This gets to be filed under C for "cool as hell". It's a portable, stand-alone record player! The Soundwagon Portable Record Player from Turntable Lab is shaped like a Volkswagen van and "drives" around records, playing music through a built in speaker. $89 USD.
Implications - Although mainstream culture has primarily adopted CDs and digital music, traditional vinyl records are still treasured by a niche market of fans who rebel against modern musical technology. These individuals also often adore quirky ways to play their beloved records, especially designs that double as art. Product designers are catering to their needs by creating record players in unusual forms, adding wireless and portable features to add appeal.
Retro Car Record Players
VW Van Soundwagon
Trend Themes
1. Quirky Record Players - Product designers are aiming to cater to collectors of traditional vinyl records who seek interesting ways to play them, with artwork-like record players in far-out forms.
2. Wireless Record Players - Designers are exploring ways to add wireless features to the classic record player, bridging the gap between those who love vinyl and those who favour digital music with greater technological innovation.
3. Portable Record Players - Portable, standalone and visually appealing record players are becoming increasingly popular for individuals who frequent on-the-go activities and seek to do so while enjoying vinyl records.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - This industry can explore the creative designs for record players that provide a unique and consumer-friendly experience for vinyl advocates.
2. Music and Records - This industry could benefit from introducing more record players in unusual and visually titillating designs that would appeal to vinyl enthusiasts.
3. Art and Design - This industry could facilitate with the creation of standalone record players that act as art pieces that can be moved, offering the exclusiveness of vinyl records to turntable connoisseurs.