SF-SO brings back the tactility of analogue with 'tamed' digital devices

in a bid to redefine our relationship with technology and gadgets, design studio SF-SO presents tamed digital devices. the project has been developed in response to the prevalence of digital products in modern society, and their numerous built-in features and functions which, rather than helping, can actually cause users confusion.

to counteract the overwhelming amount of technology, the tamed digital devices bring back the tactility of analogue products in a series of four objects: the ball internet radio, the cone bluetooth speaker, the wheel digital radio, and the fingerprint smart door lock. departing from touch screens and electronic sensors, SF-SO has created intuitive physical interfaces derived from analogue products, with the aim of reducing the user’s overall time and effort.

ball internet radio

all images courtesy of SF-SO

the ball internet radio is the first of the tamed digital products. at the top of the radio, there are three magnetic balls, and these balls acts like buttons to change the radio frequency by rolling or lifting the balls. this interface is not only intuitive enough for anyone to understand how to use it, but it also provides tactile and visual pleasure whenever users switch radio stations by moving the little balls.

the cone bluetooth speaker uses gravity sensor technology. through the gravity sensor, users can power it on and off by flipping the speaker, and they can enjoy music automatically through the speaker by pairing their mobile device. this gravity sensing allows users to enjoy music without complicated procedures – just a simple gesture is needed. additionally, the object is also aesthetically pleasing, providing a unique home decoration.

wheel digital radio

traditional wheel-tuned radios have been used for decades by listeners. they provide a simple interface based on a tuning wheel to dial the frequency and marking a needle to show the tuned station. SF-SO’s wheel digital radio is inspired by the traditional wheel-tuned radio and it aims to emphasize the analogue radio’s intuitive interface. the radio body itself is a tuning wheel, which helps users intuitively understand how it works.

fingerprint smart door lock

over the years, technology has revolutionized our daily lives, and influences the ways people act and interact. new technology has created useful tools and multi-functional products that make our lives easier and better; keyless smart lock is one of the examples. SF-SO wanted to take this new technology, but try focusing on an intuitive physical interface and existing interaction of the door lock used in the past. fingerprint smart door lock is a simple form with the original function of the door lock, and it naturally interacts with people in our daily lives.

ball internet radio

ball internet radio

close up view of the ball internet radio

cone bluetooth speaker

cone bluetooth speaker

wheel digital radio

fingerprint smart door lock

the tamed digital devices

project info:

project name: tamed digital devices

design: SF-SO