Ampathy: A Revolutionary Vibration Speaker

Hyungjun Koo and Hyunsu Park's Innovative Design for the Hearing Impaired

Hyungjun Koo and Hyunsu Park were inspired to create Ampathy, a compound word for 'amplifier' and 'empathy', after observing the isolation experienced by those with auditory disorders. They were moved by the story of a deaf artist who loved music but could only experience it through the faint vibrations of a speaker. This led them to design a speaker that could produce both sound and vibration, enabling deaf individuals to participate in social cultural activities such as listening to music or watching a movie.

Ampathy's unique properties lie in its ability to substitute sound into solid vibration, thereby amplifying the listener's emotions. It is equipped with upper and lower register speakers and a vibration module for a three-dimensional vibration experience. The speaker is wireless and rechargeable, making it easy to use and maintain. The surface is made with fabric material for a soft sensation, and the interaction is inspired by the wave of water, allowing users to control the upper touch panel intuitively.

The design of Ampathy was realized through a combination of technology and sensitivity. The designers lived with their ears closed to experience the life of the hearing impaired, which helped them understand the importance of communication and cultural enjoyment. They faced challenges in creating the device's shape, making several soft mock-ups and drawing sketches from their shape inspirations. The final design was achieved through 3D modeling and rendering with Rhino 3D and Keyshots.

Ampathy is not just a speaker; it's a communication tool that aims to bring people together. The designers dream of a society where all people enjoy equal cultural enjoyment. Their efforts were recognized when Ampathy was awarded the Platinum A' Digital and Electronic Device Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade that recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs.

With its unique design and purpose, Ampathy is more than just a speaker. It is a testament to the power of design and technology to bridge gaps and foster communication. It is an embodiment of empathy, amplifying not just sound, but also the emotions and experiences of its users.