#HTE

Design Criticism: How Rugged Can This “Rugged Wireless Speaker” Be?

Muzen Audio is a new company (founded 2018) that makes cutesy, retro, SMEG-aesthetic portable speakers like this:

They are, however, preparing to launch a “rugged wireless speaker for outdoor adventurers:”

At first glance I dug the aesthetic: It looks like a WWII radio cobbled out of jeep parts. The variety of knob shapes and orientations, and particularly the large knurled one, drew my eye.

However, the more I look at this, the more I’m thinking: If it’s meant to be ruggedized, oughtn’t each of the knobs–presumably the weak points–be designed with better drop protection? All four of them seem exposed and likely to contact the ground during a drop.

I was searching through the product copy for some description of the protection offered, or any claims about the robustness of the design beyond the fact that it’s called a “rugged wireless speaker,” but could find none. I did, however, find this statement:

“Nature-inspired speaker to highlight real men’s love of outdoor and adventures with all-metal design and military grade quality.”

Designing a product for “real men” sounds curiously un-woke for 2020. That and this caption…

“The unique design of the attractive metal volume knob brings you to the wonderful mechanical world”

…make me wonder where their copywriters are based. In this economy, couldn’t they at least hire an English major or marketing intern to tighten up the copy? (Sorry, pet peeve.)

In any case, the Muzen Wild Mini is due to be Kickstarted soon, and hopefully we’ll see some explanatory details in the campaign.

What do you think, would you take this on a camping trip, or leave it safe in the Subaru?

https://www.core77.com/posts/101540/Design-Criticism-How-Rugged-Can-This-Rugged-Wireless-Speaker-Be