Ethan Del Rosario
925.822.5164
edelro@uw.edu
RESEARCH
Collected Data Insight
U.S. cassette sales surged by 338% from 2021 to 2023, jumping from 99,400 to 436,400 units. This growth reflects a broader trend of nostalgia, collector culture, and a desire for analog experiences in an increasingly digital world.
Market Exploration
The smart physical media market lacks diversity, with innovation largely limited to Bluetooth turntables. Most devices focus on functionality, neglecting design-forward features like app integration or advanced interfaces. Cassettes, in particular, remain underserved, representing a significant untapped opportunity.
DEFINE
Problem
Modern audio devices lack the tactile charm of cassette players. While records are making a comeback, cassettes are forgotten, often buried in bulky, uninspired designs.
Opportunity
Analog tech is trending, blending nostalgia with modern functionality. Yet, most cassette players ignore aesthetics and user experience, focusing only on practicality.
Our Goal
Revitalize the analog music experience for new generations by adding smart features, enhancing usability, and blending tradition with innovation.
EXPLORE
R1 Rough Sketches
I explored different ways to make the cassette the focal point, testing partial enclosures, transparency, and framing to refine its visual and physical interaction.
R2 Rough CAD
In CAD, I refined the form and began integrating features like the spinning wheel for audio scrubbing. I also experimented with button placements for core functions to create an intuitive layout.
R3 Low Fidelity Prototyping
Prototyping revealed that the cassette player was too large and the button placements needed adjustment. Hands-on testing helped refine proportions and ergonomics, improving both usability and overall design.
REFINE
Tailoring the Experience
To enhance usability, I added a built-in dot display showing track info and a subtle cut-out on the open face. This mirrored the record player’s slope for visual harmony and acted as an affordance for easier cassette removal.
Additionally, the respin cassette player was designed alongside a record player, both intended to integrate into an IoT system. This system would sync the devices with a website, enabling users to track, catalog, and manage their collections. The website also allows users to rank their items and connect with others, further enriching the experience.
These features blend modern connectivity with tactile interaction, refining the user experience and bringing a nostalgic yet forward-thinking approach to music enjoyment.
Additionally, the respin cassette player was designed alongside a record player, both intended to integrate into an IoT system. This system would sync the devices with a website, enabling users to track, catalog, and manage their collections. The website also allows users to rank their items and connect with others, further enriching the experience.
These features blend modern connectivity with tactile interaction, refining the user experience and bringing a nostalgic yet forward-thinking approach to music enjoyment.