HOME CONNECT FOR 3COM

High-speed cable modem for the home

  • Project Date: 1999

Home Connect

Seeking to extend their brand beyond their well-known network and modem products for business, 3Com wanted their new high-speed cable modem for the home to become part of the furnishings and not just a box to hide behind the desk. IDEO's industrial and interaction designers worked closely with color and sound consultants to make the Home Connect a significant departure from traditional modems. The result is a significant example of differentiation by design: a device that is approachable and friendly without hiding its technological capabilities.

The soft and natural form of the modem recalls the dorsal fin of a marine animal or the tail fin of a jet. The smooth, unbroken surface shows a more mature use of translucent plastic. A row of almost invisible icons in the case are illuminated by concealed lights only when information needs to be displayed. A series of pleasant tones indicates use and eliminates the familiar harsh handshaking tones of a standard modem. Together, these new aural and visual behaviors distance the Home Connect from its predecessors and enhance the computing experience for the user.

With the Home Connect, IDEO delivered an iconic device capable of turning heads, designed to increase 3Com's brand recognition and helping to usher in a new era of home connectivity.