Nostalx Speaker by Yuqing Xiao, Menghai Xia and Siyu Zang |
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| DESIGN NAME: Nostalx PRIMARY FUNCTION: Speaker INSPIRATION: For music enthusiasts, streaming has diminished music's perceived value. Physical formats like vinyl are resurging due to nostalgia. Consumers now desire tangible experiences, valuing the permanence of physical objects that evoke safety in a digital world. They crave high-quality sound and sensory-rich products that reflect their tastes and lifestyles. This project transforms the music player from a functional tool to a lifestyle product, blending vintage sensory appeal with modern convenience. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Nostalx is a retro-style Bluetooth speaker that combines music playback with multi-band radio functionality, offering a sensory-rich experience through its tactile interface. Unlike typical digital devices, NostalX engages touch, sound, and sight, providing a more immersive and interactive listening experience. Its design encourages ritualistic physical interactions, allowing users to express their musical tastes and lifestyle in a world dominated by digital interfaces, making it truly stand out. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Nostalx features a radio assembly, audio speaker, rechargeable battery, and a main circuit board. Its control system includes two knobs, three buttons, and a multi-position push switch for seamless use. The left knob adjusts radio channels, while the right controls volume, with a power off function at minimum. The buttons handle play/pause, fast forward, and rewind. The multi position switch toggles between Bluetooth, FM, AM, and SW, blending modern technology with a nostalgic user experience. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project commenced in Savannah, Georgia in September 2023, the model was completed in Savannah by November 2023. FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Digital and Electronic Device Design |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Nostalx is a retro-style Bluetooth speaker with music playback and multi band radio functions. It features a radio component, audio speaker, rechargeable battery, and main circuit board. The control elements include two knobs, three buttons, and a multi-position push switch. The knobs are mechanically linked to the dashboard for synchronized rotation. Shell materials vary by design style, including colored plastic, wood, or frosted acrylic for a customizable appearance. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Weight: 537g Length 200mm x Height 130mm x Thickness 53mm TAGS: Speaker, Multi-band radio, Sensory interaction, Tactile design, Retro-style, Vintage aesthetics, User experience, Lifestyle product RESEARCH ABSTRACT: In recent years, sales of physical music formats like vinyl and cds have surged, valued for their permanence and nostalgic appeal in a digital world. Our research shows over 45% of consumers are dissatisfied with streaming's lack of physical interaction, craving high quality sound and a multi sensory experience. Many now view music as an expression of personal taste, favoring retro designs that blend nostalgia with modernity. This shift highlights a growing demand for music players as lifestyle products, enhancing the music experience. CHALLENGE: The design of Nostalx faced challenges in integrating an interactive interface into its retro aesthetic, avoiding digital displays to enhance multi-sensory stimulation. Balancing visual appeal with technical feasibility required iterative redesigns, particularly in incorporating existing circuitry. The team worked closely with engineers to refine controls, ensuring both functionality and design cohesion. The result is an immersive, intuitive product that blends form, function, and user engagement seamlessly. ADDED DATE: 2024-09-30 08:13:26 TEAM MEMBERS (6) : Designer: Yuqing Xiao, Designer: Siyu Zang, Designer: Menghai Xia , Designer: Weijing Zhao , Designer: Qijun Nie and IMAGE CREDITS: Pic 1 Designer Yuqing Xiao, NostalX model rendering, 2023 Pic 2 Designer Yuqing Xiao, NostalX interface introduction and model photography, 2023 Pic 3 Designer Yuqing Xiao, Explode view image of NostalX and model photography, 2023 Pic 4 Designer Yuqing Xiao, NostalX prototype model photography, 2023 Pic 5 Designer Yuqing Xiao, Multiple CMF choices of NostalX, 2023 |
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NAME: Functional Form Flock Allies PROFILE: The Functional Form Block Allies is a design collective with designers based in Beijing, China; London, UK; and Savannah, Georgia, USA. Comprised of creative professionals collaborating across disciplines, the collective specializes in industrial design, user experience, interaction design, service design, and design education. With a user-centered and systematic approach, they craft functional, well-designed products that balance aesthetics and practicality across sectors such as electronics, medical devices, lighting, lifestyle products and industrial solutions. |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Nostalx Speaker by Yuqing Xiao, Menghai Xia and Siyu Zang is Winner in Digital and Electronic Device Design Category, 2024 - 2025.· Read the interview with designer Yuqing Xiao, Menghai Xia and Siyu Zang for design Nostalx here.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Yuqing Xiao, Menghai Xia and Siyu Zang. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Yuqing Xiao, Menghai Xia and Siyu Zang. |
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