LAYER unveils capsula mini: the compact smart assistant with a friendly face

LAYER, the london-based design agency led by benjamin hubert, presents a compact smart assistant called ‘capsula mini’. designed for mail, russia’s largest internet company, the smart assistant features an endearing face-like display that can communicate a range of emotions.

capsula mini is designed with a softly rounded visual language

images courtesy of LAYER

the donut-shaped device integrates an interface panel on the top and a speaker wrapped around the curved edge. users can tap the buttons on the top panel to play music, control other smart products, and interact with a variety of mail.ru applications. an LED band under the top panel provides information on the status of the smart assistant, indicating listening mode, mute, start-up, and changes in volume using varying levels of brightness and colors.

the voice- and touch-activated device acts as a hub for smart homes

LAYER wanted capsula mini to move away from ‘serious’ tech products and present a fun and friendly character instead. to achieve this, the designers turned the seven-segment display on the front of the speaker into two eyes and a nose to express the emotions of the mail voice assistant marusya. 

it can be used to control other smart products, play music, and interact with a variety of mail applications

sound quality and affordability were another two key aspects of the design. a full-range driver with an aluminum reflector and a well-engineered acoustic chamber ensure quality sound from the compact capsula mini while the plastic and textile materials have been carefully chosen for both robustness and lower costs. the smart assistant will initially be available in two colorways – dove grey and charcoal – with more to be released in the future.

the form is driven by the need to integrate both an intuitive LED feedback display and a physical touch interface

‘we believe technology that improves the everyday should be accessible and affordable for all, and should also be approachable and delightful to use,’ says benjamin hubert, founder of LAYER. ‘with capsula mini, we created an affordable yet sophisticated smart assistant with a friendly character. by moving away from the ‘serious’ nature of more conventional tech products, the mail.ru smart assistant is engaging to a wide audience, regardless of age or tech-savviness.’

an LED band below the interface panel offers subtle yet clear information regarding the status of the smart assistant, indicating listening mode, mute, start-up, and changes in volume

a textile-wrapped donut-shaped form conceals a seven-segment LED display, with volume control and power buttons on an intuitive interface panel

a full-range driver with an aluminum reflector and a well-engineered acoustic chamber ensure quality sound

the friendly yet minimal visual language of capsula mini makes it accessible and appealing for users of all ages with varying levels of tech-savviness

the seven-segment display showcases the time, bluetooth connectivity, as well as the expressions of the mail voice assistant marusya

capsule mini is designed to be highly affordable, and the smart assistant was value engineered from the outset

the smart assistant will initially be available in two colorways – dove grey and charcoal – with more to be released in the future

project info:

name: capsula mini

brand: mail

design: LAYER

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom