Sublime Radio

A functional FM radio that questions the paradigms of product interaction. Each wooden stone changes the radio to its unique FM frequency when placed on the plinth; volume is controlled by dragging a finger along the concave channel. Through novel interactions, the radio provides a refreshingly tactile experience that encourages the user to slow down and explore the product through its shape and materiality.

Duration

4 weeks (Fall 2022)

Materials

White oak, Arduino

Processes

Physical computing, woodworking/fabrication

Research on historical context of the radio, examining both its cultural context and classic methods of form–interaction relationships.

Considering the juxtaposition of material and form, exploring the effect of making processes on defining our prominent material arrangement associations.

Conceptualizing form–interaction system. Form development, from ideation to refinement, focusing on contrasting the intrinsic warmth of wood with the perceived coldness of a stone. Interaction encourages tangible exploration.

Prototyping electronics: Arduino, FM receiver, RFID sensor, copper conductive tape.

Using the Shaper Origin and a mill to cut interaction reliefs and component housing into quarter-sawn white oak radio body. 1/8" of material left between component housing cavity and interaction surface to allow sensor detection through wood.

Forming wooden stones: splitting white oak using froe, milling RFID chip mortise, glueing along split to form one seamless object—sans kerf. Shaped to round stones. Each RFID chip is programmed to a different FM frequency.