Jules
An AI-Enabled Speaker and Projector for Children

Jules is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled speaker with an integrated projector designed for children to learn and be entertained in new ways.

The goal was to create a small device that would evoke a character who would help a child transform their bedroom into an imaginative and interactive space. Research around form, materials, and character led us to the embedded character being a timeless space traveler who wants to teach children about the universe. The industrial design then evokes both an astronaut and a spaceship.

We developed one prototype for testing. The prototype proved we could fit all components and the character into one package.

Timeline
2017

Services
Product Strategy
Prototyping
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Design
Design for Manufacture
Manufacturing Strategy

01 —Mechanical Engineering

During the Product Architecture phase we worked to balance the computing needed in the product and what we could offload to a companion device, like a phone or tablet. We also worked on arrangement to fit key components like a projector, speaker, and beagleboard into the device.

Jules — An AI-Enabled Speaker and Projector for Children

02 —Character Design

The project began with a simple brief: make a character-led AI-enabled learning environment for kids but the traits and features of this character were left undefined. We explored whether the product should be talking furniture, a partial character, or a fully-developed character. Should it be a general form or have a thematic like zoology or space exploration? We researched tones and voice options—should it be monotone, a male or female, or something andgrogonous? Ultimately, we landed on Jules. A form that evokes both a spaceship and an astronaut who sounds a bit like an andrognous alien companion that takes users into the stars. The team then took this to create a user experience and content that helps users explore the universe.