# Lumber Lens Speakers The SoundBarrel Exercises the Acoustic Properties of String Instruments By Amelia Roblin | Published 2015-03-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lens-speaker References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2015/03/10/the-shutterbugs-speaker/) & [saejoungkou](http://www.saejoungkou.com/soundbarrel-speaker.html) Contrary to the futuristic direction that many electronics manufacturers are taking, the makers of this lens speaker have opted to produce a style that's much more organic. Looking to time-honored string instruments for inspiration, SaeJoung Kou crafted the SoundBarrel from timber, giving it a [natural capacity to deliver great acoustics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/econik-1851)––despite its compact size. But modern [portable speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leapsonic-speaker) and classical guitars weren't the only objects to influence the SoundBarrel's design. This looks like a lens speaker, dreamed up based on the mechanics of a camera lens' aperture. A group of flat wood fins come together and rotate away from each other to form small to large openings though which sound waves can escape. The result is a tactile and analog device with great functionality and a wonderful look that encourages engaging interaction. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Organic Electronics:** Opportunities for creating electronic devices with a more natural and organic aesthetic, like the SoundBarrel lens speaker. - **Inspirations From Traditional Instruments:** Exploring the acoustic properties and design elements of time-honored string instruments for innovative products like the SoundBarrel lens speaker. - **Mechanical Inspired Designs:** Applying mechanical concepts, such as the camera lens' aperture, to create unique and engaging devices like the SoundBarrel lens speaker. ### Where This Applies - **Electronics Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies focused on producing electronic devices with a more eco-friendly and organic design, like the SoundBarrel lens speaker. - **Acoustic Engineering:** Industries that specialize in creating products with excellent acoustics, such as portable speakers and musical instruments, can benefit from incorporating innovative designs like the SoundBarrel lens speaker. - **Photography Equipment:** Manufacturers of camera equipment can explore new product lines inspired by mechanical concepts, such as the lens aperture, like the SoundBarrel lens speaker. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stylish Low-Tech Sound Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frame-sound.md) - [Wine Bottle-Resembling Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dream-echo.md) - [See-Through Private Listening Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-directional-speaker.md) - [Simplistic Organically Sculptural Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/western-acoustics.md) - [Sculptural Sound Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acoustic-sculpture-speaker.md) - [Chinese Lantern-Like Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sirocco-speaker.md) - [Transparent Gramophone-Like Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-speaker-concept.md) - [Sculptural Speaker Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonique.md) - [Acousto-Optic Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-wireless-speaker-design.md)