Nuforce WDC 200 / STA 200
Nuforce WDC 200 / STA 200
A product family that includes an amplifier and wireless DAC, connecting users' stereos and their smartphones or computers to deliver hi-fi sound
Company: Hank Max StudioClient: Optoma
Overview
Overview
Optoma, an electro-optical device manufacturer in Taiwan, acquired NuForce, an American audio brand, and continues to provide some NuForce-era products and launch new products. Incorporated with the audio technology of the Swiss Goldmund Laboratories, Nuforce WDC 200 and STA 200 are the first two products to be released. In this project, I was responsible for product design based on the vision and specs Optoma provided and also proposed new ideas and solutions which make the products outstanding.
My role:
My role:
- Propose product design ( Ideation, Sketching, Prototyping, 3D modeling, Rendering, CMF )
- Conduct the design project from early conception through production
- Present, communicate, and corporate with the project manager, engineers, and manufacturers
Results:
Results:
- I proposed a new all-aluminum concept with a workable low-cost method which was adopted and became a new feature for marketing.
- "From the outside, the WDC 200/STA 200 all-aluminum alloy chassis is already "beyond the class" of materials." ( user reviews )
- "The finish is slightly textured and looks pretty nice." ( user reviews )
Simplicity Delivers Pure Sound
Simplicity Delivers Pure Sound
The simple shapes of both products express the efficiency of the system. To represent pure sound, the main body is made of aluminum which can enhance sound quality and help with heat radiation. Utilizing both solid aluminum and aluminum sheet, not only reduces the cost of production but also creates an enclosure-look appearance with no screws on the main surface. The black metal surrounding the bottom makes the rubber foots invisible and keeps aesthetic consistency. This neat look matches perfectly with most of the home environment.
Process
Process
The first step is to define the product. By Considering the dimensions of the internal components, we explored the possibilities of internal component arrangement and the possible forms of the product composition.
After the initial form sketches, some prototypes were made to get a feel of the product.
The goal was to make a clean and modern shape, so to reach this goal, I came up with the idea can keep the main surface free of screws and meet the cost and mass production.
Through the inner support bracket that grows inside, screws were attached to the upper metal plate and the internal support bracket structure from the inside to the outside, achieving a clean and modern appearance without screws.
Through the inner support bracket that grows inside, screws were attached to the upper metal plate and the internal support bracket structure from the inside to the outside, achieving a clean and modern appearance without screws.
With CNC and metal bending process , it creates a low resonance aluminum body
STA 200
STA 200
The back panels of STA 200 and WDC 200 are recessed, so it can reduce the extension of terminals and the heat sink.
WDC 200
WDC 200
Similarly, the feature surrounding the volume button of WDC 200 is designed as a concave shape, allowing fingers to hold the button easily but reducing the extension and giving an elegant appearance.
Highest Quality Sound from Wireless Devices
Highest Quality Sound from Wireless Devices
Compatible with Apple AirPlay and Android devices, it provides a simple way to stream your favorite music from your home network or mobile device to the user's sound system.
