Prototyping two accessible alternatives to discarded smartphones for people with visual, hearing or speech impairments.
Repurposing existing technologies for everyday life
We built the Shower Speaker and Video Phone, for Google ATAP’s Case Studies initiative. The aim of this research project involved reshaping outdated or discarded smartphones into custom devices that could easily fit in with specific day-to-day activities. This anchored our explorations in meaningful interactions that were accessible in terms of price, interface, and approach.
Making Ambient Technologies Interactive With Intention
In a world populated with multitask devices like cellphones, we explored how a single-functionality device paradigm could fit into certain contexts of everyday life. We saw an opportunity to provide the users with custom-made objects that assisted with impairments, focus, or general productivity.
Six of the 29 scenarios were shortlisted for further refinement. Each concept simplifies an already existing product into something that is far more focused and specialized.
DEVICE 1: Video Phone
The Video Phone is an accessible landline phone that uses a built-in mobile phone to make video calls just like the old days. Its constrained menu reduces complexity to accommodate users of all physical and vision abilities as outlined in our design goals.
Establishing a nostalgia-driven experience
The Video Phone is designed like a traditional landline phone with a headset, a dial tone, big buttons, and a simple contact list. Simply pick up the headset, push the arrow buttons until the desired contact is selected, and push the call button to make a video call. The simplicity of the design reduces the potential for confusion and keeps the focus where it should be—connecting with your loved ones.
The final prototype is controlled with 3 buttons.
An old telephone serves as a familiar container for the video phone.
An old smartphone provides the video call functionality.
The two parts are put together forming one seamless device ready to be used.
DEVICE 2: Shower Speaker
This waterproof speaker brings the simplicity of a radio but with the smarts of a computer. Featuring a single-button interface that connects to a user’s Spotify library and works through steam and splashes. Designed to be attached to the corner of the shower or hung anywhere within arm’s reach, the speaker offers access to millions of songs with minimal effort.
Adding A Sprinkle Of Music
The Shower Speaker features a prominent magic button that serves several functions: An initial press will resume playback of your Spotify queue, allowing you to transfer your current listening experience to the shower. Subsequent presses will shuffle through playlists in your Spotify library, making for an experience similar to that of changing a channel. A long press will stop the music and power down the device. Additional buttons allow for controlling volume and 'liking' the current song on Spotify.
The final prototype installed in the shower.
An old smartphone is used as the streaming device within the speaker.
The speaker's shell is designed to fit comfortably into the corner of most showers.
Interacting with the speaker is as simple as pressing a single button.
Rethinking The Ordinary, One Object At A Time
Because of their experimental nature, Case Studies allowed us to create strong prototypes and concepts that brought existing technologies to life. The goal was to make our daily lives a little more joyful, so we focused on developing versatile physical objects instead of just another app or digital product.
“These were objects that could appeal to people who want smart functionality without committing to a fully integrated smart home.”