Designing an MP3 player - Help/advice needed

[Dave2986]

Hi all

For a university project, I have to design, and make a prototype, of an MP3 player.

I don't have to do the electronic circuitry or anything like that just the look / feel (ergonomics)

I would be very great full if anyone could offer my any advice / suggestions

Thanks

[Raz316]

hows about you ask some questions and we answer them?

[Dave2986]

ok, what do you think is the best shape for an mp3 player

[mrpete]

small.
And have some nice buttons and a scrolling button.
what sort of mp3 player you looking at? 128mb type or 20gig type?

[Marcos]

Hello fellow product designer , what course are you doing and where?

[Dave2986]

engineering design and innovation at sheffield hallam university

BTW it can be any type i like

[midzt]

Brushed aluminium!

Well that just me really. Also, I think that if you do any like white miniamlistic deisgn they'll prob think that it too much like an iPod.

[Rcb]

Err..small

[5cupa]

black not silver

[Knoxville]

Having been through a few mp3 players meself heres a few idea's.........

It should fit INSIDE the palm of your hand not on top of it, The buttons need to be a decent size for "In-pocket" operation, the battery if it is a battery operated unit rather than a rechargeble should be easily accessed with if possible no part of the player actually being detached (ever lost a battery cover on the back row of the number 9? it ain't fun), As has been mentioned brushed aluminum would make a good outer casing as its very easy for plastic mp3 players to feel cheap which isn't really what you want when you've just spent £200 on something smaller than a mars bar.

[Knoxville]

black not silver

Agreed every mp3 player under the sun is silver with a blue backlight, be different, maybe a black casing with a red backlit lcd screen?

[Bunjiweb]

Touch Screen, large screen. Hold Button, Not too "odd" shaped, make it clean, simple and pheasable.

Think Ipod, but Touchscreen & smaller (microdrives come up to 20GB now, used in a huge number of MP3 players at the moment).

Ben

[Marcos]

One thing is for certain, form factor has to be tall & slim not short and chubby (think iPod Vs Rio Karma).

Other thing is a nice big clear screen and quality click buttons, none of that soft rubber crap that gives uncertain feedback.

[Tomahawk]

As mentioned a small player.. With cool retro layout of buttons.. Good design which can be held comfortably in your hand..

A different colour backlight is a good idea as mentioned instead of boring blue.. Brushed aluminium now that would be cool and original!. .

Also as mentioned easy access to battery compartment containing either Rechargables or replaceables. .and a battery flap on hinges. .so it can't come away..Oh and overall the player must have a robust quality feel. .

Just a few ideas hope it helps!

[Rythmic]

How about something more exotic? Couple of earpieces with controls on one side, wirelessly linked? Possibly a small controller, shaped to fit under your thumb?

Just ideas - hope it helps Wireless should be a big thing in the coming year - just don't make it look like a cd player - that definitely doesn't work

[dkmech]

How about make it brushed aluminium but anodised to light sky blue and maybe some other colours.