Design Language and Interaction Design

The success of the My Book and My Passport line of storage devices was driven by a combination of intuitive interaction design and distinctive industrial design, setting them apart in a category long dominated by undifferentiated products. By elevating the user experience and visual appeal, Western Digital transformed external storage into a more engaging and desirable consumer offering, boosting sales and redefining expectations in the space. Building upon the metaphor of books and journals, the drives proved to be a powerful combination for consumers. Coupled with Western Digital’s intuitive SmartWare backup software, the hardware and software reassured users that their data was being carefully archived and protected.

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A broad range of products was developed based on the established Western Digital My Book and My Passport industrial and interaction design direction, distinguishing the line from competitive offerings.

 

Western Digital SmartWare Features

Intuitive Metaphor

Subtle references to books were used to evoke the idea of collecting storage devices. Early design research revealed that users often marked their drives to remind themselves of their contents. In response, Western Digital introduced drives with e-ink labels, offering a more streamlined and customizable way for users to identify and organize their data. This innovation enabled users to easily track their storage, reflecting Western Digital’s focus on usability and user-centric design.

Categorized Content

SmartWare offered an intuitive way for consumers to manage storage across multiple devices. It visually categorized file types, allowing users to easily see the proportion of drive space allocated to each type of file. This user-friendly interface helped consumers understand their data storage patterns and make informed decisions about file management, enhancing the overall user experience. The simplicity and clarity of SmartWare made it easier for individuals to stay organized and ensure their data was effectively backed up.


Western Digital Gallery