Lumina

Develop a broadly used DSLR camera for future construction.

What could a camera that allows to easily capture images look like? The Lumina DSLR camera provides users with an intuitive and adaptable system through haptic controls, magnetic lens mount, and ambidextrous form. Lumina enables all users to focus on capturing moments and enjoying the act of photography.

RESEARCH

board-5-color

I traveled to Japan to better understand Universal Design through first hand research and working with established companies such as Toto, Xerox, and Nissan. Identified themes including flexibility in use, simple and intuitive, and emotional awareness to utilize throughout the design.

Users

profileB-2-01

Professional User

35 Years Old
Professional Wedding Photographer
Tech Savvy, Does all her own editing
Uses camera every day, frequently changes lens while on shoots, buys new camera every 2 years

profileA-2-01

On the Fringe User

54 Years Old
Retired Writer
Knowledgeable about technology
Very Interesting in photography, learning how he can do it, legally blind

Example of how some current blind photographers process images. (gizmodo.com)

Current DLSR Options

Users were understood through secondary research of online forums and articles. Special attention was paid to users with few to no alternatives for taking images, such as those with physical challenges like as arthritis, cognitive challenges, and a surprising but passionate group of visually impaired to blind photographers. Their needs were then summarized and used to make decisions throughout the design process.

User Needs Found

UserNeeds-1

Market

Compair-2
Market research was done initially by going to department stores and trying out cameras, then secondary research into what was successful, what trends were emerging, and differences across types were understood. The goal for the project was to create a solution that had emphasized the strengths of a DSLR (that of high quality images, large range of accessories, and excellent image preview through the viewfinder), had broad appeal to users, and focused on technology.

Current Product

cutaway-1
Issues with current DSLRs
Issues with current DSLRs

Conceptual Framework

A framework was established from the needs and opportunities found in research to facilitate design decisions and direction.
A framework was established from the needs and opportunities found in research to facilitate design decisions and direction.

IDEATION

Form Inspiration

Inspiration and understanding of form that evokes elegance, confidence, and performance utilizing quick and deliberate curves. A softening of harsh geometry is done with prominent curvilinear lines to create a sophisticated form. The asymmetric forms will invite and inform users of control and placement.

Form Development

Technology Integration

REFINEMENT

Model refinment

Product Features

sensor-2-01

Upgradeable Sensor

The incentive to invest in a new camera is most often because of new and more advanced sensor technologies. The CMOS sensor in DSLR cameras is also one of the most expensive parts of the camera, account for more than half the cost of many cameras (gizmag.com). With Lumina the ability to upgrade sensors, rather than complete housings, allows users to keep their camera bodies for much longer, offsetting the cost of the new features in the camera.

PROPOSAL

Renderings

Manufacturing

manufacturing-2

Components

Technology Roadmap

To distribute costs across multiple years and acquire new users throughout a distributed roadmap of technologies is used. In the first year the ergonomic side grip form is implemented while using existing DSLR technology. The second year implements the modular sensor to facilitate upgrades and reduce initial cost. The third year would bring the magnet lens mount for easier lens changes. The fourth and fifth years are when the haptic screen and textured button technologies could be implemented.

Lumina

Branding

Previous
Next