The rationale behind the design process for XNU i320

Moving away from the concept of business machines
Printers are usually perceived as dull-looking business machines, which look homogeneous. Canon's rationale behind the XNU was based on a prerogative to create visually appealing printers that increase consumers' pride of ownership. To break away from the old mould of printer design, Canon reassigned the design project to a team of camera designers with a track record for designing chic and stylish digital cameras. Hiroshi Sano, the chief designer was appointed to drive this initiative.

Plotting the design process




During the design process, several factors were taken into consideration.

All business machines are trademarked by obtrusive parts which stick out like a sore thumb. XNU i320 has erased all these traces by reconfiguring the parts or by hiding them. For instance, the feeding and output trays can be folded to minimise clutter and maximise compactness.
The design team also shaped the printer in the shadow of a wave because wavy lines express feelings of 'comfort' and 'ease'. Like the gentle contours of the chair, it approaches the user tenderly without showing its functions.
The colour scheme of the printer consists of a 'common colour' and a 'character' colour. The common colour is neutral titanium white, chosen because it can be easily married with other colours. So it offers unlimited freedom when the design is extended to future bubble jet models. In the case of the XNU i320, the design team wanted to create a printer that was reminiscent of the blue and white houses in the Greek islands.

Birth of a new style printer
After months of developments, XNU (which means extremely new) was finally born. It embodies the concept of four key words that start with 'i':

1. Interior - The printer can be proudly displayed in any part of the home interior. The feeding and input trays can be folded, minimising clutter.
2. Intelligence - The printer is not about looks alone. It's intelligent and extremely functional.
3. Identity - XNU has an original and unique design that sets it apart from all other printers.
4. Imagination - XNU i320 has an unusual shape and colour scheme that stimulates creativity and gives the printer character. It can be anything you want it to be. Just let your imagination run wild.