Seiko Epson Corporation recently announced that its EP-976A3 all-in-one inkjet printer (sold in global markets as the XP-950) has been selected for a Japanese 2013 Good Design Award. These awards recognize designs that enrich life and society as a whole.
The EP-976A3 is designed for people who want a high-performance printer that can print out A3 sheets yet can be installed in the same space as an A4 all-in-one. Featuring a footprint more typical of an ordinary A4 printer, this all-in-one produces crisp A3 photos and documents with gorgeous detail. The clean, simple, compact design of the body also provides far greater freedom of installation.
Judges' comments
"When a user prints over WiFi, the output tray, which automatically extends, and the control panel, which automatically tilts upward, make perfect sense when design is considered from a behavioral standpoint. The user interface is similarly designed with affordance*, suggesting the next action to perform on the touch panel. In addition, the minimalist design is beautiful, a result of Epson's efforts to provide A3 output from a printer with A4 compactness. The flow of operations is designed for true ease of use, with affordances that suggest the next selection. "
* In a design context, "affordance" and "afford" mean properties of a design that suggest or invite a certain action by the user.
Epson aims to leverage its technologies to design products that improve both the lifestyles and work processes of its customers. Going forward, Epson will continue to refine its technologies and designs as it seeks to create and design products that exceed the expectations of its customers.
The Japanese Good Design Awards were established to recognize designs that positively impact lifestyles, industry, and society in general. Designs are evaluated particularly in terms of effectiveness and functionality.
The XP-950 is sold only in selected countries (not in the Philippines). For a list of other notable Epson AIO printers, please visit http://www.epson.com.ph/printers.
