PICCOLO

This project was done while I was working at SAMSUNG’s LA Lab. At the time Bluetooth headsets were in vogue and the challenge was to develop form factors that were discrete and kept the wearer from looking like a G man gone rogue. The other core tension in this design was solving how to introduce ‘true’ metal into the category without interfering with antenna performance.

The solution was this simple elliptical form that tapered to the ear bud. The elliptical section created a clean meet point between the volumes as the joint articulated into the ear. The carry case was an extruded aluminum tube from which the antenna protruded just enough to offset interference.

WHY I LIKE IT:
For me the best part of this design, beyond its understatement, was the articulating joint that help managed power: straight set the unit to standby, twist woke the unit and placed it in answer mode.

COLLABORATORS:
Steven Tkachuk