Evolve (2 of 5 finalists)
The voting period for the Design ReGeneration competion is now closed.
Extending useful life through modular design that facilitates component upgrades & recycling.
Description
The Evolve is a modular concept for both mobile and home computing. In order to have the greatest environmental effect, the Evolve should be able to meet ALL the users computing needs. What good is a green computer if you also need a standard computer to perform intense tasks? Since performance is a deciding factor in the purchase of a computer, the Evolve should be comparable to current computers in order to entice the casual consumer to purchase it.
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Description (cont.)
To put it simply: From an everyday user’s perspective, being green is not enough to justify a change. In this respect, the Evolve can transform between mobile and home computing configurations, can expand or contract its module based components to meet any user’s needs, and has an aesthetic fitting most modern environments, despite it’s subtle green branding.
Being green, of course, is at the core of this computer. The Evolve incorporates a variety of effective methods to lessen its environmental impact. It uses materials that are biodegradable, renewable, and in cases reusable. The battery is a LEES capacitor(3) , which does not use chemical reactions to create energy.
The hard drive is a solid state hard drive(4), much more durable and much less power hungry than standard hard drives. The casings for the computer and module shells are derived from corn based PLA(2). The PCB board is made from keratin fibers and soy epoxy(5). The OLED screen(1) is much more energy efficient, thinner, more durable and capable of being mass printed in large rolls.
The Evolve also comes in packaging created out of cradle-to-cradle Eco-Pak(6), but more importantly, the packaging can be reused for other applications. The box functions as a tray for the computer. The packaging for the modules can be used to mail the modules back for recycling. This encourages reuse and minimizes waste.
Another method of minimizing waste was to modularize the internal components. Most people replace their entire computer when only certain aspects need be upgraded. This reduces that waste and allows users to only replace what they need. Also, modularizing components allows the system to expand to meet the needs of the user. This is important from a green perspective because lessening the environmental impact of a computer is useless if a user has to buy a more power computer to handle other tasks.
The modules also have another positive environmental impact. Due to their small size, they can be mailed cheaply to recycling centers at the end of their life cycle, where full computers could not. Assembly and disassembly is also obviously dramatically easier with this system.
Conservation is another principle employed by this design. While it is not currently feasible to operate a computer entirely on a modest private solar power source, a tandem powering method (renewable along with conventional powering) can definitely lessen the power consumed by non-renewable sources. With conservation in mind, we have added a “power slider” as a main point of interaction above the keyboard. It is linked to the software and hardware, allowing you to set the level of processing power needed. For instance, if you are using a word processor, you can keep the slider on a lower setting, keeping the computer running at the most efficient level for the task required.
As previously mentioned, in order to have the greatest positive environmental impact, this design would have to appeal to everyone. The early adopters, however, would most likely be people with an interest in environmentalism. To address this, the Evolve incorporates subtle green branding, but maintains an overall aesthetic that is currently accepted as pleasing to all consumers.
The gap between laptop and home computer is decreasing, and to address both genres, the Evolve’s keyboard can be detached and the monitor/computer can be wall mounted, to promote a more home computer feel. Other details designed to meet the intended user’s needs were an included external optical drive component, and a retractable palm rest.
In an effort to minimize power consumed by the computer, blue tooth was disregarded for less power hungry USB cabling (of course aftermarket blue tooth functionality could be added by users desiring it) Overall the Evolve is capable of doing just that: changing to meet the user’s needs. It can be either a laptop or a desktop. It changes its processing output on the fly using the power slider. It can expand its capabilities by adding modules.
The Evolve can be tailored to fit the needs of any user looking for a computing solution, all while decreasing the negative effects of computing on the environment.
Green Considerations
Stewardship
Since a majority of the components are biodegradable and renewable, future generations will have the same resources to build this computer, while future advancements in solar efficiency can further reduce the amount of non-renewable energy used to power the battery.
Sustainability
As it is a modular based system, it is sustainable over the years, because only the modules need replacement. The OLED is a much more durable screen than its counterparts. As social needs for computing increase, the laptop can increase in range to meet those needs.
Energy Efficiency/Climate Protection
The power slider is the embodiment of energy efficiency in this design. You can adjust your computers output to match your current task’s need, eliminating energy wasted on unnecessary processing power. Also components incorporated in this design use much less power that it’s conventional counterparts, such as the OLED screen and the solid state hard drive.
With respect to powering the device, it was a little unrealistic at this juncture to assume that current alternative power (the kind that an individual can own) can completely replace conventional powering methods. So a tandem powering method was implemented, which draws on both power sources, allowing the computer to draw less power from non-renewable sources.
Transportation and logistics
Both the computer itself and the modules come in packaging allowing the least wasted space or material and most efficient method of stacking. Also, as PLA plants that generate the material used in this design are located within the US, so the gas used to transport the manufactured goods to market is greatly decreased. Also, while the OLED will probably be made abroad, the small weight and profile of them will allow a higher efficiency of transport. And as mentioned before, modularizing the components will allow pieces to be bought and transported on a much smaller scale.
Material Utilization
Most components are organic in nature (like the PLA, the keratin PCB, the OLED). The battery does not have chemicals like its current counterparts (LEES capacitor). All metal outside of the hinges were aluminum. The packaging for the modules is PLA. The packaging for the computer is Eco-Pak, (which is made of pulp paper) with a bamboo veneer. Also, the instructions, warranty info, and other documents will be screen printed on the lid of the packaging to lessen the need for additional paper documentation.
Recovery and Recycling
The packaging promotes recovery by turning into a stand for the computer after purchase. Also the packaging has all necessary documentation screen printed on the lid. This package also doubles as a parcel to recycle the computer at the end of its life cycle. The modules packaging encourages recycling by having doubling as a postage paid envelope to mail back old modules for recycling. This promotes recovery as well because you it provides incentive to not throw away the modules packaging. Due to their small size, the modules themselves promote recycling because it is easier to replace and mail them to a recycling facility. The final incentive to recycling would be a program instituted where components recycled through Dell give the user a discount towards future Dell purchases.
Product Life Cycle
As mentioned above, the PLA used in the casing for this product is made in the US and corn based. This allows for easier distribution within the US, the chief consumer of this product. This product has designs within it that will conserve its power usage, and allow recovery of many of its usually discarded pieces; it is also sustainable over a longer period of time due to its modular replacement abilities. Resource recovery is facilitated by recycling programs and ease of return shipping. It is also nice to note that PLA, the PCB and the EcoPak can be composted, which is more eco-friendly than recycling, because less energy is needed.
User Needs / Human Factors
The design offers several human factors considerations, such as the power slider being in an easily accessible and highly viewable area, and a retractable palm rest for typing. The detachable keyboard and mountable monitor also allows for varied positions of computing. The external optical drives allow the user to leave them at home to save weight while mobile computing. As this design is modular, it can also expand and contract to fit the user’s needs. The power slider does this as well, allowing processing power to be throttled to fit the user’s needs. While this is environmentally friendly, it also saves energy, allowing the battery to last longer while computing away from a power source.
This one has the prettiest design of all. However, this look green computer may need another layer of paper box for the packaging crate showed here. Module design will only make it more expensive to make and less reliable. (shorter life cycle) I rather pick an EEPC over this one.
by Tim / April 22, 2008
This is the only realistic concept. It is very well done.
by Ted / April 22, 2008
Out of all of the applicants, this is the only one that could conceivably work.
by Catherine / April 22, 2008
This design is solid from both a technical and design standpoint. Very impressive.
by Luke / April 22, 2008
vas rulz
by ktway / April 22, 2008
Great design and seems pretty practical actually. I really like the power slider idea…I would use this all the time.
by NickB / April 22, 2008
this is a very well thought out design
by molly / April 22, 2008
I likle the fact that you can purchase one of these and when it is time to upgrade you can just upgrade certain parts and not the whole. This alone will cut down on tons of waste. Plus sliding off the screen and having a type of mobile pc is really cool.
by CarlosM / April 22, 2008
i like how the package turns into a monitor stand
by lori / April 22, 2008
i am sold
by will / April 22, 2008
i can tell extensive research was done to design this product. it has the highest userability. very well done.
by jim / April 22, 2008
Nice
by Bill Turner / April 23, 2008
To Balzak:
Did you actually read about any of the other 4 designs? Do you believe what you are saying?
by Henson / April 23, 2008
Excelsior! How refreshingly innovative. Kudos to the creator!
by RathanR / April 23, 2008
Really nice! I like the slider interface. Not only is it beautiful on a functional level, but also a psychological level. It acts as a constant reminder that we need to conserve. Very powerful and iconic.
by mardi / April 23, 2008
So….It’s a laptop, with eco-friendly components! Boring. Isn’t this a design competition? Keep in mind, people, that design concepts are by their very nature forward-looking!
by Rico / April 23, 2008
It seems like the 8th out of 9 images has a bad link… here’s the correct one: http://www.regeneration.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/12828_8.jpg
by mardi / April 23, 2008
Hemp is better. 100 day grow period, decontaminates heavy metals in the soil, has 50% more cellulose. One acre of hemp produces the same amount of pulp as 4.1 acres of trees. In 1916 the USDA called for an expansion to hemp production to conserve on lumber.1930 Henry ford used it on his vehicle, hemp paint and hemp fuel. That same year machines were invented to turn hemp into paper and plastics.COULD IT BE THE NEW ORGANIC, THEREFORE SAFER PLASTIC MATERIAL? Biodegradable grocery bags????
It was outlawed in 1955, the petroleum company had a great deal to do with that. Prior to that it was used throughout history as a textile and fuel source. Did you know if we farmed 6% of the countries acreage with hemp, we it would provide all the gas and oil energy we need?
It requires no pesticides or herbicides, it chokes out weeds that grow near it.
As I commented on my “Organic Hemp House” in the contest, “Green for green, what a concept”, but it’s true!
It reduces pollution,retains the soil and cleans the atmosphere.
Not to mention 1000’s of uses for it.
Man made is not turning out to be the best made after all.
A lot of it is not been worth what damage it’s doing to the planet.
We’ve relied too much on manipulating what God gave us and it’s come back on us. We need to return to the roots of our understanding and return to our ancestors knowledge about a lot of materials, medicines, nutrition, and their approach to how they related to their surroundings.
We’ve lost too much with progress. We have to reach back in to the past to see where we left out something, we need to act in the present intelligently to bring us forward to a new progressive, sensible, clean future.
by Mary Crow / April 23, 2008
Not to devalue the information in the post above, but this is a comments section about the design and functionality of the concept at hand. A link to info about hemp would have sufficed here.
Concerning the design: It’s very impressive. I was educated just from reading the description. The concept is well researched, highly relevant, and environmentally considerate. I think the package design is just brilliant. I do, however, feel that the aesthetic design of the computer should be pushed. Other than that, very well done.
by D20 / April 23, 2008
I agree with some of the other posters:
I think the slider is the single component on any of the designs that will have the greatest impact as well as being 100% practical and achievable right now. Windows systems already have power saving options that can make a significant impact on energy used, but most user don’t take advantage of them either because they are unaware or their existence, are put off by the difficulty of using them, or just don’t think about it.
A physical slider to adjust power settings would be easy to discover on your own, would be easy to use, and would be a constant physical reminder that you could be doing a little more to conserve energy.
by Josh / April 23, 2008
No idea what this is about, but Mali told us to vote!
by Neesha the mint cousin / April 23, 2008
wow. this is absolutely amazing! this definately deserves first place! great work!
by Priscilla / April 23, 2008
“The casings for the computer and module shells are derived from corn based PLA(2). The PCB board is made from keratin fibers and soy epoxy(5). ” Commenting on hemp , I was addressing this area where he spoke of these fibers, hemp is more economical and productive and needs no pesticides or herbicides like the other plants do. I was addressing design and environment which is what the contest intended.
by Mary Crow / April 23, 2008
interesting concept. A note on the slider: processors have been automatically adjusting power consumption to meet user needs for years. Thanks pentium, AMD.
by Steven / April 23, 2008
I would love to see something like this happen. What would be even better would to make sure that the common man could afford to buy it. So often something green like this is out of reach for the masses and then what good is it if no one can afford to get it.
by Debbie M / April 23, 2008
This is the least dumb of a series of really bad ideas, but it’s a computer I can upgrade. I have one of those, whats next?
by Frustrated / April 23, 2008
Thank you everyone for the great reviews. To address MaryCrow:
the reason that PLA was chosen and not hemp for the majority of the computer was because it can be imbibed with flame-retardant properties. this is very important when creating a PC. As for the keratin-soy epoxy PCB, it cannot be simply “replaced” by another material that is also sustainable. It was chosen because there is research done that proves it can be manufactured into a viable PC board. I admire your commitment to renewable resources, but interchanging it with hemp would be like saying it would be feasable to replace copper wires with paper ones.
by The creator / April 24, 2008
Couldn’t we have integrated oil into the design SOMEHOW?!?
jk
- very aesthetically strong.
by Kevin R / April 24, 2008
Also, to address Ricos’ comment:
The design of this was kept consistent with how we percieve laptops for two reasons:
1) Keeping the forms simple lessens the environmental impact of manufacture.
2) In order for any new system to be adopted by the wide public, it needs to be introduced slowly. If the design was something radical looking along with this new functionality, it would be harder to adopt into the mainstream.
Since this product’s positive environmental effect would be based on how many people adopt it, the design was conscientiously made to have only subtle aesthetic design changes.
3) the laptop is more than a “laptop with eco friendly components”. What took the forefront of the design were ideas such as the power slider, the modular componets AND its recycling program, the tandem charging, its package design, and its ability to reach both laptop and desktop users.
by the creator / April 24, 2008
I don’t buy the bamboo package’s ability to protect the display during shipping/handling. Having worked with packaging engineers in the past, it takes quite a bit of compliant material/structure to reduce shock forces from getting to the display. I also don’t see the outside surfaces of the packaging being clean as shown…the marketing folks will want to spam the cover with logos/bugs, regulatory will want warning labels, and manufacturing will want barcodes for inventory/shipping management.
by Kellar / April 24, 2008
where do I order?!? AWESOME. GREAT JOB
by heather / April 24, 2008
This idea is exceptional because it the most practical approach to consumer needs for computing. I sell components for notebooks and PC’s. Many clients simply replace a notebook when a need for an upgrade arises. They also own multiple devices to work from different locations. The modular system is the answer to many of my client’s needs. Well done.
I would also recommend adding a modular docking system with the ability to boost graphic performance. Maybe a space for a graphics module. A common request I receive is the ability to view multiple monitors as well as the capability for enhanced resolution and processing for CAD applications.
by Michael / April 24, 2008
Come on people. This design is UGLY. I am reading your comments and can’t believe it. Aesthetically, this is not beautiful or unique. One of the jury’s key criteria was design.
As far as green goes, adding modules and parts only creates a need for more manufacturing and shipping. This is not green. Disposal and recycling in not the issue to consider. The largest environmental impact comes from raw materials and manufacturing. Think small footprint from cradle to grave. Less parts, not more! This is just adding complexity.
by Keith / April 24, 2008
Hemp does more than any other plant fiber and holds up better than any other known to man. They make bumpers and case coverings for the engine out of it making it pretty fire retardant I think. If you hit my name below, it should bring you to my website that has information on the manufacturing of hemp now for all kinds of materials. Very interesting facts and history.
by Mary Crow / April 24, 2008
Well thought out & consistent. Can debate details, but no more or less than you would to bring any project from concept to product.
* As said in first post, veneer would probably get damaged in standard shipping/warehousing. Perhaps a sleeve over that would be enough additional protection to keep it pretty until it gets home.
* I like the slider, but is it really manually starving the computer? Or are you just telling power manager software to work within this limit? I’m guessing there would be a prioritization & the screen dims as other parts demand more power (but you wouldn’t be able to crash the system).
* Like the solar recharger (nice to slow the drain without tripping people). How much would it need to be used over its lifetime to be worth making it?
* Concept might lose some modularity or access when you start looking at the UL requirements. May be as simple as requiring removing some screws before user can access anything significant to a probe test.
* Could debate the specific green materials proposed, but any material would have to be reconsidered for compliance to appropriate standards.
by Tori / April 24, 2008
Ok, there is a grain shortage, does it make sense then to use grain? Hemp has higher yields, stronger fibers. Last argument here!
by Mary Crow / April 25, 2008
this is really cool!
by McKenzie / April 25, 2008
I like to know grants about reciclabels electronic I will glad to work in this matter
by sofia gomez / April 25, 2008
Awesome ideas. Innovative, forward thinking, and strong ideas for recycling. Great concepts that can be applied for any new laptops. Computers are also the hardest to recycle, with lots of toxic parts. Dell needs to build some.
by Tom / April 25, 2008
Exceptional Design!! I am very impressed at the product you have thought out and created.
by DTS / April 26, 2008
i like how well the boards are laid out. overall very good design
by jim / April 26, 2008
labels/barcodes? just print them on cellulose and wrap the whole package in that. E to the Z. I like the slider. no settings to mess with or adjust, simplicity rules. The rail design on the keyboard and screen is smart. and modular design is key. in this day and age, custom is the new standard. in response to previous post, the modules would decrease manufacturing demands from upgrading customers. think about it: what would cost more, a new RAM and GPU module, or an entire computer? the only difference between these proposed modules and a standard laptop component is the case, which I am guessing would be the least expensive part to produce. Shipping: shipping replacement modules would be waaaaay less costly than shipping entire PCs. duh. what kind of dummies have been looking at this? Vas you rock.
by Nick B / April 26, 2008
I noticed that in your process, you came up with an idea very similar to EvoPC. The “server based PC” .. suspicious! did you post two concepts that made it to the final 5??
by Hurley / April 26, 2008
The greener PC features are good but the design is boring. I imagine the reason we can’t get away from the plastic and metal box is because it is cheap, reliable and durable enough.
The innovation in this design seems to be
1) the power slider, a feature I wish I had on my laptop to turn the screen up when on battery auto power settings and working in sunlight.
2) the bamboo packaging (though problematic due to durability/scuffing if it is being sold for aesthetics) why not replace paper with bamboo.
by Paul / April 27, 2008
Are corn and soy-based plastics really a greener alternative to fossil-oil based? Taking food and turning it into plastic raises the price of food. Sure they are renewable, but how much fossil-oil-based fertilizer does it take to grow corn and soy industrially? Look at these greenwashed plastic manufacturers and you may see they are a front for big oil. What do they say about the suitability of organically grown corn and soy for making plastic? Also, I think the statment that the PCB can be compsted is false. PCBs have chips soldered to them. Someone, probably in India, would have to de-solder the boards, then dispose of the chips. Currently in India i believe the chips ar ground and smelted to extract gold, which produces tons of toxic gases.
by dross / April 29, 2008
Good presentation with some good concepts. Noted the designer consciously did not choose to radically change the appearance of the laptop form, however, I think a little more thought is in order. I appreciate the retractable palm rest, but the corners (computer and packaging) all seem sharp and the color of the computer is uninspired. Using the packaging as a display stand is interesting. I’m not sure of the durability of bamboo veneers. It would seem that additional packaging would be needed to protect the packaging.
by Janet / April 29, 2008
This is design would probably be the best received by an average consumer. The main thing lacking is the design aesthetic- I love using the box to hold the screen, the energy slider, all of it except the black boring plastic just doesn’t jive with the overall idea. Bamboo + Boring. It could be sexier and still main-stream enough for good market reception .
Other than that I give it my vote. You make good well researched arguments about materials and use, longevity of life, and the reasoning for individual components. How do you address all the people who are going to order the newest cpu every time a newer faster one comes out? How do you address the millions of consumers who would buy it, but would be terrified to swap out a video card?
by WTFwithThisContest / April 29, 2008
The “Idea” of modularity is a good one. I’m tired of over-styled computer equipment that have “built in obsolescence”. This design starts to suggest hardware that can adapt and anticipate emerging technology and cultural ritual. This kind of exploration buys my vote.
by Thomas Figgins / April 29, 2008
The best between 5, with any doubt. Consistency to a concept and space for new ideas. Creative minds will change the world.
by Drika Bruzza / April 30, 2008
I was looking at ur process page and in the initial ideation phase u have a concept that is the same as the powerflower entry. the one entitled “projected keys and monitor”. I noticed someone earlier mentioned u had discarded a concept like EvoPC as well…good job covering all the bases. I can tell u thought this out
by Ash / April 30, 2008
another laptop with recyclable components !!!…..more stuff for the land fill with a brown package
by Dekapp / April 30, 2008
I love it! The design team did a first class job! Way to go!
by Richard / May 1, 2008
PS…..Mary Crow must have a hemp farm! Get a life Mary!
by Richard / May 1, 2008
The idea of replaceable components is always thrown out in these competitions as a major feature of innovation.
Components are already user replaceable and recyclable! Even in laptops, except for the video card in most, although that is changing too.
What you are actually doing is creating more waste because even though hundreds of recycling programs exist to recapture old parts, people still throw them out anyway and now you’ve added an extra casing of plastic around the parts.
The other major part of the design, packaging, also provides no added benefit, because the bamboo veneer box will still require that it be packed inside of a traditional cardboard box with packing materials in order to prevent the boxes from chipping, scratching, and cracking in transit, thus again simply adding another layer to the existing solutions.
by Matt Bowgren / May 1, 2008
Really is the most realistic of the bunch. Good luck to you.
by Nuke / May 3, 2008
Richard, one day you’ll see where I’m coming from, I hope! Many countries have caught on and are embracing hemp and utilizing it to save their forests. As progressive as we want to think we are, we are way behind when it comes to looking at the pontential to this plant. Wood fibre is only a few inches long, hemp fibre is feet long, thus much more strength.
If Henry Ford would’ve had his way, cars would’ve been 80% plant matter. Biodegradable, recyclable. What a difference it would’ve made today to our landscape.
If people would’ve paid attention to brilliant men such as George Washington who said we should all have hemp growing in our gardens. Ben Franklin who used it to print on and Abe Lincoln who used it to read by, we wouldn’t be in the fix we’re in now. I’m in good company and not ashamed of pushing hemp.
It was made illegal by sick propganda and the petroleum company was the force behind it. Prior to us using fossil fuel, hemp was the main source of the countries fuel. It burns cleaner than grain ethanol.
I’d rather be on side with our ancestors belief in the potential to using hemp more, a plant that gives back to the earth, rather than stripping our forests, damaging our air with fossil fuels and the landfill mess with our manmade materials.
It could be used for almost every aspect of the above design, plastics to packaging. Biodegradable and not damaging to ur environment.
I have a life Richard, advocating for solutions and hemp is a the answer to many of what ails the planet. What are you doing for green?
watch Hemp revolution and you may surprise yourself all the things it is capable of.
by Mary Crow / May 3, 2008
well played guys! and recyclable??? genius… changing the world one step at a time…
by frank fernandez / May 3, 2008
This proposal has taken the time to do the research and think through the issues. Even though modularity can cost more in the first instance, the savings are in the longer term, along with sustainability of the product. If necessary incentives are in place for the upgrade of individual modules when required, the proposed concept can work. Good work.
by Sunil N / May 3, 2008
c’mon this is so last year, i thought this was a contest about future concepts?
who needs all the crap to update when there is just the cloud computing going on in the future, no more harddrives or anything needed - sorry but this is boring, even if its well thought out.
by *cb / May 5, 2008
luv it….
by thavisha / May 6, 2008
realistic concept. Manufacturable. it will be interesting if it will be on the market. it may require high-tech and price?
by H.J. Lee / June 6, 2008
Finally a Dell portable design can be considered at the same level as from Jonathan Ive, Hartmut Esslinger, Richard Sapper and Ettore Sottsass - Dell really needs design with this quality, and the Evolve project is really showing us this - with Evolve, finally Dell can also be proud be part of a product design museum. If Evolve appears on the market as it is, and using only Linux OEM (like Ubuntu), i will buy it immediatelly!
by Paulo Silva / August 4, 2008
An eepc version based on this design would be great as well - a portable computer cheaper than windows-vista licence, and looking much better than Asus-eeepc and Acer AspireOne - this phenomenal minimalism is really welcome on the portable computer design nowadays - it’s not fair being forced to buy an Apple because design, we need really good choices - like Evolve - designers, please surprise us!
by Paulo Silva / August 4, 2008