InOutGrid has unveiled Cloudbeat, a conceptual Bluetooth speaker for the Swiss sportswear manufacturer On, which expands the brand's commitment to environmental responsibility into the realm of personal electronics. This innovative project investigates how principles of circular design, commonly found in clothing and footwear industries, can be effectively applied to the creation of compact electronic devices.
InOutGrid's Cloudbeat speaker tackles the escalating issue of electronic waste, largely driven by products that are difficult to repair and recycle. The device is built with repairability as a central design tenet, facilitating maintenance, disassembly, and the reclamation of materials. Designed for easy user repair, it comes with clear instructions provided through its packaging and online resources, empowering users to actively participate in the product's lifespan and fostering a sense of stewardship.
Embracing User-Centric Repair and Circularity
Cloudbeat stands out by completely eschewing adhesives, opting instead for standard Phillips screws to secure components, thereby ensuring effortless access to internal parts. This thoughtful design simplifies troubleshooting and significantly reduces the likelihood of disposal due to minor technical issues. The speaker's casing and protective mesh are crafted from polypropylene and heat-bonded, allowing for straightforward recycling without the need for intricate material separation. A detachable backplate, made from recycled EVA shoe soles, not only provides a waterproof seal but also facilitates quick access to the internal components. This user-friendly approach is central to minimizing e-waste by extending the product's functional life.
In situations where electronic components fail beyond the scope of user repair, the Cloudbeat speaker can be seamlessly returned through On's Cyclon circularity program for component replacement. The deliberate absence of adhesives plays a crucial role in simplifying the end-of-life recycling process, making material recovery more efficient. This holistic approach ensures that even when a part reaches the end of its usability, its materials can be re-entered into the production cycle, significantly reducing environmental impact and promoting a truly circular economy.
Harmonizing Aesthetics with Environmental Responsibility
The visionary team at InOutGrid, Ingrid Ng and Sarah Na, meticulously sculpted the Cloudbeat's form to resonate with On's distinctive visual language. The portable speaker features a modular strap and a carabiner attachment, enhancing its versatility for various environments, from dynamic outdoor adventures to calm indoor exercise routines. A diverse palette of colors, materials, and finishes draws inspiration from On's extensive footwear collections, forging a cohesive and visually integrated product ecosystem that reinforces brand identity while promoting sustainable practices.
This careful integration of design and functionality ensures that the Cloudbeat speaker is not just a technological device but an extension of the user's active lifestyle, mirroring the brand's commitment to performance and environmental consciousness. By aligning the speaker's aesthetic with existing product lines, InOutGrid has created a device that is both innovative in its sustainability and familiar in its appearance, further solidifying On's position as a leader in eco-friendly sportswear and consumer electronics. The design not only meets the performance demands of active individuals but also reflects a broader commitment to sustainable production and consumption, making it a compelling choice for the environmentally aware consumer.