Aurelian: Redefining Luxury Headphones with Innovative Design

Breaking Fashion and Consumer Electronic Trends

Aurelian is a luxury headset system that refuses to conform to traditional headphone categories. Instead of the typical over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, or on-head designs, Aurelian introduces a new form: around-head. By bringing back the fashion of the crown, Aurelian aims to make headphones a symbol of class and an adornment for any occasion.

One of the key features that sets Aurelian apart is its use of digital fabrication technologies. The headphones are 3D printed using precious metals such as gold or brass for the frontal "crown" and PA12 industrial nylon plastic for the main housing of the earbuds and electronics. This allows for fluid forms that cannot be achieved through traditional milling and molding methods.

The design incorporates 8mm driver earbuds with a Bluetooth 4.0 module and a miniaturized control board. The main golden arch serves as a trigger for potentiometers, providing a unique and intuitive user experience. Internal segments of the headphones are held together or reinforced by neodymium magnets, allowing for a 3-axis system that ensures universal flexibility.

When fully extended, Aurelian measures 150*180*50mm, and when collapsed, it reduces to 120*80*20mm, making it compact and easy to carry. The headphones snap lock together via magnets and can be adjusted by pushing and pulling until they fit just right.

Operating Aurelian is simple and convenient. To play or pause music, users can press once on the metal faces on the sides of the device, right outside of the ear. Pressing twice skips to the next song. To enable the microphone, users can press once on the metal face closer to the top of the ear. Holding down the same button allows for fast-forwarding. The headphones are charged using a micro-USB cable and offer a battery life of approximately four hours.

The Aurelian design project took place from March 2018 to July 2018 at the School of Design, Victoria University of Wellington. It underwent extensive research, including market analysis, interviews with industry experts, iterative design, and user testing. The goal was to create a socially innovative headphone that catered to the rising trend of affordable luxury.

Aurelian has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Digital and Electronic Device Design category in 2019. This award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Aurelian stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.

With its unique form, luxurious materials, and innovative features, Aurelian sets a new standard for luxury headphones. It challenges the status quo and offers a sophisticated and fashionable alternative for those seeking a high-end audio experience.