Controls
& I/O
Bose QC Ultra Headphones
Controls
& I/O
Bose QC Ultra Headphones
Case
PROBLEM
Rethinking the UI array on a new generation of Bose headphones that incorporates modernized buttons and the use of capacitive touch.
ROLE
UX Lead Designer: Responsible for collaborating with engineers to develop the control and I/O array for boot up, connection, media playback and call experiences.
TIMELINE
2024-2025
RELEVANT PRODUCTS
Bose QC Ultra Headphones 1st & 2nd generation
Design
Design
Bluetooth™ & Power
Bluetooth™ and Power are two separate elements, both present when starting and ending a session. Stacking these controls together and treating "powering on" as an inevitable "part" of connecting helps users link the two events into a single mental instance. The absence of a power icon, but presence of BT icon, nudges users toward learning about power experiences via OHD.
Multi-function Button
Media playback and call experiences often share the same affordances and controls. To further minimize on product visual disruption, noise cancellation controls have also been assigned to this button. It becomes entirely about what you hear whether it be media, calls or the outside world.
Volume Touch Strip
The volume "touch strip" provides a more natural swiping region than typical cap touch. After careful testing, I split the strip into 3 partitions, where each represents the length required to swipe for a single volume increment or decrement. It mimics volume scrubbers found in digital UI.
Bluetooth™ & Power
Bluetooth™ and Power are two separate elements, both present when starting and ending a session. Stacking these controls together and treating "powering on" as an inevitable "part" of connecting helps users link the two events into a single mental instance. The absence of a power icon, but presence of BT icon, nudges users toward learning about power experiences via OHD.
Multi-function Button
Media playback and call experiences often share the same affordances and controls. To further minimize on product visual disruption, noise cancellation controls have also been assigned to this button. It becomes entirely about what you hear whether it be media, calls or the outside world.
Volume Touch Strip
The volume "touch strip" provides a more natural swiping region than typical cap touch. After careful testing, I split the strip into 3 partitions, where each represents the length required to swipe for a single volume increment or decrement. It mimics volume scrubbers found in digital UI.
Considerations
Simplicity
Simpler interfaces provide users a cleaner, consolidated UX that complements the product design language.
Design Balance
Innovation should not impair intuitiveness. Familiarity should not limit new solutions.
Adaptability
Building a strong design language can inform designs for generations to come.
Constraints
One Place
Consolidating interaction components into one section of the unit gives engineering more room to map internal components for better processing and invest in largers parts, like a battery, for performance.
Internals
Hardware limitations will help contain exploration. Design choices must match the sophistication of the mechanical parts that can be included in the product. Designs should never strain the systems within which they are built.
Form Fitted
The control array location, components, textures and general feel should leverage the industrial design and color, material and finish.
Legacy Leads
Good development is built on inherited successes. Some established architecture norms have to be respected. These must fit neatly within any new design.
Determinations
Ensure Differentiation
Create small tactile and visual cues for control differences
Control identifiability can be in conflict with minimalism and visual simplicity. Iteration should involve striking a balance. Adding relief can help with both touch and visual nuance while complementing the design.
Limit Capacitive Touch
Swiping and touch + hold only
Capacitive touch experiences have a crucial flaw: they do not provide mechanical feedback. In addition, tapping on a cup is unpleasant to the ears.
Tune Everything
The right button click and the correct volume sensitivity are key
Capacitive touch experiences have a crucial flaw: they do not provide mechanical feedback. In addition, tapping on a cup is unpleasant to the ears.
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Bose QC Ultra Headphones
Bose QC Ultra Headphones
The Bose QC Ultra Headphones 1st and 2nd generations are Bose’s highest selling consumer electronic product since launch, with tens of millions of units sold.
Bose QC Ultra Headphones
The Bose QC Ultra Headphones 1st and 2nd generations are Bose’s highest selling consumer electronic product since launch, with tens of millions of units sold.
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Due to the nature of my NDA and respect for my employer, I cannot further expand on developmental processes or use internal language and terminology. This is all in an effort to protect IP.
For more details on the design process for this project, please view the full case study on a desktop or tablet.