Product Design Lions > Goods
HUGE, New York / MUZIK / 2017
Overview
Credits
CampaignDescription
In just 12 months, we created an artificially intelligent conversational interface that lets users talk to the headphones to choose tracks, manage playlists, make phone calls, and more. The Muzik app connects to a range of APIs, enabling users to use the headphones to Tweet, post messages to Facebook, get the weather forecast, schedule calendar events, find the latest Knicks score, listen to news from NPR, or even control the lights and temperature in their apartment. To maximize Muzik’s impact on transforming the headphone industry with a premium product, our creative approach focused on the connectivity – both social and utility – that the Muzik headphones and app enabled for users. We partnered with Microsoft’s Cognitive Services team so anyone could create a connectivity function inside of the app. This also enabled integration with other digital products such as Spotify and If This Then That (IFTTT).
Execution
In just 12 months, we created an artificially intelligent conversational interface that lets users talk to the headphones to choose tracks, manage playlists, make phone calls, and more. We redesigned the headphones to accommodate a seamless touch interface. The Muzik app uses this touch interface to connect to a range of APIs, enabling users to use the headphones to Tweet, post messages to Facebook, get the weather forecast, schedule calendar events, find the latest Knicks score, listen to news from NPR, or even control the lights and temperature in their apartment. To maximize Muzik’s impact on transforming the headphone industry with a premium product, our creative approach focused on the connectivity – both social and utility – that the Muzik headphones and app enabled for users. We partnered with Microsoft’s Cognitive Services team so anyone could create a connectivity function inside of the app. This also enabled integration with other digital products such as Spotify and If This Then That (IFTTT).
Implementation
An engineering team of 20 built the product, native iOS and Android apps in a series of 2 week agile sprints over 6 months. This included a rapid response unit, which was established to enable prototyping outside of the product roadmap, to support investor meetings and partnership opportunities for Muzik. Each sprint was informed by hardware and software testing, and usability research; which ensured that users could seamlessly unbox the product, pair it to their cellphone, configure their first set of commands, and start using it.
Outcome
Prior to launch, Muzik raised over $18 million, including investment from Twitter. This lead to a collaborative with Twitter at the 2016 CES conference. Following launch, Muzik headphones were sold in-store and online at all major big box retailers across the US. A strong Influencer strategy aimed at Millennials and Gen Z, saw the likes of music legend Drake and Clippers star Chris Paul promote the product and drive sales.
Synopsis
The tech industry has struggled for years to find a wearable that consumers would actually want to wear. Struggled to find a smart wearable that would fit into their lives and fit their personal style. In 2016, Muzik stepped in to offer up a viable solution. Muzik is a headphone company built on the premise that headphones shouldn’t just play music — they should connect people and make their lives better. They had the vision to elevate headphone technology to create personal devices that can connect users directly to the music they love and the world around them. From this vision, we designed the world’s first smart, wireless headphones.
More Entries from Electronics, Entertainment & Consumer Technology in Product Design Lions
24 items
More Entries from HUGE
24 items