1MORE Open-Ear
The Challenge
Around 2019, before open-ear air-conduction headphones became widely popular, the project began by examining bone-conduction products. Research identified limitations in bass performance and vibration-related comfort in some models, while recognizing the value of keeping the ears open to surrounding sounds.
Design Insight
Rather than following the conventional bone-conduction approach, the design explored a different direction: maintaining an open-ear listening experience while directing sound toward the ear canal through external speakers. This concept was explored well before open-ear air-conduction headphones gained mainstream popularity.
Product Positioning
While many bone-conduction headphones at the time focused on sports, this concept targeted commuting, office use, and business professionals. A clean, understated design language was developed to suit everyday and professional environments.
Design Language & Decisions
Visible Acoustics set the design direction for 1MORE’s headphone line. A consistent approach to form, CMF and visual language connected the intended acoustic character with the brand’s visual identity. The Open-Ear concept carried this direction into an individual product: within its space constraints, the battery was positioned behind the neck, while the front speaker housings gave the open-ear sound direction a distinct visual presence.
Design Outcome
The project resulted in an industrial design proposal and physical appearance mock-up. Wearable presentation images demonstrated the product's proportions and intended fit, translating an early product direction into a tangible design concept.
Design Participation
- Deep Involvement
- Collaborative Support
- Not Involved
- Research
- Strategy
- Concept
- Design
- CMF
- Engineering
- Production