Rounded forms make up the majority of headsets and their components, but the iHear Headphones attempt to assume a more rigid shape wherever possible. The cushioned ear speakers have acquired corners and the vertical braces have become rigid, giving the music-listening accessory an unusual rectangular side profile. Only the overarching head band maintains a strict semicircular curve.
The hard angles of the sleek peripheral may not have suited the smooth-edged iPhone 3G, but they do complement the boxiness of the iPhone 4 quite well. Creator Edward Battistini has deliberately designed this device to blend in with the aesthetic of Apple electronics. The iHear Headphones are manufactured from a streamlined aluminum body with ABS and leather parts, and intelligently integrated with VoiceOver compatibility.
Sleek Squared Headsets
The iHear Headphones Consider a Different Geometry
Trend Themes
1. Geometric Headsets - There is a growing trend in the design of headsets to incorporate more rigid geometric forms for a unique look and feel.
2. Streamlined Audio Accessories - There is a trend towards the use of lightweight materials and streamlined designs in the manufacturing of audio accessories.
3. Voiceover Integrated Headsets - Intelligent integration of accessibility features like VoiceOver in headsets is becoming more popular.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - The consumer electronics industry should consider incorporating more geometric forms and integrating accessibility features into audio accessories for wide adoption by Apple's customer base.
2. Fashion/accessories - The fashion and accessories industry can adopt lightweight materials and streamlined designs to provide customers with audio accessories that are aesthetically pleasing while providing good quality sound.
3. Audio Technology - The audio technology industry can explore new ideas for headset and audio accessory design, incorporating sleek geometric forms and intelligent integration with accessibility features to gain an edge over rivals.