What it does
DUET combines headphone, speaker, and spatial audio in one device, allowing users to switch effortlessly between private and shared listening. It saves money by replacing the need for multiple gadgets and simplifies connection for a seamless audio experience.
Your inspiration
Like most college students, I’m always surrounded by music. When moving into my apartment, I kept going back and forth between outside and inside and from room to room. Outside I chose to wear headphones but immediately took them off when I entered my apartment for comfort. The issue with this was that every time I moved areas, the music wouldn't follow me. Switching between headphones and speakers was also becoming increasingly annoying. I realized there had to be a better way to seamlessly switch between personal headphone audio and speaker audio with spatial sound so I could hear music no matter what I was doing.
How it works
The core technology behind DUET lies in its mini bone conduction speakers. These speakers transmit sound vibrations through a surface, turning that surface into an audio amplifier. Using this approach allows DUET to remain compact while delivering high-quality audio. The headphone ear chambers are designed with thin walls and scattered holes to minimize the bone conduction's effect, keeping the sound quiet. In contrast, the speaker has thicker walls and a hollow interior that helps amplify the sound. The mini speakers twist and lock into place, creating a secure, friction-held fit that ensures firm contact with the surrounding surface—essential for enabling the bone conduction.
Design process
After identifying the problem, I dedicated a lot of time to sketching. If I were to create a unique product, the design needed to stand out just as much as the concept. I took inspiration from retro headphones, wanting to pay homage to classic headphone design. Once I had a clear direction for the form for both the headphones and speaker, I then began 3D modeling in Rhino. This allowed me to bring my sketches to life, refine proportions, and ensure a manufacturable design. From there, I used KeyShot to explore CMF options, helping me finalize the overall aesthetic. I then began hands-on prototyping by repurposing internal components from a PocketTunes bone conduction speaker. I spent about a week 3D printing parts, testing tolerances, and perfecting the look and feel. I printed different versions of the ear chamber and speaker housing, experimenting with infill settings to see how they affected sound quality. Once all the elements were ready, I assembled the prototype, tested its performance, and made any necessary adjustments to fix anything that didn’t work as intended.
How it is different
DUET is a first-of-its-kind audio device that redefines how we listen to music. Today’s options limit the user to either headphones for personal listening or a speaker for shared audio. DUET combines both in one product with three distinct modes: private listening, speaker mode, and omnidirectional spatial audio. DUET gives users the freedom to choose how and where they listen to their music, without the hassle of switching devices. Unlike traditional audio products, DUET uses bone conduction technology, letting the surface it rests on dictate its volume, being adaptable to any environment. Beyond function, DUET also breaks away from modern, minimal design trends, having a bolder design that reflects its hybrid purpose.
Future plans
The next step for DUET is to build a team that can take the project to the next level. As an industrial designer, my knowledge of audio engineering is limited, and I would like to collaborate with engineers and sound experts to further refine DUET. Improvements can be made in both the product's build and manufacturing to ensure higher-quality sound, proper volume levels, and minimal technical issues. Once a fully functional product is developed, I plan to secure intellectual property through patent DUET, laying the groundwork for future growth and market entry.
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