RetroWave
Product Design (2024)
3D modeling (Solidworks and Fusion 360)
Meet RetroWave.
The mini portable radio that brings vintage charm to modern spaces.Designed for on-the-go listening, this handheld aluminum companion boasts an extendable antenna, ensuring that you catch your favorite stations with ease. It features only the basics: a side power button, volume and tuning dials, and a classic tuning indicator. It packs a 2-inch speaker making for a rich and nostalgic listening experience.
Compact and full of character, RetroWave is the perfect accessory. Cozy up your living space, pack for a road trip, or take anywhere you want to bring a touch of timeless radio magic.
Orthographic View with Dimensions
Exploded View with Parts
-
Grille Cover
- Speaker Grille
- Volume Dial (1/2)
- Tuning Dial (2/2)
- Tuning Slide Indicator
- Front Radio Casing
- Circuit Board
- Copper Wire
- Power Button
- 2-inch Speaker
- Antenna Hinge
- 2 AA Battery Holder
- Housing for Battery Holder
- Back Radio Casing
- Battery Door
- Extendable Antenna
- Flat Head Screws (9x)
Design Process
In order to design a manufacturable product, I took apart a $10 portable radio I bought from Amazon. This allowed me to examine what components were necessary to build a functioning product. The goal was to design a realistic radio that was smaller than a smartphone.
In analyzing these components, I saw an opportunity to decrease the footprint of the circuit board and replace the existing speaker with a smaller
2-inch version.
5 Design Parameters:
1. Modern retro design
2. Wallet-sized
3. Tactile, real buttons and knobs
4. High-contrast color options
5. Premium materials
Inspiration
(from existing audio products)
Observations:
- Aesthetics-first
- Rounded corners
- Pastel base with metal accents
- Aluminum bodies
- Physical interactions (dials, knobs, push buttons, switches)