Solstice One

Ce qu'il fait

Solstice reconnects you with the tactile joy of sound in a world dominated by screens and automation. Its presence invites you to pause, detach from the digital noise, and immerse yourself in pure, unfiltered audio - bringing a sense of calm to modern life.

Votre source d'inspiration

As a music lover and vinyl collector, I’ve come to appreciate the simple pleasure of sitting down and truly listening to music. The tactile connection with the record and turntable creates a bond between you and the sound - a moment of ultimate comfort and calm. I wanted to translate that feeling into a speaker. In a world filled with impersonal interactions, it was important for me to design something that makes you feel like you’re genuinely handling and experiencing the music, rather than just playing it. I chose the name Solstice because the sun's periodic movement reflects how sound has varying highs and lows too.

Comment ça marche

The Solstice I speaker is a high-end audio device designed to resemble the classic proportions of traditional passive stereo speakers, paying homage to their iconic heritage. Behind the fabric grille are two full-range drivers housed in a sealed enclosure, which enhances bass accuracy and minimizes unwanted resonance for a clear, balanced sound. On top of the speaker, there’s a dedicated slot for your phone. With NFC connectivity, simply placing your device in the slot establishes a quick connection - encouraging you to set your phone down and fully engage with the listening experience. The speaker also features intuitive controls for bass and treble adjustment, along with essential functions like play/pause, volume, and power.

Processus de conception

For this project, I had to design a product of my choice, reflecting my personal style and values. As a passionate music lover, I quickly decided to create a speaker. I started with thorough research into technical aspects and focused on designing something that promotes active listening, rather than just background music like most small speakers do. My initial sketches didn’t capture the heritage feel I envisioned. To gain more insight, I asked dozens of people to quickly sketch what they thought a speaker looked like. The feedback showed that simplicity was key, so I chose a rectangular block shape. To add a subtle yet intriguing touch, I incorporated a slot on top for extra dimension. For the prototype, I rebuilt an existing speaker with an MDF frame, veneered with walnut for a warm, classic feel. The top features a sandblasted aluminum plate for a refined look. I added icons using UV-printing. The fabric cover was made from one of my grandmother’s old trousers, wrapped around a wooden frame (after the original plastic one broke.) To lighten the design, I added a bottom stand to create a floating effect. Throughout the process, I really tried to find a balance in not only usability and aesthetics, but in so many other things like the materials.

En quoi est-il différent ?

The Solstice speaker stands out by reintroducing a tactile and immersive listening experience in a world dominated by compact, background-oriented speakers. Unlike most modern devices, it encourages intentional listening rather than passive use by providing a spot for your phone, and by having physical buttons with a real "clicking" sound. This creates a much stronger interaction with the product than modern-day digital displays. Its minimalist rectangular shape and front dust cover pay homage to classic audio design. The craftsmanship also sets it apart: a solid walnut veneer brings warmth and authenticity, while a sandblasted aluminum top adds a refined, durable finish. These materials create a much more premium experience than present-day plastic speakers. This thoughtful combination of tactile interaction, quality materials, and timeless design makes Solstice truly unique. For me, this is a speaker in its purest, but still intuïtive form.

Plans pour l'avenir

I completed the Solstice project in 2024 as part of the second year of my bachelor’s degree, and I’ve been using the prototype every week since then. I really hope to turn it into a real product one day. Although I’ve gained a lot more knowledge and experience since that time, the lessons I learned from creating Solstice continue to influence my work today.

Récompenses