Open Pods and Open Circlet: A New Era of Headphones

Designers Minghai Li and Wenhsien Chiang Redefine Audio Experience

The inspiration behind Open Pods and Open Circlet stemmed from the limitations of traditional in-ear headphones and bone conduction headphones. Traditional headphones can block external sounds, posing potential danger to users, while bone conduction headphones often suffer from sound leakage and low audio quality. Minghai Li and Wenhsien Chiang sought to apply air conduction technology to eliminate these issues, offering both high-quality audio and comfort.

Open Pods and Open Circlet are designed to fit naturally around the ear without needing to be inserted into the ear canal. This design not only ensures the health of the ear canal but also allows users to remain aware of their surroundings. The acoustic port is precisely designed so that audio is directly delivered into the ears, providing an excellent audio experience.

The realization of this design involved the use of air conduction technology and a semi-circular arc shape based on the curve of the ear. The surface is made of silica gel with an anti-bacterial coating, and the charging case is made of recyclable ABS and PC. These materials and design choices ensure comfort, hygiene, and environmental sustainability.

The design process, which took place in Shenzhen, began in September 2021 and concluded in the same year. Following its completion, Open Pods and Open Circlet are set to be launched in various global markets, including India, America, Europe, Africa, Dubai, and Southeast Asia. The design has already been recognized with a Silver A' Audio and Sound Equipment Design Award in 2023, a testament to its innovative and high-quality design.

Open Pods and Open Circlet represent a significant step forward in headphone design. By prioritizing both audio quality and user comfort, Minghai Li and Wenhsien Chiang have created a product that truly meets the needs of modern users. With their innovative design and commitment to quality, Open Pods and Open Circlet are poised to redefine the audio experience.