San Francisco, CA (April 8, 2010) -- LUNAR announces it has earned a 2010 Medical Design Excellence Award in the Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology category for its role in the development of the Intel® Reader, a groundbreaking portable device that captures the image of a printed page, converts it to digital text, and reads the content aloud. Intended for use by people with learning disabilities or visual impairments, the Intel Reader has a look and feel that comprises more than functional, beautiful industrial design; through rigorous testing, research and exploration, LUNAR created a design solution that is both purposeful and personal, connecting on the most basic level with the intended user and his needs. And the verdict is out: it is a product that will change the lives of the people that use it.

The solution for the Intel Reader began with an important distinction: The product is not a digital camera. By abandoning the preconceived architectural ideals of other image-capturing devices, LUNAR started from scratch to create an expressive design exclusively suited to both the mechanics of the device as well as its intended user. The unexpected placement of the camera – on the bottom edge of the device, a complete departure from the construction of traditional point-and-shoot cameras – was developed through constant communication with users, as LUNAR responded to the expressed desire for usability and comfort with an innovative solution.

With the orientation determined, LUNAR created a compact and satisfying shape with rounded corners. A high-contrast color scheme and tactile elements make it easy to orient and operate – even for users with limited vision. Rounded, responsive controls on the face are distinctly spaced apart for easy navigation. The design team sliced off the top right corner of the device, where the capture button is located, to further clarify the direction of use.

Most importantly, LUNAR designed the Intel Reader to be used regularly, in forums such as classrooms, workplaces or on public transportation, by those who might not want to call attention to them. The device is meant for those who struggle with visual or learning impairments and seek independence from the constraints of their disability. The design is attractive but not flashy, distinctive but not attention-seeking—an exercise in compact, portable, and unobtrusive design. The result is a product that connects with the human element, putting the user first, responding purposefully to his needs.

One additional need was conquering long texts. Users found that this could be a tedious chore, so Intel asked the team to design an aid. A supplement to the Intel Reader, the Intel® Portable Capture Station allows users to capture large amounts of text quickly and easily for those planning to tackle full books or magazines. A transparent film runs the length of the base of the Intel Portable Capture Station for optimal image capturing. Copious prototyping allowed the team to thoroughly test, finesse, and prefect this device, which is far more than just an accessory.

Said John Edson, President of LUNAR, “Throughout the process, our goal was to deliver this groundbreaking device in a way that reconciled advanced technology with daily usability – to make a product that would be embraced by the people who need it. We are thrilled that the work has been recognized with a Medical Device Excellence Award.”

About LUNAR
LUNAR creates winning consumer, technology and medical products that make a difference to its clients’ stakeholders, brands and markets. With a portfolio of highly successful products that have generated tens of billions of dollars in sales, LUNAR has consistently held a spot among the top 5 award-winning product design firms for the last 10 years, according to Business Week magazine. Founded in 1984, LUNAR provides full-service product development with offices in California, Hong Kong, and Europe. LUNAR’s current and past clients include Apple Computer, Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft Corporation, Motorola, Philips, Oral-B, Palm, Pepsi, and Sony.

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