Overview

WEARABLE INTELLIGENCE, REIMAGINED

Our collaboration with Zebra on their WS50 RFID wearable computer involved overcoming a multitude of design challenges to create a cutting-edge device: a modular, enterprise-class Android computer untethered to additional data capture and retrieval devices and thus inherently safer than existing solutions on the market. The WS50's modularity required accommodating different battery sizes, RFID modules, and hand orientations, balancing ergonomics with functionality. A key challenge was managing battery life and weight to support shift-long usability without strain. The adaptable design allows transformation into a watch or lanyard, expanding its versatility. To enhance durability, we developed innovative glass protection solutions while integrating user-friendly elements like visual and audio cues to improve usability and engagement.

Key Challenges

INNOVATIVE, MODULAR, GLOBAL.

The collaboration extended beyond geographical boundaries, with our team working closely with Zebra's teams in Holtsville, NY, London, UK, and their JDMs in Taiwan. This global collaboration facilitated a diverse perspective and ensured the device's suitability for various markets and user preferences.

A noteworthy aspect of our contribution was the meticulous surfacing work done in Autodesk Alias, creating Class A surfaces. The unique workflow of seamlessly importing these surfaces into Creo provided the design team with unprecedented control, allowing them to modify individual surfaces dynamically.

IPS' comprehensive involvement in the WS50 project addressed intricate design challenges, introduced innovative features, and navigated a global collaborative effort, resulting in a groundbreaking wearable computer that seamlessly blends form and function across diverse applications.

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The Impact

A SHIFT IN HOW WORK GETS DONE

Our design journey for the Zebra WS50 initiated with an intensive brainstorming phase, where we sought inspiration and ideation to address specific challenges such as weight, comfort, and glass protection. This phase laid the foundation for our early sketching, translating conceptual ideas into tangible designs. Early CAD development followed, providing a digital framework for further exploration.

Prototyping played a pivotal role in the iterative process, allowing us to refine and validate our design concepts. Subsequent to prototyping, detailed CAD design efforts ensued, where we honed in on every aspect of the WS50's modularity, accommodating diverse battery sizes, RFID functionalities, and hand orientations.

As the design matured, we progressed to prototype assembly, bringing the envisioned wearable computer to life for comprehensive ergonomic testing and team reviews. This critical phase ensured that the device not only met design expectations but also excelled in user comfort and practicality.

The final stages of our process involved transitioning from prototyping to soft tooling, setting the stage for mass production. This well-orchestrated timeline reflects our commitment to a comprehensive design process, from conceptualization to the production-ready stage, ensuring the Zebra WS50 emerged as a standout achievement in the world of wearable computing.

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