This project investigated the components of a home theatre system comprising of a DVD player and amplifier, with a 5.1 surround-sound speaker system.
The approach taken was to consider the DVD player as a 360º design. We wanted to give the user the freedom to position the DVD player anywhere in the living space, so it was important to consider it as a free-standing object to be seen from all angles.
The use of chamfered surfaces creates a thin-looking object as well as giving the impression the DVD player is floating above the table surface. The strong graphic shapes and use of contrasting colours enhance the 360º design.
The angled touch-control panel on the top surface faces the user in operation, and the translucent DVD slot illuminates to enable the user to easily insert a disc in low ambient light.
The speakers of the 5.1 surround sound system continue the theme of chamfered surfaces, creating a distinctive and sculptural object.
An alternative speaker design was proposed enhancing and complimenting the ‘floating’ impression of the DVD player.
An alternative design direction for the DVD player explored further the 360º design quality and the relevance to the domestic environment. The starting point for this design was a ‘ceramic-like’ container filled with technology.
A more high-end design direction explored a unique and distinctive top loading DVD mechanism.
