Quattro

Quattro (4) is a radio alarm clock housed in a semi-translucent enclosure devoid of markings. Upon approach, the object reveals an illuminated touch sensitive interface. Quattro's function is selected by positioning it in any of four orientations. In contrast with the minimalistic styling, a cuddly plush bear is provided for remote operation.

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Design Context

At the very beginning of the course Nicholas and myself were given a radio alarm clock. We started thinking about its functionality, design and interaction. We decided to adopt a minimalistic approach, getting rid of superfluous or insignificant functionality, and decided to name it Quattro.

Functionality

There are no physical buttons at all on Quattro. All interface controls are activated via touch sensitive areas. Rather than using persistent text or icon labels for these areas, all interface control prompting is performed by controlling lights hidden beneath the semi-translucent enclosure.

Quattro is orientation senstive. In the normal mode it is a clock, when tilting it 180 degrees it becomes a radio. The time, alarm and radio channels are controlled by directly touching the numbers. Touching in the upper area makes numbers go up, touching in the lower area makes numbers go down. Top controls are used for entering time and alarm editing mode, or volume in radio mode.

More about electronic prototyping

Additionally, Quattro is coupled with a plush bear. The bear acts as a single button remote control that functions differently according to what mode the object is currently in. For example, when Quattro is in alarm mode and the alarm is sounding, squeezing the bear causes the alarm to snooze. When in radio mode, squeezing the bear toggles attenuation of the radio volume, when receiving a phone call for example.

Complete overview of functionality by Nicholas Zambetti

Exhibitions and Press

Participants