For this series, IDEO performed an image study to determine a cohesive appearance for Cisco 19-inch rack-mounted products that consistently dealt with design identity issues, including ventilation, LTDs, and logo and product ID placement. In addition, IDEO completely redesigned the rear panel, using color and graphics to make this user-interactive area visually appealing and accessible.

Cisco 7000: Here, IDEO helped to create product architectures that ensured cost-effective manufacturing, ease-of-assembly and servicing, and optimal thermal performance. A completely redesigned fan tray included all fans on one FRU (field-replaceable unit), allowing service personnel to replace just one subassembly if one or more of the six fans should fail. Other innovations included a five-slot router and enhanced EMI shielding.