The Radioball

Interaction has become flat , predictable and sometimes boring. Touchscreens make devices simple and sexy,but in doing so, they become

visually similar, haptically monotonic, and uninviting to natural discovery.

Using nowadays technology such as sensors, accelerometers  or even gyroscopes,  I tried to find a new way to interact with a product as simple as a radio , without any screens , or buttons , creating a

new relationship between electronic and functionality.

On Wednesday, October 13, 2010, Fast Company holded the Masters of Design 2010 event at Industria Superstudio in New York. Check out the Masters of Design 2009 to preview the past years event http://www.fastcompany.com/tag/masters-design-event. whereTeague was exhibiting the Radioball.
Weve been working on a more polished and capable version of the Radioball in our Seattle studio. By adding a digital gyroscope to the control board, a slow twist on any facet will turn the volume up or down. We also added a larger battery and easy accessible mini USB slot for recharging the device.

We created a closed compartmental structure to house the components to allow the sound quality to resonate through the two speakers. This was a huge difference compared to the original prototype.

In considering the hardware development, weve been exploring a couple possibilities and printed a SLA central structure with two cast urethane parts for the outer mesh material. To get the parts accurately printed, we started with a classic 3D print; the resolution isnt fantastic but allowed us to verify technical details.

The radioball

Interaction has become flat , predictable and sometimes boring. Touchscreens make devices simple and sexy, but in doing so, they also become visually similar, haptically monotonic, and uninviting to natural discovery.

The Radioball is an exploratory device that encourages discovery through rich spatial interaction.    Thinking back to the days of old analog radios, the magic of finding unexpected stations in the midst of fuzz was both enchanting and evocative.  Compare that with today’s digital-based interactions of screens and tact switches; they give us exactly what we want when we want it, but leave no room to stumble onto alternative choices.

The Radioball prototype was built as a starting point for conversation about the need for richer, more spatial interactions.  All 3D files, schematics, code, and documentation is licensed under Creative Commons 3.0   (Attribution, Share-alike, and Remix) and is free for you to download, try out, and improve upon.  Enjoy!

Whole process on behance network : http://www.behance.net/gallery/Radio-Ball-20-process/505776
for downloads and infos , go to www.teague.com

Client: Teague

Design:2010

Production: conceptual critique

Credits:  concept, interaction model and 3d design: Ben Collette  , Electronic layout and physical prototype :Adam Kumpf