While designing objects that people want is tricky, designing something people don't want has got to be even harder. California-based Stuart Karten Design was faced with the latter task after being approached by Starkey Laboratories to design their Zon Hearing Aid.

"Our research revealed that hearing impaired people live in denial for up to eight years before getting their first hearing aid," Karten explained. "The reason: they associate the traditional beige, shrimp-shaped hearing aid with weakness and disability."

To overcome that perception, Karten and his team--Senior Designers Paul Kirley and Dennis Schroeder--set about making the Zon look less like a medical device and more like a piece of jewelry. Not from the observer's point of view; as you can see in the photo, the beauty of the Zon is that, when worn, it's just about invisible. But for the user who's picking the Zon up and putting it on, they have the pleasure of interacting with something that, before it disappears behind their ear, does in fact resemble jewelry.





"We wanted to provide these people with an option that spoke to personal enhancement as well as style and sophistication," said Karten. "We also looked at lightweight architecture and automotive styling and items that humanized technology to make it more friendly. Our final design is a fusion between the human and the mechanical, both crisp and organic."



Kirley led a group of designers that explored form factors and researched colors, eventually selecting a high-gloss metallic paint to provide some bling; Schroeder was tasked with working with engineers to fit all of the components into the desired form, and to ensure the performance of the device matched the high level of the design. Throughout all of this, careful attention was paid to ergonomics to ensure the Zon would be comfortable, absent of the "hot spots" found in some other hearing aids.

We asked Karten if he thought the Zon and other devices like it would eventually gain the same level of acceptance as the two most commonly accepted forms of wearable technology--eyeglasses and wristwatches. "I do believe [hearing aids] will achieve this level of acceptance," he said, "for two key reasons: Ear-worn electronics, bluetooth headsets, are becoming commonplace and eliminating the perceived stigma. Secondly, the technology in the new and upcoming units are phenomenal and will make these products much easier to use and completely user transparent."

Designed for comfort, style, and overcoming resistance, the Zon will be available for sale this month (May of 2008).

More info: Stuart Karten Design Company Profile

More Bullitts From Stuart Karten Design:
Good Design 2004 Awards
GoWeld Portable Welder
Snap Saver

Date Posted: May 12, 2008
Views: