Science and Art
The process behind the design and development of MX Vertical is rooted in ergonomic research and artistic expression. Concentrated research into the ergonomics and kinematics of the hand informed the underlying architecture. We constructed dozens of functional prototypes to study a spectrum of angles, heights and volumes. Logitech ergonomists ran multiple user test sessions to measure and analyse muscle strain and performance activity across a variety of hand sizes. From this work, the optimum resting angle of 57 degrees was identified, placing the hand in a neutral “handshake” position without creating negative wrist extension. The data also helped us identify the optimum resting height for the thumb and, in combination, these factors resulted in a 10% reduction in muscle strain and four times less muscle activity when compared to a standard mouse, while not compromising on performance.
You know you have a strong project when everybody just ‘gets it’, this was in large part thanks to the quality of design & implementation that Design Partners brought to the table.
– Nick Jinkinson, Design Director, Logitech
However, creating a mouse focused on pure ergonomics will not necessarily lead to a desirable product experience. To achieve this, we needed to strike a balance between rational ergonomics and emotional desire. In parallel to the detailed analytical research, and unbound by the hard-ergonomic data we embarked on sculptural and aesthetic exploration to explored the essence of how a vertical mouse could be expressed. Accentuating the unique nature of this product – its verticality – became the cornerstone of the design expression. Inspired by elegant structures in architecture such as power station cooling towers, ceramics and sculpture, we started to build forms to explore the possibilities. An early form in the process, named “T2” was selected as the choice of aesthetic direction and while “T2” lacked the ergonomic requirements, it became the basis for the expression of the final design.
