14 weeks

branding research

cad modeling

form development study

14 weeks

branding research

cad modeling

form development study

CRD-1 is an ecosystem of synth that helps music lovers with the progression of learning music. It is a student project for Teenage Engineering, exploring a playful approach to music education. This product ecosystem helps users of all levels learn step-by-step, from basic music theory to advanced creation. Designed to be fun and intuitive, CRD-1 makes music learning accessible and engaging for everyone.

brand analysis

an introduction

Teenage Engineering is a Swedish consumer electronics company known for its innovative and minimalist design approach to audio and tech products.

product lineup

Teenage Engineering's musical lineup includes the OP-1 Field, OP-Z, Pocket Operators, TX-6 mixer, TP-7 recorder, and OB-4 radio, all blending innovation with portability.

so…

Teenage Engineering focuses on the music experience, but what about the experience of learning music?

which is why we need…

An ecosystem of products that grow with the user on their music journey.

How can we help people and encourage them to progress in a step-by-step method, learn music theory in a simple way, so it can be fun, intuitive and engaging ?

chords!

learning chords is essential for new musicians because…

they are the foundation of most songs

helps to understand song structures

helps to play along with others

chords!

learning chords is essential for new musicians because…

they are the foundation of most songs

helps to understand song structures

helps to play along with others

what is a chord?

C

C

Major

Major

In Cmaj, "C" refers to the root note of the chord. The root note is the starting point and the note that gives the chord its name. For the Cmaj chord, C is the base note around which the rest of the chord is built, including the additional notes E (major third), G (perfect fifth)

In Cmaj, "C" refers to the root note of the chord. The root note is the starting point and the note that gives the chord its name. For the Cmaj chord, C is the base note around which the rest of the chord is built, including the additional notes E (major third), G (perfect fifth)

In Cmaj, "maj" means the chord sounds bright and happy. It's a regular C major chord with a cheerful and straightforward sound.

In Cmaj, "maj" means the chord sounds bright and happy. It's a regular C major chord with a cheerful and straightforward sound.

however…

chords can be hard to play, since usually they require pressing multiple notes simultaneously, which could be challenging for beginners.

my solution…

C

Db

D

Eb

E

F

Gb

G

Ab

A

Bb

B

MAJ

MIN

7TH

DIM

MAJ7

MIN7

OCT+

OCT-

C

Db

D

Eb

E

F

Gb

G

Ab

A

Bb

B

MAJ

MIN

7TH

DIM

MAJ7

MIN7

OCT+

OCT-

a two finger system

Inspired by the coordination of a guitarist’s picking and fretting hands, the Two-Finger System allows users to interact with the device seamlessly. One finger plays the lead, selecting the root note, while the other harmonizes, modifying input for a dynamic and fluid experience.

the learning process

lv. I performance unit

learning basic theory

learning basic theory

lv. II sampling unit

sample & play with the surrounding

sample & play with the surrounding

lv. III effects unit

have fun modifying the sound

have fun modifying the sound

performance unit

performance unit

performance unit

sampling unit

sampling unit

sampling unit

effects unit

effects unit

effects unit

the learning process

form language analysis

geometric simpilcity

geometric simpilcity

geometric simpilcity

Teenage engineering uses basic geometric singular volumes/forms: predominantly rectangular, but also shows up as circular.. etc

exposed internals

exposed internals

exposed internals

Every visible component has been designed, the inside also looks good to celebrating the engineering aspect of the product. it’s ok to expose internals,  some parts looks straight from hardware store.

breaking geometric

breaking geometric

breaking geometric

Teenage engineering uses sparingly secondary forms that breaks visual continuity.

the final product

contact me

muhe926@gmail.com

ig @muhe_dsgn