Master industrial design student Hannes Harms has created an innovative ultra-thin speaker system, utilizing flat materials and printable components. This groundbreaking design not only showcases the potential of modern manufacturing techniques but also emphasizes sustainability and efficiency in consumer electronics.
The design of the ultra-thin speaker combines a speaker component with a pre-cut sheet of stainless steel measuring just 0.5mm thick. The volume and play buttons are ingeniously integrated into the stand of the speaker, making the device both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Design and Functionality
The ultra-thin speaker’s design is a testament to the innovative use of materials and precision engineering. The stainless steel sheet is cut and engraved with extreme precision, allowing for 100% recyclability due to its extractive process. This meticulous approach not only ensures the product’s sustainability but also enhances its durability and performance.
The shape of the product is designed to allow for efficient shipping, enabling the use of envelope-style packaging. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and storage. Once purchased, the user assembles the speaker by bending the metal along pre-scored lines, transforming a flat sheet into a three-dimensional, functional speaker. This user-friendly assembly process adds an interactive element to the product, making it more engaging for consumers.
Motivation and Future Development
Harms explains his motivation behind creating the Flat Boombox: “My motivation for this project started with an intense research around the lifecycle of consumer electronics. The sheet of stainless steel is cut and engraved extremely precisely, allowing for 100% recyclability due to its extractive process. The shape of the product also allows for efficient shipping, enabling the use of envelope-style packaging. Once purchased, the user would assemble the speaker by bending the metal along pre-scored lines.”
This project highlights the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of consumer electronics, from production to disposal. By focusing on recyclability and efficient shipping, Harms addresses some of the key environmental challenges associated with electronic waste.
Harms is currently in talks with manufacturers and is continuing to develop his speaker design, with the hope of one day making the jump from concept to production. This ongoing development process involves refining the design, exploring new materials, and testing the product’s performance in various environments.
The potential applications for this ultra-thin speaker are vast. It could be used in a variety of settings, from personal use at home to professional use in offices and studios. Its sleek design and portability make it an attractive option for consumers looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly audio solution.
In addition to its practical applications, the Flat Boombox also serves as a powerful example of how innovative design can address environmental concerns. By rethinking traditional manufacturing processes and materials, designers like Harms are paving the way for a more sustainable future in consumer electronics.
Source: Hannes Harms : Design Boom : Gizmag
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