SONIC SOUND

11-2021

title: Sonic sound

relation: junior studio project

year: 2021

timeline: 6 weeks

focus Areas

consumer tech

UI/UX

design research

Remote Work [2010 - 2021]

Between 2019 and 2021, remote work surged by 212%, reshaping how and where we work. The home office became a new norm, blurring lines between work and life. Employees faced the challenge of creating efficient workspaces in limited areas.

Redefining Desktop Audio for Remote Workers

Remote work has become the new norm, and with it comes the challenge of achieving high-quality audio without compromising precious desk space. Many remote workers rely on the mediocre sound output from their monitors or opt for bulky desktop speakers, which not only take up valuable space but are also easily obstructed. This project explores the current audio landscape for remote workers and proposes a solution that enhances sound quality without sacrificing desk real estate.

Remote work has become the new norm, and with it comes the challenge of achieving high-quality audio without compromising precious desk space. Many remote workers rely on the mediocre sound output from their monitors or opt for bulky desktop speakers, which not only take up valuable space but are also easily obstructed. This project explores the current audio landscape for remote workers and proposes a solution that enhances sound quality without sacrificing desk real estate.

User

  • Target users: Remote workers facing space constraints in their home offices

  • Challenges: Limited desk space for traditional desktop speakers

  • Needs: Compact, space-saving speakers that deliver high-quality sound

  • Environment: Home offices or workspaces with limited available surface area

  • Preferences: Minimalist design that complements existing workspace aesthetics

  • Features: Bluetooth connectivity for wireless setup, adjustable volume controls, and clear sound output

Desktop Monitors

Desktop monitors, a seemingly essential tool for remote work, further the spatial problem due to their large footprint, but moreover, due to the lack of integrated audio. This lack of audio prompts consumers to use desktop speakers that accentuate this problem.

Desktop monitors, a seemingly essential tool for remote work, further the spatial problem due to their large footprint, but moreover, due to the lack of integrated audio. This lack of audio prompts consumers to use desktop speakers that accentuate this problem.

VESA Mounting

By examining the dimensions of existing monitor mounts, this section identifies potential opportunities for integrating speakers seamlessly into the monitor setup, offering a space-saving solution that enhances audio quality for remote workers

Form Exploration

Form Exploration

Designing a desktop object requires careful consideration to ensure it is visually appealing and harmonizes with its surroundings. These sketches aim to complement the form of desktop monitors, creating a sleek design that seamlessly blends into the environment.

Mounting

Mounting

Using the standardized VESA mounting system, the mount allows for a universal solution and it's also super intuitive to set up with just four screws.

Internal Components

Internal Components

The housing holds two speakers to output sound slightly above and below the users ear level.