HEX was one of a series of early concepts commissioned by PlayJam for a compact, low-cost Android-based home games console intended to make gaming more accessible.
The project emerged during a period of rapid change. The iPad and the growth of mobile gaming were challenging assumptions about where and how people played, while the traditional console market was preparing for the arrival of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
HEX was as much a branding project as a product design exercise. I wanted the hardware, interface and brand to feel like parts of a single identity. The visual direction paired a clean, minimalist console with bold colour and a sophisticated but accessible UI, creating something simple, energetic and immediately recognisable.
Product design sat slightly outside my usual area at the time, making this a challenging but rewarding project. The entire concept, including the hardware and early UI, was developed within a week. Looking back, I would approach parts of it differently with the experience I have now, but the proposal achieved exactly what it needed to and helped inform the development of the final hardware.
The project also established an ongoing relationship with PlayJam, which went on to become a regular client.
The project emerged during a period of rapid change. The iPad and the growth of mobile gaming were challenging assumptions about where and how people played, while the traditional console market was preparing for the arrival of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
HEX was as much a branding project as a product design exercise. I wanted the hardware, interface and brand to feel like parts of a single identity. The visual direction paired a clean, minimalist console with bold colour and a sophisticated but accessible UI, creating something simple, energetic and immediately recognisable.
Product design sat slightly outside my usual area at the time, making this a challenging but rewarding project. The entire concept, including the hardware and early UI, was developed within a week. Looking back, I would approach parts of it differently with the experience I have now, but the proposal achieved exactly what it needed to and helped inform the development of the final hardware.
The project also established an ongoing relationship with PlayJam, which went on to become a regular client.
