Whipsaw

Product Design Now
Designs and Sketches

By: Christian Campos

gateway computer family
designer: whipsaw
year: 2003
when gateway wanted to take a step forward and create a new family of persoanl computers with a cutting-edge design to renovate their antiquated image, Whipsaw was their first choice. The aim was to create a computer that was easy to use and could be updated quickly.

Gateway arrived late in the industrial design revolution and its products quickly fell behind the times in a market in constant flux. the towers designed by Whipsaw renovated their image with minimalist surfaces and smooth contours that suggested to consumers ideas such as high technology and ease of use, which had always been the company’s priorities.

proteus media hub
designer: whipsaw
year: 2002
Proteus was the mythical god of the sea who could change forms at will – an appropriate name for a gadget that doesn’t hide its aim to replace heavy, expensive and inflexible PCs. Proteus also functions as an Internet station, and its small size makes it easy to store away anywhere in the house, even hanging below a table, out of view.

Proteus includes six USB connectors and can be connected to a TV or computer screen. It accepts all sorts of peripherals: digital cameras, MP3 players, speakers, etc. Proteus creates, stores and allows one to view and play all sorts of files.

wedpad internet appliance
designer: whipsaw
year: 2000
The WebPad is one of the pioneer terminals for the new Internet generation. It’s compact, doesn’t need cables and allows one to connect to the Internet and surf, and send and receive electronic mail – all without having to use a PC. The WebPad won an industrial Design Excellence Award in 2001.

The WebPad can be transported and used even when closed, but offers the possibility of “raising” the screen and unfolding the keyboard at any moment you wish. When you take out the keyboard the terminal’s handle stows away inside, which allows you to use the WebPad in tight spaces without problems.

leappad series
designer: whipsaw
year: 2004
The LeapPad and QuantumPad children’s series designed by Whipsaw consists of a set of tools for learning to read. By adding sound and some interactive elements, LeapPad has become an alternative to traditional schoolbooks and teaching aids.

Upon opening the LeapPad, the child finds a book inside with which he or she can interact, thus becoming an active participant and not merely a passive learning subject.

By using the pencil to select any of the icons, words, graphs or drawings in the book, the child can hear a sound associated with it, which motivates him or her to continue learning, making it a fun and participatory experience. LeapPads help children develop all abilities associated with language.

LeapPad has been a major success story, having sold millions of units over the last couple of years. It has also received all sorts of awards, from the 2005 Industrial Design Excellence Award to the 2003 G-Mark Good Design.