Switch, but for photography
Switch, but for photography
Switch, but for photography
Canon IVY LINQ. The link that binds us.
Canon IVY LINQ.
The link that binds us.
Canon IVY LINQ. The link that binds us.
Canon IVY LINQ is a next-gen photography console designed for Gen Z, blending nostalgic charm with modern technology. Featuring detachable dual cameras, digital photo album, and a built-in mini printer, it transforms how users capture and relive memories, making memories truly tangible.
Canon IVY LINQ is a next-gen photography console designed for Gen Z, blending nostalgic charm with modern technology. Featuring detachable dual cameras, digital photo album, and a built-in mini printer, it transforms how users capture and relive memories, making memories truly tangible.
What and why is Canon IVY?
What and why is Canon IVY?
What and why is Canon IVY?
Canon has been the pioneer of the Imaging Technology industry for decades. As the core customer base aging out, Canon USA launched the IVY brand to shift their focus and bring more products that geared towards the younger generations' lifestyle and interests.
Partnering up with Canon, we toke a deep dive into the digital native Gen Z's photography and social media behaviors, discovering innovations that could bring newness to content creating experience.
Canon has been the pioneer of the Imaging Technology industry for decades. As the core customer base aging out, Canon USA launched the IVY brand to shift their focus and bring more products that geared towards the younger generations' lifestyle and interests.
Partnering up with Canon, we toke a deep dive into the digital native Gen Z's photography and social media behaviors, discovering innovations that could bring newness to content creating experience.
Kick Off
Kick Off
Narrow down target user
Narrow down target user
Narrow down target user
As a Gen Z designer, I found it fascinating to study my own peers and challenge the stereotypes often associated with our generation. What began as an effort to define Gen Z behavior led us to uncover the unique diversity and depth of this age group.
As a Gen Z designer, I found it fascinating to study my own peers and challenge the stereotypes often associated with our generation. What began as an effort to define Gen Z behavior led us to uncover the unique diversity and depth of this age group.
Mirco-generation exists
Mirco-generation exists
Mirco-generation exists
After interviewing 6 doctoral-level researchers and professors at Carnegie Mellon who study Gen Z across various fields, as well as conducting 15 in-depth interviews and analyzing 80 survey responses, we realized that the term "Gen Z" is too broad to accurately define the specific user group we need to target.
After interviewing 6 doctoral-level researchers and professors at Carnegie Mellon who study Gen Z across various fields, as well as conducting 15 in-depth interviews and analyzing 80 survey responses, we realized that the term "Gen Z" is too broad to accurately define the specific user group we need to target.
In a word
In a word
In a word
Only "content-inclined" Gen Z users
actively seek tools to improve their digital presence and foster connections.
Only "content-inclined" Gen Z users
actively seek tools to improve their digital presence and foster connections.
Only "content-inclined" Gen Z users
actively seek tools to improve their digital presence and foster connections.
Where is the opportunity?
Content that moves between devices and platforms
Content that moves between devices and platforms
Users move fluidly through six stages of content creation & consumption journey. Images and videos constantly move across devices and apps to reach their best form. Given the potential of smartphones, our solution shouldn't compete with them but rather complement their capabilities.
Users move fluidly through six stages of content creation & consumption journey. Images and videos constantly move across devices and apps to reach their best form. Given the potential of smartphones, our solution shouldn't compete with them but rather complement their capabilities.
Something that build and strengthen relationships
Something that build and strengthen relationships
Users 'Micro' and 'Macro' share , each driven by different intentions. But regardless of the sharing scope, Gen Z create and share content primarily to foster interactions and receive attention or feedback from their audience.
Users 'Micro' and 'Macro' share , each driven by different intentions. But regardless of the sharing scope, Gen Z create and share content primarily to foster interactions and receive attention or feedback from their audience.
Create memory > Create content
Create memory > Create content
Content captures moments, but only a small portion becomes a lasting "memory". Gen Z revisits content more when it is accessible and well-curated. They also value annotations, such as handwritten notes, which add extra significance to the content.
Content captures moments, but only a small portion becomes a lasting "memory". Gen Z revisits content more when it is accessible and well-curated. They also value annotations, such as handwritten notes, which add extra significance to the content.
Photography is the art of making memories tangible.
Photography is the art of making memories tangible.
Photography is the art of making memories tangible.
We want to create something that brings…
We want to create something that brings…
We want to create something that brings…
LINQ Hardware:
Capture cherished moment
with your loved ones
LINQ Hardware:
Capture cherished moment
with your loved ones
LINQ Hardware: Capture cherished moment with your loved ones
LINQ consists of 1 main console and 2 detachable cameras, designed to create shared experiences. You can share one camera with someone else, inviting them to capture memories together.
When you slide the camera back into the main console, the photos are automatically transferred. You can then view them directly on the main console or on any other device of your choice.
LINQ consists of 1 main console and 2 detachable cameras, designed to create shared experiences. You can share one camera with someone else, inviting them to capture memories together.
When you slide the camera back into the main console, the photos are automatically transferred. You can then view them directly on the main console or on any other device of your choice.
Detachable Cameras
Detachable Cameras
Detachable Cameras
Each camera is limited to 24 shots per session, reminiscent of a disposable film camera, making every shot meaningful. Once you slide the camera back onto the console, it will be reset and ready for another 24 shots in your next session.
Each camera is limited to 24 shots per session, reminiscent of a disposable film camera, making every shot meaningful. Once you slide the camera back onto the console, it will be reset and ready for another 24 shots in your next session.
How did we get here
How did we get here
How did we get here
Drawing inspiration from some of the most popular photography and gaming gadgets among Gen Z, and guided by the design pillars of integration, connection, and nostalgia, the concept of the LINQ Console gradually came to life.
Drawing inspiration from some of the most popular photography and gaming gadgets among Gen Z, and guided by the design pillars of integration, connection, and nostalgia, the concept of the LINQ Console gradually came to life.
Integration
Digital Photo Album
Connection
Nintendo Switch
Nostalgia
Film Camera
LINQ Software:
Curate memories
that last a lifetime
LINQ Software:
Curate memories
that last a lifetime
LINQ Software: Curate memories that last a lifetime
The LINQ Console features a smart photo album that makes memories more accessible than ever. It goes beyond a standard digital album by using AI to curate memories based on people, locations, and events, ensuring your cherished moments won’t be lost in the depths of your smartphone.
The LINQ Console features a smart photo album that makes memories more accessible than ever. It goes beyond a standard digital album by using AI to curate memories based on people, locations, and events, ensuring your cherished moments won’t be lost in the depths of your smartphone.
Best memories, instant access
Best memories, instant access
Best memories, instant access
The main console serves as s a digital photo frame, allowing users to revisit cherished memories. By swiping left on the display, users can access additional features, enhancing their experience beyond simple photo viewing.
The main console serves as s a digital photo frame, allowing users to revisit cherished memories. By swiping left on the display, users can access additional features, enhancing their experience beyond simple photo viewing.
Intelligently curated memories
Intelligently curated memories
Intelligently curated memories
Once photos are transferred to internal storage, they are automatically grouped by objects, faces, events, and locations. This intelligent organization allows users to search for and relive their memories more easily and meaningfully.
Once photos are transferred to internal storage, they are automatically grouped by objects, faces, events, and locations. This intelligent organization allows users to search for and relive their memories more easily and meaningfully.
Share & Print
Share & Print
Share & Print
Friends and family of IVY LINQ users can share pictures directly to the console. Users can then print selected images instantly using the embedded IVY photo printer, turning shared digital memories into tangible keepsakes.
Friends and family of IVY LINQ users can share pictures directly to the console. Users can then print selected images instantly using the embedded IVY photo printer, turning shared digital memories into tangible keepsakes.
How did we get here
How did we get here
How did we get here
Guided by the 3 design requirements—Integration, Connection, and Nostalgia—we developed 4 core features. Using wireframes and interactive prototypes, we tested these features with users to gather feedback and refine the experience.
Guided by the 3 design requirements—Integration, Connection, and Nostalgia—we developed 4 core features. Using wireframes and interactive prototypes, we tested these features with users to gather feedback and refine the experience.
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
Cross-Functional at its Finest
Cross-Functional at its Finest
Cross-Functional at its Finest
During this 4-month project, I engaged in all phases of the product design process, including Design, Business, and Engineering. While I enjoyed turning innovative ideas into useful features as the Design Lead, I learned the crucial role of Engineering in maintaining cost-efficiency and the importance of Business in ensuring the product's business value.
During this 4-month project, I engaged in all phases of the product design process, including Design, Business, and Engineering. While I enjoyed turning innovative ideas into useful features as the Design Lead, I learned the crucial role of Engineering in maintaining cost-efficiency and the importance of Business in ensuring the product's business value.
Designed by Hailey Yixuan Li
Designed by Hailey Yixuan Li
Designed by Hailey Yixuan Li