The OFF keyboard is inspired by the scientific data that keyboards can contain five times more bacteria than a lavatory seat. In this design, the keyboard shape allows no space for any type of contamination. The material is HQ plastic, derived from a specific moulding method.
The Idea
A British microbiologist, Dr Peter Wilson, did a study based on the research of quantity of the bacteria found in keyboards. The study indicates that the keypad contains five times more bacteria than a lavatory seat.
These findings have inspired me to think in what ways could we successfully apply design to help future users solve this “contaminated keyboard” problem, knowing that the existing form of keyboards today cannot be cleaned completely.All this due to how deep and sometimes unreachable all the food crumbs and dirt get behind the keys.
The Concept
This is to be developed based on the meaning of shape being the main form of existence of any object, in this case particularly solves the problem of contaminated keyboards.
Each key on the keyboard has its own separate form. The thin net underlying all the keys connects them in one form. This is when the art of design steps in. The purpose of design should be in the functionality of
the product, not only the final outlook of it, or the sole esthetics per say. The inspiration arises
in the logical system, so naturally the solution comes in a form of a logical design.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is the result of the logical design process that basically expresses the character of the transparent object. The organic form is something that defines the keyboard at the first glance.
About the product
OFF keyboard comes in two different models, carefully designed for both everyday users and professionals who spend a lot of time in front of their computers. For this specific reason, I am trying to create a classic keyboard that would still be ergonomically designed as well, while intended for professionals still.
This product is designed to be cordless since the nature of the keyboard form allows us to install a battery under the “space” button, which represents the largest surface area in its entirety. The keyboard is also designed to be waterproof in order to enable the user to wash it under the running water easily. The material used for production is HQ plastic derived from a specific molding method. The product name “OFF” symbolically represents the solution of the problem or the actual removal of the bacteria-friendly area in all keyboards.
