Jetty ID
IXL created project Jetty as a device to feel connected without connecting. A pair of devices was distributed between two people who live apart. Each device contains a 3D model of the other person’s home, and displays the time, date, and weather in the other person’s location. When each person is sensed to be present, the model of the home lights up indicating to the other that they are home. As Jetty was to be featured in the customer welcome center, a set of proposals were made for the design of the prototype.
Why it matters: Project Jetty was conceived by the IXL team as a way to passively feel connected. It gained quite a bit of attention in HP and the customer welcome center wanted to showcase the piece to show off HP Labs’ exploratory work. I undertook to make a beautiful presentation piece to show off the concept such that it would garner interest and support. Using down to earth materials and forms with a contemporary take on modernism helped to ground the piece and its message, enabling the user to envision the concept as a living device within their home.
Contributions: Industrial design.
Team: Eric Faggin (Project Jetty was the work of IXL prior to my arrival).
Fabric Jetty.
Cast concrete Jetty.
Wooden Jetty.
Original Jetty prototype by IXL.