SYNERGY
2019
INDIVIDUAL PROJECT
Inspired by the amber and the mosquito, this speaker looks at the aesthetically beneficial synthesis between two objects.
BRIEF
Create a working speaker which communicates through it's form, surface finishes, sounds, lighting and balance, with each of these elements offering design opportunities
It should be appropriate for a specific segment of the market for introduction in early 2020 (this time next year). This will require you to analyse the existing markets to isolate issues and opportunities which will form the basis of your design response
CONCEPT
The speaker itself is created by firstly 3D scanning a piece of furniture or object of importance and simulating a material interaction with the chosen object.
This creates a bond between speaker and object which cannot be replicated.
The relationship created between the objects is important because it has been crafted by the owner.
The website has a simulation which allows the user to choose the material, size and control over the interaction.
This adds sentimental value to the existing object through the personal connection made with it.
EXPERIMENTATION
Form experiments crafted in Maya. Using nParticle simulation to drop different materials over a basic object and onto a flat surface
COMPONENTS
As each speaker is completely unique to the individual it means the component layout will also be unique.
A programme will compute an area and put restrictions in place to allow space for all the components to fit within the desired form.
To translate electrical signals into an audible sound, a magnetic field is created using a metal coil. This turns into an electromagnet once the electric current is owing through it.
The cone is made from a flexible material which helps to amplify the vibrations the attached electromagnet gives off. This is what creates the sound waves we hear from a speaker
FORM
The difference in colour and surface texture can vastly change the emotion in the relationship the speaker has with its an object.
A smooth glossy finish, a sandy terrain or speckled with raindrops.
PROCESS
3D Scan object of value
Upload to website
Personalise settings
Simulate speaker
Place order
File is sent to ShapeWays
Speaker arrives
Place on object
LINK TO SYNERGY WEBSITE MOCK-UP
DEVELOPMENT
I decided to focus on the simulation of the speaker and how it would 3D print.
I applied a rubber-like material to a cube in MAYA and dropped it onto a flat plane.
The simulation was frozen on the desired form and taken into MeshMixer.
The form is then hollowed and spaces are cut for the speaker grating and buttons.
I took the finished file into UPBox to be 3D printed.
Further experiments in MAYA, looking at the dynamic properties of a cube falling onto a flat plane.
Changing the stretch resistance, compression resistance, rigidity and deform resistance.
The environment settings were also tested. The concentration of gravity, wind and turbulence.
FINAL MODEL
