With an exciting unveiling at NeoCon, Clarus Glassboards is introducing its projectable glassboard. Projection Glass is unprecedented with a projector-friendly surface that diminishes glare for optimal clarity. In developing Projection Glass, Clarus sought to provide a solution with a high-end alternative to the whiteboard and projection screen. Projection Glass can be used in classrooms, conference rooms, and a variety of workspaces across a range of markets. i+s spoke with Dony Dawson, Clarus’ vice president of product design, to learn more about the development and unique qualities of Projection Glass.
Who designed Projection Glass?
I invented the initial design, then had a team of people tying down and tightening up the actual design and finished product.
how did the idea for Projection Glass come about?
Seemingly, everyone in the world has been trying to make a projectable glass system. There was an eye-
opening moment when we were trying to solve an unrelated problem, and we found that creating a micro air gap was the key to
making it work.
How was the product developed from that discovery?
Well, if you take a white substrate, like paper, put it against glass, and don’t paint or laminate it,
you will have perfect projection. The 1/32-inch gap is across the entire glass surface between the projection surface. R&D focused on developing that, and there is currently a patent pending.
Overall, why is Projection Glass different from other options for projection surfaces?
This can sit on the wall; you don’t have to have a screen that comes out of the ceiling. You put it in an architectural package, and it is designed into the building itself. It is part of the room, and it is clean and contemporary looking. It’s an advantage for people who really don’t want to incorporate audio/visual equipment into a room.
WHERE DO YOU THINK PROJECTION GLASS WILL BE USED THE MOST?
We are looking at the vast majority of individuals who want a clean, contemporary conference room. I think that’s the biggest user. Secondarily, in higher education, particularly breakout and collaboration rooms. Basically, where you would need a projector in a smaller setting and wouldn’t want to bring in a screen and install a whole system. It really adds a lot of versatility to a smaller space. Your dry erase board is now a projectable surface.
What is your hope for the product?
I think the biggest hope we have is for Projection Glass to illustrate that Clarus is innovative and is still at the forefront of developing new products to solve people’s problems. I don’t think it will be a massive market shaker, but I think there will be a lot of people who will be magnetized to the idea of having two things that are normally very expensive combined into one unit that actually works. We can see it going into a lot of facilities where maybe they didn’t think about putting in a projection system or didn’t want to deal with the expense of an unattractive projector that comes out of the ceiling or is on a stand.
Do you anticipate having updated versions of Projection Glass in the future?
Yes. The audio/visual market is significant and a lot of people need ways to display information seamlessly in different rooms and various situations. We are developing a product that will be even better than this. And it will be mobile.
What are your hopes/expectations for Projection Glass at NeoCon?
I think the expectation at NeoCon is to get people seeing Clarus as an innovative company that comes out with products that truly solve problems for people. It’s not just a new color or new shape—it’s actually solving a problem. Come to the show, see glass on the wall, have a little fun with it. Really we just want people to walk away from the Clarus space and say, “They did it again. They came up with something new and unique. These guys are different.”
