Upcycled Echo Keramični zvočnik by Chao Yang and Yang Xiang

Upcycled Echo Keramični zvočnik by Chao Yang and Yang Xiang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Srebrna nagrada A' Design Award in Oblikovanje izdelkov za dom Competition Category.

SrebrnaIzdelki za dom· 2026

Upcycled Echo Keramični zvočnik

by Chao Yang and Yang Xiang

Client: Beihang University

Srebrna nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Izdelki za dom Category

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Verified Award Winner
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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Upcycled Echo Keramični zvočnik

Upcycled Echo je serija keramičnih pametnih zvočnikov, izdelanih iz zavrženih keramičnih nalepk. V Jingdezhenu vsako leto zavržejo približno 5 odstotkov keramičnih nalepk. Te ponovno pridobljene nalepke so razrezane, na novo sestavljene in nameščene kot kolaž na vzdržljive porcelanaste lupine, nato pa z visoko natančnostjo žgane, da se zaščiti površina. Vgrajene visokozmogljive zvočne komponente zagotavljajo uravnotežen zvok, zvočniki pa se povezujejo s pametnimi telefoni za predvajanje glasbe in glasovno interakcijo. Zasnova zmanjšuje industrijske odpadke ter povezuje keramično tradicijo s sodobno avdio tehnologijo.

The Recognition

About the Srebrna nagrada A' Design Award

Upcycled Echo Keramični zvočnik je prejemnik Srebrne nagrade A' Design Award, izjemno prestižnega priznanja, ki se podeljuje čudovitim, impresivnim vrhunskim oblikovanjem. Prejemniki Srebrne nagrade so izjemno briljantna in zelo ustvarjalna dela, ki ponazarjajo izjemno strokovnost, talent in bistrost svojih oblikovalcev. Od Upcycled Echo Keramični zvočnik se pričakuje, da bo čudovito, zgledno delo, opazno profesionalno in globoko inovativno. To oblikovanje, nagrajeno s Srebrno nagrado A' Design Award, je zelo opazen, občudovan izum, ki koristi in premika meje umetnosti, znanosti, oblikovanja in tehnologije. Upcycled Echo Keramični zvočnik je stvaritev, ki ji mnogi zavidajo, ki prebuja želje, prinaša pozitivna čustva in vzbuja začudenje in občudovanje.

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.