Welcome to Design Story–your exclusive peek behind the scenes with HTC’s designers. This time we’re taking a closer look at how the RE Camera went from concept to creation with our Industrial Designers, Chris Lin and Ocean Ou.
Chris (left) and Ocean (right) in HTC’s Industrial Design studio in Taipei, Taiwan.
What was the initial idea behind the RE Camera?
Chris Lin: We wanted to make it easy to take a picture without taking you out of the moment. Our idea was to create a handheld personal accessory as opposed to something wearable like an action camera.
Ocean Ou: We also wanted to make the interaction of photography less intrusive. With big DSLR cameras, people notice that you’re taking pictures and they can become kind of nervous. RE has a much friendlier look and feel. Kids actually respond really well to it.
Chris: They like to touch it and push the button–even if they don’t know what it’s for.
What were some of the design challenges you faced?
Chris: We had to figure out how to keep the hardware minimal while still providing functions users would expect to have.
Ocean: We worked closely with the UX designers on how the camera would provide feedback without using a display. Sometimes we just used sounds or an LED light to signal a response. It was quite important and difficult to create these behaviors for this product.
Chris: Many people asked us if we could add a small display. That would have made some things easier, but it would have ruined the simplicity and the experience we wanted. RE connects to your phone, so we had the option to locate some functions such as the viewfinder there instead.
What were each of your roles on the project?
Chris: I was involved from the start of the project and was responsible for the product design of the camera itself. Ocean took over to develop the accessories and make sure everything could be mass-produced. So, we each had an equal role at different times.
The RE camera in its natural habitat.
What part of this project makes you the most proud?
Chris: I’d have to say the simplicity. There are no seams on the body of RE, so it feels good in your hand. However, this simple form gave our engineers some challenges in terms of molding and assembly. We worked really hard to make that happen.
Ocean: This seamless body was important for being waterproof, too. We challenged our partners and engineers a lot. In the end, we have this balance between a connected personal accessory and a rugged camera.
We learned a lot from this project. We’ve both designed smartphones before, but this was the first time either of us have designed something like this, so that was fun to do.
Let’s get to know more about you personally now. Where are you from and what are your backgrounds?
Chris: I was born and raised in Taiwan and my background is in product design. I did a Master’s in the United Kingdom. After I got back I did some lighting and gym equipment design. I’ve been with HTC for about 8 years.
Ocean: I’m from Taiwan, as well, but I was born in the south. I studied industrial design here for my undergraduate degree, and then got a Master’s in applied arts. HTC is the first place that I’ve worked, and I’ve been here for around 9 years.
Did you know growing up that you wanted to be a designer?
Chris: At first, I really wanted to design airplanes, transportation and other big things. But I realized that in those industries, you’re a small part of the process. You might just make part of a seat, for example. With a smartphone or camera you’re involved in the design from start to finish.
Ocean: I always had an original way of thinking in school. I loved decorating my classrooms–the blackboard, the windows. When I was young, I chose to study industrial design because it had “design” in the name. I didn’t really know what it meant. I just knew I was interested in arts, craft and aesthetics.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Chris: When I was in Osaka, I accidentally ordered raw duck. I can read some Japanese because it’s similar to Chinese, so I recognized the character for “duck.” I just didn’t know what the other characters meant. When it didn’t come apart while I was chewing it, I had to swallow it as one piece. It was interesting.
Ocean: I had a similar experience in Paris. I wanted to try a very traditional French dish, so I thought that some sausage might be OK. French sausage is different. I don’t know what was inside, but it had a unique smell. I’m pretty sure it was called “Andouille.” Would not recommend.
What do you do in your free time?
Chris: Recently I’ve been looking after my new baby. I also enjoy traveling and motorsports and cars. I like cars with a great story, so right now I have a VW GTI. I’ve wanted one since I was young.
Ocean: I like to design furniture and I enter a few design exhibitions each year. It’s interesting to experiment with materials that we wouldn’t use on the phones like fiber, iron or bamboo. I’m also a cyclist and snowboarder.
Chair designed by Ocean Ou, titled “Inheritance.”
Well, it’s been great getting to know both of you for now. Hopefully we’ll have more RE Camera news to talk about soon.
Stay tuned for more Design Story interviews coming soon. In the meantime, learn about all that you can do with the RE Camera.
The post Design Story: Chris Lin and Ocean Ou on the RE Camera appeared first on HTC Blog.
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