pixel is a digital camera and charging dock for children aged 3-7 years old, its aim is to make photography more accessible and appropriate to these young users.
Children are fantastic photographers, they have a unique ability to capture moments that adults simply won’t or can’t. They will happily snap away without worry that their photos will be judged; they are far less sensitive to the views of others and freely explore open possibilities.
pixel is all about celebrating children as photographers; giving them simple products with simple features that encourage a free, no-rules approach. It’s about not being too prescriptive with functionality, allowing children to explore open possibilities.
Providing them with enough megapixels to do justice to their photos and to give them the opportunity for interaction beyond the camera.
Television is the key differentiator for pixel; the whole system is built around television interactivity to enable greater accessibility and provide a more family-orientated experience. Television is commonplace in the lives of most children by 3 years old, they will be familiar with its function and will often know how to operate it, and so provides a highly appropriate platform for young children to use to engage with the pixel experience.
pixel is a collection of three linking elements: a Camera, a Charging Dock and a Television Application.
The pixel camera is all about simplicity, durability and playful interaction. It’s basic in function, it does not have special features or novelty items to play with, it simply takes photos and can record short movie clips. It’s about encouraging children to explore and share their world freely. The front casing is contoured so that fingers are deterred from covering the lens and flash.
The camera features a 4 megapixel sensor, image quality is important on a children’s camera, yet it is often overlooked as a necessity. pixel is about celebrating children as photographers and believes they should have the appropriate tools to get the most from the experience. The 4 megapixel sensor enables 3x digital zoom without dramatic loss of image quality and without the additional cost of moving optics.
The main casing is manufactured from ABS with a silicone outer skin for added protection. The design allows the camera and charging dock to be sold in 6 different colours without dramatically increasing manufacturing costs, only a small number of low cost parts need to be changed and use the same tooling.
The charging dock is a small digital box that allows the camera to digitally connect with the television set. It is intended to be placed near the television and plugs into the audio/visual socket for a quick and easy installation. The camera wirelessly connects with the dock via Bluetooth to exchange data, such as uploading images or upgrading the camera’s firmware. Internet accessibility (by wi-fi or Ethernet cable) opens up further opportunities for interaction and activities.
