Leica headphones
Leica headphones
In 8 weeks time, me and 2 other students from industrial design were challenged to analyse the brand identity of leica, and to create a product that fits within their product range. The result is astonishing, a headphone that can be seen as an object of desire for many. Made for professional audio engineers with its replaceble drivers, giving the flexibility to use the headphones for mixing, but also for hi-fi listening.
In 8 weeks time, me and 2 other students from industrial design were challenged to analyse the brand identity of leica, and to create a product that fits within their product range. The result is astonishing, a headphone that can be seen as an object of desire for many. Made for professional audio engineers with its replaceble drivers, giving the flexibility to use the headphones for mixing, but also for hi-fi listening.
Problem statement
Problem statement
The document "Graphical Language of Products" explores the brand identity and visual elements of Leica, a renowned camera manufacturer. It highlights the consistency in Leica's design and graphic language over the years, including the iconic red logo and the brand's signature traditional style. The motto "From eye to insight" is also featured, emphasizing that Leica cameras are designed to provide users with new perspectives. Additionally, the document includes details on typography and color usage in Leica's products.
The document "Graphical Language of Products" explores the brand identity and visual elements of Leica, a renowned camera manufacturer. It highlights the consistency in Leica's design and graphic language over the years, including the iconic red logo and the brand's signature traditional style. The motto "From eye to insight" is also featured, emphasizing that Leica cameras are designed to provide users with new perspectives. Additionally, the document includes details on typography and color usage in Leica's products.
Ideation
Ideation
The project began with in-depth research and ideation, including a full analysis of Leica’s visual language. We reverse-engineered their brand book and used this knowledge to propose an extension to their product range.
We identified a gap in the niche of high-fidelity headphones, where the needs for audio referencing and high-fidelity listening require different drivers. This insight led to a key design concept: a modular system inspired by the interaction a photographer has when swapping a camera lens—reusing camera mechanics and capturing the tactile, hands-on experience Leica is known for.
The project began with in-depth research and ideation, including a full analysis of Leica’s visual language. We reverse-engineered their brand book and used this knowledge to propose an extension to their product range.
We identified a gap in the niche of high-fidelity headphones, where the needs for audio referencing and high-fidelity listening require different drivers. This insight led to a key design concept: a modular system inspired by the interaction a photographer has when swapping a camera lens—reusing camera mechanics and capturing the tactile, hands-on experience Leica is known for.
Final design
Final design
The final design of this product included a 3D render of the envisioned headphone, a physical model produced in the machine shop, and a second physical model used to experiment with colors and graphics.
The project received a grade of 9.0 / 10 ,an exceptional result that demonstrated not only our ability to follow the assignment but also to excel in both ideation and execution.
The final design of this product included a 3D render of the envisioned headphone, a physical model produced in the machine shop, and a second physical model used to experiment with colors and graphics.
The project received a grade of 9.0 / 10 ,an exceptional result that demonstrated not only our ability to follow the assignment but also to excel in both ideation and execution.
