accessories
With the creation of the new Zune music player the design team reached out to me to help them to develop multiple accessories to support multiple user scenarios. The product required a dock charging solution an Automotive charging solution and a new set of earbuds to support an active user.
Below is an image of the 3 different Zune players we needed to support in the accessories program. You will notice the different location and placements of the connector for charging.
ROLE
Contract Designer Program Management Client Relationship
Zune plays music and videos, displays images, and unlike the iPod, it even receives FM radio
the docking solution incorporated 3 removable inserts , which enable the dock to be used with previous legacy Zune media players
Standing proud
simple clean planner surfaces are incorporated into the dock to help compliment the Zune Music player form while at the same time the rich black color helps the dock to recede into the background, making the Zune player be at the center of attention. The slope front face has a hidden Zune charging light indicator that glows when docked.
A simple remote was created with traditional media functions and D-Pad for on screen navigation and control
designing a earbud for unique target segments
As we created the design we looked for opportunity to selectively target different genre of music lovers. Everything from the Urban Professional to Rock and Roll and Hip Hop. It was important to make sure the design could support multiple target markets. Select components lend themselves to unique color and material finishes.
creating the charging accessories
the charging plug for the automotive accessories incorporated a small FM display on one end with preset functions. The tapered shape of the charging plug helps users when pulling the plug in and out of the cigarette lighter. A small integrated rubber clip supports cable management. An Integrated antenna feature is molded into the accessories cable. The charging plug incorporates a USB connector for additional accessories if needed.
A thumbnail sketch can help to communicate the intent to the team and help validate the concept quickly so others can rally behind it.
Integrated clip details or rubber strap details are among some of the ideas explored here. The simple rubber clip made the most sense and reduced overall size and complexity of the plug.
