14 DAY TRIAL // Lenovo introduced the multi-mode business tablet, ThinkPad 8 at CES 2014, and along with it, the device maker also unveiled a pretty nifty accessory for the slate, the Quickshot Cover, which is an innovation in itself.
Now VP of Lenovo Design, David Hill details in a blog post how the concept of the cover came about and the various stages the creative team went through before coming up with a viable accessory.
Hill also explains ThinkPad 8 concept originated with Lenovo designers setting out to “develop a feature that would elicit a positive emotional response.”
And way to achieve this was to come with something new. The idea for the Quickshot cover started taking form after the team had several discussions concerning how people use the tablet. Photography came up, as a feat mostly ignored by tablet users, who often prefer smartphone cameras, which are easier to handle.
“Seeing people take photos on large tablets in public spaces reminds me of old-school press cameras.”
“Photographers used to hoist their clunky 1960’s 4x5 cameras high above the crowd trying to get the best shot. They made great photos but it was far from ideal.”
Hill observed it was pretty hard to take a good snapshot with a tablet without missing the crucial moment.
“First you often need to reveal the camera by either opening/dangling the smart cover awkwardly, or by folding back a fairly significant portion of the cover.”
On top of everything, users have to launch the camera application, too.
The QuickShoot Cover innovates by blending the moment when the camera is revealed with the moment when camera app application launched, thus allowing users to save time and seize the moment.
Lenovo showcased the case at the CES 2014 in the hopes of getting feedback from the public, although the blog post doesn't mention if it was a positive or negative.