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-Sound × Surroundings-
BRAUN HARMONY
An expansion into the headphone audio department with an unique tie to awareness and surroundings
Brand Strategy - Problem Solving - Form Development - Wearable Design
Fall 2023
Duration - 14 Weeks
Images on this page are for demonstration purposes only in a non-profit educational context. They do not represent or endorse actual products or services of Braun.
Brief
Design for Braun by reviving the iconic style it was once renowned for while also expanding into new opportunities
The Brand
Braun is a classic brand with a rich design heritage. Their products were mainly designed by Dieter Rams, who championed the idea that “form follows function” in modern design philosophy.
A Modern Issue
Modern Braun products, mainly shavers, deviate from designer Dieter Rams' simple
"form follows function" philosophy, prioritizing aesthetic trends over functional clarity.
Return to the Past
Rams' timeless and intuitive designs, with every element serving a purpose, gave the brand lasting relevance and identity. Reembracing this approach would restore Braun's heritage, making its products more distinctive, practical, and true to their roots.
A Design Opportunity
Braun has long focused on speakers, leaving a gap in the headphone market. As headphones become essential for daily activities, this demand presents a missed opportunity for Braun to expand into.
Interviews
Ten interviews were conducted with headphone users, examining daily routines and analyzing user behavior.
Getting up and preparing for class
Attending classes and taking notes
Working out while listening to music or audiobooks
Return back, spend the evening unwinding
Prep
Commute
Class
Study
Gym
Walk
Return
Listening to music while commuting by bike or on foot
Focusing on schoolwork or projects with music
Taking a walk to relax, enjoying nature and music
Key Takeaways
Awareness Comes First
When biking or walking outdoors, users must hear external sounds, like approaching cars or environmental cues. This helps them to be sharp, safe and stay aware of their surroundings.
Authentic Experience Matters
Ambient headphone modes rely on pass-through audio, lacking a true connection to the environment. Nothing matches the authentic sound of the outside world over filtered audio.
Audio Enhances Performance
Users can refine technique by focusing on natural sounds like breath and movement, strengthening rhythm, body awareness and mental focus.
The User
What If...
We could establish a connection with the outside environment?
Sketch Process
Product Inspiration
I was inspired by older Braun products to figure out the design language and referenced them directly to capture Dieter Rams’ design style. After sketching the main earcup form, I again looked to Braun’s past designs to develop the connection between the headband and the earcup.
3D Process
Physical Ideation
Through physical ideation, I was able to refine the shape and taper of the earcup. I then used SolidWorks, referencing my insights and Braun’s products again, to complete the 3D model.
The Connective Openess
Opening the front and back of the headphones connects users to the outside world, enabling them to hear bodily cues and trust their surroundings
The speaker ring replaces a standard headphone driver, creating open space that allows air to flow through from outside to the ear.
How could we...
Create the best possible experience of the surrounding environment for users?
Introducing...
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