Intel WiDock: A Seamless and Wireless Desktop Computing Peripheral

Advanced Wireless Technology in an Elegant Design

The inspiration behind the Intel WiDock design was simplicity and magic. The team aimed to evangelize the capabilities of Intel Wireless Docking, a new and unfamiliar technology, by creating a seamless and magical user experience. Through extensive research and technical analysis, they transformed the product into a user-centered solution with an intuitive, unobtrusive, and seamless experience.

One of the key strengths of the Intel WiDock is its elegant simplicity. The form and user experience reflect the overall objective of providing a wireless connectivity experience. The design features an intuitive touch-capacitive backlit user interface, which enhances the user experience and adds a touch of modernity to the device. The space-efficient design further emphasizes the minimalist aesthetic.

The realization of the Intel WiDock involved pushing the limits of manufacturing and process. The team worked closely with the manufacturer to achieve a unibody polycarbonate top chassis design, which embodies the simplicity and purity of the design intent for the industrial design and user experience.

Measuring at a compact size of 86mm in width, 84mm in depth, and 84mm in height, the Intel WiDock is designed to seamlessly fit into any desktop setup without occupying much space.

The Intel WiDock offers a seamless user interaction. The user interface appears under the product upon successful docking, providing a visual confirmation of the connection. Additionally, the interface notifies the user of the docking status or any system update requirements. The touch-capacitive user interface only appears when commanded by the user, allowing them to easily manage peripherals and perform docking or undocking actions.

The Intel WiDock project took place from 2014 to 2015 in Hillsboro, OR, and the device was manufactured with MPT in Shanghai, China. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted to optimize the product's footprint, height, weight distribution, cable management, and antenna configuration. The team tested the technology and experience with a broad range of experts to refine the flow of technology in work environments and homes.

The Intel WiDock design overcame several challenges, including optimizing the product footprint, simplifying the antenna configuration, managing thermal distribution, designing the touch-capacitive user interface, stabilizing weight distribution, and manufacturing a seamless polycarbonate unibody chassis.

The Intel WiDock has been recognized for its excellence and innovation. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Digital and Electronic Device Design category in 2016. This prestigious award is given to designs that showcase outstanding expertise, innovation, and technical characteristics. The Intel WiDock's remarkable level of excellence and positive impact on users' lives make it a truly remarkable design.