Accessibility products and brand identity
Visual Idenity, Branding, Motion, Interactive Design, Product Design
Music Credit: Flow by Creo
Diplacusis is a hearing condition where sounds are perceived differently by each ear, leading to misalignment in pitch and potentially timing. As a relatively rare condition, individuals affected often have limited options for relief.
Problem
How may we improve the lives of individuals experiencing auditory misalignments?
The Merj audio products offer a high-quality listening experience with independently adjustable settings for pitch, timing, and volume. The headphones provide a wire-optional experience and the flexibility to adjust settings either through a companion app or via physical dials and buttons. Complementing the headphones, the product line also includes wireless earbuds, delivering a seamless and comprehensive audio experience. The brand identity focuses on subtlety and inclusivity, emphasizing a premium auditory experience that resonates with all users, regardless of hearing ability.
Modeled and Rendered in Blender
Mobile App
Independent adjustments for pitch offset, volume,
and time delay brought right to the fingertips.
Began with a Mood Board
Studying existing audio apps provided valuable insights into effective ways to display information.
The User First
During development in Figma, early prototypes featured separate pages for pitch, volume, and delay adjustments, each with sliders for the left and right channels. While functional, this design did not align with how users would naturally interact with the product, especially as diplacusis often only affects one ear. A greater emphasis on the left and rights channels was needed. To improve integration between the physical and digital experiences, the app was reimagined to reflect the user’s workflow when adjusting the headphones directly.
Final App
The revised interface introduced a left/right split on the main display, with pitch, volume, and delay adjustments accessible through individual pages for each side. Sliders were replaced with interactive dials, mirroring the physical dials on the headphones for consistency. Finally, green accents were added to highlight the key interactive elements, creating a more cohesive and intuitive user experience.
The Logo
Given that the core challenge of alleviating diplacusis lies in reconciling two disparate sounds into a harmonious experience, the company name needed to subtly evoke the concept of unity and balance. The Merj logo was hand-lettered, incorporating diagonal elements to symbolize change, progress, and alignment with the tech industry. In addition to the primary logo, an alternative version and an animated iteration were developed to expand its application.
Packaging
Rooted in the tech industry and designed to evoke
progress, confidence, and user empowerment.
Early Iterations
The primary objective of the box designs was to position Merj's audio products confidently within the cutting-edge audio market while maintaining a distinct identity. The packaging needed to convey the product’s goals and the reliability expected of high-quality audio brands, appealing to a broad audience while staying true to what sets Merj apart.
Market references were analyzed to understand prevailing trends, and several design directions were explored. Each concept centered on making the products themselves the focal point, avoiding unnecessary distractions. The final packaging utilizes simple black-and-white layouts that allow the products to take center stage.
Tone
The names Respites and Solaces were selected for the headphones and earbuds, respectively, to reflect the sense of relief and tranquility they aim to provide for users. In line with this theme, the slogan “Find Your Resonance” was crafted to subtly empower individuals living with the condition. tion.
Social Media
To enhance the product's visibility and appeal on social media, models and animations were created in Blender. Given the rarity of the condition, establishing a strong presence in both physical and digital spaces was a key priority to raise awareness and connect with potential users.
Outcome
Merj's primary goal is to empower individuals affected by diplacusis or similar hearing-loss conditions, offering them a renewed sense of control and confidence. Beyond this, the final product line aspires to deliver a high-quality audio experience with broad appeal, bridging the gap between those with and without underlying hearing conditions. At its core, Merj is built on the belief that everyone deserves access to an exceptional listening experience.