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NOISE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Wearable Audio
Program Overview
The Noise Reduction Technology Group within Bose Corporation is a research and development group focused on cutting edge innovation in audio engineering, noise cancellation, and consumer applications for advanced technologies. I led the design for the following 2 projects at Bose:
01 SoundLink Headphones
02 Quiet Comfort 15 Headphones
INDUSTRY
Juvenile
Health Tech
Manufacturing
CATAGORY
Safety and Wellness
Monitoring
OFFERING
Audio/ Video Monitors
Sound/Motion Sensor Alerts
Companion App
MY ROLE
Product Management
Industrial Design
Project Management
Products were designed to reflect the brand identity at Bose
PROJECT 01
SoundLinkTM
Headphones
As Lead Industrial Designer for Bose's Noise Reduction Technology Group, I was tasked with managing the design and development process for a brand new headset to meet the needs of a consumer who wants great sound at an affordable price in a smaller package.
PATENT No. US D538261
HEADSET Mar. 2009
Project Objectives
Bose was looking for a portable on-ear passive noise cancelling headset as a smaller, more affordable version of the Quiet ComfortTM line. The solution: a headset with patented double-pivot adjustment for easy folding storage and portability.
1
Problem
Users want the best audio experience in a small and portable package
2
Goal
Match the sound quality of Bose's Quiet Comfort
but with 70% size and weight
3
Solution
Remove the active noise cancelling and use memory foam ear cushions to passively cancel noise
Design Strategy
The function of design begins at Phase Zero and remains influential throughout the process of development through commercialization.
Quality Regulatory and Certification
DFM Design for Manufacturing
Research Consumer and Market Data
Brand ID Creative direction
GTM Support Go-To-Market Strategy
ID/UX Sketch, 2D/3D, Rendering, Mockup
Build Engineering Collaboration, Prototyping
Test Functional and User testing
Inspiration Trend & Material research
Research
Design
Delivery
Phase 01 : Ideation
Generate concepts for collaboration
01
FORM/PROPORTION
02
BRANDING/CMF
03
SIZE/ADJUSTMENT
04
FUNCTION/USABILITY
Phase 02 : 2D/3D Mockups
Add detail to selected concepts
01
RHINOCEROS 3D
02
HYPERSHOT/PHOTOSHOP
Phase 03 : Build and Test
3D prints, SLAs, Machined ABS
Proof of Concept
The first working prototypes were initially built to test audio quality, but because the design and engineering teams collaborated early in the process, we were able to use them for proof-of-concept testing.
Functional Testing
The functional samples highlighted issues that needed attention giving us time to make significant improvements before building the next round.
Being able to touch and manipulate the prototype while revising the CAD was an invaluable part of the development process.
Consumer Testing
Pre-production samples were built to validate fit, comfort, and usability. A qualitative research study using a small group of participants was launched with the goal of getting detailed feedback through comprehensive interviews and interactions with the prototypes.
After sound quality, SIZE ranked second in importance when customers were asked what they look for in a headset
90% of participants stated that portability was in their top 3 reasons for purchasing their last headset
Feedback from consumers indicated that the fit, adjustment, and comfort (after being worn for 3 hours) exceeded their needs
Patented Design
The innovative combination of compact folding and precision adjustment makes the SoundLinkTM Headset unique in the market.
PATENT No. US D538261
Portable Comfort
The folded headset fits perfectly in its custom carry case designed to protect the earcups from impacts that happen during travel. The 1.5" thick package slides easily into luggage or a laptop bag.
Retail Packaging
Traditionally, Bose sold exclusively D2C, however they had recently decided to sell B2B though retailers such as Best Buy and Target. One retailer wanted to see packaging that would show the product in it's folded configuration.
PROJECT 02
The Bose Quiet Comfort team was looking to improve their product line. The QC15 was an evolution of the existing Bose Quiet Comfort 2 Headset. Electronics were updated and an on/off button was added to the ear-cup as a response to customer feedback. Additional modifications were made to the headband to increase adjustment and optimize comfort.
Quiet ComfortTM
Headphones
Phase 01 : Ideation
Generate concepts for collaboration
Phase 02 : 2D/3D Mockups
Add form and detail to selected concepts
Phase 03 : Working samples
Pre-production engineering build with new ID incorporated
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