Voice Mask 語音靜音穿戴裝置 by Kunihiko Sato Innovation Laboratory

Voice Mask 語音靜音穿戴裝置 by Kunihiko Sato Innovation Laboratory is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2022 A' Design Award 銅獎 in 社會設計 Competition Category.

銅社會· 2022

Voice Mask 語音靜音穿戴裝置

by Kunihiko Sato Innovation Laboratory

Client: Innovation Laboratory, Inc.

A' Design Award 銅獎 Winner in 社會 Category

41,219

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #137061

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Voice Mask 語音靜音穿戴裝置

「語音面罩」係一款概念穿戴裝置,可以將用戶講出嚟嘅說話聲音消除。呢個裝置運用主動降噪技術,透過發出相反嘅聲波嚟遮蔽用戶嘅聲音。「語音面罩」適合喺公共場所進行嘅網上會議使用,例如大型辦公室或者咖啡廳。呢個裝置有助防止機密資訊外洩,亦都避免滋擾附近其他人士。使用時,「語音面罩」會掛喺頸上,並定位遮住嘴巴,方式類似口琴支架。可摺疊機身由塑膠射出成型製造,方便隨身攜帶。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅獎

Voice Mask 語音靜音穿戴裝置是 A' Design Award 銅獎得主，這是授予以創造力、獨創性和敏銳見長的傑出設計的極具聲望的認可。銅獎得主是技藝嫻熟、創意驚人的作品，印證了其設計師豐富的經驗、想像力與機智。預計Voice Mask 語音靜音穿戴裝置將成為一件備受推崇、令人欽佩且被珍愛的物品，兼具顯著的專業性與創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銅獎的設計融入藝術、科學、設計和技術領域的最佳實踐，並因注重細節而出類拔萃。Voice Mask 語音靜音穿戴裝置出色地滿足需求，觸動渴望，迷住情感，並吸引好奇心。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Voice Mask is a concept wearable device that mutes whatever you say aloud while wearing it. It utilises noise-cancelling technology to mask the user's voice by emitting the opposite sound wave. Voice Mask can be used when participating in online meetings in a public space to avoid bothering others and to protect confidential information. When in use, the Voice Mask is worn around the neck and positioned to cover the user's mouth. As it is foldable, it is also easy to carry around.
Dimensions & Packaging: W150mm x D50mm x H99mm (folded)
W150mm x D98mm x H205mm (unfolded)
Tags: Wearable Device, Product Design, Social Design, Invention, Mask, Covid-19, Home Office, Privacy, Headset, Microphone
Production Technology: Plastic Injection Molding
Design Challenge: Another design challenge was figuring out the best solution for securing a heavy device around the mouth. We researched similar devices that already exist in the world, such as headphones and mouse shields to finally decide on a necklace-like design inspired by harmonica holders used while playing the guitar.
Research: In the process of applying for a patent for an idea, the inventors conducted interviews with acoustic experts (PhD students in audio technology) to verify the technical certainty. Their feedback was that although technically challenging, it was possible to cancel sounds that are diffusing into open space. This encouraged the inventors to go forward with filing for a patent. In the process of considering the design, the team created product renders and wearable prototypes using a 3D printer and conducted user interviews. A total number of 4 interviews with potential users were conducted. Research revealed that the Voice Mask will likely be used in various locations that are busy with people, such as a large office or a café. This meant that it was essential for the product to be portable so that it can be carried around easily. It also meant that the people were highly conscious of how the device looked wearing it. With consideration for portability and fashion, the product design was revised from a headphone-like shape to one like a harmonica holder.
Inspiration: In 2015, the team conducted research on the future of work in 2025. A future scenario was envisioned in which work from anywhere has become the norm. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the change. People can now work from the comfort of their home or their favourite cafe. However, this created a new problem: meetings at home or a cafe can disturb others and lead to unwanted information disclosure. The research insights led to Voice Mask patent registration and the subsequent concept design.
Project Duration: The idea was created in 2015. It was filed for a patent in Japan in 2016 and it was and successfully registered in 2018. The design of the product started in May 2021 and was completed in February 2022.
Patents: VOICE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM AND VOICE SUPPRESSION DEVICE. JP2018066780A. INNOVATION LAB INC. 2018. Japan Patent Office.
Team Members: Designer: Kunihiko Sato Inventor & Researcher : Yukinobu Yokota, Hayato Shin
Image Credits: all Image Creator(Rendering Image) Kunihiko Sato, 2022.