Beoremote Halo - Redesign for next-gen music controller
Review, redesign, and prototype a next-generation music controller that blends physical interaction with ambient intelligence—rooted in Bang & Olufsen’s design values.
CLIENT:
Bang & Olufsen
ROLE:
UX Research, UX Design
TECHNOLOGIES USED:
Blender, Photoshop, Figma
Problem
As part of a design exercise, I was asked to review the current Beoremote Halo experience and explore opportunities for redesign or added functionality. The goal was to create a next-generation music controller that enhances intuitive use, aligns with Bang & Olufsen’s values of Luxury, Timeless, Technology, and feels elegant, delightful, and seamlessly integrated into the home.
Reseach
The project began with a review of online forums, product reviews, and user videos to identify real-world pain points and expectations. Three user personas were developed, representing a range of needs—from the design-conscious aesthete to the tech-savvy early adopter and the audiophile purist. Each persona's journey highlighted core frustrations: reliance on the screen, lack of tactile shortcuts, and limited feedback during interaction. The research was further informed by principles of embodied interaction and spatial UX—drawing inspiration from how users engage with objects through proximity and touch.
Solution
The redesigned concept introduced three core improvements:
– Tactile tap zones at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock on the volume ring for play/pause and track navigation, with subtle haptic feedback to support eyes-free use
– A radial UI layout that matches the Halo’s circular form, improving at-a-glance clarity and enabling seamless navigation
– A proximity-aware interface that shifts from passive status display to full control depending on the user’s distance
Together, these features preserved the Halo’s sculptural integrity while unlocking more intuitive and engaging interactions. The result was a refined interface concept rooted in B&O’s design ethos: Luxury, Timeless, Technology.
Process
The process began with a critical review of the existing Beoremote Halo to identify its strengths, weaknesses, and design potential. By analyzing its current interaction model, form factor, and user context, I mapped out what already works well—and where the experience could be improved or expanded. This initial analysis laid the foundation for further user research and conceptual development.
Current Beoremote Halo
Personas
To inform the design process, I began by gathering user feedback from online forums, product reviews, and user videos. Key insights were synthesized into a visual table summarizing patterns, pain points, and recurring themes. Based on this analysis, I developed three user personas to represent distinct needs, motivations, and interaction contexts.
Each persona was mapped out in a user journey, highlighting emotional peaks, frustrations, and moments of uncertainty. These journeys revealed key design opportunities—particularly around tactile shortcuts, screen navigation, and confidence in interaction—which directly informed the redesign strategy.
Insights from the personas revealed recurring needs around tactile control, clarity, and elegance. These patterns shaped the core design responses and highlighted where the current experience could be simplified, elevated, or reimagined.
Functional and non-functional requirements were defined based on user needs and design goals. Each was prioritized by impact and feasibility, ensuring focus on what mattered most to the experience.
Design
This project was an opportunity to explore how subtle, tactile interaction can elevate everyday experiences—especially within a product as sculptural and intentional as the Beoremote Halo.
By grounding the concept in real user needs and B&O’s core values, the redesign focused on creating an experience that feels intuitive, elegant, and quietly intelligent.
While the concept remains speculative, the process strengthened my belief in designing through empathy, iteration, and attention to detail—qualities I bring into every design challenge.
