Publications

Abstract: This report describes an experiment in the field called Zap Scan. Zap Scan is a collaborative project between HP Labs
and Explore at-bristol. Its purpose is two-fold

· to promote the HP Invent brand and showcase HP products
· to further our research into consumer experience

Zap Scan allows the user to scan a picture that they have made with the simple press of one button. This image is then automatically displayed on the digital picture frame. The user can then opt to print a glossy greeting card of their image using the Zap Scan card maker. The scanned image can also be accessed anywhere in the world via the web. The goal of Zap Scan was to see if we could turn everyday HP products into the kind of consumer experience that would “engage customers in an inherently personal way” (Pine & Gilmore 1999). The HP products used are a standard scanner, flat panel monitors, PC’s and an Inkjet printer. The inventiveness is in the way that these products are packaged into an interactive exhibit with a custom application designed to make the user actions as simple and intuitive as possible. It shows how otherwise dull or mainstream technologies can be transformed into what children call “the cool card maker” or the “magic screen scanning machine”. The insight is that when people use technology to enhance their own creativity and inventiveness they project attributes of creativeness and inventiveness onto
the products themselves.

This report describes the deployed system, the design process used and subsequent behavioural research. It is hoped that the insights gained from this project particularly in the design process and the use of partners and
collaboration with creative artists is a replicable model that can be used in further research.