Core77

Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting award-winning projects and ideas from this year's Core77 Design Awards 2012! For full details on the project, jury commenting and more information about the awards program, go to Core77DesignAwards.com

• Rooster
• Designer: Henry Wu & Yanika Tinaphongs
• Location: California College of the Arts
• Category: Soft Goods
• Award: Student Runner-Up

Rooster is the wearable amplifier bag suitable for street performers seeking the sleek, comfortable touch of sound. The speaker flap could be opened or closed by coated nylon depending on the user's preference, and the bag strap is also the guitar strap as well.

How did you learn that you had been recognized by the jury?
Through the live broadcast, we realized we were the runner-up winners in the softgood category despite the fact that one of us is abroad. A few moments later, we also received congratulating notes from our friends through our social networks and text messages.

What's the latest news or development with your project?
From what we already have, we are planning to modify the appearance of the amplifier frame, giving it a more unique look and enhacing the brand identity compared to other amplifiers in the market. Moreover, we aim to expand our color schemes through the colorful fabric linings, providing dfferent themes such as punk-rock, pop, even bossa according to the lining color.

We have also considered puting it on Kickstarter, striving for good feedback. There are certain parts to consider before we can do that so keep an eye out!

What is one quick anecdote about your project?
Rooster was an unknown project under the theme "wearable sound." We initially started by strolling around public places , looking for the perfect users. Upon searching, we've met two street performers singing on the downtown street of San Francisco. They're Sam Johnson, and John Vicino. The show was very stunning and fantastic, it captures the attention from people around. However, with all those incompatible and heavy equipment, they're only able to perform in limited spots. We even barely discovered a tip jar since there are too many things laying around unorganized.

Through that, we intended to improve the experience for these performers through our product, making it possible to capture the moment, spread the musical culture, and create engagements between the performers and the audience.