Gold Security, Safety and Surveillance Products Design · 2014
CVision MBAS 1 Automated Immigration Terminal
- A' Design Award 2014 Gold Winner in Security, Safety and Surveillance Products Design
- Awarded April 15, 2014
- CLIENT: Chanwanich Company Limited
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 51,858
- Verification code 8A122CF1D0 · Verify this award
About CVision MBAS 1 Automated Immigration Terminal
MBAS 1 was designed to defy the nature of security products and minimize intimidation and fear for both technological and psychological aspects. The design appears friendly with clean lines that seamlessly blend from scanner to screen. Voice and visuals on the screen guide first time users step by step through the immigration process. The finger print scanning pad can be detached for easy maintenance or swift replacement. MBAS 1 is a unique product that aims to change the way we cross borders, allowing for multiple language interaction and a friendly non-discriminating user experience.
Emerging from the convergence of user experience design and security technology, this terminal system exemplifies the thoughtful integration of advanced functionality within an approachable aesthetic framework. The design demonstrates how contemporary product development can transform potentially intimidating security infrastructure into welcoming service points that communicate hospitality rather than surveillance. The sculptural quality of the tapered forms suggests an awareness of design traditions spanning from mid-century modernist product design through to contemporary consumer electronics, where organic curves and pristine surfaces signal technological sophistication paired with human-centered thinking. The choice of predominantly white surfaces with minimal chromatic intervention follows established design conventions for public service equipment, where cleanliness, visibility, and universal accessibility guide material decisions. The illuminated welcome message serves both practical wayfinding functions and symbolic hospitality gestures, transforming what might otherwise register as institutional apparatus into an inviting point of first contact. Technical execution reveals sophisticated understanding of surface continuity, where compound curves flow seamlessly into planar elements without jarring transitions. The base design with its subtle ventilation details and connectivity ports demonstrates careful resolution of functional requirements within the aesthetic program. One observes how the designer has balanced the competing demands of housing complex technological systems while presenting an exterior that suggests simplicity and ease of use. The dual presentation format allows appreciation of both the user-facing interface and the considered treatment of secondary surfaces, indicating comprehensive design development extending beyond the primary interaction zone. Viewers might contemplate how such design choices shape first impressions and the emotional experience of navigating unfamiliar environments.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- MBAS 1 is an automated immigration/emigration terminal that scans a traveler's fingerprint and co-ordinates it with a separate passport reader unit. The terminal has a large display to guide users step by step through the authentication process. In addition LED lights on the scanner correspond to correct behavior and facilitate user interaction. Two built-in cameras record users’ facial features and match it with bio-metric data from their passports to complete the border crossing.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The display on the terminal is a 14" size that allows for clear reading of all visual guides even for the elderly. The unit itself is designed to fit on a slim counter space as found at immigration at airport or other border crossings. The angle of the display is fixed and designed to match adult heights while standing or seated. The fingerprint unit is detachable for easy maintenance.
- Tags
- biometric terminal, immigration, emigration, automated, passport reader, fingerprint scanner
- Production Technology
- MBAS 1 is made from multiple injected durable ABS parts, polycarbonate and structural metal components. It features two split housings, one for the main screen unit and another for the detachable finger printer. All parts can be produced by standard manufacturing processes and require few special treatments.
- Design Challenge
- The challenge for this Design was really the challenge of two contrasting characteristics. Due to the nature of the product and its need to deal with security matter it could obviously look very intimidating. However, as a studio that likes to stir things up we really wanted to push the idea of creating a product that was different and would make travelers curious about using the machine. We needed a look that was both attractive yet serious a design that looked both soft and sturdy.
- Project Duration
- The project is currently in its prototype test stage and is looking to be completed by the end of 2014 for first official use in 2015. Conceptualization and finalization of the product required 3 months.
- Operation Flow
- When a traveler enters the immigration/emigration checkpoint he will be greeted by a welcome message on the screen and an option to choose his language to proceed in. The automated process will guide him from scanning and registering his finger print to authenticating his passport on a separate scanner before releasing the gate for the user to cross borders. The scanners are equipped with led lights that indicate when a step has such as scanning has been completed.
- Research
- During the conceptualization we created several visual prototypes of our Designs to test on Chanwanich employees for feedback about screen angle and scanner usability. We tested the right angle for scanning from both vertical and horizontal approach resulting in an inward rotation of 5 degrees. MBAS 1 is equipped with multi-point fingerprint scanners that can recognize patterns at any angle and make the usability fully intuitive for all users.
- Inspiration
- When Chanwanich Company Limited came to us they were looking for an inspired Design for their new multi biometric acquisition system. One of their worries was the aspect of security and durability which may define the character of the product. We argued that we wanted users to not feel intimidated by a “techie” or scary looking machine. We challenged ourselves to create a concept to fit the description of sturdy yet soft, two contrasting characteristics that are often present in medical design.
Colors of CVision MBAS 1 Automated Immigration Terminal
Design Interview about CVision MBAS 1 Automated Immigration Terminal
In order to create a better user experience our external Design language was defined by two contrasting values: sturdy but soft. We wanted users to feel at ease when being asked to use a security device without human operators.
In contrast to MBAS2, MBAS 1 was designed as a more advanced looking terminal that could have a place at international border crossings such as airports. Its unibody Design keeps everything compact and utilitarian without looking too intimidating.
With MBAS2 currently in development stage, MBAS1 will soon be put for consideration due to its award winning status.
The Design project lasted for 3 months.
The Design was commissioned by our client Chanwanich Company Limited.
The Design will be produced and managed by Chanwanich Company Limited.
Chanwanich is one of Thailand silent leaders in technology which naturally inspired is to work with them.
I'd say that for this Design I was probably most inspired by Dieter Rahms whom I met at a Design Conference in Bangkok.
This is a business to government or private security product. Of course it will be used by all sorts of travelers which is why it is equipped with multiple language options.
It's milestone in Design when it come to this industry's Design choices.
MBAS stands for Multi-Biometric-Aquisition-System.
Sketching and CAD.
The integration of all technical components in this unibody cut out Design that also features a removable fingerprint unit for easy maintenance or other attachments.
All internal engineering was developed in house at shakes.
MBAS1 utilizes modern technology to transform the way we cross borders. In this case technology provides the means to make that change. However, it's also technology that often scares us from understanding it fully. This is why we took to designing a terminal that looked welcoming and friendly.
Partly, we conducted a survey to determine the right angle for the display.
The product is in its development stage still.
We came across the A' Design award by accident while looking at an affiliated Designer.
Working with Chanwanich for MBAS1 finally allowed us to create an outstanding Design for an industry that's never had any outstanding contribution to its field.