STLY: Soundtrack to your life
Industrial Design Master's Thesis: Redefining our relationship with sound
Why I made this
Research revealed the need for an all-in-one speaker system capable of responding to the dynamic listening needs of today's users with an approachable feel.
Thus, STYL provides a flexible listening experience to amplify your life's soundtrack.
Research
User research, including in-depth interviews and surveys, and market research identified a hole in the market for an all in one audio system capable of providing room filling sound and portability with a home aesthetic. Trend and user research illuminated user values of sustainability, longevity, individuality, and aesthetics.
*Note: The Sony HT-AX7 Portable Theater system was released shortly before the completion of this product, providing validation for the use case. It is the closest available system on the market but is still differentiated by its small size and surround sound focus.
Sketching and Ideation
In addition to traditional sketching and ideation, new AI and VR tools were used throughout the design process.
MidJourney was used iteratively in conjunction with sketching and photoshop editing to inspire new designs or push existing designs further.
Gravity Sketch, a 3D VR sketching and modeling tool, was used to help develop designs with the benefit of scale referencing.
Prototyping
Prototypes were used to develop both design and functional elements.
Rough functional mock ups, including Bluetooth speakers and a lighting system, were created of a modular speaker system to test the user experience and use case. Weighted foam core mock ups, using rice to replicate speaker and electronic weight, were used to test handle forms and grip types.
Foam core models were used to test design sizing, in particular in a home environment, as well as demonstrate rough form. Additionally, small scale 3D printed prototypes were used to evaluate form options.
A final visual prototype was created of the final design using materials, colors and finishes that replicated the look and feel of the design intent.
Final Design
We no longer sit in one spot to listen to music, so why are our speakers designed that way?
STYL is a modular home speaker system flexible enough to meet users dynamic listening needs while fitting into the home environment.
Designed for longevity and repairability, in addition to featuring sustainable materials and construction, STYL also takes a sustainable approach to sound.
Function
STYL is a three part system comprised of a stationary unit, providing boomy room filling base, and two full range portable units. The units can be used all together or separately to meet the range of user's listening needs.
All units automatically tune to the room and feature intuitive touch displays. Additionally user's can connect to the system via Bluetooth or connect turntables or other audio devices directly.
Features
Stationary Base:
Room filling bass system
Touch controls
Bluetooth connectivity
Induction charging pads for portable units
Secure and magnetic locating for portable units
Microphone for voice control
RCA jack for turn tables or other audio devices
Portable Units:
Full range audio
Touch controls
Bluetooth connectivity
Induction charging
Privacy
Voice control is available on the stationary base and can be turned off for privacy using the physical switch on the back of the base, but is not included on the portable units.
This allows users to take back control of their privacy by allowing them to utilize the voice control system when desired without the privacy concerns associated with using portable devices in more private settings.
To create easy interactions, users can text their STYL system, whether using the full system or just portable units, to quickly and easily change music, set timers, or use other smart assistant features.
User Experience
STYL is designed to be used all day long for any and all audio needs.
From playing your wake up song alarm up in the morning, to getting ready working out or listening to music while you work, playing podcasts while you cook dinner, to playing your favorite tunes while you wind down or hang out with friends, STYL does it all.
See a few photos of a new user Nic using STYL throughout his day.
CMF
Backed by user and trend research, STYL color offerings speak to the users interests in their home styling and consumer electronics.
STYL features a composite system that can be dissolved and separated at the end of life or for repairs. The laminate includes a durable flax-based veneer like surface that can be industrially biodegraded at the end of life. The laminate construction also allows the surface to be replaced after wear and tear. Inside the veneer is TactoTek IMSE structural electronics that can be thermoformed into the surface, providing seamless electronics that reduce electronic waste. These layers are then backed by Algix an algae-based bioplastic for structural integrity.