3:60º speaker
The idea for this speaker design came from my fascination with tetrapods, the large concrete structures used as breakwaters to protect the shores of seas and oceans. Living in Valencia, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, I often saw these tetrapods along the coastline. Their geometric, stable, and functional form inspired me to create a speaker that is both visually striking and highly functional.
To start, I conducted research and analysis of existing speakers and forms in the market. I wanted to design something unique that stood out while remaining practical for audio performance.
Once I had the initial idea, I moved on to conceptual design. I began by roughly sketching the form to explore how the internal electronics could fit inside. At this stage, my goal was to develop a basic understanding of the shape and its practicality while remaining true to the tetrapod inspiration. Although I do not have sketches to showcase, I quickly tested dimensions and forms through a hands-on approach.
I experimented with available materials to create a rough prototype using children's clay. This allowed me to explore the size, proportions, and overall feel of the speaker. It was a quick and tactile way to see how the tetrapod shape could translate into a physical product.
After validating the rough concept, I presented my work to my professor for initial feedback. The design was approved as a strong starting point, and I began the detailed design process. This phase required meticulous attention to proportions, internal layouts for the electronics, and material thickness to ensure both aesthetics and functionality.
I developed a three-base design, where the speaker opens from four sides, allowing sound to project in all directions. This design ensures versatility, as the speaker can be placed in multiple orientations while maintaining excellent sound quality. This stage involved careful checks, measurements, and iterative improvements to achieve the desired result.
With the detailed design complete, I moved on to prototyping. I utilized 3D printing to bring the speaker to life, allowing me to refine its form and functionality. During this process, I conducted several checks to ensure a smooth and accurate print. The final prototype represents a polished design that balances inspiration with usability.
To enhance the product's market appeal, I explored color variations and interchangeable parts. The design allows the speaker’s opening parts to be customized in different colors, giving users the freedom to personalize their product.
3:60º
This tetrapod-inspired speaker combines bold aesthetics with functionality. The iterative design process—from inspiration and prototyping to detailed refinements—allowed me to create a product that is versatile, unique, and user-friendly. It reflects my commitment to thoughtful design and my ability to draw inspiration from the world around me to create innovative solutions.