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This project is a solo project.
This project is a continuation of the domestic interface. It was felt
that the original iteration did not address the mental model as the metaphors
that were chosen were abstract and did not differ from on-screen representations
of interactive systems.
The Plug Radio is an exploration of a different way of presenting mental
models to users. The system was visualised in graphical form in order
to understand and externalise the steps involved. From this visualisation
(please see metaphor) the physicality of the object was designed in a
way that describes rather than obscures the underlying function of the
system. Many physical iterations of the metaphor were investigated in
order to provide the correct functionality and aesthetic.
The Plug Radio is a new form of peripheral for the computer that has a
specific task and behaves in harmony with the domestic atmosphere. By
assigning your favourite internet radio stations to the product’s
different plugs, you can select and listen to any radio station anywhere
in the world.
As suggested by the visualisation of the metaphor, when the user connects
to an online radio station she is connecting to computer in another location
over the network. By connecting one audio plug into the socket, she brings
sound – delivered by internet radio – into her physical environment.
In this way internet radio is made physical and the metaphor used reveals
how it works.
The plug radio is a working prototype:
The user installs the accompanying software onto her PC. She assigns an
internet radio station to, and labels, each plug.
She selects the plug associated with the station she wants to listen to
and inserts it into one of the three sockets, depending on how loud she
wants it.
She listens and enjoys.
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