The laste portable player with touchscreen from Apple Inc. runs thanks to a UNIX operating system clone, and consumers are one step closer to transforming the device into a wrist watch. Scott Wilson, master designer and entrepreneur responsible for one of the many iPod Nano modding projects, saw his budget increased tenfold.
Trained almost 20 years ago in industrial design at the Rochester Institute Of Technology, Scott Wilson learned his practice at the design studio IDEO before being hired as design director for Nike Explore and then Motorola.
In 2007, Wilson founded his own design studio, christened Minimal. Wilson has been described as a Renaissance Man by Times Magazine, and his hands have given shape to numerous products such as Nike watches, Motorola bluetooth headsets and HP’s Presto printer. Minimal also designs furniture, packaging, branding and interfaces. They are responsible for the latest Xbox 360 with its Kinect Sensor.
In 2009, the romance between Wilson and products by Apple Inc. will take a particular turn when he sets up Uncommon, a business dedicated to creating customizeable protective shells for Apple mobile devices.
When Apple unveils its new iPod Nano on September 1st, 2010, Wilson sets on designing a system that would allow to transform the portable multimedia player into a proper wrist watch. He unveils two concepts, that he wanted to be uncompromising, and calls for funds. Based on estimates, USD 15,000 is required to begin development.
TikTok is a polycarbonate frame on which the device can be locked. A hole in the back allows to get it out with the press of a finger.
LunaTik is an more sophisticated aluminium frame held around the device by steel screws.
The two concepts meet with such success and the entrepreneur receives more than USD 165,000 in commitment.
TikTok+LunaTik MultiTouch Watch Kits for iPod Nano from Scott Wilson on Vimeo.
