MONO is conceptually a Bluetooth MP3 player, which employs minimalist approach. Basically there are two main components in the design: the main storage unit and the receiver unit with earphones. When not in use, the main unit is a fascinating, clean box made of aluminium alloy with thorough hairline finish. There is no visible buttons at the exterior. With the use of geometry of squares, the main unit is turned on by simply rotating the 2 planes, hence revealing the control buttons.
It is built with a form and size that sits easily in the hand and in the pocket (80mm x 80mm x 17mm thick). The receiver unit is connected to the main unit via Bluetooth. Similarly, the volume in the receiver unit is controlled by rotating the two smaller squares. This volume control is expressed like a fashion accessory, which the user wears like a necklace and the earphones are connected from behind. This relieves the stress on the user’s ears, unlike convectional earphone whereby the earphones are constantly pulled from the front. Audio files transfer is done via USB and the unit is charged with built-in lithium-ion battery. The result is a gorgeous, sleek and sexy design that is unrivalled by other MP3 players.
Awards:
1. International Red Dot Concept Award for Product Design Winner for MP3 design MONO
2. Young Asian Designers Award 2005 (YADAY 05) Best in Product Design
3. International Lite-On Electronic product Competition (Merit)
About the Designer
Lui Honfay is architecturally-trained, currently working full-time as an architect. Though he has serious passion for architecture, he constantly feels restricted and uninspired if he is bounded to just architecture. During the process, his area of interests is broaden, and believes that a good designer has to be an all-rounder, being able to explore design fundamentals and brainstorm for creative ideas and apply these ideas into different design aspects. Hence he tries out different design works and continues to learn. To him, there is no difference between architecture, interior design and product design. They are all DESIGN and inter-related with each others.
He believes design is only valuable if we do something different from others.
Email: honfay@yahoo.com
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