A more intuitive radio

Digital interactions should be tangible and immediate.

This radio’s physical state reflects its electronic state. When the volume changes, so does the size of the radio. Tuning is controlled by rotating the top of the radio, and the user turns off the radio by collapsing it completely.

All controls are managed by analog circuitry. The volume is controlled by a linear potentiometer, and the tuning is controlled by a rotational potentiometer. A momentary lever switch is activated when the radio is closed, to power off the device.

Early Protoypes

What if the antenna is the interface?

This early prototype is built from a hacked analog pocket radio. The user turns on the radio by extending the antenna, and moves the antenna around to control volume and tuning.

The interaction was inspired by the trope of aiming “rabbit ear” TV antennae around to find a station.

This quick mock-up explores a cylindrical form. By combining a linear potentiometer and a rotational potentiometer, it can rotate and telescope at the same time.

The radio was modeled in a Solidworks assembly. The body was 3D printed, while the internals were laser cut from acrylic.

On the left is an interactive, cutaway view of the CAD model.