Sony
With this project I wanted to channel the feeling and style of the Walkman into something that was in a completely different realm, but also make a functional product Table Tennis players would find it fitting to wear while playing. That turned into a prophylactic knee brace that took the inspiration from the visual design language of the Sony Walkman, but fit the needs of the athletes that played Table Tennis. For this project I had to study the visual language Sony had built over time for the Walkman, but also understand how a knee brace works and the many parts that came along with it. I went through many iterations of designs for the brace all referencing different versions of the Walkman that had come out over its long history. I finally decided to pick one of the most identifiable Walkman models/line, the Sports Walkman. The Sports Walkman allowed me to create curvier forms, and allowed me to further explore the possibilities visually into a knee brace. The fact that the Walkman model was for sports also justified why my brace would reference that particular Walkman model and allowed me to cater to ergonomics without being afraid of putting too much detail into the mechanics. Through many prototype iterations, whether they be paper or clay, I was able to create something that was light and durable for the players, but visually relatable to the Walkman that even Sony lovers could relate it back to the iconic product.
UST
