The Future of Audio Design for Personal Immersion and Social Interaction

EchoLink

design wheel

Using the Design Wheel, I explore how emerging technologies like spatial audio, hearing enhancement, ANC, and audio sharing may impact the headphone industry.

Positive Impact

These technologies allow users to customize their listening environments, improving focus, work efficiency, health and entertainment. Especially Auracast enables seamless music sharing and interaction with others.

Negative Impact

Social Isolation: Despite headphones offering personalized experiences, they may lead to feelings of isolation in public spaces, reducing interaction with others.

New technologies enhance the immersive listening experience, but they may also increase social isolation.

Imagine an Extreme Utopian World of Social Isolation

In a world where everyone wears headphones and dances in isolation, people may find themselves surrounded by others yet remain disconnected

The Lobster (2015)

Based on Gen Z's lifestyle values and consumption preferences, I divide their listening experience behavior into three main categories: Self-immersion, Connection with others, and Community exploration.

Customer Trend Scanning

Pictured generated by AI

while expressing individuality, Gen Z have strong social needs for like-minded groups.

However, in reality, most Gen Z can only connect online through music.

Will this still be the case in the future?

From Gen Z user group's core listening needs, we learned that

Pictured by Fan from 500px

While conducting consumer scanning, I also researched products from both the same industry and other industries, and discovered some exciting ideas.

Define Solution

  • Users always have control over the depth of social involvement (e.g., anonymity, time limits).

  • Making listening interactions part of daily routines (such as walking in the park, commuting, shopping) to reduce the effort of intentional socializing.

  • Combine sound, visuals, and movement transforming listening identity from a "private auditory experience" into a "wearable social language."

Soundscape Cards

An innovative form of business card that uses audio technology to share personal information through sound.
By integrating Auracastβ„’ Bluetooth sharing features, users can broadcast their audio profiles to nearby headphones. This helps users connect with others who share similar music interests.

Discovery Mode

Users can discover two modes on their devices:

On the left is the Immersion Mode, where users can enjoy music or use the device for self-immersion.

On the right is the Discovery Mode, which users can switch to when they want to explore their surroundings or engage in social interactions.

Create Soundscape Card

Users can customize their own Soundscape Card by selecting an avatar, writing a one-sentence description of themselves,

and choosing the music that best represents them. This can include existing tracks or even a mix of music tailored to the user's preferences.

Multimodal Interaction

When the user activates "Ready for Connect," the headphones will vibrate as a notification when in proximity to users whose music compatibility exceeds 80%.

The headphones will automatically play the other user's Soundscape card. The user can nod to exchange soundscape cards.

Pictured generated by AI

Connect Anytime

Users can choose to enable or disable the connection, and decide whether to stay connected or disconnect at any time.

View Connection History
Users can view their past connection records, and after accepting a connection, they can further message other users.

Thank you for watching!

If you're interested in my thought process, please click to See the story behind the project -

πŸ‘€ Behind the Scene.