Technology Forecasting Project
Exploring the Future of Consumer Products.
Exploring Technology For Businessweek, a Decade in Advance
This forward-looking project brought together contributors from all IDEO locations and disciplines to explore how emerging interfaces—stylus, touch, and voice—could transform how we interact with technology. The team envisioned various innovative devices, including large, high-resolution stylus-driven displays, transparent speakers, wireless printers, and flexible, tube-shaped portable computers, all of which pushed the boundaries of technology.
Among these, the Agent stood out as a remarkably prescient concept: a personal communication device with fingerprint recognition, a high-resolution screen, and wireless connectivity. Designed for secure financial transactions and health monitoring, the Agent anticipated many core features of today’s smartphone—especially the iPhone—blending convenience, security, and multifunctionality years ahead of its time.
Related Services
Interaction Design, Future Vision Work
Role
Visual Interface Design
A diverse set of computing form factors was explored to envision new ways people interact with technology. Concepts ranged from compact, tube-shaped devices with flexible displays that unroll for use, to large-format flat displays optimized for precise touch and stylus input, supporting creativity and collaboration. Each prototype challenged traditional hardware norms to unlock more fluid, intuitive interactions across different environments and use cases.
Conceived as a secure, connected tool for managing tasks like payments and health monitoring, the Agent foreshadowed the modern smartphone—especially the iPhone—with its blend of convenience, personalization, and multifunctionality.
