Cisco Desk Cam 4K
Privacy and Security in a seamless, compact package are elusive in the webcam segment. Desk Cam 4K aims to provide the best video experience in an extremely discrete, precise and compact form for use in any scenario in a new hybrid work environment powered by Webex.
Lead Designer Inception to launch:
Ideation, Detailing, Overseas CM DFM, Testing, CMF, Marketing Support.
US Patent D958864
2021 Worldwide Launch | Product Page
1 million unit+ portfolio
Leadership Otto Williams
Confidence
through
Discretion
Problem
in a WFH scenario, all participants are not on equal footing with respect to video capture. Furthermore privacy needs to be paramount in bringing work into a personal space.
Task
I was responsible for leading the design effort; from ideation and sign off from Product owners to challenging our suppliers to meet our design intent, in a tight timeline
Action
I started by thinking about the two most important aspects of video calls; privacy and the camera itself being inconspicuous. The biggest challenges here were reducing the size to best in class, for portability and discreet appearance, while also perfecting the shutter mechanism.
Result
The camera was timed well during the work form home movement and undercut segment leaders’ pricing and offered better performance in a more privacy focused, premium package while helping contribute to a 1 million unit+ push.
Design Objective
To create the best possible privacy solution to build confidence and have more employees engage in video.
To create the smallest possible 4K capable webcam on the market to help the camera “disappear” and become less intimidating.
To present more premium materials that will help functionally reduce size and ease assembly
Miniaturized Success
The most portable, compact 4K resolution camera with a focus on privacy, on the market
Maximum
Adaptability
Two points of rotation ensure fitment from the thinnest Macbook to the beefiest Pro Res Production monitor for any user height and position.
Maximize to
Miniaturize
Every millimeter is populated with stacked PCBs which use the aluminum casing to dissipate heat, which also helps keep a thin cross section.
A heavy focus is placed on making the privacy shutter operation a simple, weighted, sliding gesture to further create clarity to the user. This is echoed in software as well, where the shutter cuts the video capture.
Horizontal Efficiency
The extrusion process drove the matchbox-stye assembly process and allowed for a rigid, thin, precise and seamless part that can maximize aluminum’s properties while using less material and energy during production than typical machining.
Balance
The front graphic defines this product. Curvature that implies professionalism while being approachable was chosen at the same time, respecting clothoidal continuity.
Portable
for any use case & situation
Naturally hooded camera + sensors to eliminate flare for
zero distraction
Polished chamfer expresses aluminum’s
precise materiality
Gesture & Facial recognition for quick actions result in
security built in
Wide
Angle
Key considerations in ideation were trying to balance the camera module, IR sensors, microphones and trying to make the shutter a simple, yet central piece of the experience, all while making the mounting method cohesive to the overall body.
inside the
BOX
Utilizing aluminum extrusions allows for the thinnest possible stack up and a matchbox style assembly, omitting unsightly part lines. and managing thermals
From raw to anodized, an eye was kept on consistency and execution at scale.
Shape and material of the gripping material result in a force in excess of 10kg’s required to disorient a perched camera.
finding the right, continuous curve that presents as professional, yet approachable is key for an approachable first impression and will dictate all concentric curvatures.
The Clip’s range of motion is determined by user heights from sitting at a laptop to all the way to the 99th percentile height male in a standing position.
A Unified
Lineup
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