cameron nielsen industrial design
cameronnielsen@outlook.com cameronnielsen.com 801.669.0610
2007
2011
2015
timeline
mini-amp concept I was tasked with designing a smaller wireless amplifier that could be wall-mounted and also live outdoors. I explored how to evolve the Polk design language through this product, I focusing on simple shapes with unique part breaks and free details like part texture and edge treatment.
friendly future
The Omni MiniAmp concept is a simple, approachable shape puntuated by crisp technical details. The functional perimeter heat sink allows for optimal antennae location on top and on the side walls inside the enclosure.
all hands on deck
At its inception, the Global Design Center did not have any packaging designers, so I proactively designed a premium brand experience for Definitive's first speaker in the category.
a bold first impression The final concept made it to mass production mostly intact. To those new to the Definitive brand, it made a statement of accessible contemporary luxury. To longtime definitive loyalists, it indicated a new level of design to match Definitive's acoustic engineering heritage.
the details are the design. I inherited the 'Incline' concept from the team at Frog, but crucial details like the buttons, interface, and branding had yet to be designed and defined. I worked closely with the project team to ensure that every radius, distance, and texture embodied the Definitive brand of obsessive precision.
softening a sober experience BD was developing a new technology to reduce patient extravasations in radiology procedures. This catheter hub concept complemented those improvements by promoting more secure and informative contrast injection. The colors and shape communicate robust capability. Flow rate icons indicate maximum flow rates for hot/cold contrast procedures. This pre-manufacturing concept heavily influenced the design of the final mass production version.
RUBBER GRIP
COMFY SHAPE
TANGENT LUER PORT A CLEAR 'VISUAL SEAL'
VISIBLE FLOW-RATE WHILE HOLDING
failure & error proof
CAT scan patients are often injected with viscous radioactive contrast solution via IV for improved image clarity and diagnosis. This leur port connects the injector machin to the patient's IV. It feels friendly to the patient, but also takes visual cues from the injector machine to connote dependability.
gamer lifestyle Many gaming headphones are over the top, cosplay-level statement pieces. For Polk's entry into the category, I recognized an opportunity for a more reserved design that allowed the headphone to be worn in public without reservation. This intuition proved correct as Sony and Microsoft chose similar paths with their next-gen console launches.
striker pro
The P1 multi-platform edition shown here in the fan-favorite black/red colorway with the console connect cable.
striker pro zx
Polk's first entry into gaming headphones was praised for its best-in-class comfort, durability, and style. For the Striker Pro follow-up in 2015, I designed an all-new TPE boom mic with integrated mute button, all new textures and colorways, a more premiium leatherette and innovative earpad construction.
striker pro contract edition
Gaming products are frought with tacky co-branding, but Square Enix appreciated my subdued approach. When worn in public, only Hitmanfans would recognize the brand graphics.
hampden
For 44 years, Polk has been known for its exceptional passive speakers. Our goal was to bring that magic into the digital age, adding advanced digital amplification and signal processing, bluetooth and USB connectivity and melding it with beautiful teak construction and the feel of a highly crafted analog product.
a future heritage Polk's Heritage collection of personal audio is an ecclectic variety of products with craft-inspired details, timeless materials, and a retro-futuristism. I sought to connect the hampdens visually to the family, but with a distinct personality
3D concepts In order to help the entire project team to help them get a clear understanding of each one, I sent 3D pdfs to them for review. These concepts were also reviewed by Chief Design Officer and the President together, and the right-most concept was chosen for its simplicity and bottom bass port location
a visual metaphor The Polk Hampdens are designed to represent the dichotomy of their existence. The wood cabinet with real teak veneer is evocative of Polk's heritage of passive monitors, while the plastic enclosures on both ends indicate the new bluetooth technology that has been integrated inside.
BLUETOOTH
USB
AUX
the keg The Keg concept was created to explore a larger speaker that could discretely stow important items during outdoor activites while protecting them from the elements. There was strong internal enthusiasm for the project, but it was eventually shelved due to higher priorities.
the stretch
I created this concept to explore the scope of the young adventure lifestyle brand BOOM. Versatility and customization for the dorm room. Inspired by contemporary graffiti art.
at home
Since wi-fi speakers are interconnected throughout the home, the Omni S6 and the Omni collection were designed to be at home in any room and their material and color palette reflects current interior decor trends.
the shape of warm sound
Polk speakers are known for their warm, inviting, and rich tone. The Omni S6 was designed to be the tangible embodiment of this personality. The wrapping shape and material pallette of nickel and warm black tell the story for a new generation of budding audiophiles. Drivers and tweeters are angled for a broad sound stage that can fill large rooms in the home.
Sonos Play:5
Polk Woodbourne
proportion strategy
smaller width feels more convenient and comfortable at retail and at home subtle depth was ncreased to maintain superior cabinet volume
not enough room for drivers
Goldilocks
too wide, too bulky
the back of the cabinet
Designing for a niche brand with lean marketing resources, I leveraged the products themselves in an economical way to highlight Polk's acoustic heritage. Easter eggs like the L/R labels here to tell the story of an all-in-one speaker in a playful way.
weedobot concept
After months of engineering work prototyping a solar-powered weeding drone, an entrepreneur approached me about designing the exterior based on strict component envelopes and engineering requirements. This quick 3D concept was shown to company investors as an illustration of how the exterior details could be improved to appeal to the tech-savvy drone/enthusiast crowd.
technical pattern trends
Brunton wanted to pursue a more lifestyle/technical sportswear position. The team drew inspiration from automotive lamps and fitness apparel. I explored ideas leveraging neoprene or TPE.
instant tactile control A The Polk Melee Inline Mixer for Xbox 360 allows instant control of all audio functions. Dual tacticle knobs are ergonomically located and intuitively remembered: one is game, the other chat. The EQ toggle button cycles through 4 filters created by master Polk acoustic engineers in collaboration with the talented sound designers at Turn 10 Studios, and 343 Industries.
$5000 update The original Definitive ST Super Towers were the brands flagship offering, but did not look the part. The extruded aluminum chassis was hidden with gloss black paint, and dome head screws littered the front drvier array. For the ST-L update, I added a matte black base, brushed gray anodizing, grid-textured vinyl, and a coarse sheercharcoal grille fabric. Less Bruce Wayne, more Batmobile.
to the future and back
The Polk Omni A1 Wi-Fi Amplifier was created to offer the best of both worlds to contemporary audio fans. Featuring both a wi-fi module and a phono amp, it can play vinyl just as nicely as 802.11AC. I integrated a full perimeter ventilation gap so it can disappate heat in any orientation.
just add bluetooth Tasked with transforming the original Polk Hinge passive headphones into a bluetooth version, I designed the usb charge interface and cable, 3-way jog dial with full playback functionality, and nfc branding without turning a casual apparel accessory into a technical lightshow.
2015 colors
I worked closely with the internal design team to develop a fresh palette of leather, metal, and plastic colorways. The goal was to offer rich, yet neutral options that could be paired with any ensemble.
altec imt 400
1st mylar grille w/ curved face 1tst mylar grille w/ hidden drivers 1st directly-mounted mylar grille 1st material-based remote storage 1st flush dock connector
optical illusions
Tasked with designing a new iPod dock, I explored shapes that met the acoustic volume requirements while still feeling thin and convenient from the front and side views.
custom patterns Inspired by metal etching and stamping trends, I identified perf patterns as an opportunity for differentiation. I drove R&D efforts with vendor partners to develop custom metal grilles and make the inMotion stand out from the crowd.
altec audio bowl concept With this Altec Lansing concept, my intent was to find the sweet spot of emotion and broad appeal that Apple is so well known for. A simple, economical plastic construction is infused with a shape that looks loud and friendly.
thanks!
cameronnielsen@outlook.com cameronnielsen.com 801.669.0610