Australian designer Leah Heiss was inspired by the mineralogy collection at the Melbourne Museum and created the Facett hearing aid device with a precious, jewel-like form.
Unlike many hearing aid designs that are purely functional and leave something to be desired in terms of aesthetics, Facett adopts a stylishly faceted shape that comes in shades of black, white, silver and rose gold. As Heiss puts it, "Facett seeks to shift the stigma of hearing loss, to move these devices from disability to desirability."
The design Heiss created for Blamey Saunders Hears is based around a two-piece system, in which a battery module can be recharged or replaced while the core of the Facett hearing aid device remains in use.
Gemstone-Inspired Hearing Aids
The 'Facett' Hearing Aid Device Boasts a Luxe, Jewelry-Like Form
Trend Themes
1. Gemstone-inspired Hearing Aids - Disruptive innovation opportunity: There is a growing demand for hearing aids that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, opening up opportunities for jewel-like designs.
Industry Implications
1. Hearing Aid Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Companies in the hearing aid industry can differentiate themselves by creating visually appealing designs that reduce the stigma associated with hearing loss.
2. Jewelry Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Jewelry companies can expand their market by incorporating technological functionality into their designs, such as creating hearing aids with gemstone-inspired aesthetics.
3. Fashion Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Fashion brands can collaborate with hearing aid manufacturers to create stylish and trendy accessories that integrate hearing aid technology.