Worldgate Ojo Videophone

Worldgate’s engineering staff in Trevose, Pennsylvania tackled the technology challenges associates with delivering true video quality over broadband. But demographic targeting and potential user interviews led by the Bresslergroup product design firm suggested that the new device needed to be cool enough for early adopters but understandable enough for everyone - for the kids on the west coast to keep in touch with grandma and grandpa in Pennsylvania.

Imagine
Human factors and user inputs drove the basic functionality and industrial design priorities, calling for a video phone that also worked as a traditional cordless phone. The 30 frames per second video quality also demanded a generous high quality display. Beyond that the product design team was free to explore forms that define what video telephony should be, resulting in an elegant elongated form with a sweeping base.

Implement
While Bresslergroup focused on product design and mechanical engineering, video compression and communication issues were handled neatly by our client. Critical issues included developing effective navigation aids that complemented the advanced GUI experience. Our design firm also solved rigidity and stability issues through effective proportioning of screen and base, including Finite Element Analysis and materials and processes evaluation for the hand set and cradle. Coordination with the Taiwanese production partner was also neatly handled from Bresslergroup and Worldgate offices in Pennsylvania.

Impact
Ojo has received rave reviews from Worldgate's distribution partners including all of the major cable operators, who will distribute Ojo as a premium service for broadband internet customers. The design has been featured in Motorola advertising and has been used on TV shows including 24.