HP Abacus was a design language program for HP calculators. Abacus took an old respected and iconic category and refreshed the look to make it more relevant with changes in technology.

I initiated Abacus, created the scope for the design program and hired external ID talent. I oversaw executive level meetings on the design where I worked to get buy-in and funding.

I worked closely with Chris Jones, Principal Project Designer at Frog design and oversaw the creation of prototypes that demonstrated both near and far term design elements, cost hierarchies and all 3 product categories of financial, scientific and graphing calculator lines.

I then joined the HP handheld group and personally designed 6 more calculators in the new language including the 40b as depicted in my photoshop rendering to the left.

Some of my quick sketches id did for a new entry level calculator called QuickCalc.

I improved the consumer out of box experience by inventing and patenting a packaging system that got rid of the dreaded clamshell packaging. It reduced weight and material usage by 30%. It also had a unique easy open feature that allowed easier opening at home while still curtailing theft in the store.

Left: Photo of my design of the HP 20b. The lower end version of the HP 40b.

 

The HP Prime Graphing calculator is an example of how the language has evolved nicely since it's inception in 2006.

Unfortunately for most models, HP is now back to selling the older and cheaper non-abacus designs, except for their highest end calculators, such as the HP Prime, which still follows the Abacus ID language.

 

 

I also designed accessories in the new language while with the handheld group. StreamSmart is a companion for graphic calculators that allows the connection of different scientific instruments, such as temperature probes, for recording and calculating of scientific data.