INDUSTRY:
Industrial Design
CLIENT:
Self
YEAR:
2025
EXPERIENCE:
Product Design, 3D Detailing, Rednering
about.
This project explores modular headphones designed for daily commuters, with a focus on mid- to high-end consumers seeking both performance and longevity. The concept combines premium audio quality, comfort, and style with a modular structure that allows parts to be replaced or customized. By reframing headphones as adaptable systems rather than disposable products, the design extends usability while aligning with growing demand for sustainable, lifestyle-driven technology.
challenge.
Headphones are one of the most frequently discarded electronics, often replaced due to minor failures like cables, ear pads, or batteries. This cycle accelerates electronic waste and encourages short-term consumption. The challenge was to ask: how might we design modular headphones for commuters, particularly in the mid- to high-end market, that merge portability, premium performance, and durability with repairability, creating a product that fits seamlessly into daily life while reducing environmental impact?
moodboard.
The mood was driven by the idea of designing for disassembly while capturing the style of a cool Brooklyn commuter. Customizable, balanced, and expressive, neither too loud nor too timid. For this concept, less was not more. The goal was to create something with thump and character, and the moodboard reflects this layered, urban energy.
ideation.
The ideation phase began with quick thumbnail sketching to explore possible forms and modular connections. These small, rapid drawings created space to test variations in structure and functionality without overcommitting to detail. They also served as a base for 3D development and ultimately acted as guidelines for shaping the north star vision of the design—balancing utility, style, and character.
final design.
The final design focused on details, combining a clean aesthetic with modularity and high-quality materials. Aluminum-finish frames, delrin stoppers, airy fabric earcups, and orange accents created a refined yet distinctive look. Every part can be customized or ordered to suit different user needs, allowing each person to curate their own earpiece. Future development includes designing varied earcup sizes and audio qualities, such as durable hard-plastic versions tailored for children.
