A Player For All Ages

This is not another story about an MP3 player that looks groovy, has jazzy features and is full of it. It’s the story of a player that addresses the issue of older generation coping with technology. The Sony concept that we see here features a simplified interface with keys that are clearly laid out and raised. The screen is high contrast, with light text on a dark background rather than vice versa, making it easy to read. It basically targets the elders who enjoy listening to music but are bogged with stiff fingers (arthritis), poor vision and fear of complicated gadgets.

Quick tech-specs reveal a radio, 4 to 8 GB of storage and an ergonomic design that is easy to clutch. The player is larger than usual, (much like large touchpad telephones) and the buttons on the top of the player and functions like a remote control.

Designer: Damien Crossan

Radhika Seth

Radhika Seth is a design and technology writer with over 18 years of experience covering products, innovation, and the ideas shaping design. She serves on the jury of international design competitions, including the iF Design Award, and hosts Yanko Design’s Design Mindset podcast. A former Ogilvy advertising professional, she has also taught Communication and Design Journalism, bringing together her experience across design, storytelling, brands, and media.

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