From RIOT to MESA

Project RIOT overview:

To create a home bass amplifier stand for PUNK.

Bluetooth speakers are pretty good for capturing the highs and mids of recordings. But suffer when trying to project the low end frequencies (bass).

Project guidelines:

Expand SOL Republic into the home ecosystem.

Become a more mature/premium brand.

Start focusing on the 24-34 yr demographic.

Retain initial SOL adopters as they transition to more established brands.

(more SONOS less Skullcandy)

Initial CAD sketches

Initially I thought RIOT would become a CMFdriven project. Seeing how PUNK is a $69.99 product I figured RIOT would have to cost less since it was a secondary purchase, which is the reason behind these simply extruded forms.

Concerns about the validity for RIOT

PUNK is a rough and tumble go anywhere product at a low price point. And so the relationship between the artifact and user is not one of lust or admiration. PUNK is meant to live a tough life.

And with the addition of RIOT that dynamic is altered for the worse. Especially with the price point of over $100. All of a sudden the role PUNK was intended to fulfill is forcefully changed into something it obviously isn’t: A center piece.

After expressing these concerns (and after several team discussions) I was allowed to reimagine project RIOT.

This is where MESA begins.

Keeping the initial guidelines (with add ons):

It would no longer be a hero product, but instead the foundation for all other existing SOL products.

It would be a smart speaker with multiple features.

100% dedicated to the home.

The embodiment of MESADefinition (noun):A land area having a relatively level surface considerably raised above adjoining land on at least one side, and often cut by deep canyons. A land formation, less extensive than a plateau

Mythology:Emerging from the ground (foundation; unmovable)

Built from layers of Earth (Depth; time)

Design influences

The most important aspect I wanted to convey was the “music” part. The way I saw SOL Republic was as a company that sold products that couldplay music. I didn’t see them as a music company.

Also using the concepts of negative space with large gestures was intriguing to me. Focusing primarily on the work by Richard Serra.

Sketch ideation

Exploring different manners in which the separation from the main body can be expressed.

Ideating with different types of columns and pillars that work best with the cantilever idea.

Form refinement

Playing with the proportions of the negative space between the two bodies to find a appropriate distance.

Making sure that the product looks good alone, but understanding that for the most part it will be supporting other artifacts.

Final Design

The separation between the top surface and the main body showcases the speaker drivers underneath. Hinting to the viewer that, “we want you to see what we put into our products”

The elevated surface also gives a clear indication that items are meant to be placed atop.

Features

Inside MESA there are two speaker drivers, onepassive radiator, and two exit ports at each end for a rich balanced sound that can project all three levels of frequencies.

Also within the main body you can find a Qi (chi) wireless charging station that can charge all of your SOL products along with other electronic devices.

Detail Shots

Between the space of the elevated platform and the main body we see the message of, “Saviors Of Sound” etched into the top surface of the speaker driver.

The exit ports at each end allow the air that is being produced by the speaker drivers and radiator to escape with minimal sound distortion.

Detail Shots

When you first receive MESA you are met with a clear removable tag thats indicates the three button’s functions that have been built into the pulse logo.

The top surface of the platform is made from a semi-rigid silicone material for a more confident placement of objects.

MESA