Clarity in custom computer assembly : The design of a user-friendly small form factor computer chassis

• Main Author: Bagge, Niklas
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Luleå tekniska universitet, Institutionen för ekonomi, teknik, konst och samhälle 2021
• Subjects: Industrial design engineering; Product design; User experience; Computer building; Computer chassis; Extrusion; Assembly experience; Engineering and Technology; Teknik och teknologier; Design
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-87172

Building a computer is a difficult task which is why many choose to purchase a laptop or a pre-built stationary computer. However, some users choose to build a computer, allowing them to customize it to fit their needs. As technology advances, our electronic devices becomes more and more compact. Computers are no different, a rising trend in computer building is small form factor computer chassis. While these chassis are smaller and allow users to more effectively use their space at home, they become increasingly difficult to build in. In this master's thesis, I focus on developing a small form factor computer chassis that facilitates a positive building experience for the user. The project bears no ties with any company and is carried out exclusively by me (Niklas Bagge). The project was performed according to a three-phase design process which consisted of the following phases: contextual immersion phase, ideation and conceptualization, and implementation. Roughly 50% of the project was spent in the contextual immersion phase researching literature, performing interviews, distributing surveys, benchmarking, and analysing contextual data. In the next phase, ideation and conceptualization, ideas were generated using many different methods, many times in collaboration with users. Ideas were further developed, tested, evaluated, and selected before entering the implementation phase. The selected concepts were then combined and implemented to create a final concept. The project resulted in a small form factor chassis with an entirely new approach to computer building.The chassis is delivered in a flat package to the consumer, which is then assembled by the user. The design allows for cheaper production and distribution of the chassis, but most importantly, it facilitates an open assembly environment for the user. The chassis also integrates various new solutions that contribute to anoverall easier, more efficient, and more intuitive building process.