Macronaut: The Pocket-Sized Inspiration Tool

Brook S. Kennedy's Innovative Lens Design Revolutionizes Creative Exploration

The inspiration for Macronaut came from the industrial design sector, where it was initially used as a magnifying lens to document and analyze manufacturing defects. The intriguing magnified images it produced sparked interest among Kennedy's colleagues, leading to its use for creating inspirational design imagery. Its versatility has since been recognized in university labs and studios for biomimetic design exploration, and even in medical applications by doctors and dermatologists.

What sets Macronaut apart from other lenses is its compact size and compatibility with most smartphones, with or without protective cases. It is designed to remain attached to the phone at all times, making it a readily available tool for capturing stunning photographs or drawing design inspiration. Its use in design classes at secondary and university levels has inspired professional design concepts currently under development.

The outer frame of Macronaut is made of 3D printed PLA plastic, while the lens is made of cast acrylic, sourced from a supplier. This combination of materials ensures high-quality imagery at a low, accessible cost. The product measures 24mm X 15mm X 20mm, and a slit detail in the body allows the frame to stretch open for inserting the lens.

Macronaut's body flexes to snap onto a smartphone, accommodating phones of different thicknesses, even with cases. It can be easily pivoted to the side, out of the way of the phone's camera lens when magnification is not desired. The bright frame colors, such as orange and red, not only add an energetic touch but also make it easy to locate if dropped outdoors.

The final design of Macronaut was completed and tested between January and December 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA. Its use was published in the Journal Zygote Quarterly in January 2017. The design faced two key challenges: ensuring the product fit most phones and cases without being too bulky, and finding the perfect level of magnification. The final design strikes a balance between compact size and compatibility with many phone models, while the 15x magnification offers a creative surprise while maintaining recognition of the photographed object.

Macronaut's innovative design has earned it the Silver A' Digital and Electronic Device Design Award in 2017, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation. With patents pending, this compact, creative inspiration tool is set to revolutionize the fields of design, art, and research.