Sachin Mistry

In May 2012, Dell acquired Wyse, a company that specializes in thin client computing. Wyse wished to create a new, low powered thin client computer. This new design is fan-less and comes in two form factors. A micro form factor and a wider version that can accommodate legacy ports and an additional graphics card. At Dell, I was the lead designer for the Wyse 5070 and its accessories.

A thin client computer is a low powered computer that uses flash memory, rather than a dedicated hard drive. Applications and data are stored on a central server, rather than the computer itself. Many companies use thin clients for its size, security and value. You may find these computers within the healthcare, banking, education and commercial industries.

The top three manufacturers of Micro Form Factor PCs are Dell, Lenovo and HP. The Wyse 5070 is meant to be a middle range computer that is more affordable than the OptiPlex 5060 MFF. The Wyse 3040 is a smaller, entry level model with less capabilities.

We explored ideas through prototypes. As the thin client requirements evolved, so did the designs. The new Wyse thin client computer had to feature Dells Pro 1.0 design language. Simple, purposeful design and the angled diamond vent pattern that is seen on OptiPlex commercial PCs.

One of the more favored iterations of the Wyse thin client computer included a center mounted I/O, and a rotatable Dell badge thats seen on the OptiPlex Micro Form Factor

As the project progressed, a center mounted motherboard was seen to be too expensive. This direction explored a left justified I/O, and a “two tiered” layered design.

The direction then evolved to a design that featured right justified ports and a centered power button and logo. The bezel grew in depth for a stronger, blockier appearance. With the new ventilation requirements, the thin client had to incorporate three sided ventilation. An elevated vertical stand was proposed.

The Wyse team had certain requirements for this thin client computer. Those requirements led to the chosen design direction that was modeled in Creo. Both Slim and Wide versions were created, along with the accompanying cable covers.

In addition to creating a wide body thin client computer, the Wyse team wanted to explore the idea of a hooking a module up to the slim chassis computer. The module would contain contain additional ports, optical drive or card reader.

The Wyse team also wished to mount the slim client computer onto the back of a monitor while still retaining ventilation. An idea we explored utilized standoffs molded into the back of the monitor riser. As development continued, we explored options of mounting the thin client using a mounting bracket that clips onto a monitor riser. The left option uses a platform that the thin client slides onto. The right option utilizes the VESA holes located on the right side of the thin client computer. The right option is pursued, because of its cleaner appearance.

Rather than design a variety of monitor mounts for all the different monitor models, we wanted a single mount that can be adjustable. The manufacturer proposed an idea that hooks on top and has a clip on bottom that secures the mount onto the neck of the stand.

The PU mount was designed around the mechanism the manufacturer proposed. A spring holds the plate up, keeping the wings closed in. The user will open the wings of the PU mount, and the wings will adjust to the appropriate width monitor stand.

We styled the P/U series mount to be more consistent with Dell’s design language. The top hook and bottom clip are interchangeable and come indifferent widths for the various monitor models

The P/U Series Mount attached to the U2718 monitor

The Wyse 5070 is a fan-less design, so three sided venting is needed to cool the computer.

With 3-sided ventilation, a special vertical stand is needed for proper cooling. Both Wyse 5070 slim and wide versions fit onto an elevated tripod stand by a keyhole fitting.

The Wyse 5070 is light enough to be wall mounted. The wall mount features a matching hole pattern that allows for ventilation. The power supply unit is housed in a detachable box for an integrated package.

The Wyse 5070 can fit within a dual-VESA bracket. This mount can be used in conjunction with an adjustable monitor arm.

The entry level fixed stand monitor features a special mount that can accommodate both versions of the Wyse 5070 and the power supply unit box.

Before production we made finalized prototypes, so that we can make sure that everything fits and works properly together.