Here are a few examples of existing MP3 amplifiers, although I think some of these look okay; I would say that most of them would look out of place in modern house (excluding children’s bedrooms). This has encouraged me to try and create something different, almost ornamental. A large proportion of existing amplifiers are very much novelty themed products which for me, almost makes them appear toy-like. The wooden amplifier on the bottom left of the page seems more elegant. I think this is mainly due to choice of material and the simplicity of the shape. Again the simple sphere shape of the speaker on the top left draws my eye along with the bright orange partition line. There weren’t many existing corporate examples of amplifiers, but the ones I could find screamed out the company they were advertising. I know that this is the intended purpose of a corporate product, but I would like to create a product the easily identifies with a company’s image/ethos without spoiling the aesthetics with logos etc.
I have chosen to design amplifier for Boyd Coddington hot rods. I feel that the smooth flowing lines of his custom hot rods would lend themselves ideally to a unique design. I want to create a shape that is synonymous with Boyd rods and can be recognised by any hot rod enthusiast.
I have looked into art deco in vehicle design; this is the era most hot rods originate from. Apart from the smooth flowing lines, one thing that stands out are the straight lined front radiator grilles, these are common on a number of vehicles from this era. They’re even used on the modern art deco inspired caravan above. These grilles would be a good inspiration for a speaker cover/grille giving the impression of a front end of a vehicle.
The works of Arther Radenbaugh have also given me a great deal of inspiration with the bright colours and the sense movement created in his drawings. Radenbaugh’s works are very concept for 1930’s he created unique vehicles within his drawings and these have helped me develop my idea. A striking colour and creating a sense movement are key if I want give a modern art deco appearance.
