Repairable Earphones
2nd year
This task was split into two parts, an initial research phase to identify a current trend, followed by a design phase in response to the research findings. The outcome was to be expressed as a concept.
The main areas that interested me were modularity and adapting a product to suit the consumers needs, whilst also thinking about how they should have the ability to govern the use of their own products rather than using them for a function predetermined by the inflexibility of a design.
As shown on slide 4, the idea of designing behavior was interesting and manifested itself towards the notion of throwaway culture.
The main areas that interested me were modularity and adapting a product to suit the consumers needs, whilst also thinking about how they should have the ability to govern the use of their own products rather than using them for a function predetermined by the inflexibility of a design.
As shown on slide 4, the idea of designing behavior was interesting and manifested itself towards the notion of throwaway culture.
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Earphones are often seen as a throwaway item. Whether cheap or expensive, consumers scarcely take interest in promoting the lifespan of their belongings. However, I fail to see this solely as a problem centered just in the design stages, there is a larger issue regarding consumer behaviour which cannot be solved through one product alone.
These earphones would be designed not only for repair as a challenge to the throwaway culture we live in, but to subtly educate and inform consumers of the possibility of repairing or personalising goods. Like I said, this product would not be a solution, rather a statement. It aims to provide a starting point which would ideally result in a behavioural shift away from the throwaway culture and more towards the upkeep and preservation of belongings. Design to influence behaviour.
These earphones would be designed not only for repair as a challenge to the throwaway culture we live in, but to subtly educate and inform consumers of the possibility of repairing or personalising goods. Like I said, this product would not be a solution, rather a statement. It aims to provide a starting point which would ideally result in a behavioural shift away from the throwaway culture and more towards the upkeep and preservation of belongings. Design to influence behaviour.
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The earphones are designed for dis-assembly, allowing the user to get inside and solder on loose connections or replace broken components.
CAD work was done alongside some basic model making and further sketch work to refine the concept.
CAD work was done alongside some basic model making and further sketch work to refine the concept.
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A repair stand was considered as a secondary function of the packaging. Taking advantage of this reduced the overall environmental impact of the product further. Branding was also considered, along with product values.
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The final product.
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