Inside Design Stories

Our project team’s efforts to realize the installation of multifunctional copiers
in convenience stores nationwide

Sharp has installed multifunctional copiers in approximately 60% of the convenience stores across Japan. One of the main reasons for this significant market share can be attributed to the team’s strategic effort, which stems from an in-depth analysis of consumer demand from the project proposal stage. In this project, designers from various fields participated in all stages, including consumer research, product design, and installation planning.Convenience stores have been facing a variety of challenges, such as a diversified consumer demand in terms of convenience, their roles in local communities, and an overall labor shortage. For these reasons, we need to examine not only the stores or multifunctional copiers themselves but also the issues surrounding them. We strive to generate ideas with the future of the convenience store business in mind.

During the brainstorming stage of the project, we compiled a list of anticipated user profiles and scenarios for using copiers in the near future that were based on market and social trends. We came up with a variety of ideas, including some that were not realized, such as “transforming the copier into a tool for transmitting scanned information on the copier to displays on station signage,” and “enabling public service procedures, such as issuance of residence certificates, through the copier.” Interestingly, the second idea was later adopted and has since become commonplace.When designing the copier, we aimed to develop a model that could serve people from all walks of life, from urban and rural areas, and of different ages, genders, lifestyles, and workstyles. Since it would be used by the general public, it needed to be convenient and easy to operate by as many people as possible. For example, the display, including text size, had to be visually accessible and comfortable to manage by everyone, from children to adults, and wheelchair users as well. The machine also needed to be especially intuitive to accommodate those not familiar with using ICT tools. The final product, developed through all our efforts, can be found in convenience stores in most areas near you. When you have the chance to use one, please take note of the design.