Electronics are most often manufactured in materials like metals and plastics, but the charm of something like the MoMA I.dear Speaker cannot be overlooked. Unlike its most common counterparts, this audio accessory has the usual wired up inside, but flaunts a rich wooden case to add a little class.
Measuring just 1.25 inches in height, the delightful lumber gadget is ultra-portable and sure to impress. Without employing the usual mesh visible on the face of the transmitter, designer Sang-bum Kim drilled tiny holes to let sound escape, mimicking the familiar form of an old telephone earpiece.
A small keychain loop can be kept on the corner of the MoMA I.dear Speaker to keep tabs on the tiny device, and with a simple headphone jack in the back, these are the only places where the winsome wood grain is interrupted.
Tiny Timber Audio
The I.dear Speaker Adds a Hint of Natural Accoustics to Your iPod
Trend Themes
1. Natural Material Electronics - The use of wood and other natural materials in the design of electronic accessories presents an opportunity to differentiate from traditional metal and plastic designs.
2. Miniature Audio Devices - The trend towards smaller, more portable audio devices creates opportunities for companies to create compact and stylish designs, such as the MoMA I.dear Speaker.
3. Sound Design Innovation - Designers can explore innovative ways to improve the sound quality of audio devices through unconventional designs, such as the tiny drilled holes in the MoMA I.dear Speaker.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics companies can explore the use of natural materials and innovative sound design to create unique audio accessories and stand out in a crowded market.
2. Home Decor - The MoMA I.dear Speaker and similar products offer an opportunity for home decor and interior design companies to provide functional yet aesthetically pleasing solutions for adding sound to homes without compromising on style.
3. Fashion Accessories - The compact and stylish design of products like the MoMA I.dear Speaker make them ideal fashion accessories, presenting an opportunity for fashion brands to diversify into the audio industry.