Songbird
Artisanal Headphone Stands
Artisanal Headphone Stands
I love music. And oftentimes, I listen to it using my headphones. A very individual piece of equipment that keeps me focused and in the zone. However, the problem came about when i'm not using them. To make sure i'm keeping them dry, I like to leave them outside. Current headphone stands on the market are large and bulky - impossible to lug around. I find myself then, leaving my headphones in the open, on the table, finding scratches and paint chips now and again.
I sought to design and create headphone stands that are not only light and easy to carry around, but aesthetic enough to be a perfect companion at your desk. A cheap solution for an expensive investment.
I sought to design and create headphone stands that are not only light and easy to carry around, but aesthetic enough to be a perfect companion at your desk. A cheap solution for an expensive investment.
Design Process
Songbird was borne out of Georgia Institute of Technology's College of Design ' Make - Ten ' module, under the tutorship of Steve Chininis. This was a project heavily focused on design and entrepreneurship. The brief was simple - design and mass fabricate 10 units to be sold, all within 10 weeks.
The challenge came about through ensuring that quality and quality had to be maintained at the end of the final sale. I have always been drawn to the texture, versatility and humble nature of wood. Thankfully, I managed to source a wood shop nearby - special thanks to Carlton's Rare woods & Veneers for teaching me everything i know about veneers.
Initially, the design concept was having mechanisms and screws tying the natural wood materials together. However, the design became juxtaposed and looked more like 'Jenga' blocks built up on each other. I was stuck for a couple of weeks, until i realised the flexibility and graceful nature of veneers.
Initially, the design concept was having mechanisms and screws tying the natural wood materials together. However, the design became juxtaposed and looked more like 'Jenga' blocks built up on each other. I was stuck for a couple of weeks, until i realised the flexibility and graceful nature of veneers.
Walnut, Mahogany and Cherry were experimented with. Each with different grain patterns and basic characteristics. A main form was sketched out and a mould was formed. Trying to hand-clamp and shape using precise amounts of adhesive, pressure and time was the most tedious process of all. Above showed all early stage prototypes of Songbird. The lengths of each veneer sheet was carefully calculated and lazer-cut to provide the most accurate visual appearance.
However, i learnt that wood was a living material. Not paying attention to the light and moisture and protecting this delicate material would cause unnatural bends and shifts in wood patterns. Before embarking on my final 10, i experimented with close to 100 early stage prototypes to try to get the right amount of time and environmental conditions that may affect these sensitive objects.
An homage to trees and wood.
Walnut ( left ) , Cherry ( Middle ) , Mahogany ( Right ) .
Walnut ( left ) , Cherry ( Middle ) , Mahogany ( Right ) .
The final Sale included a box, a personalised tag and appreciation card and a well polished Songbird to accompany you and your headphones for years to come. During the final 'Make-Ten' Marketplace sale, all 10 units were readily sold to college passers-by over the night.
Special thanks to Steve.
For the most frustrating, but most rewarding project I've had so far.
For the most frustrating, but most rewarding project I've had so far.
Cheers.
