The Microsnapper is a device in which a digital camera, a PC and a memo-recorder are integrated. After making a photo all types of non-graphical data can be added, using the built-in touch-screen, the microphone or the barcode-pen.
Some important demands were present for the housing:
Sufficient grip for the user to handle it using one hand only
Easy handling, for all functions
Good looking: the appearance suggesting a light and small device
Room for all parts to be built in (of course)
To really evaluate these demands a prototype is needed, which could easily be created from the 3D CAD-model in Microstation (tm). Where renderings like the one shown below give the designer much information and can be used for presentation purposes, for both purposes a real prototype is far better.
We have created a number of massive prototypes of the camera, using PUR (PolyURethane) foam (finished with one simple layer of paint), for a visual evaluation during the design process. After that we have created a prototype of the final design, using Cibatool (Renshape) model-material. This prototype has been used as a mould for thermo-forming: the shells created this way are used to make a completely functioning prototype, thus testing the fit of all inside parts.
The Microsnapper has been conceived and designed by the Dutch company
Chess in Haarlem, designer Mark Fleuren.
