smart speaker.
smart speaker v2 with hinge design using raspberry pi and google voice kit. winter 2018.
This project is a continuation of the original "smart speaker" with a different design philosophy. In contrast to the stark, functionalist form factor to the original, this iteration explored a more natural yet still minimalist design. Thus, all edges have been replaced with soft curves, like the well-known can form of the Mac Pro and the George Nelson night clock pictured below. I loved how the cylindrical form felt thoughtful and warm in a living room environment. It should be placed in the center of a room or table, both receiving and giving attention without seeming out of place.
Additionally, the cylinder form stacks all the electronics so that the overall housing has a smaller form factor. The previous design was about preserving the rectangular shape for better tabletop space management, as it can be tucked away into a corner. Further, the new design has a hinge feature at the stand such that the speaker can change from omni-directional to forward-firing modes. Given the lack in speaker size and lack of multiple tweeters, I wanted the design to best utilize the strengths of the existing hardware by being able to point the sound source in order to improve the listening experience.
Again, I used the provided hardware from the MagPi Google Voice Kit while replacing the cardboard housing. However, I chose to use 3D printing to create the subtle curvatures just right. This simplifies the assembly phase as I can design in shelves and placers to attach the inner electronic components. The neck of the stand has to be a tube material in order to line the power cable to the base. So, the most accessible material I found was PVC tubing, which comes in a plethora of diameters. The top of the speaker is covered in speaker fabric to provide a softer touch and feel to the hardware, again complementing the warmer, comfortable look and feel of traditional furniture. All the surfaces could then be finished with various choices of textured paint to provide user customization.
Since there is the added dimension of the slight transparency of the speaker fabric, I want to add an LED indicator beneath the fabric to show when the Assistant is listening. This was achieved by the arcade button in the Kit, but I want to use a more unobtrusive means for the new design as to not hinder acoustics.
This project is still a work-in-progress and will be updated regularly. I definitely learned more about how to handle evolving ideas and prototypes while still keeping the big picture in mind. This has been an extremely entertaining project, since it intimately crosses both technology and industrial design ultimately in order to provide a more comfortable experience for all.
Additionally, the cylinder form stacks all the electronics so that the overall housing has a smaller form factor. The previous design was about preserving the rectangular shape for better tabletop space management, as it can be tucked away into a corner. Further, the new design has a hinge feature at the stand such that the speaker can change from omni-directional to forward-firing modes. Given the lack in speaker size and lack of multiple tweeters, I wanted the design to best utilize the strengths of the existing hardware by being able to point the sound source in order to improve the listening experience.
Again, I used the provided hardware from the MagPi Google Voice Kit while replacing the cardboard housing. However, I chose to use 3D printing to create the subtle curvatures just right. This simplifies the assembly phase as I can design in shelves and placers to attach the inner electronic components. The neck of the stand has to be a tube material in order to line the power cable to the base. So, the most accessible material I found was PVC tubing, which comes in a plethora of diameters. The top of the speaker is covered in speaker fabric to provide a softer touch and feel to the hardware, again complementing the warmer, comfortable look and feel of traditional furniture. All the surfaces could then be finished with various choices of textured paint to provide user customization.
Since there is the added dimension of the slight transparency of the speaker fabric, I want to add an LED indicator beneath the fabric to show when the Assistant is listening. This was achieved by the arcade button in the Kit, but I want to use a more unobtrusive means for the new design as to not hinder acoustics.
This project is still a work-in-progress and will be updated regularly. I definitely learned more about how to handle evolving ideas and prototypes while still keeping the big picture in mind. This has been an extremely entertaining project, since it intimately crosses both technology and industrial design ultimately in order to provide a more comfortable experience for all.