Abstract
Sidogram is based on the ageless design of the Beogram 4000 & 7000 designed by Jacob Jensen. The turntable was first introduced by Bang & Olufsen in the year 1972. This project is an attempt at updating the ageless design to fit the modern day world. The design of the Beogram 4000 was updated to incorporate the stealth black look in the 7000 edition. This was the inspiration for the colour, material and finish used in this project. The turn table functionality was updated to be used by DJs and mixers in a party environment. The additional second screen came about from a user (professional DJ) stating that he wanted the music to encapsulate a visual as well. Portability was also of key concern for many users. Taking all this into consideration, Sidogram was born.
Interface and interaction modality
The product combines the use of the Apple iPad and the second screen. Once placed on top, the product will synchronise with the music output of the iPad to produce apt visuals that dance to the music. Visuals can be changed by swiping the touch-based screen.
User Experience
The focus of the user experience was portability and quick start. By leveraging the use of the magnetic pins on the iPad, connecting and synchronising with the Sidogram is a breeze. The user simply has to place his/ her iPad on top of the unit and it is ready to play. The user can also preset various visuals to play at different times on the secondary screen.
Research and Development Context
Rather than recreate the same design, the research was focused on updating the 70s classic design to feel more in place with the year 2019. Sidogram was built with the question “How would we create this product today?” in mind. Thus a lot of the research was focused on the user experience and the interaction modalities. Emphasis was also given to ease of operating the entire system such as opening and closing the unit to reach the internals, easy connectivity between the iPad and the secondary screen and the visual effects displayed by the secondary screen.
Future Development
A future model of the Sidogram would contain a HDMI or Display Port connectivity to external monitors, to showcase the visuals on a larger screen. The secondary screen will also be expanded to fit the entire front panel.
