With the music sector forever becoming an increasingly digitized world, it has led to music streaming becoming far less tangible, and the introduction of touchscreens has inevitably caused the hands-on, user-to-product interaction to almost vanish completely. This is something that designer, Senna Graulus identified, and it provided the underpinnings of a truly fascinating project.
The solution came in the form of ‘Orbit’, and it completely alters the music streaming experience! Comprising of two parts and a multitude of sensors, the user controls their music through a series of physical movements and pre-set positions instead of through a touchscreen interface; this beautifully marries the digital music with the physical and tangible product.
This is all housed within a beautifully designed product that features subtle lighting cues and well-considered touchpoints; all with the hope of engaging the user and elevating the user experience!
Designer: Senna Graulus
Pick Up Where You Left Off
To start playing music, pick up the controller and place it in front of one of the sensors surrounds the base. When lifting up the controller, Orbit will inform the user about the latest position/playlist he or she listened to by illuminating the corresponding LED.
Change Playlist
Adjusting the mood of the music is done by changing the position of the controller. Seven distance sensors are positioned around the base. Each of them represents one of the user’s playlists. Color associations are used to provide users with feedback about the different playlists.
Discover Similiar Songs
To discover music similar to the current playlist, the user increases the distance between the controller and the base. Haptic feedback is used to inform the user how far he needs to pull the controller. The LED starts blinking whenever the discover mode is activated.