Archive notice: This article was originally published on June 24, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The product design of the Cintiq 12WX was created by Ziba, a global design consultancy based in Portland, Oregon, in the United States. The design exemplified Wacom’s philosophy of developing intuitive interface solutions that not only enable natural and harmonious interaction with computers but also improve workflows and thereby increase productivity. The hybrid concept of the Cintiq 12WX transferred traditional analog working methods into a digital environment. Users could fully exploit the efficiency of digital workflows while still enjoying the same advantages offered by working traditionally with pen and paper. This made it an ideal tool for creative professionals producing digital content.
With its high-quality 12.1-inch TFT display, on which users could work directly with a digital pen, the Cintiq 12WX became a digital sketchpad for graphically demanding tasks such as digital drawing, sketching, retouching, image composition, detail work, postproduction of images and video, storyboard creation, and much more. Working directly on the screen provided perfect hand-eye coordination.
Its convenient format and low weight of only 2,000 grams made the Cintiq 12WX an ergonomic and portable solution that could be integrated flexibly into different existing work environments or used on the move with a laptop. Its extremely flat, slightly tapered form provided optimal comfort and allowed users to employ the device like a conventional sketchpad and work with natural movements. A special non-reflective display coating and a housing surface with optimal tactile qualities completed the natural working experience. Overall, the developers of the creative tool demonstrated great attention to detail: users could even choose from a selection of pen nibs to find the one that subjectively felt best and made the right sound while drawing.
The Cintiq 12WX featured an individually adjustable stand that integrated completely into the housing when not in use. It enabled work with the display in three very different positions: horizontally at a 25-degree angle, at a 65-degree angle for viewing and assessment, or flat on a desk or simply on the user’s lap. With the stand folded away, the device could be rotated comfortably through 360 degrees. It made no difference whether the user was right- or left-handed.
ExpressKeys and Touch Strips on both sides of the display gave the Cintiq 12WX innovative controls that were perfectly integrated into the design and optimized workflows and productivity. While holding the pen in one hand, users could rest the other near the ExpressKeys and Touch Strips and operate them. This often eliminated the time-consuming need to reach for the keyboard repeatedly.
Omer Kotzer, creative director at Ziba Design, explained: “For artists and designers, the Cintiq 12WX offers a way to combine the digital creative process with the familiar analog experience of working with pen and paper. Its design concept makes the Cintiq 12WX an ergonomic input device that can be integrated flexibly into existing workflows while opening possibilities for new creative scenarios.”
