The Un-p3 project is an experimental Industrial Design Project that explores the idea of combining a very craft based manufacturing approach with a very mass manufacturing type product, in this case a simple Mp3 player. The project also explores the idea of “Haptic” design, where tactile elements of the material and the form give the user an additional dimension in his/her appreciation of the design.
The Wave Un-p3 concept was created using a STL rapid-prototyping machine. The distinct waves form a unique button system that is very difficult to repeat under a mass manufacturing conditions.
The Haptic Un-p3 uses laser cut plywood to give its very unique spiral effect. The idea is that as the product ages, the patina of the wood creates a product that has a very customized feel allowing the user to really own the product.
About the Designer
Brian currently lurks in Sydney and Singapore. During the day he is the Head of Industrial Design at a consumer electronics company. At night, he blogs, changes his son’s diaper, dabbles in design entrepreneurship, and swings from building to building righting wrongs.
For more information on his experimental and strategic industrial design work do check out his website Design Sojourn.
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wow this wavy concept looks great
yeah, the wavy concept totally takes me by surprise, Brian. I’ve been following the wood version for so long. Very unique.
Creative. Love it!
Wow the Wave was a pleasant surprise for me too~ The undulating surface curvature really tempts me to want to touch it and feel it. Also makes me think of Timo Wong’s Cell Phone (http://timowong.com/). I suppose wavy surfaces on electronic products are really rather seductive!
Am i the only one who thinks the wave one looks bad? Maybe because it looks like my padlock. With the crazy amount of players in the market now, i can’t see any good reason to do another one here.
Hi all and thanks for your wonderful feedback and comments.
@BADesignREASON: The objective was really about the exploration of “fabbing” and craft type manufacturing processes not so much about the product. I choose an MP3 player simply because I could get my hands on some as well as felt it was simple enough for me to use as start point as one can’t design in vacuum.
Furthermore I also saw it as a challenge to see how much different can I make this MP3, as rightly pointed out by you, when there are already so many out there. I will eventually take what I learn here and look at working similarly on other electronics products in the future.
[...] readers would have already noticed that The Un-p3 Project is currently being exhibited at the Dandelion Industrial Design Exhibition. Unfortunately due to the entry criteria, that exhibition is really only for “show”. [...]
Wavy one would certainly be more inviting to touch, but I like the idea of having a small high tech, hand held electronic device disguised in a humble form, aging like a good ol’ pencil case in my hand! It will get glued to my hand as if it has always been a part of my hand after awhile!! hehe!