Upcycled Echo Keramický reproduktor by Chao Yang and Yang Xiang

Upcycled Echo Keramický reproduktor by Chao Yang and Yang Xiang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Strieborná cena A' Design Award in Bytové doplnky Competition Category.

StriebornáBytové doplnky· 2026

Upcycled Echo Keramický reproduktor

by Chao Yang and Yang Xiang

Client: Beihang University

Strieborná cena A' Design Award Winner in Bytové doplnky Category

17,766
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #181229

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Upcycled Echo Keramický reproduktor

Upcycled Echo je séria keramických inteligentných reproduktorov vyrobených z vyradených keramických obtlačkov. V Ťing-te-čene sa každoročne vyradí približne 5 percent keramických obtlačkov. Tieto znovu získané obtlačky sa strihajú, rekombinujú a kolážujú na odolné porcelánové plášte, ktoré sa následne s vysokou presnosťou vypaľujú, aby sa ochránil povrch. Integrované komponenty s vysokou vernosťou zvuku poskytujú vyvážený zvuk a reproduktory sa pripájajú k smartfónom na prehrávanie hudby a hlasovú interakciu. Dizajn znižuje priemyselný odpad a spája keramickú tradíciu s modernou audio technológiou.

The Recognition

About the Strieborná cena A' Design Award

Upcycled Echo Keramický reproduktor je laureát Striebornej ceny A' Design Award, mimoriadne prestížneho uznania udeľovaného nádherným, pôsobivým dizajnom najvyššej kvality. Laureáti Striebornej ceny sú nesmierne brilantné a mimoriadne kreatívne diela, ktoré ilustrujú výnimočnú odbornosť, talent a bystrosť svojich dizajnérov. Od Upcycled Echo Keramický reproduktor sa očakáva, že bude úžasným, vzorovým dielom, pozoruhodne profesionálnym a hlboko inovatívnym. Tento dizajn ocenený Striebornou cenou A' Design Award je veľmi pozoruhodný, obdivovaný vynález, ktorý prináša úžitok a posúva hranice umenia, vedy, dizajnu a technológie. Upcycled Echo Keramický reproduktor je výtvor, ktorému mnohí závidia, ktorý vzbudzuje túžby, prináša pozitívne pocity a vyvoláva úžas a údiv.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This design transforms discarded ceramic decals into handcrafted HiFi ceramic speakers through artistic collage. By upcycling industrial waste, it reduces environmental impact while creating unique surfaces and strong cultural identity. Integrating durable ceramic craftsmanship with modern acoustic technology, it delivers high-quality sound and meaningful sustainable value.
Dimensions & Packaging: 50 x 50 mm x 60 mm
Tags: Ceramic Speakers, Smart Audio, HiFi Sound, Upcycled Materials, Sustainability, Jingdezhen Ceramic, Handcrafted Collage, Cultural Heritage, Interactive Design, Eco-friendly Design
Production Technology: The speakers are handcrafted from reclaimed ceramic decals, which are cut, recombined, and collaged onto durable porcelain shells. High-precision ceramic firing ensures surface integrity, while integrated HiFi components provide balanced acoustic performance. The process merges traditional ceramic craftsmanship with modern audio engineering, enabling compact, ergonomic, and visually unique speakers that combine sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was transforming discarded ceramic decals into functional, aesthetic HiFi speakers. Internally, we balanced tradition, cultural motifs, and modern design. Externally, constraints included industrial waste quality, material durability, and integrating audio technology. Overcoming these required iterative prototyping, precise collage techniques, and collaboration with local artisans to merge craftsmanship, sustainability, and high-quality sound.
Research: This design research is a sustainability-driven, applied study aiming to reduce ceramic decal waste and explore cultural innovation. Using field surveys, interviews with Jingdezhen artisans, and analysis of industrial waste data, we identified that about 5% of decals are discarded annually. Experiments with collage techniques and prototype speakers demonstrated functional, artistic upcycling. The insights show that combining tradition with modern technology can create socially and environmentally responsible products, impacting design, culture, and sustainable business practices.
Inspiration: Inspired by Jingdezhen’s ceramic industry, where about 5% of decals are discarded annually, this project transforms waste into artistic HiFi speakers. Recombining and handcrafting motifs merges traditional ceramic heritage with modern design, promoting sustainability, cultural preservation, and playful, meaningful interaction.
Project Duration: The project started in April 2025 in Jingdezhen and finished in September 2025 in Jingdezhen.
Operation Flow: This is a series of ceramic smart speakers that connect to smartphones, delivering high-fidelity (HiFi) music playback and voice interaction, providing users with a versatile audio experience.
Team Members: Designer: Chao Yang
Designer: Yang Xiang
Designer: Qiang Sun
Designer: Chunlong Xiang
Image Credits: Image #Main Image: Designer Chao Yang, Upcycled Echo, 2025.
Image #1: Designer Chun Long, Upcycled Echo, 2025.
Image #2: Designer Qiang Sun, Upcycled Echo, 2025.
Image #3: Designer Chao Yang, Upcycled Echo, 2025.
Image #4: Designer Chao Yang, Upcycled Echo, 2025.