In March 2024, I went through a series of interviews with the Harman Kardon design team. After careful consideration, I made the decision not to proceed further for personal reasons. Nevertheless, I thought it might be valuable to share the design project that was assigned, which had a 10 days timeframe.
THE BRIEF
A flagship Harman Kardon floor-standing speaker that envisiones the future of Harman Kardon. A solution that blends into modern homes with striking design and immersive, high-quality sound. Comparable to the Bang & Olufsen A9 or Pantheone, priced between USD (3–5k).
INTRODUCTION
Buying a new home is a journey that involves challenges and uncertainties. Just like an eclipse, obscuring the sun before revealing its full brilliance, these obstacles are part of the process that ultimately leads to a brighter future.
In this cosmic analogy, the Sun represents the Light; the Moon resonates as Sound, and Earth symbolizes our collective existence. Together, they create a microcosm where each element uniquely contributes to the symphony of life.
BRANDING
The dome, circle, and the distinct 60 degrees pattern stand at the front of Harman Kardon’s design ethos. These elements weave together harmony, timeless sophistication, and a gentle aesthetic, transforming their products into sculptures that naturally complement any interior space.
THE ESSENCE OF ACOUSTIC ELEGANCE
Every curve is meticulously crafted to embody both simplicity and sophistication, transforming it into more than just a speaker. It becomes a sculptural piece of art that effortlessly enhances your lifestyle and elevates your interior with timeless, refined elegance.
Welcome to a world where design and sound are seamlessly woven together, creating an experience where aesthetics and acoustics exist in perfect, immersive harmony.
EMBRACING THE TOTAL ECLIPSE
The early sketches flirted with the idea of a partial eclipse. The problem with this concept was that it felt too simplistic and left me searching for something more profound. The concept of a total eclipse captures a far more dramatic interplay between darkness and light, transforming the product into an immersive statement piece.
THE MAGIC OF INTUITIVE CONTROLS
At the slightest approach, hidden sensors awaken. With every function triggered by proximity, interaction becomes pure, effortless elegance. Guiding lights at the back further this intuitive design, illuminating the ports so cables can be plugged in effortlessly, even in low light. A simple yet thoughtful touch that unites form, function, and convenience.
CMF SPECS
A carefully curated palette establishes a dialogue between modern innovation and classic craftsmanship, with each element engineered for visual impact and enduring performance.
Every component is chosen for its aesthetic appeal and functional excellence, resulting in a blend of technical precision and timeless sophistication. The mix of textures, tones, and finishes creates a layered experience that naturally complements any environment while enhancing its overall character.
RESONATING LUXURY
Imagine a collaboration where Harman Kardon’s pristine audio engineering meets Hermès’ timeless design elegance. A bespoke audio system that blends cutting-edge technology with the artistry of refined craftsmanship.
The fusion of exceptional sound and iconic luxury creates not just an audio device, but a piece that elevates any environment. It celebrates both innovative performance and heritage aesthetics, appealing to connoisseurs of quality and style.
GOING FURTHER
It does not stop here. The vision for the Harman Kardon Eclipse brand is to go beyond a single product. It’s about creating a lifestyle that embodies the essence of luxury and performance. The Eclipse mini is a concept for a speaker that becomes an elegant fireplace, marking the beginning of a new ecosystem of products.