Ralor
Product
Radio
Skill
Built working final product
Designed
Fall 2024
Ralor is a unique radio that combines basic geometric shapes and minimal design to create a visually striking and functionally engaging product.
Ralor is designed to intrigue users, spark curiosity, and encourage playful interaction while standing out as a distinctive decor piece.
01
Research
What design elements would make a radio feel more like a luxury piece in your space?
“I like minimal design that can fit into my style. Something that is vibrant with sleek finishes yet soothing to look at. "
Observed pain points
Overcomplicated Interfaces
Traditional radios often featured cluttered dials and controls, making them less intuitive to use.
Static Aesthetic
Existing designs often lacked dynamic elements that could create a more engaging user experience.
Bulky Designs
Many radios large design makes them hard to integrate into modern, compact spaces.
Lack of Visual Appeal
Many radios are either overly techy and industrial-looking or shaped like quirky objects.
Based on the feedback, I observed that users need minimal yet engaging designs. Simplifying interfaces and improving intuitive interaction were priorities, while tactile features added value. Compact designs ensured adaptability, and dynamic lighting enhanced visual appeal and bring a luxury touch.
Vibrant
Sleek
Fun
02
Ideation
The design journey began with an exploration of fundamental shapes like circles and triangles. Boolean operations were used to experiment with various configurations.
Combined the three main features that answered most of the users needs and incorporated into the final product
Basic shapes for minimal yet sleek design
Just two disk dials at the top for interaction and simple interface
LED light with overlaying patterned acrylic sheets to create interesting Visuals.
Test seamless integration of the inner and outer cases.​
​Perfect the rotation mechanism for smooth user interaction.
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Optimize lighting effects for enhanced visual appeal.
Each iteration refined the design, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
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Prototyping and Design refinement
03
Design Details
Two acrylic disks on top control volume and radio tuning. With no indicators, the disks invite intuitive exploration, making interaction a delightful discovery process.
A semi-transparent smokey acrylic shell softens the inner case’s brightness, adding depth while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. This outer layer enhances the mystery.
An LED light behind the disks refracts through etched patterns, creating mesmerizing effects as the disks rotate, transforming functionality into art.
This vibrant yellow case houses all functional elements, including the speaker and circuitry. The choice of yellow—symbolizing energy—sets the tone for an adaptable design, available in additional colors like green, blue, and red to match different energies.
04
Build Process
Circuit design
The internal circuitry was carefully designed and assembled to ensure seamless functionality, including integrating the speaker and LED lighting system.
Assembly
The inner case and specific structural components were 3D printed to achieve precise dimensions and a polished finish.
Video shows the working model
05
Final
The Dynamic Acrylic Radio redefines simplicity and user engagement, bridging the gap between art and utility. Its playful design, coupled with hidden functionality, makes it a timeless addition to any space, inviting curiosity and fostering connection.
