With the success of the genre-defining consumer electronic toy, the Password Journal, we had many design objectives for the follow-up product. Besides adding requested features, we set about improving the overall design. One goal was to make it thinner. To achieve this, we evaluated the original journal by disassembling it. We determined that the journal thickness would be reduced if we rotated the motor orientation.
For additional features, we designed a lamp for journaling in low light. While the device used voice recognition to unlock the journal, we added a voice calendar that would say the date with a button press. We also added the ability for the journal to wish the consumer an audible “happy birthday,” referencing the date input by the user during the device set-up.
Once we selected the final design, I created the Solidworks assembly model, which I passed on to engineering for pre-production development. I also assigned and specified the final finishes and colors. An added feature included an in-mold texture relief on the inside housing that would allow the user to create decorative rubbings using a pencil and paper.
For additional features, we designed a lamp for journaling in low light. While the device used voice recognition to unlock the journal, we added a voice calendar that would say the date with a button press. We also added the ability for the journal to wish the consumer an audible “happy birthday,” referencing the date input by the user during the device set-up.
Once we selected the final design, I created the Solidworks assembly model, which I passed on to engineering for pre-production development. I also assigned and specified the final finishes and colors. An added feature included an in-mold texture relief on the inside housing that would allow the user to create decorative rubbings using a pencil and paper.