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Dell’s Crystal wins CES Innovations award 2008

When is a computer monitor more than simply a means to display an image, a document or a presentation? How do you bring back the excitement of the tangible product in a world that is all about virtual experiences? Can a consumer product built from ubiquitous technology still manage to take your breath away?

Chemistry was invited to work closely with the Dell Experience Design Team to generate ground breaking concepts around a 22" LCD display. In an intensive joint effort, the designers worked together to evolve and ideate a shortlist of concepts. The final design was built as a mock-up model and presented at the Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas 2007 to great acclaim. The concept was so well received that Dell Management decided to immediately realise the design using the latest available technology. Chemistry worked in tandem with Dell's team to successfully translate an aspirational concept design into a real product ready for manufacture.

Crystallizing the idea
“We took the latest trends research and translated those into several design themes depicting a mixture of finishing and aesthetic directions. We also looked at emerging technologies such as slimmer LCD panels and ultra slim bezels around the display,” explains Bassam Jabry.

Seamless perfection
“The winning design was inspired from luxury interiors and featured real materials like chromed metal and tempered glass to re-define quality and perfection. We also wanted something that would fit seamlessly in a modern executive office,” expounds Bassam.
The stand, for example, was inspired by a classic tripod shape which was not only stable but also offered a unique form language not seen on competitor products on the market. The faceted geometry around the back of the monitor further reinforces the precision and cutting edge technology of the monitor.

The team went on to also create the product packaging. In addition, a unique brand identity was designed for the Crystal Monitor – as it was subsequently called - as well as a complete press kit in time for the official launch at CES 2008 in Las Vegas. This included a sleek brochure with emotive photography, a gift notebook and reference material on CD, as well as a custom animation that was presented live on the monitor screens during the launch at CES. All the material created carried through the sense of mystique and hi-technology exuded from the product design itself.

To date, Crystal has been awarded “Best of CES Innovation 2008” as well as the Red Dot design award.