Libratone, one of the most talked about audio companies of 2011, wanted a speaker that redefined the audio experience. Designit gave them just that.
The hi-fi world isn’t what it used to be. People carry their music in their pockets, and want to be able to stream it effortlessly from their mobiles to subtle, well-designed speakers in their home. The only problem is that the dogma that is so deep-set in audio companies means speakers are rarely aesthetic and powerful. Libratone wanted to change that.
Changing times
Our first (and last!) meetings with Libratone were held in 2009. Aware of the need to move on from the dated sound-system set up, of large, boxy, black speakers to the MP3 era of ease, minimal fuss and simplicity, Libratone wanted to rethink speaker design. CD towers have been replaced by smartphones and the majority of people now carry their music library in their pocket, resulting in a need for a speaker system that has to be wireless, simple to use, and visually appealing.
Size isn’t everything
On top of the changing face of technology and design, studies began to show that women had a lot more influence over what went in the home than previously thought. This meant that the whole strategy behind speaker design had to be reimagined in order to satisfy these two, very different, but equally demanding and important audiences.
Design was a priority to Libratone, as of course was sound. The speakers had to be subtle and attractive enough to be displayed prominently without being overwhelming, yet also had to produce crisp and powerful sound.
Over the course of less than one month, Designit designed Libratones’ logo, their business cards, and the company’s first two products – two exclusive speakers. Instead of the traditional two speaker systems, the final products were based on just one speaker, yet were still capable of delivering 360° sound through Libratones’ patented FullRoom effect.
Set it free
The final speakers are slim yet bold, eye-catching yet inconspicuous and highly distinctive. They provide surround sound via their FullRoom effect, and are certainly not hard on the eyes. Available in four different colours, and in either Italian wool or even cashmere, the speakers certainly hit the exclusiveness they were after.
Both systems are completely wireless, giving complete freedom to the user.
Apple store
The speakers have been available for purchase in the Apple Store, and were launched to 5 star reviews. MacWorld says, “Sold in a choice of stylish colours and finished to a high standard, the Libratone Beat is, for once, a lifestyle accessory that sounds as good as it looks. Rich in detail, it has the ability to fill almost any room without distortion or compromise,” and was the Editors’ Choice. Stuff says it’s an, “unusual, unique and classy unit that will fill a room from a very compact foot print.”
Both speakers are available now through Libratone or through the Apple Store.
