What is the Phonofone you ask? In short, it's like a speaker for your
iPod, only it uses no power. Through passive amplification alone, these
unique pieces instantly transform any personal music player + earbuds
into a sculptural audio console.
Without the use of external power or batteries, the Phonofone II inventively exploits the virtues of horn acoustics to boost the audio output of standard earphones to up to 55 decibels. Now let's make this clear, 55 decibels is not going to entertain your party, but it's fine for the office or next to the bed or or for a dinner party. But honestly, if you want to get a great sounding set of speakers that you can crank up and rock out to, get a set of Bose.
Tristan Zimmermann studied industrial design at the Ontario College of Art and Design. Upon graduation in 2004 Tristan assumed the position of senior product designer at an international bio-medical device company. Unfortunately, early in 2005 Tristan was diagnosed with a severe case of “cubicle fever” (see cubicalia feverum), a gripping disease suffered when genius is confined to work in the field of monotony.In the pursuit of recovery Tristan formed Science and Sons, as a side venture to sate his own creative musings. Science and Sons has since remained the masthead under which the eccentric miscellany of his creative acumen is codified into a palatable format.
New Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism fuses graphic design with the latest technology.
Nokia's creative director Matt Bickley has collaborated with graphic and fashion designer Frédérique Daubal on a special edition art phone.
The Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism graphic design was created by Daubal, whose signature illustrations have caught the imagination of the design worlds, leading to creations and concepts for Droog Design, Colette, Swear, Gas Tokyo, Paul Smith and lighting designer Charles Vicarini to name a few. Her conceptual designs have been featured in the most discerning publications including Hint Mag, Cream and graphiK magazine.
In creating this intriguing design, inspiration is taken from the way in which crystals are formed in precious stones and minerals. ‘For the backplate we were catching different intensities of light and its multiple refractions,’ says Daubal. ‘Looking through a diamond gives you that experience’. The covers have been etched with laser technology making the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism a stunning object to behold.
It would be interesting to know if this kind of collaboration between product designer and graphic designer will repeat itself in the future.
Here are some other works by Frédérique Daubal:
'Wallpaper' 'Freelance' for Paul Smith
'Grafuck' visual
'Crown' left over pieces of toys exclusivity Colette shop, Paris
RNID, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, is the largest charity working to change the world for the UK’s 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people. They run the 'Don't Lose The Music campaign'.
We are exposed to more noise in our daily lives than previous generations. From research carried out with over 1000 young music fans in 2005, it was found that of the 56% of 16-30 year olds who regularly go to clubs and gigs, 76% of them have experienced ringing in their ears and/or dullness of hearing after a night out - the warning signs of permanent hearing damage.
'Don’t Lose the Music' is not about preaching to young people or telling them not to listen to music, and it’s not about reducing noise levels at concert venues or nightclubs. Instead, it aims to advise young people on how to listen to loud music safely. One way to protect hearing is by wearing earplugs. Good quality earplugs don’t block your hearing; they attenuate the sound, which means the decibel level reaching your ear is reduced but most importantly, you can still hear the music you are listening to. RNID believes that this ‘improved sound’ message is more appropriate to the market than ‘protection. If this approach were applied to the product design, branding and marketing of earplugs, more people would use them.
The challenge: Can you make earplugs a must-have item for music lovers?
RNID wants you to design an earplug that will appeal to 16 to 30 year old music fans. The winning entry will demonstrate a great new design, and will also show how the packaging and marketing of the product will enhance the new product.
The main aim of this project is to investigate whether it is possible to do for earplugs what has been done for spectacles in recent years, and turn a medical product into a desirable one.
To learn more about the project and to find out how to submit your entry read the competition brief PDF.
The Sonic chair provides a unique audio experience, allowing you to sit at the very centre of a sound system. Whether you enjoy listening to symphony orchestras, rock concerts, or audio books – the integrated satellite speakers are precisely adapted to your ears.
The speakers are encased in a carefully crafted body that creates sufficient volume for powerful bass tones, while a specially developed body-focused sound membrane serves as backrest and further augment the lower frequencies – creating the feeling of a live performance. The open design ensures a resonance-receptive, well-balanced sound environment. The active and passive sound insulation creates an acoustic island. Background noises will not disrupt the enjoyment of music or an audio book in the Sonic chair, and what the listener chooses to hear is hardly audible beyond the chair.
You can even connect your iPod or laptop or listen to the latest CDs or audio books. At home, it will finally enable you to listen to your favourite concert at full volume without disturbing your family, your roommates, or your neighbours.
