Innovative, Music-Inspired MYLO Com1: A Unique Blend of MP3, Communication, and Messaging Features
BACKGROUND - MYLO COM 1
Sony's satellite US studio sought to identify opportunities in the American market for a Wi-Fi handheld device. The MYLO Com1 project focused on Gen Y preferences and their technology aspirations, combining digital music, email, and text messaging capabilities.
CHALLENGES
Our challenge was to design a device that resonated with the Gen Y demographic and offered unique, appealing features within a competitive handheld device market. This required an in-depth understanding of user preferences and an innovative approach to design and functionality.
SOLUTION
Drawing inspiration from headphones and turntables, we created a handheld device that emphasized digital music, enabling users to create and share their own mixes through on-device mixing and beat matching. This was facilitated by an intuitive interface featuring buttons and rotary dials reminiscent of turntables. We also developed a custom UI that integrated seamlessly with the device's unique mixing features and had a layered menu hierarchy for easy information access.
USERS
The MYLO Com1 was designed specifically for the Gen Y demographic, offering a tailored solution that met their preferences for music, communication, and messaging functionality in a handheld device.
MY ROLE
As the designer under the strategy lead, I was responsible for designing the handheld device, including the creation of the innovative interface, proposal development, and overall product design. My work contributed to a cohesive user experience that combined form, function, and an understanding of the target audience's needs.
Revolutionizing Audio Interaction with a Customizable, Interactive, and Augmented Music Experience
BACKGROUND - Digital Stage
Sony aimed to create an innovative audio experience for audiophiles by making digital music interaction more tactile. The Digital Stage allowed users to arrange modular media players on a glass surface, with track information displayed underneath, for a personalized and interactive music experience.
CHALLENGE
Our challenge was to design a customizable, user-friendly audio experience that appealed to audiophiles' desire for tactile interaction while integrating cutting-edge technology for a seamless, augmented reality-like experience.
SOLUTION
We developed the Digital Stage, a platform where users could arrange various media players (tuner, ATRAC 3, and disc media) according to their preferences. The glass surface, or "stage," displayed relevant track information beneath the components, aligning with their positions and movements. This created a dynamic, augmented reality-like experience, combining tactile objects with an adaptive UI.
USERS
The Digital Stage was designed with audiophiles in mind, offering them an engaging, high-quality audio experience with a tactile element and a visually captivating display of track information.
MY ROLE
As the designer for this project, I played a critical role in designing, refining, and modeling the Digital Stage's products. I also contributed to the user experience and content aspects, ensuring a cohesive and immersive audio experience for the users.
Revolutionizing Small-Scale Video Conferencing with an Innovative, Compact, and Feature-Rich Monitor
BACKGROUND
Sony's IPELA business unit sought to create an accessible teleconference monitor for offices with multiple small conference rooms, allowing users to experience high-quality video conferencing without the expense of stationary displays.
CHALLENGE
Our challenge was to design a compact, portable, and user-friendly video conferencing monitor that delivered exceptional performance while seamlessly integrating with various office environments and adapting to different user positions.
SOLUTION
We developed the PCS-TL50, a versatile video conference monitor equipped with a pan-tilt-zoom camera, a 20-inch wide LCD display, and advanced features like preprogrammed focusing on multiple users' seating positions and data sheet display. The monitor also featured a unique IR configuration for optimal remote control functionality from various distances.
USERS
The PCS-TL50 was designed for businesses with multiple small conference rooms, catering to the needs of professionals participating in meetings where cost-effective, high-quality video conferencing was essential.
MY ROLE
As the industrial designer, I spearheaded the product's design and collaborated with outside engineering consultants to maintain the integrity of the design. Additionally, I developed the remote control featuring six programmable buttons and a circular cursor, ensuring seamless user interaction and operability. The PCS-TL50 project contributed to the successful launch of the IPELA brand in America.
