Hearing Protection for Collaborative Spaces

Hearing protection for school machine shops, supporting discussion and shared experience. A handle on the face of the muff pulls down to open a gap that lets in noise.
Fall 2025
Timeline: 6 weeks
Studio Project
RESEARCH
MIRO board
Research Survey, Interviews, User Persona, Scenario, Design Opportunity Statement, Existing Products, 3M Brand
Google Form survey here
INTERACTION
Moved away from electronics to an analogue approach. A door that opens and closes when needing to hear something in the shop or to speak to someone. Band comfort, pivots, how to compress foam inside earmuff when open.
PROTOTYPES
Considering different features, electronic and analogue interactions, existing products, and ways to wear.
FORM
Trace paper, a circular profile established. Dial motion to up-down motion. Combined radial form with linear interaction.
3D PRINTED MODEL
3D printed band and muffs connected with bent wire. Wire architecture borrowed from 3M's visual brand language. Foam pads inside. Wooden kebob stick used as a pivot point.