Hardware solutions are rarely one size fits all. The benefit of having an industrial design studio is that we are able to generate custom solutions for all types of hardware configurations to fit our clients’ needs. One of the things that makes Ideum unique is our capacity to customize both hardware and software to meet almost any demand.

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The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) approached us late last year for custom stands and secure enclosures to house iPads and 3M 32” touch screens. A primary concern to AIC, the profile needed to be thin and the design for the stands should avoid protruding, visible hardware. Also, for ADA compliance, the baseplates needed to be small. Magnetic cover plates were also required, to hide the securement bolts that hold the stands in place. The result is a fully encapsulated iPad enclosure, and extruded metal casing for the 32” display. The prototypes were first machined in aluminum and extruded metal, respectively, and test-fitted in house before being approved. The final models went through the same stages, but were then powder coated.

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Our prototyping process always begins with the client. Understanding the space and the needs of the visitor impacts design. A critical component of our process is our collaboration with each organization to arrive at the best solution for their site and their patrons. Below are photos of the prototyping stages and the finished products: