(2008) Evolution of the Gramophone
The goal of this project was to design a gramophone that was the next logical step in the product’s evolution. Using A.O. Eger’s Evolutionary Product Development theory, the history of the gramophone was analyzed and divided into product phases. Then, with these product phases mapping a status quo, the next step in the evolution of the product would be developed.
Analysis of the history of the Gramophone
Analysis of the history of the Gramophone
Analysis of the history of the Gramophone
The gramophone was analyzed from the very first model to the latest and most modern types, and were divided into product phases. These product phases were mapped on a timeline. An interesting discovery was the gap that appeared in the 1980’s after the 100-year anniversary of the gramophone, not coincidentally corresponding with the introduction of the CD-player. However, during the late 1990’s the gramophone started reappearing, mainly as a product for audiophiles.
Gramophone Evolution Timeline
After the analysis, the status quo of the product was mapped, and it was found that the gramophone existed for 3 different target groups today, being aforementioned audiophiles, DJ’s, and what I called the ‘gramophone-generation’. The products for the audiophiles and DJ’s, despite their different aesthetic, do not differ too much in functionality. The products for the gramophone-generation however, equips USB-technology and cheap production methods, and are solely made to provide a way to digitalize old records.
Three Current Gramophone Target Groups
The gramophone-generation was chosen as a target market for this design project, and the goal was to bring back the experience that the gramophone-generation misses so much in modern audio equipment.
Gramophone Concept Sketch
Gramophone Concept Sketch
The concept design transforms the gramophone into a product that’s half a functional audio product, and half an interactive art piece. It allows the user to showcase their favourite records, and provides the experience of spinning records. Besides auditive pleasure, it thus also brings visual pleasure back into the equation, after that aspect completely disappeared after the introduction of the CD-player.
Gramophone Detail Design
Gramophone Final Design
The gramophone is a living-room totem that showcases up to three records, and provides visual pleasure while spinning the records. A single playhead transports itself up and down the structure to make switching records easy.
Special attention was paid to the user interface. The retro looking buttons, knobs and switches add to the nostalgic experience, but provide a lot of control over precision aspects like needle pressure, pitch and and speed.
Gramophone User Interface
To test the top-heavy structure for rigidity, a FEM-analysis was conducted. During this analysis, a lot of attention was paid to the stress at the hinging of the glass door at the side, which led to the conclusion that three hinges were a better choice over only two.
FEM Rigidity Analysis
To gain insight into the properties of the dimensioning, a large real-size model was created. To present the end-result, a 1:10 scale model was built.
Gramophone Scale Model
Gramophone Scale Model
Client:
University of Twente – First year MSc. assignment
Assignment:
Analyze the history and map the status quo of the gramophone as a product, and design the next step in it’s evolution.
Date:
April, 2008 (completion)
Specifics:
Three month individual design project.
