Design Opportunity

Most speakers look exactly like what they are: devices.

No shade intended. I love Bang and Olufsen designs.

They rarely integrate into the visual language or atmosphere of the home.

Ideation Process

During my ideation process, I looked a lot at organic materials and products such as ceramic, glass, and paper. Originally I wanted to include a light within the speaker itself.

In addition to the speakers organic flower form I also wanted to provide an added layer of function. I explored multiple ways the speaker itself could be transferred to a hanging object. I also looked into a zoetrope.

Prototyping

• Began by designing the flower form in SolidWorks, using the conical shape to guide both the exterior form and internal structure

• Hand-soldered the wiring to prototype the speaker and electronic components

• Designed an internal component that functions as a tiered system, organizing the speaker and wiring within the flower body

• Explored different closure methods, initially testing magnetic strips

• Refined the final connection using a lip-and-groove system for a more secure and integrated fit

Working speaker hooray!

Design Iteration

After building the final physical prototype, I revisited how Canopy might live in real spaces. The form evolved from a hanging object to one that could attach directly to windows or surfaces using a suction base, allowing the speaker to feel more integrated into the home environment.

UI/UX Integration

• I wanted the app to enhance the experience of the speaker, not feel like a separate control tool

• I designed the system with the whole home in mind, encouraging multiple speakers across different rooms

• The flower shape became the foundation of the interface, directly translating the physical form into digital interaction

• Petals function as selectable controls, each holding a curated, garden-inspired soundscape

• Users can also sync their own music and playlists to individual petals, blending curated and personal listening in one place

Process

Wireframe Flow

I mapped the flow to clearly demonstrate the app’s core functions, from interacting with petals and music on the home screen to adding new speakers to the system.

Visual Exploration

• I wanted the interface to feel calm and grounded, pulling from nature, landscapes, and garden-inspired visuals

• I focused on balancing these organic elements with familiar UI patterns so the app still feels intuitive and easy to use

• Earthy color palettes helped tie the interface back to the form and presence of the speaker in the home

• Typography was chosen to feel organic but still technological, reflecting both the sculptural form of the speaker and its function as a piece of home tech

• I intentionally leaned on familiar design conventions, inspired by Apple’s design language, to create a sense of ease and familiarity