Nik Bentel Studio unveils its latest limited-edition drop: two electronic handbags that double as functioning sound devices. The Speaker Bag is a Bluetooth-enabled wearable boombox, while the Mixer Bag features a working 4-channel audio mixer. Both are crafted from translucent acrylic and assembled with exposed circuitry and hardware, channeling the visual language of retro tech toys and experimental audio gear. The bags are not just accessories, they’re sculptural tools for play and performance. Inspired by NYC’s DJ scene and portable music culture, the project reimagines the bag as both a sonic device and a fashion statement.

all images courtesy of Nik Bentel Studio

Limited-Edition Audio Handbags Double as Post-Party Gear

The Speaker Bag becomes a personal sound system. The Mixer Bag is a control panel for spontaneous collaboration. Together, they offer a portable DJ kit designed to be worn, seen, and heard. Each unit is handmade in Nik Bentel’s New York studio, utilizing precision-machined acrylic, embedded electronics, and visible wiring, a nod to circuit bending and DIY synth aesthetics. Styled in the campaign as futuristic gear for post-party survival, the bags are worn by artist Swordes, evoking a kind of rave armor that blends music and utility. This release continues the studio’s exploration of the absurd and the functional. Known for viral, performative objects, from pasta handbags to furniture-as-sculpture, Nik Bentel Studio creates collectible drops that push the boundaries of product design, fashion, and spectacle.

Nik Bentel Studio’s latest limited-edition drop that plays loud

DJ-ready design worn like a fashion piece

the Mixer Bag transforms into a live audio console

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4iDJIN9UhJs

the Speaker Bag: a Bluetooth boombox you can wear

hand-assembled with exposed electronics and hardware

acrylic body, high-performance sound

retro tech toys inspire this sculptural handbag drop

a rave accessory for post-party survival

visible wiring pays tribute to circuit-bent gear

crafted in NYC with a nod to DIY synth culture

project info:

name: The Speaker and Mixer Bag

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A chorus of wooden dolls that serenade you? If that sounds like something out of a dream, Teenage Engineering has made it real. The Swedish electronics studio has introduced the Choir, a whimsical ensemble of eight handcrafted, linkable digital speakers. Each doll is a charming, robotic character with its own look, voice, and personality. Featured in Teenage Engineering’s New York City exhibition in collaboration with Canadian design collective Bentgablenits, the quirky design has also made its cinematic debut, appearing in Pixar’s film Elio.

In Elio, a space-obsessed boy is accidentally beamed into the Communiverse, a vibrant assembly of alien civilizations. The Choir’s voices signal his first contact with alien life, setting the tone for a surreal journey through identity and connection. Later in the film, the dolls’ harmonies underscore the moment Elio’s clone is created, helping to define the sonic language of the film’s off-world environment.

all images courtesy of Teenage Engineering

the choir: tiny performers with a big repertoire

Each member of the Choir by Teenage Engineering is made from beech wood, carefully polished with hard wax oil. Hidden inside is a compact speaker module containing a processor, Bluetooth Low Energy transmitter, and a rechargeable battery with up to four hours of continuous performance time. With moderate use — about 10 minutes a day — the battery can last for a month.

Out of the box, the dolls by the Swedish electronics brand come pre-loaded with a selection of choral pieces ranging from baroque compositions to folk melodies. They can also be controlled via BLE MIDI using Teenage Engineering’s OP–1 Field, OP–Z, or any compatible MIDI keyboard, allowing users to create their own harmonies in real time.

the Choir is a whimsical ensemble of eight handcrafted, linkable digital speakers

playful interaction and expanded performance

Interaction is playful and intuitive. Users can tap a doll to start or stop the music, or tilt it left or right to adjust the volume, thanks to a built-in accelerometer. Each doll features a unique vocal timbre and character design inspired by cultures from around the world. A single doll can perform solo, or users can group up to sixteen dolls together for a full a cappella experience.

The Choir builds on Teenage Engineering’s first project: the Absolut Choir, an art installation created in 2007 featuring 22 wooden dolls for the Absolut Machine series. Now, the concept returns in a refined, interactive format—bridging music technology, storytelling, and character-driven design.

every doll is a robotic character with its own look, voice, and personality

inside the doll is a compact speaker module

each doll features a unique vocal timbre

the character design is inspired by cultures from around the world

a single doll can perform solo

users can also group up to sixteen dolls together for a full a cappella experience

wih moderate use, the speaker battery can last for a month

the Choir x Elio characters

Choir x Elio character

project info: 

name: Choir
brand: Teenage Engineering | @teenageengineering

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Taiwan-based design studio Fusion Lab presents UFaudiO, a 2.1-channel speaker that combines sound, material science, and visual interaction. The project explores how sound frequencies can be expressed as a dynamic visual form using ferrofluid technology.

At the center of UFaudiO is a sealed chamber containing ferrofluid, a black magnetic liquid originally developed for aerospace applications by NASA. The speaker integrates concealed electromagnetic coils that respond to audio signals, composing a real-time choreography. As music plays, the ferrofluid reacts to the changing frequencies, creating fluid, spike-like patterns that visually correspond with the sound.

metal and wood unite in a meditative listening object | all images courtesy of Fusion Lab

Fusion Lab encases UFaudiO speaker in futuristic aluminum body

The speaker’s outer casing is machined from CNC-anodized aluminum, providing a minimal, futuristic aesthetic. Solid maple wood feet support the structure, chosen for their material contrast and acoustic dampening properties. The design also incorporates an ambient LED backlight positioned behind the fluid chamber, enhancing visibility of the ferrofluid’s movement while adding a subtle layer of lighting control. A single aluminum dial serves as the primary user interface, allowing manual adjustment of both volume and light intensity. UFaudiO supports Bluetooth 5.1 and AUX input, with an integrated subwoofer included to deliver low-frequency depth for a full-range listening experience.

By combining sound reproduction with real-time material response, UFaudiO by Fusion Lab design studio offers a multi-sensory approach to music playback. The result is a product that operates simultaneously as a speaker and as a kinetic visual installation suitable for domestic, studio, or exhibition contexts.

UFaudiO blends into interiors with its sculptural form and maple wood feet

capturing the hypnotic spikes of magnetic ferrofluid liquid in real-time sound response

CNC-anodized aluminum defines the speaker’s minimal exterior

designed to complement creative and calming environments

the ferrofluid chamber glows during music playback

solid maple wood feet provide both acoustic dampening and material contrast

UFaudiO’s ambient glow adds atmosphere even in silence

anodized aluminum meets solid maple in a floating silhouette

UFaudiO fits naturally into analog and digital sound spaces

the sculptural object is designed to be seen even when not in use

a single dial controls both sound and light

natural light reveals the speaker’s form and detail

project info:

name: UFaudiO
designer: Fusion Lab | @fusionlab_tech

lead designer: Mike Lee

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Dark Skies is a large-scale sound installation developed by Leopold Banchini and Giona Bierens de Haan in collaboration with DJ and producer DVS1 for the Horst Arts & Music Festival, taking place just outside of Brussels. Suspended above the crowd, this large-scale sound system transforms the space into a collective, ‘democratic’ dance floor. Built with recycled materials and volunteer support, it creates a dense, intimate atmosphere where sound leads the experience and everyone becomes part of the same pulse.

The installation is composed of 116 top speakers and 58 subwoofers, forming a horizontal ceiling of sound entirely suspended above the audience. This configuration distributes sound evenly across the space and minimizes the visual and spatial focus on any single performer, directing attention to the collective environment.

all images by Jeroen Verrecht

Leopold Banchini & Giona Bierens de Haan collaborate with DVS1

Constructed using rented sound equipment, recycled ceiling panels, and standard timber sections, the system spans over 1,000 sqm. The structure was assembled during a workshop involving non-professional volunteers, emphasizing collaborative construction processes and the reuse of available materials.

The spatial layout creates a consistent proximity between participants and the sound sources, with no individual positioned far from the speakers, resulting in a multi-directional and uniformly distributed sound field. The design approach by studio Leopold Banchini Architects & designer Giona Bierens de Haan prioritizes acoustic immersion and spatial equity, enabling an open, non-hierarchical configuration for collective listening and movement.

the overhead structure is made of 116 speakers and 58 subwoofers

the pavilion is built using recycled materials and standard timber sections

recycled ceiling panels form part of the structural framework

ceiling-mounted speakers distribute sound evenly across the dance floor

the sound system spans over 1,000 sqm

timber structure supports the suspended speaker array

a multi-directional sound field envelops the entire space

dense acoustic conditions create a collective auditory experience

designed by Leopold Banchini and Giona Bierens de Haan with DVS1

Dark Skies sound installation suspends above the festival crowd

project info:

name: Dark Skies

designer: Leopold Banchini Architects | @leopoldbanchini, Giona Bierens de Haan | @giona_bh

client: Horst Arts & Music | @horstartsandmusic

collaborator: DVS1 | @dvs1hush

location: Vilvoorde, Belgium

photographer: Jeroen Verrecht | @jeroenverrecht

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Kogani is a smart speaker holder developed by Tokyo-based Metal Goat Studio, designed to combine Japanese origami principles with functional technology. The object takes the form of a crab and is intended to house compact smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini. Its design approach integrates capsule form-making with sculptural elements, giving technological devices a defined spatial and aesthetic presence within an interior environment. Constructed from lightweight synthetic paper, acrylic, and brass, Kogani employs folded geometries reminiscent of traditional origami to achieve structural stability and visual complexity.

all images courtesy of Metal Goat Studio

Metal Goat Studio Launches Capsule Animals series with Kogani

The holder is both decorative and functional, serving as an interface between domestic objects and digital infrastructure. Each unit is individually customized in color and pattern, and is assigned a unique non-tradeable NFT linked via QR code to confirm its authenticity.

The project by Metal Goat Studio introduces the Capsule Animals series, an ongoing line of furniture and interior elements characterized by compact geometries, zoomorphic references, and integration with smart technologies. Kogani acts as the initial prototype within this collection and was first made available through platforms such as Patreon and Ko-fi, with limited-edition versions released to early supporters.

Kogani integrates origami aesthetics with smart home technology

a sculptural holder designed for compact smart speakers

inspired by the form of a crab, Kogani adds character to digital devices

combines capsule design with zoomorphic geometry.

crafted from synthetic paper, acrylic, and brass

lightweight structure achieved through origami-like folds

designed by Tokyo-based Metal Goat Studio

Kogani holder redefines the presence of smart devices in everyday spaces

each Kogani unit is individually customized

color and pattern variations make each piece unique

Kogani fuses decorative object and functional tech accessory

project info:

name: Kogani Smart Speaker Holder
designer: Metal Goat | @metalgoatstudio

materials: Synthetic paper (recyclable as plastic), 2mm acrylic (white), brass and nylon screws and nuts
size: W: 22cm/8.7in, L: 18cm/7.1in, H: 12cm/4.7in
weight: 200g
colors and patterns: Variations and custom colors available

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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The Horn Series is a collection of furniture constructed from discarded speaker components, developed by Juyong Shim as an exploration of alternative material functions. The project, unveiled at SaloneSatellite, Milan Design Week 2025, reinterprets the form and structural logic of the speaker horn, an object rendered obsolete by technological shifts, by integrating it into functional, sculptural designs for domestic use.

The series includes a stool, a table, shelving units, and lighting fixtures. Each piece incorporates salvaged components such as horns, speaker frames, and structural housings. These elements are employed not as decorative additions but as primary structural and visual features, contributing to the identity of each object.

a sculptural collection of furniture crafted from repurposed objects | all images courtesy of Juyong Shim

Juyong Shim repurposes unused and surplus speaker parts

The design process begins with the manual collection of unused and surplus speaker parts sourced from suppliers and abandoned inventories. Designer Juyong Shim’s selection is based on material integrity and structural viability. These salvaged components are combined with new materials such as steel tubing and industrial hardware, assembled through processes including cutting, welding, bolting, and powder coating. The overall method emphasizes low-intervention construction and direct, intuitive assembly.

By reconfiguring speaker elements into utilitarian forms, Horn Series examines how material memory can be retained beyond original function. The project reflects on the transition from industrial sound equipment to domestic object, and how perceived notions of waste and purpose can be reconsidered through material reuse.

the lighting fixture is constructed from a reused speaker horns

welded and bolted assemblies highlight direct construction

the lighting’s fabric element can be suspended in various configurations

the stool transforms disused audio components into functional seating

the Horn Series bridges utility and sculptural presence

the stool cover is made from original speaker mesh fabric and is available in variations

the stool’s design merges sculptural form with structural tension

the table is constructed by stacking and combining reused speaker components

multifunctional design merges table and lamp into one, offering a space-saving solution

the table & lighting can also be used as a ceiling light, offering versatile installation options

the trolley’s design transforms a reused speaker horn into a mobile storage unit

a customizable shelving system is designed for flexibility, allowing adaptation to any space

project info:

name: Horn Series / Furniture
designer: Juyong Shim

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Yuri Suzuki creates a large-scale installation of a world map with speakers that play ambient sounds for Google Arts and Culture’s main office in Paris. Named the World Ambient Sound Map, the wall-style, sound artwork greets employees and visitors in the lobby. There are 100 speakers arranged in the shape of the world. Each of them plays recordings from Google’s extensive sound library. Then, these audio clips blend with shifting ambient sounds.

All of these are arranged and processed in real time. Yuri Suzuki forges the base of the world map for Google’s office from a steel-like material. He carves holes at the front to let the speakers in and uses screws to hold them into place. Behind the world map installation, the sound artist creates grilles to act as vents and avoid the speakers hiding inside from heating up. The speakers are connected by wires to the computing system below. This mechanism then makes the World Ambient Sound Map play and function at Google’s office in Paris.

all images courtesy of Yuri Suzuki | photos by Roc H Biel

visitors can also contribute their voices to the installation

There are also cameras and sensors hiding between the speakers on Yuri Suzuki’s World Ambient Sound Map at Google’s office in Paris. When users get close by and wave at the camera, the world map rings out a ‘laughing’ sound, to name one of many, as a result. The sound artist says that visitors can also contribute their own voices to the installation. They can record their voices. Then, the world sound map spatially maps them across the speakers. 

With this in mind, the artwork is also interactive. Yuri Suzuki describes this work for Google’s office as transforming archival field recordings into a living, evolving soundscape. For him, this is his way of showing how diverse the world can be through sounds. ‘The World Ambient Sound Map encourages audiences to listen, explore, and engage with the vast sonic landscape of our planet, deepening their understanding of the world through sound,’ the artist adds.

Yuri Suzuki creates a world map with speakers for Google Arts and Culture’s office in Paris

named the World Ambient Sound Map, the sound artwork greets employees and visitors in the lobby

there are 100 speakers arranged in the shape of the world

behind the world map installation, the sound artist creates grilles to act as vents

the speakers are connected by wires to the computing system below

Yuri Suzuki forges the base of the world map for Google’s office from a steel-like material

visitors can also contribute their voices to the installation

project info:

name: World Ambient Sound Map

artist: Yuri Suzuki | @yurisuzukilondon

commission: Google Arts and Culture | @googleartsculture

Production: Pentagram Design, Fish Fabrications, VVFA, Tiffany Hultgren | @pentagramdesign, @fishfabrications, @v.v.f.a

photography: Roc H Biel | @roc.h.biel

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modern sound gadgets put a design twist on audiophile classics

Some modern sound gadgets reimagine audiophile classics, from speakers and earphones to cassette and vinyl record players and musical instruments. They’re portable, wireless, and rechargeable, which are some of the design and tech features that can appeal to the present and classic collectors and listeners. Modern elements come through, like a series of medieval sounds and folleys installed in an electronic instrument, sampler, and composer.

Cassette players are redesigned so they can have rechargeable batteries instead of the swappable ones. In this way, users don’t need to keep changing them for power. There’s a turntable with a minimal design and a blasted glass platter, slightly frosted to mimic the vinyl disc’s look. Some Bluetooth-ready speakers are equipped with solar-cell technology, so that users can rely on sunlight to recharge them. Earbuds these days have advanced technologies too, which include an active noise cancellation feature to dilute the exterior noises.

Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval | image courtesy of Teenage Engineering

turntable with blasted glass platter and medieval sampler

Sound gadgets used for listening to tracks and records come with features that are not present before. Take Teenage Engineering’s electronic instrument, sampler, and composer as an example. Named EP-1320, the portable music maker produces medieval sounds, including the hurdy-gurdy, citole, bowed harp, and gittern, as well as battle toms, coconut horse hooves, farm animals, witches, rowdy peasants, an actual dragon, and more. The instrument can fit in a bag, the same advantage as the modern FiiO CP13. Users can always bring their tape player wherever they go, but with this cassette player, they don’t need swappable batteries to keep it running.

It comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, so fans of audiophile classics can just plug the port when their playing time runs out. The design also retains the tactile play, pause, stop, fast-forward, and rewind buttons, which revives the style of the audiophile classics. In terms of turntables, they’re more streamlined and can be minimal, like the Pro-Ject T1. For this vinyl record player, there’s a zero-resonance, blasted-glass platter in place on an anti-resonant sub-platter design. Its single-piece tonearm is forged from aluminum, and the sound gadget has vibration-absorbing feet to minimize jumps, as well as a dust cover with adjustable hinges for protection.

EP-1320 can produce sounds like hurdy-gurdy, citole, and gittern | image courtesy of Teenage Engineering

Solar-powered speaker and capsule-shaped earbuds

For modern speaker designs, these sound gadgets no longer have the massive horns or a utilitarian look of the audiophile classics. They’re self-charging now, like Urbanista’s Malibu Bluetooth speaker. This device is portable, and the user can hold it in their hand. It also has a rechargeable battery like the FiiO CP13 cassette player, but a feature the brand prides itself on is the use of solar cell technology. Because of this, the self-charging wireless speaker may never run out of battery, potentially ever, given that it can harness solar power from the surface of the device.

Even the earphones transform over time, and some of them, like Nothing’s CMF Buds, double as fashion statements. In fact, these dust- and waterproof wireless earbuds have a capsule-shaped exterior, so when users put them on, they look like accessories rather than sound gadgets. Fans of audiophile classics may appreciate the active noise cancellation of the listening devices, which can allow them to drown out the exterior sounds, unlike older earphone designs. It’s clear that sound gadgets will keep evolving, and it’s safe to say there are designers who still and will keep the retro features and style for collectors and fans of audiophile classics.

FiiO CP13 Cassette Player | image courtesy of FiiO

the cassette player also retains the tactile buttons to play, pause, stop, fast-forward, and rewind

Pro-Ject T1 Hi-Fi Turntable | image courtesy of Pro-Ject Audio Systems

for the turntable, there’s a blasted-glass platter in place on an anti-resonant sub-platter design

Urbanista Malibu Solar Bluetooth Speaker | image courtesy of Urbanista

the self-charging wireless speaker may never run out of battery, potentially ever

CMF by Nothing Buds | image courtesy of Nothing

these dust- and waterproof wireless earbuds have a capsule-shaped exterior

project info:

name: Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval; FiiO CP13 Cassette Player; Pro-Ject T1 Hi-Fi Turntable; Urbanista Malibu Solar Bluetooth Speaker; CMF by Nothing Buds

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community!

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Retro designs in modern tech rekindle ‘old’ days

Retro designs have made their comeback as modern tech, from the Barbie and Motorola flip phones to the Polaroid camera in LEGO form. Their functions and buttons have since gotten a massive upgrade, but away from these modern touches, it’s nostalgic to have them back. They look and feel familiar, reframed into statement must-haves relieving the simpler days. Recent technology operates like rapid-fire: one touch is all it takes for features to activate. It wasn’t like this in the past. Users needed to click number ‘six’ three times on their cellphone’s keypad if they wanted to type the letter ‘O’, and they had to wait for the camera film to show them what they photographed.

They must plug the cables to their sound devices for the speaker to start playing music, and the gaming controllers had their own consoles, unlike the two-in-one fix these days with smartphones and the downloadable games and apps. Some users have embraced modern technologies; others miss the gadgets from the past. But there are those who want the best of both worlds, the modern tech with retro designs, and they’re the ones who can enjoy the keypad on the Barbie flip phone, the ejecting film in the LEGO Polaroid camera, the tactile buttons on GameSir’s gaming controller, and the retro pixel-art animation on Divoom’s Ditoo Bluetooth speaker.

HMD Barbie Flip Phone | image courtesy of HMD

upgraded flip phones from barbie to motorola and samsung

Fans can appreciate the renaissance of retro designs in modern tech, but bringing back the vintage designs for a nostalgic flick isn’t always the case, at least not so much with the arrival of the official Barbie phone. It was part of the Barbie mania that took over brands and cities across the globe during the premiere of the movie in 2023. Its wick keeps burning because Mattel continues the buzz when they team up with Human Mobile Devices (HMD), the company that used to make Nokia smartphones, to release the official Barbie phone.

But it’s not an all-screen phone. It’s a flip phone with a tactile keypad. It has a soft click when the user folds it up because of the hinges. There’s a click-clack sound again and again when the user types on the keypad, and that’s a kind of feeling smartphones these days can’t replicate, even with vibrate on keypress. Mattel and HMD aren’t the only ones because Motorola has also released the Razr 40 Ultra, and Samsung, a long-term player in the flip phone game, has introduced several models, including its recent Galaxy Z Flip6. But the Barbie phone gets an edge because, among these names, it’s the only one that hasn’t abandoned the tactile keypad (yet).

the Barbie flip phone has a tactile keypad

modern retro cameras include LEGO polaroid and fujifilm instax

At times, giving in to the retro designs of modern technology can sound as if people were joining just for the recent trend. And why not when the modern retro gadgets do contend as must-have items or gifts? Some of them look cool, but others just tap into the hibernated inner child in people. The latter is a possibility the moment LEGO Ideas releases their Polaroid OneStep SX-70 because it’s a building set for adults who want to recreate the Polaroid camera in the past, but in LEGO form. It’s for both beginner and master photographers, and to top it off, it operates just like a real vintage Polaroid camera model.

No, it can’t take actual pictures, but photographers can load one of the included photographs and eject them out of the camera when they click on the shutter. If users still want an actual camera that takes pictures while still keeping the retro vibes of the design, they can also snap up the Fujifilm Instax Pal. It’s a pocketable digital camera that looks like a surveillance cam, and it prints photos as soon as they click on the shutter. Fujifilm adds a built-in speaker into the model, so users can hear the ‘click’ sound, and when the films stop rolling because there aren’t any pieces left, they can plug in a microSD card to save the photos and transfer them to their computer or cloud drive later.

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra | image courtesy of Motorola

retro pixel art in speaker design and modern gaming controller

It’s nice, though, to have retro-designed modern gadgets around. They can be a well of references for creatives who want to shake up the design of their works. They also remind us of what we left behind, a time that has passed but we still associate good memories or experiences with. It might be a familiar feeling with game consoles as they improve, but luckily, the brands have maintained the physical buttons on the controllers. GameSir, though, takes advantage of people’s use of smartphones and devises X2S. It’s a Type-C mobile gaming controller for iPhone 15, Android, and HarmonyOS smartphones, so users don’t have to keep tapping their screens. The design recreates the buttons of Nintendo 2Ds, complete with analog triggers, clicky buttons, and a joystick. 

It’s also expandable to fit the majority of smartphone sizes these days, and it’s rubber-coated so it doesn’t slip from the gamers’ grip as they spend hours on their screens. While they’re at it, they can also play music in the background using Divoom’s Ditoo retro pixel art Bluetooth speaker. It resembles the arcade machines in the past with its tube-TV-like screen, which is home to its speaker, and the tiny keyboard-like buttons with a tiny joystick. When it plays songs, the keyboard illuminates in neon colors, and the screen lights up with retro pixel animation. The speaker feels nostalgic to have these retro looks back into the present time. Their design elements might just prove how they’ve already stood the test of time, and by the looks of it, they’re not dying down anytime soon.

unlike the Barbie Flip Phone, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra only has a screen without tactile keypad

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | image courtesy of Samsung

so far, the Z Flip6 is the most recent flip phone Samsung has released

LEGO Ideas Polaroid camera | image courtesy of LEGO Ideas

the LEGO Polaroid can eject images like a real instant camera

Fujifilm Instax Pal | image courtesy of Fujifilm

users of the Fujifilm Instax Pal can add their microSD card to save their photos to an external source

GameSir’s X2S mobile gaming controller | image courtesy of Gamesir

the GameSir X25 controller is suitable for iPhone 15, Android and HarmonyOS smartphones

Divoom’s Ditoo retro pixel art Bluetooth speaker | image courtesy of Divoom

the speaker’s screen projects retro-pixel animation when music plays

project info:

gadgets: HMD Barbie, Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Flip6, LEGO Ideas Polaroid OneStep SX-70, Fujifilm Instax Pal, GameSir X2S Controller, Divoom Ditoo Retro Pixel Art Bluetooth Speaker

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community!

The post from barbie flip phone to LEGO polaroid camera, retro designs stir nostalgia in modern tech appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Sonic Heirloom is a turntable or record player-like device that replays any recorded audio with the sound of the singing bell. It’s the result of the collaboration between design studios Map Project Office and Father. There are two main parts: the removable recording puck at the bottom and the playback device with a polished, bowl-shaped bell in the middle. The way it works is that users pull out the puck and take it with them to the place, person, and more that they want to record the audio from. They press the button and repress it if they’re happy with the recording.

They go back to Sonic Heirloom and plug it back into the base of the turntable-like device. The recorded sound begins to play, and so does the polished bell as it rotates and produces the hum resembling the singing bowl. If the users want to record a verbal audio, say someone who’s speaking or reciting a letter or poetry, Sonic Heirloom replays it with the echoing hum of the bell as the background music. Map Project Office and Father create the turntable-like device for this reason: they want the users to capture sound memories and replay them meditatively.

all images courtesy of Map Project Office and Father

turntable-like device that can be hung on the wall

Unlike conventional turntables, users can append Sonic Heirloom onto the wall, and the bell in the middle remains intact. For this bowl-shaped chime, Map Project Office and Father work with a traditional foundry that cast the bell. The craftsmen repurpose discarded tin and copper to form the entire bell, and the design and sound studios say that it’s because of these recycled materials that each bell bears a distinct tonal fingerprint. The inside is machined to achieve the bright metallic surface, reflecting anyone and anything like a misty mirror. What makes this polished bell ring is the player, positioned on the upper right of the turntable-like Sonic Heirloom.

Similar to an arm on a record player, the capsule-shaped tab is wrapped in leather and lightly rests on the rotating bell. It’s through this that the bell can produce the echoing sound similar to the singing bowl. At the bottom of the device, the puck lies. It follows the shape and size of a coin; that’s why users can bring it anywhere with them to record any sounds with a single click. The last part that completes the ensemble is the vitrine, the glass that holds all these parts together, slightly frosted to depict how people remember memories: vividly clear with a bit of haze.

the turntable-like device Sonic Heirloom can be hung on the wall

the removable recording puck is positioned at the bottom of the turntable-like Sonic Heirloom

the recording puck is the size and shape of a coin to make it portable

the puck has a built-in speaker to play the recordings as the singing bell produces sounds

the capsule-shaped tab brushes against the bell to produce the sounds resembling singing bowl

the bell is forged from repurposed tin and copper for the turntable-like Sonic Heirloom

the recordings and singing bell are played at once

project info:

name: Sonic Heirloom 

studios: Map Project Office, Father | @mapprojecto, @father_insta

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