The computer used is a 1st gen unibody macbook pro (core2duo 2.4ghz / 4gb ram), by no means a fast machine. The 8 hour render is simply an “overnight render” where the settings are all bumped up and I just let it go. Removing the liquid from inside the bottle greatly reduces the scene render time.

What I learned from this exercise is that longer render times seem to make little difference in the outcome. I’ll need to experiment more to find the best balance between quality and efficiency.

To kick this thing off, I’ve compiled a few boards of 1) inspiration from current “designerly” headphones 2) the PortaPro timeline of products and I’ve identified 3) headphone user groups. I’ve also quickly noted pluses and minuses for these headphones. This feedback is derived from 6 years of personal use and online headphone forum discussions. Pssst, goto the PP3 project page->

It’s easy to call out issues of environmental durability at first glance. Though more so, I was struck by the stark contrast of these devices looking completely out-of-place in the city streetscapes in the banner images:

Charging ahead: WattStation (image links to WattStation site)

Once EV’s become more common and it would no longer be necessary for cities to trumpet their EV friendliness. Looking forward a bit, I imagined how a system like this be integrated into an existing landscape. I sketched this idea (quickly). It’s not wholly original, as I’ve read about concepts involving piezo electric generators + induction chargers to power electric cars as they drive. Still, I think my concept makes sense while minimizing the visual and technological “exposure” / “clutter”:

Coincidentally, there was a time when cars themselves were viewed as ugly, out of place visual clutter in urban centers.

(First, this product DOES NOT make the drink for you. It is not a vending machine. )

The Siren is an ordering device that uses rich, interactive gestural controls to allow the customer to custom craft his or her drink. The controls are designed to simulate the real action used by Baristas.

For example, to add espresso shots, toggle a horizontal lever which resembles the espresso portafilter. Three clear “ice” button toggles determine the amount of ice, and a cylinder resembling an inverted whipped cream aerosol can is pushed to add whip. A large hand crank wheel is used to add “foam”

Once the drink is specified, a printer located below the cup prints a QR code on the bottom. This code is used by the baristas to know what you ordered. You can also scan it later with a cell phone cam to tweet what you just drank.

The Siren also features a “siren” button which can be used to complete a partially configured drink based on your order history, tracked via your starbux card. When this aggregated drink data is combined with advanced barista algorithms it can be used as the “siren’s intuition” to generate a new drink you might like, on the spot. Putting a generative design tool into the hands of customers.

(also, this is supposed to be a little silly, but in a fun way)

Update: Here is a photo of my little sketch on display in Rochester: