Rounded forms make up the majority of headsets and their components, but the iHear Headphones attempt to assume a more rigid shape wherever possible. The cushioned ear speakers have acquired corners and the vertical braces have become rigid, giving the music-listening accessory an unusual rectangular side profile. Only the overarching head band maintains a strict semicircular curve.
The hard angles of the sleek peripheral may not have suited the smooth-edged iPhone 3G, but they do complement the boxiness of the iPhone 4 quite well. Creator Edward Battistini has deliberately designed this device to blend in with the aesthetic of Apple electronics. The iHear Headphones are manufactured from a streamlined aluminum body with ABS and leather parts, and intelligently integrated with VoiceOver compatibility.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Geometric Headsets
- There is a growing trend in the design of headsets to incorporate more rigid geometric forms for a unique look and feel.
- Streamlined Audio Accessories
- There is a trend towards the use of lightweight materials and streamlined designs in the manufacturing of audio accessories.
- Voiceover Integrated Headsets
- Intelligent integration of accessibility features like VoiceOver in headsets is becoming more popular.
Where This Applies
- Consumer Electronics
- The consumer electronics industry should consider incorporating more geometric forms and integrating accessibility features into audio accessories for wide adoption by Apple's customer base.
- Fashion/accessories
- The fashion and accessories industry can adopt lightweight materials and streamlined designs to provide customers with audio accessories that are aesthetically pleasing while providing good quality sound.
- Audio Technology
- The audio technology industry can explore new ideas for headset and audio accessory design, incorporating sleek geometric forms and intelligent integration with accessibility features to gain an edge over rivals.
