"Modulo" Modular Headphones.
A modular headphones concept to increase product longevity and reduce electronic waste. Paired with a sustainable packaging design concept.
Product Design and Sustainability Product Brief:
Redesign an existing product from one of four unsustainable product categories; personal lighting, consumer electronics, kitchen appliances or children's toys. Focus on designing a more sustainable alternative considering the whole of life impact of the product.
Design Process Stages
1. Planning
2. Development
3. Production
Research Findings
Based on a competitor analysis, a literature review and a product disassembly of an existing pair of headphones.
Issues with existing headphones on the market.
Identified Problem Area:
Headphones are a high-demand product which people value. Most users typically upgrade when new technology is released generating a significant amount of waste going to landfill and contributing to pollution. We must reduce this environmental impact.
Initial Ideas and Development Sketches
Form Development - How do the headphones look? How can we make them unique yet still functional?
Feature Exploration - How do the headphones work and how are they assembled?
Final Outcome - CAD Model
Created and rendered using Autodesk Inventor
Assembled View
Partial Exploded View
Key Features
Headband
Hollow Stainless Steel Tube​
Speaker to Speaker wire passes through.
Ball and Socket Joint
Full Flexibility - comfort for user.
Biomimicry human hip joint
Headband Cushion
Removable - slides off.
Added Comfort.
Interchangeable Materials
Aesthetics.
Change sound quality.
Ear Cups
Snap Fit Magnets.
Allows access to technology.
Sustainability Considerations
Material Selection
Materials were considered throughout the whole lifecycle of the product. Materials chosen are Stainless Steel, Recycled Plastic, Pinatex Fabric, Aluminium, Cork, and Oak. These were chosen for their recyclability and contributions to the circular economy.
Lifetime
The modular design of these headphones offers upgradability, repairability and customisation to the user. This in turn prolongs the end-of-life stage of this product and ensure they last longer than other headphones on the market.
Disposal/End-Of-Life
Due to the modular design the headphones are easy to disassemble. This allows each part to be recycled separately and the electronics can be completely removed to allow for a seamless recycling process.
Sketch Model
Physical non -functional prototype created utilising 3D printing technologies and other various materials and processes.
Product Design and Sustainability Packaging Brief:
Design and create a low-fidelity prototype of a sustainable packaging concept for your product redesign. Focus on targeting key packaging roles such as Physical Protection, Hygiene, Materials and Marketing.
Design Process Stages
1. Planning
2. Development
3.
Production
Material Research
Most common materials used in packaging within the consumer electeonics industry and more sustainable alternatives.
Typical Materials
​
Plastic
​
Cardboard
​
Foam (EPE, PU, EVA)
More Sustainable Alternatives
​
Bioplastics
Recycled Plastic
​
​
Mycelium
Initial Ideas and Development Sketches
Concept: Packaging which turns into a headphone stand after its original use.
Development: Exploring form function and materials.
Final Concept - CAD Model
Final Concept - Low Fidelity Prototype
