It takes courage and perseverance to strike out on a path that has never been encountered before. Dedicated to the task of developing the first ‘open-type’ wireless earbuds for the Galaxy line-up, the designers of Galaxy Buds Live needed just this kind of persuasion to make sure they got the job done.
The designers of Galaxy Buds Live. (From left) Mingyeong Jang, Youngsang Jang, Sangok Sohn, Tommy Choi, Yongseok Bang and Joonha Kim
Long observation and extensive testing of users were required when it came to developing the next-generation Galaxy Buds Live, which take comfort to the next level. But what was the development journey like for the designers who were accused of creating this never-before-seen kind of reverence?
Samsung Newsroom found below.
Step 1: On a query to find the new Samsung Form Factor
The Galaxy Buds Live are designed to meet the needs of users who want to enjoy a wide range of sounds. While the previously released ‘Channel-type’ Galaxy Buds + earbuds were for those looking for immersive listening experiences, the Galaxy Buds Live are open-ended earphones that can be worn comfortably for long periods of time. , which makes it easy for users who like to listen to music, watch videos, or make long-distance phone calls. Designer Tommy Choi explained that, “Unlike duct-type earrings, which can be uncomfortable for some when worn for extended hours, open-type earbuds sit outside the user’s ear flap, allowing air circulation “We came up with the current design to satisfy a wide range of users and distinguish our earbuds from other products with their unique form factor,” he added.
Step 2: Unsafe adjustment for widely accessible comfort
Rapid prototypes (left) and stupid prototypes (right) were developed to improve comfort. Small dots on the dummies mark which parts of the earbuds were covered when they were inserted into ears.
No matter how good their performance may be, users are likely to avoid using earphones that are uncomfortable. When the Galaxy Buds Live were developed to guide users through their days, a lot of effort was put into making sure they were as comfortable as possible. “During development, 80 earbud RPs (rapid prototypes) were developed to control the optimal size, shape and specifications of the product. We have prepared a lot of RPs because even the slightest difference in shape can lead to enormous changes in levels of comfort, “said designer Youngsang Jang.
The human ear comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so finding a fit that presents all meets an important challenge. And this was especially true in the case of Galaxy Buds Live, which underwent close user testing to ensure that they provided a comfortable fit to a wide range of users, regardless of the shape and size of their ears. Designer Joonha Kim elaborated on the testing process, saying that, ‘Initially, subjects used the earbuds for a short time and got their feedback on various points. We knew we could not satisfy all subjects, but we developed the design to satisfy as many people as possible. Then, we performed tests in which the subjects used the earbuds for extended periods of time, and tested in a situation with large movements to refine the shape and create a comfortable earbud. ”
“Setting the standard for comfort was the hardest part,” added Choi, who also worked on the tests. “When eight out of 10 subjects responded by saying that the earrings were comfortable, and only two rated them as uncomfortable, we had to make sure that we made adjustments that would satisfy those two subjects without the satisfaction of the other eight to compromise. To create a comfortable product for as many users as possible, we test on about 2000 topics. ”
Step 3: Sophisticated, square case for ‘Jewel-like’ earbuds
The shape of the Galaxy Buds Live case was chosen after 30 RPs were developed, including those with a similar shape to Samsung’s early earbud cases
Galaxy Buds Live, the first open-type wireless Galaxy earbuds, also comes with a revolutionary business design. While the Galaxy Buds Live were up to the Galaxy Buds + oval shape, with the Galaxy Buds Live the case is square with rounded edges. Youngsang Jang explained the reason for the change in shape, saying that, “Based on the idea that it would be nice to make the shiny earbuds look like jewelry, we designed the case as a square to look a bit like a jewelry box. The size and shape were determined to easily fit or hold the case in the pockets, while leaving enough space for the powerful battery that provides up to 21 hours of listening time when fully charged. “
The hole that runs between the upper and lower halves on all sides of the case is also a new feature that makes it easier to open. “The hole adds convenience when opening the case, and also makes it easier to apply external covers to your earbudbud case.” illustrated designer Sangok Sohn. “When applying external covers to previous incarnations of Samsung’s earrings, double-sided tape had to be used to attach the cover to the case, which often leaves stains on the case itself. However, the addition of the hole that runs around the case allows the covers to be attached more easily and eliminates the need for tape. ”
‘When designing the product, we thought hard about all stages of interaction for users – from the moment they get their first look at the product, to the moment they open the case and use the earbuds, to the moment they put back in the case to charge, ”related Choi. “We also thought about what the earbuds would look like if they rested in the case, and how much they would have to protrude – and at what angle – to allow users to get out easily.”
Step 4: Beautiful colors – Environmentally friendly materials
The Galaxy Buds Live come in a variety of colors1 – including Mystic Bronze, Mystic White, and Mystic Black – customized to match the five new products introduced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2020. “The colors were selected to imply that the Galaxy Buds Live belong to the same family as the other recently released Galaxy products, ”explained designer Mingyeong Jang, who was responsible for CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design for the Galaxy Buds Live. “Even though the newly released smartphones and the Galaxy Buds Live are not made of the same materials, we have adapted the design to ensure that they express similar colors and textures.
A range of mockups with different levels of gloss were developed and compared
Extensive testing to optimize usability and ensure that the earbuds and case complimented each other was essential during the CMF design process. “When I first saw the shiny RPs, they seemed very luxurious to me, and the thing that looked like a jewelry box only added to that feeling,” Mingyeong Jang said. “So we designed the Galaxy Buds Live to be glossary after studying a wide range of user preferences.”
The Galaxy Buds Live are also innovative in terms of the materials from which they are made. According to Jang, “In an effort to reduce the environmental impact caused by plastic waste, the Galaxy Buds Live are made with 20 percent recycled post-consumer material (PCM). I hope we see similar environmentally friendly changes in other areas as well, ”she concluded.
Through the course of designing a completely new kind of wireless earbud, the designers of Galaxy Buds Live went deep into studying the human ear. Designer Yongseok Bang shared what he intends to advance, saying that, ‘The form factor of Galaxy Buds Live is unique, and lets users enjoy the benefits of both channel and open earphones. I will stay sure to learn about the human ear and improve my knowledge and skills to create a design that can satisfy a wide range of people. ”
1Colors may vary by country as telecommunications service providers.
