Innovation that looks as good as it sounds
The brief
DRM is a new technology delivering FM quality sound across AM reach, meaning broadcasts can be made available to listeners outside digital signal areas. Morphy Richards had seen an opportunity in this new technology, so their in-house audio engineering team engaged us to help them develop a new radio for the European market. What they wanted was something that looked as good as it sounded.
What we did
We needed to create a radio with a rich internal volume without compromising on looks. So we worked closely with Morphy Richards’ audio technicians to understand the constraints posed by the internal architecture versus aesthetics, with a particular focus on sound performance. Initial concepts explored the trade-off between the physical (size, configuration and construction) and appeal (sound quality, portability and aesthetics). Taking these findings into CAD, we were then able to develop and hone a design that would offer the best of both. An iterative process of technical and visual refinement involving rig building and testing to ensure the radio performed how we wanted brought us to what you see here.
Result
As you can see, the final product - the MRDMR01 - has a restrained use of detailing driven by functionality, echoing the progressive but familiar nature of DRM technology. It also conveys the superiority of the MRDRM01’s acoustic performance and expresses the high quality radio service on offer. What you can’t see is that the design also looks to the future – the profile of the enclosure allows for additional modules (like additional speakers) to be added after purchase in a way that complements the considered style of the main unit.
Client's Comments
"The work that I received from PDD was only exceeded by the support given and the willingness by all at PDD to become a valuable member of the Morphy Richards Audio Team. The result was great design that we are sure will become a great success with consumers."
Nick Richards, Product Group Manager - Audio
