Before developing the alpha prototype of Whispr, our team each proposed designs and then these designs were narrowed down to our top 5 concepts. Below is each concept and the positive and negative features that accompany the design.
This design proposes a wearable mask that utilizes noise-cancelling technology to dampen the user's voice. It will connect to the user's face through ear straps, mimicking a disposable mask. This will allow the device to hang in front of the user's mouth in a secure fashion. Within the device, there will be internal speakers that will allow for the noise-cancelling technology. Also inside the device, there will be a microphone that will feed into the device. With this, there will also headphones that will connect the device to the user's ears, allowing for live audio feedback. The positives of this concept is that it allows for an increased level of voice dampening. Due to the technology involved in this design, a user's voice could be dampened significantly more than if they were to use a device that only contained sound dampening materials.
This combination allows for an overall increase in sound dampening. Furthermore, because the user's nose is exposed, airflow is increased, further increasing comfortability in this design. However, there are negatives of this design at the same time. Because of the technology that is required for this design, the prototyping and actual development of this design will be extremely complicated. Due to insufficient time in this semester, this concept will not be feasible. Ignoring time as a constriction, the added technology could also impose a threat towards comfortability of the device. Due to the potential weight of the device, the user's ears could become uncomfortable due to the device's weight being centralized on their ears.
Concept 2 highlights a sound absorbing mask with external processing. In this concept, the device will be placed over the user's mouth and nose, and attach to their head via dual straps. This dual strap method decreases the pressure placed on the individual's head, ensuring comfortability when practicing. Inside the mask, there will be sound absorbing material to achieve sound attenuation. With this, the mask will have a general bulbous shape in order to maximize the volume in the device. By doing so, sound attenuation will further be highlighted due to the geometry of the device, Furthermore, because there is more room within the device, the user's mouth will not interfere with the material, or if there were to be a microphone placed inside. This increased volume will ensure the user's health is not being compromised due to saliva accumulating and possibly growing bacteria when practicing.
Yet, within this concept there are negative features as well. Because this mask is not high-tech like other concepts, a user will need to rely on an external processor for all of their audio or vocal processing they need. Furthermore, while the shape of the mask was highlighted as a positive, it can also hinder the overall aesthetics of the device at the same time. Because it has a bulbous shape, the device will stand out if a user is practicing in public. Because Whispr aims to create a device whose aesthetic's conform to societal norms, a device this bulky could impose additional attention towards the user when practcing.
This concept demonstrates a design unique among the others. Rather that the device being placed on or around the user's head, it will rather serve as a vocal booth. This booth will have an ellipsoidal shape, forcing the sound to converge towards a singular focal point, where the microphone will be placed. The microphone will then be connected to an external processing unit where the user can perform any live audio feedback they desire. The booth will be connected to a tripod, allowing the user to move and adjust the entity as needed.
One major benefit of the design is the comfortability incorporated. Because there is nothing in direct contact with the user's face, they are free of any restrictions when performing. This allows for maximum airflow, which can lead to a user easily using the device for an extended period of time. However, this open concept does not achieve critical sound attenuation, like some of the other designs do. Because there is nothing surrounding the user's head, the sound will be redirected back into their environment. The inner shell of the device will contain sound absorbing material, but this can only achieve a certain amount of sound dampening. Furthermore, while portability was seen as a positive, it also has drawbacks. Unlike the other concepts that have little to no setup, this concept would require the user to set up a tripod, install their microphone, and connect their headphones and mic to an external processor. Due to this, a user will not be able to travel with this device like the other concepts aim to achieve.
Concept 4 showcases a design that appears similar to designs 1 and 2, all taking form of a mask. In this concept, the device is placed over the user's mouth and nose. It will connect to the user's head via a strap, which is to be later determined. The mask will contain two units: an inner and outer shell. The inner shell will be what covers the user's mouth and serve as an internal dampening unit. Surrounding the inner shell is the outer casing. This layer will enclose the inner compartment, but also the electronics needed to power this device. By separating the two layers, the user will be able to breathe with limited restrictions. Another positive with this design is that the electronics will be completely separated from the user's skin, overall increasing the safety of this device. The electronics will be encased in a plastic shell, away from the user's mouth. By doing this, the user will also reduce the chances of accidentally pressing a button on the device. Furthermore, this compartmentalization of the device's features allow for an overall sleek design, further advancing the aesthetics of the design.
The sleek and minimalistic design will achieve Whispr's goal of reducing the anxiety that can come with practicing because it will not stand out in public, like how some of the other proposed concepts might. However, as mentioned, the means of attachment still need to be determined for this design. Due to the load of the device, it is critical that the strapping mechanism reduces the pressure on the user's head, while also correctly securing the device to their head.
This concept depicts a helmet that will seal around a user's head, allowing for maximum sound attenuation. By encasing the entire head, the weight is distributed throughout the user's head and shoulders, allowing increased comfortability. The edge that will make contact with the user's shoulders will have a foam-like material to allow for close sealing. This feature will ensure the sound is contained in the device and does not leak out into the user's space. Inside the helmet, there will be a microphone that will feed into the onboard electronics. Connected to this, there will be speakers that allow for live audio monitoring, allowing the user to constantly hear their own voice. Because it is a helmet, there is also no need for headphones, the sound released through the speakers will be contained in the device due to the sound attenuation methods.
This feature allows an added layer of comfort due to the user's ears being free of any physical components. Yet, even with these positives, the overall aesthetics of the design are enough to halt the further development of it. Because we are focusing on reducing a user's overall anxiety when it come to singing, aesthetics are a key component to be considered. While the user's voice will be hidden from their outside environment, the looks of the device can not be ignored. Because this is a large and bulky design, the anxiety induced from practicing in social settings is only increased with this concept.