needed in various types of design programs, being an alternative to using a keyboard, which isn't designed to input shortcuts efficiently.

Qué te inspiró

The idea for this project was born early in my industrial design career. Given that we often rely on design programs, I decided to search the market for a device that could improve my user experience with these programs. However, I didn't find many options. Most consisted of devices similar to more compact keyboards or products specifically designed for very specific tasks. So, several years later, with more extensive technical and practical knowledge, I decided to take up this issue again as my thesis project, with the goal of creating a device to help designers improve their work experience, as i would have liked when i was starting out.

Cómo funciona

The device is designed to be used with the left hand (just like a keyboard in design programs) and has 21 programmable functions. These include a sliding pad, which combines three buttons and three directions to quickly access nine inputs; a button to access the device's software and two buttons for undo and redo actions; six buttons ideal for long-pressing and a scroll wheel. Palm rest accessories are included to adjust the device according to the user hand size. The software allows users to customize the device's buttons according to the program used. The interface displays an interactive view of the product where the user can assign commands, créate and download profiles for each software, and write notes about each function. A physical button is included to quickly open and close the software, allowing users to quickly see the assigned commands when they need to.

Proceso de diseño

The research came from different branches, but primarily involved surveying users to understand their perception of the need for commands and shortcuts in each software. An analysis of each type of software was conducted, observing how users handled each one and what commands they used. We explored similar devices both within our market and outside of it. A morphological exploration was carried out with modeling clay, testing different shapes and how they could adapt to the necessary functions. Finally, the research was condensed into a proposal. Once the proposal was established, a robust validation process was carried out. This consisted of an iterative user-centered methodology involving constant design and prototyping using 3D printing. Every few iterations, the prototypes were tested with users and usability and manufacturing experts. This process allowed us to constantly improve the product, we reached the number of 30 prototypes, which were needed so we could efficiently validate it. Later, an engineering student and a computer science student joined the project, supporting the electronics and programming work respectively.

Qué lo hace diferente

Current shortcut devices focused on design programs typically have three axes of opportunity. First, their morphology, as they tend to consist of flat devices with very similar buttons. Second, their number of functions, given that they usually have fewer than what is needed. And third, their adaptability, as most of these products are focused on a specific use. With our proposal, we seek to improve ergonomics, offer a more comfortable and secure posture, provide the necessary number of functions, provide buttons with varied sizes, shapes, and positions based on user interactions and needs; provide tools that facilitate learning, such as a strategy for quickly viewing and configuring the software. All of this, while opening up to the vast majority of design software types, and even open up to other fields such as video games.

Planes para el futuro

We are currently seeking to gain visibility for the project, primarily by participating in competitions and events, and to raise funds and investment to produce and market it. We are also working on registering its intellectual property, and are currently writing a paper to publish the methodological and research process that led to this result.

Premios

1st Place, 9th Semester - Mejor Diseño FARQ 2024 Aug-Dic 2nd Place, Popular Vote - Mejor Diseño FARQ 2024 Aug-Dic