Canfield Scientific, a manufacturer of imaging systems for science and healthcare applications, wanted to refresh their Vectra H1 handheld system. They contacted industrial design and engineering consultancy HSD, a/k/a/ HS Design. "HSD worked to not only aid in improving lighting and imaging quality, but also to incorporate Canfield Scientific's new brand language into the revitalized design," the firm writes.

The VECTRA H2 is a portable imaging solution that allows users to capture high resolution 3D images of both the face and body. With a fully automated solution that maps images of the body captured by a 24 mega-pixel DSLR camera and studio-quality non-polarized and cross-polarized lighting that is housed within the system, VECTRA 2 makes it possible to carry a studio-level imaging experience with you. This new imaging solution establishes the VECTRA H2 as an advanced, portable, and professional imaging tool.

DESIGN EVOLUTION

Canfield Scientific asked HSD to revisit the successful VECTRA H1 in order to incorporate their new lighting and imaging technology in a compact, user friendly design. The size and portability of the product required our designers to consider the human factors behind how one would both store and interact with the VECTRA H2 during use.

Full-scale foam mockups were created to properly evaluate the design and use of the system firsthand. Various flash hood iterations were explored to ultimately land on a hinge-based solution that allowed the VECTRA H2 to provide studio quality lighting while being able to be stored in a compact and lens protecting configuration. Canfield Scientific's new design brand language was applied to ensure the product lived with the Canfield Scientific suite of products and would stand out as a professional imaging solution.

ENGINEERING

The VECTRA H2 houses a complex assembly of imaging technology that allows the user to have portable studio quality lighting and photography. It contains two independent sets of ranging lights that help users capture high quality images of both the face and body. HSD engineers worked with Canfield Scientific to realize the complex surface geometries that the design and brand language envisioned. A robust hinge mechanism and magnetic snaps allow for a smooth and enjoyable user interaction while raising and closing the flash hood.

USABILITY

The size and portability of the product required our designers to consider the human factors behind how one would both store and interact with the VECTRA H2. While in use, the hood hinges up to reflect the flash onto the subject. The interior geometry, material, and positioning of this large white flash hood allow for greater, studio-quality lighting with each image. In the stored state, the flash hood is folded downward and secured with magnets to protect the lens. A slight foot was added to the base of the VECTRA H2 to prevent tipping when placed on a tabletop or flat surface.

You can see more of HS Design's work here.