The Connect concept came about after interviewing several people in the 24-30 age group, which represents the transition from college to the working world. I asked what this transition meant to each of them. The recurring theme among the responses was a newfound lack of free time accompanied by a sense of disconnect between them and their old friends, family, and significant others.

In order to bridge this social disconnect, I decided to develop a product that would make sharing everyday moments more intimate. The Connect is a thin digital camera that attaches side by side with another Connect (or multiple Connects) to form a larger screen, transfer images between Connects, and allow users to annotate and upload their photos to the Internet wirelessly. The Connect is operated using a touch screen with simple navigational menus

The challenge in developing the Connect was redefining the role of the camera. There are hundreds of different digital cameras on the market, but the interaction between user and camera has always remained the same. Based on my research, I wanted to create a product that not only served as a metaphor for sharing, but, above all, challenged users to think of sharing moments in a new light.

In redefining the user interaction with the camera, though, I needed to keep the interface familiar. My research indicated that people between the ages of 24 and 30 were much more reluctant to take the time to learn how to use new technology than they were in their early teens. Though the Connect incorporates new technology like the touch screen, it is intuitive, and the essential "point and shoot" function of the digital camera remains unchanged.