Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Â
Citation preview
2011 20152007
timeline
mini-amp conceptI was tasked with designing a smaller
wireless amplifier that could be wall-mounted andalso live outdoors. I explored how to evolve the Polkdesign language through this product, I focusing on
simple shapes with unique part breaks and freedetails like part texture and edge treatment.
friendly futureThe Omni MiniAmp concept is a simple,approachable shape puntuated by crisp technical details. The functional perimeter
heat sink allows for optimal antennaelocation on top and on the side walls
inside the enclosure.
all hands on deckAt its inception, the Global Design Center did not have any packaging designers, so I proactively designed a premium brand experience for Definitive's first speaker in the category.
aboldfirst
impressionThe final concept made it to mass production mostly intact. To those new to the Definitive brand, it made a statement of accessible contemporary luxury. To
longtime definitiveloyalists, it indicated a new level of design to
match Definitive's acousticengineering heritage.
thedetailsare thedesign.I inherited the 'Incline' concept from the team at Frog, but crucial details like the buttons, interface, and branding had yet to be designed and defined. I worked closely with the project team to ensure that every radius, distance, and texture embodied the Definitive brandof obsessive precision.
softening a sober experienceBD was developing a new technology to reduce patient extravasations in radiology procedures. This catheter hub concept complemented those improvements by promoting more secure and informative contrastinjection. The colors and shape communicate robust capability. Flow rate icons indicate maximum flow rates for hot/cold contrastprocedures. This pre-manufacturing concept heavily influencedthe design of the final mass production version.
failure & error proofCAT scan patients are often injected with viscous radioactive
contrast solution via IV for improved image clarity and diagnosis. This leur port connects the injector machin to the patient's IV. It feels friendly to the patient, but also takes visual cues from the
injector machine to connote dependability.
RUBBER GRIP
COMFY SHAPE VISIBLE FLOW-RATE WHILE HOLDING
TANGENT LUER PORT A CLEAR 'VISUAL SEAL'
gamer lifestyleMany gaming headphones are over the top, cosplay-levelstatement pieces. For Polk's entry into the category, I recognized an opportunity for a more reserved design that allowed theheadphone to be worn in public without reservation. Thisintuition proved correct as Sony and Microsoft chose similarpaths with their next-gen console launches.
striker proThe P1 multi-platform edition
shown here in the fan-favorite black/red colorway with the
console connect cable.
striker pro zxPolk's first entry into gaming headphones was praised for its best-in-class
comfort, durability, and style. For the Striker Pro follow-up in 2015, I designed an all-new TPE boom mic with integrated mute button, all new textures and
colorways, a more premiium leatherette and innovative earpad construction.
striker procontract editionGaming products are frought with tackyco-branding, but Square Enix appreciated mysubdued approach. When worn in public, only Hitmanfans would recognize the brand graphics.
For 44 years, Polk has been known for its exceptional passivespeakers. Our goal was to bring that magic into the digital age,
adding advanced digital amplification and signal processing,bluetooth and USB connectivity and melding it with beautiful teak
construction and the feel of a highly crafted analog product.
hampden
Polk's Heritage collection of personal audio is an ecclecticvariety of products with craft-inspired details, timeless
materials, and a retro-futuristism. I sought to connect the hampdens visually to the family, but with a distinct personality
a future heritage
In order to help the entire project team to help them get a clear understanding of each one, I sent 3D pdfs to them for review. These concepts were also reviewed by Chief Design Officer and the Presidenttogether, and the right-most concept was chosen for its simplicity and bottom bass port location
3D concepts
BLUETOOTH USB AUX
a visualmetaphorThe Polk Hampdens are designed to represent the dichotomy of their existence. The wood cabinet with real teak veneer is evocative of Polk's heritage of passivemonitors, while the plasticenclosures on both endsindicate the new bluetoothtechnology that has beenintegrated inside.
the kegThe Keg concept was created to explore a larger speaker that could discretely stowimportant items during outdoor activites while protecting them from the elements.There was strong internal enthusiasmfor the project, but it was eventuallyshelved due to higher priorities.
the stretchI created this concept to explore the scope
of the young adventure lifestyle brand BOOM.Versatility and customization for the dorm room.
Inspired by contemporary graffiti art.
at homeSince wi-fi speakers are interconnected throughout the
home, the Omni S6 and the Omni collection weredesigned to be at home in any room and their material and color palette reflects current interior decor trends.
the shapeof warm sound
Polk speakers are known for their warm, inviting, and rich tone. The Omni S6 was designed to be the tangible embodimentof this personality. The wrapping shape
and material pallette of nickel andwarm black tell the story for a newgeneration of budding audiophiles.
Drivers and tweeters are angled for a broad sound stage that can fill
large rooms in the home.
Sonos Play:5
smaller width feels more convenient and comfortable at retail and at homesubtle depth was ncreased to maintain superior cabinet volume
Goldilocksnot enough roomfor drivers
too wide, too bulky
Polk Woodbourne
proportion strategy
the back of the cabinetDesigning for a niche brand with lean marketing resources, I leveraged the products
themselves in an economical way to highlight Polk's acoustic heritage. Easter eggs like the L/R labels here to tell the story of an all-in-one speaker in a playful way.
weedobot conceptAfter months of engineering work prototyping a solar-powered weeding
drone, an entrepreneur approached me about designing the exterior based on strict component envelopes and engineering requirements. This quick 3D
concept was shown to company investors as an illustration of how the exterior details could be improved to appeal to the tech-savvy drone/enthusiast crowd.
Brunton wanted to pursue a more lifestyle/technical sportswearposition. The team drew inspiration from automotive lamps and
fitness apparel. I explored ideas leveraging neoprene or TPE.
technical pattern trends
instant tactile controlA The Polk Melee Inline Mixer for Xbox 360 allows instant control of all audio functions. Dual tacticle
knobs are ergonomically located and intuitively remembered: one is game, the other chat.The EQ toggle button cycles through 4 filters created by master Polk acoustic engineers
in collaboration with the talented sound designers at Turn 10 Studios, and 343 Industries.
$5000 updateThe original Definitive ST Super
Towers were the brands flagship offering, but did not look the part.
The extruded aluminumchassis was hidden with gloss black paint, and dome head
screws littered the front drvierarray. For the ST-L update, Iadded a matte black base,
brushed gray anodizing,grid-textured vinyl, and a coarse
sheercharcoal grille fabric.Less Bruce Wayne,
more Batmobile.
The Polk Omni A1 Wi-Fi Amplifier was created to offer the best of both worlds to contemporary audio fans. Featuring both a wi-fi module and a phono amp, it can play vinyl just as nicely as 802.11AC. I inte-grated a full perimeter ventilation gap so it can disappate heat in any orientation.
to the futureand back
justaddbluetoothTasked with transforming theoriginal Polk Hinge passive headphonesinto a bluetooth version, I designed theusb charge interface and cable, 3-way jog dial with full playback functionality, and nfc branding without turning a casual apparel accessory into a technical lightshow.
2015 colors
I worked closely with the internal design
team to develop a fresh palette of leather,metal, and plastic
colorways. The goal was to offer rich, yet neutral options that
could be paired with any ensemble.
altec imt 4001st mylar grille w/ curved face
1tst mylar grille w/ hidden drivers1st directly-mounted mylar grille
1st material-based remote storage1st flush dock connector
optical illusionsTasked with designing a new iPod dock,I explored shapes that met the acoustic
volume requirements while stillfeeling thin and convenient
from the front and side views.
custom patternsInspired by metal etching and stamping trends,I identified perf patterns as an opportunity fordifferentiation. I drove R&D efforts with vendor partners to develop custom metal grilles and make the inMotion stand out from the crowd.
altec audio bowl conceptWith this Altec Lansing concept, my intent was to find
the sweet spot of emotion and broad appeal that Apple is so well known for. A simple, economical plastic construction is
infused with a shape that looks loud and friendly.
