Bronze Digital and Electronic Device Design · 2025
Nostalx Speaker
by Yuqing Xiao, Menghai Xia and Siyu Zang
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Digital and Electronic Device Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Functional Form Flock Allies
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 49,959
- Verification code 97E6FEF517 · Verify this award
About Nostalx Speaker
Nostalx is a retro-style Bluetooth speaker that combines music playback with multi-band radio reception. The control system includes two knobs, three buttons and a multi-position switch. The left knob selects radio channels, while the right knob adjusts volume and turns the speaker off at the minimum setting. The multi-position switch moves between Bluetooth, FM, AM and SW modes. The shell can be made of colored plastic, wood or frosted acrylic. Nostalx replaces digital displays with tactile controls to create a sensory listening experience.
Within contemporary consumer electronics design, a notable tension exists between technological sophistication and emotional accessibility, a dialectic that Menghai Xia's Nostalx Speaker appears to navigate with considerable formal intelligence and thematic intentionality, positioning this portable audio device within evolving conversations about nostalgic design language, material culture, and the domestication of technology through approachable aesthetic strategies. The work demonstrates accomplished compositional control through its carefully calibrated chromatic palette, where soft rose-pink housing establishes a gentle, non-threatening presence that deliberately departs from the aggressive blacks, silvers, and industrial finishes dominating much consumer electronics design, instead embracing color territories traditionally associated with approachability, warmth, and arguably a democratization of technology beyond conventionally masculine-coded aesthetic frameworks, while the violet-purple display panel adorned with playful hand-drawn doodles and casual typography creates compelling visual contrast and textural complexity, this decorative surface treatment evoking the personalized, handcrafted quality of mixtape culture and adolescent bedroom aesthetics from pre-digital eras. The sculptural cassette tape element crowning the composition functions as both formal focal point and semiotic anchor, its three-dimensional presence in pale mint-aqua creating striking figure-ground contrast while simultaneously serving as explicit iconographic quotation of analog music media, this formal gesture suggesting design lineages connecting contemporary portable audio devices back through boom boxes, Walkmans, and transistor radios to establish continuity with earlier moments when personal music technology carried powerful associations of freedom, identity expression, and sonic autonomy. Technical execution demonstrates refined understanding of how form language communicates brand values and user relationships, the rounded corner radii and soft edge transitions throughout suggesting friendly tactility and inviting physical engagement, while the symmetrical placement of circular speaker elements flanking the central display establishes visual stability and intuitive functional legibility, small decorative rivets punctuating the surface adding rhythmic detail and suggesting either modular construction heritage or purely aesthetic reference to portable radio and luggage hardware from mid-century industrial design. The photographic presentation itself participates in meaning construction through its staging choices, the warm natural illumination creating gentle modeling that preserves color saturation while avoiding harsh drama, the shallow depth of field isolating the product against softly dissolved background elements where organic foliage provides complementary green notes and neutral architectural planes recede into luminous atmosphere, this controlled environmental suggestion positioning the speaker within domestic leisure contexts while maintaining clean commercial product photography conventions, and the presence of the human hand entering frame from upper right introduces crucial scale reference and narrative activation, fingers poised in gentle interaction suggesting the moment just before or during use, this gestural inclusion humanizing the technological object and proposing tactile, intimate engagement rather than distant admiration. What thematic territories might this design invitation explore regarding our evolving relationships with personal technology, the cultural meanings embedded in nostalgic formal languages, and the ways designed objects can carry emotional resonance while fulfilling contemporary functional requirements, and how do color, form, and decorative detail collaborate to position this speaker as both functional tool and expressive personal accessory within increasingly designed domestic landscapes?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Nostalx is a retro-style Bluetooth speaker that combines music playback with multi-band radio functionality, offering a sensory-rich experience through its tactile interface. Unlike typical digital devices, NostalX engages touch, sound, and sight, providing a more immersive and interactive listening experience. Its design encourages ritualistic physical interactions, allowing users to express their musical tastes and lifestyle in a world dominated by digital interfaces, making it truly stand out.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Weight: 537g
Length 200mm x Height 130mm x Thickness 53mm - Tags
- Speaker, Multi-band radio, Sensory interaction, Tactile design, Retro-style, Vintage aesthetics, User experience, Lifestyle product
- Production Technology
- Nostalx is a retro-style Bluetooth speaker with music playback and multi band radio functions. It features a radio component, audio speaker, rechargeable battery, and main circuit board. The control elements include two knobs, three buttons, and a multi-position push switch. The knobs are mechanically linked to the dashboard for synchronized rotation. Shell materials vary by design style, including colored plastic, wood, or frosted acrylic for a customizable appearance.
- Design Challenge
- The design of Nostalx faced challenges in integrating an interactive interface into its retro aesthetic, avoiding digital displays to enhance multi-sensory stimulation. Balancing visual appeal with technical feasibility required iterative redesigns, particularly in incorporating existing circuitry. The team worked closely with engineers to refine controls, ensuring both functionality and design cohesion. The result is an immersive, intuitive product that blends form, function, and user engagement seamlessly.
- Project Duration
- The project commenced in Savannah, Georgia in September 2023, the model was completed in Savannah by November 2023.
- Operation Flow
- Nostalx features a radio assembly, audio speaker, rechargeable battery, and a main circuit board. Its control system includes two knobs, three buttons, and a multi-position push switch for seamless use. The left knob adjusts radio channels, while the right controls volume, with a power off function at minimum. The buttons handle play/pause, fast forward, and rewind. The multi position switch toggles between Bluetooth, FM, AM, and SW, blending modern technology with a nostalgic user experience.
- Research
- In recent years, sales of physical music formats like vinyl and cds have surged, valued for their permanence and nostalgic appeal in a digital world. Our research shows over 45% of consumers are dissatisfied with streaming's lack of physical interaction, craving high quality sound and a multi sensory experience. Many now view music as an expression of personal taste, favoring retro designs that blend nostalgia with modernity. This shift highlights a growing demand for music players as lifestyle products, enhancing the music experience.
- Inspiration
- For music enthusiasts, streaming has diminished music's perceived value. Physical formats like vinyl are resurging due to nostalgia. Consumers now desire tangible experiences, valuing the permanence of physical objects that evoke safety in a digital world. They crave high-quality sound and sensory-rich products that reflect their tastes and lifestyles. This project transforms the music player from a functional tool to a lifestyle product, blending vintage sensory appeal with modern convenience.
- Image Credits
- Pic 1 Designer Yuqing Xiao, NostalX model rendering, 2023
Pic 2 Designer Yuqing Xiao, NostalX interface introduction and model photography, 2023
Pic 3 Designer Yuqing Xiao, Explode view image of NostalX and model photography, 2023
Pic 4 Designer Yuqing Xiao, NostalX prototype model photography, 2023
Pic 5 Designer Yuqing Xiao, Multiple CMF choices of NostalX, 2023
Colors of Nostalx Speaker
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G0E3 ShopDesign Interview about Nostalx Speaker
My design principle is to balance the emotional and functional value of a product. During the research phase, I studied the history of music storage and playback products and found that the emotional value of music storage products—especially vinyl records—has far exceeded their functional value in users’ minds. This led me to explore how music playback products could enhance their emotional appeal.
NostalX draws heavily from retro aesthetics, striving to convey a nostalgic atmosphere through its form, color palette, materials, and interaction style. I wanted it to be a product that blends aesthetics with functionality—an expression of personal taste and identity. Simply put, I wanted it to be the kind of object that catches your friends' attention the moment they visit your home, making them say, “Wow, this is so cool—I want one too!”
We conducted extensive user research in the early stages of design and gathered consumer feedback after the concept was completed. The design has been well-received and highly anticipated. I sincerely hope to bring it to music lovers someday in the future.
It took about two months from concept development to building the full-scale prototype.
This project stemmed from my personal interest in music. I’m passionate about listening to music and collecting related products. Through in-depth user research and historical analysis, I identified a unique design opportunity and created NostalX.
It’s an honor to receive this award. As for production plans, we are still in the process of discussion and consideration.
My sensitivity to market trends and understanding of various interest-based communities inspired this project.
It’s hard to name one specific designer, but I’d say my work is significantly influenced by the Bauhaus design philosophy.
Music lovers with refined taste, who are willing to invest time and money in music-related collectibles and products.
While most modern electronics shift toward touchscreen interfaces, NostalX goes in the opposite direction. It emphasizes physical interaction—knobs, dials, and tactile feedback—which brings a sense of security and satisfaction in our fast-paced digital world.
As the name suggests, “NostalX” comes from “nostalgia.” The “X” hints at the diversity of its color and CMF (color, material, finish) configurations.
I primarily used Rhino for 3D modeling and KeyShot for rendering.
NostalX completely abandons digital displays and interactions, opting instead for engaging tactile and visual experiences. The interactive elements—like knobs and buttons—are seamlessly integrated into the design language, embodying both functional and aesthetic value.
I was fortunate to collaborate with teammates from FFBA who supported me during concept exploration and prototyping. I also received valuable input on circuit design from a friend with electrical engineering knowledge.
Based on initial concept sketches, we carefully redesigned the circuitry and interaction layout when creating the full-scale functional prototype. This ensured the internal components supported functionality while remaining visually harmonious with the overall form.
Yes, our design was informed by both user research and historical research. We reviewed academic papers and historical documentation, and collected qualitative data via surveys and one-on-one interviews to gain insights into user needs and market trends.
The most challenging part was building a 1:1 prototype that met both aesthetic and functional expectations. But completing it brought an immense sense of accomplishment.
As a designer, I’m eager to participate in competitions to test and improve my skills. A' Design Award is one of the most prestigious platforms in the field, which made it an ideal choice.
This project sharpened my skills in historical research and prototyping. It also broadened my design language, enabling me to work more confidently across different visual styles.
As an industrial designer, I’m excited to see the resurgence of interest in physical products driven by the retro trend. I’m honored that my design has been recognized by industry experts and appreciated by its intended audience. I hope NostalX can make its way into people’s lives in the near future.
Grand Interview about Nostalx Speaker
Before diving into concept development, we conducted in-depth research on the internal circuitry and user interface of Bluetooth speakers to define the design boundaries of the project: What could be changed, and what couldn’t be compromised?In parallel, we explored a wide range of retro-inspired industrial designs through museum visits and online archives. We also studied trend reports to better understand the cultural and psychological reasons behind the resurgence of vintage aesthetics. This research laid a solid foundation for our later form exploration.Following this fast yet thorough research process, we moved into the concept design phase. We sketched extensively, then gradually filtered out options that were incompatible with the engineering requirements, focusing on refining the most promising directions. For us, appearance and engineering are not treated separately—they must be developed in tandem from day one. A good product is where design and function meet seamlessly.
As part of our early research, we studied the evolution of music storage and playback technologies—from phonograph cylinders to lossless digital formats like WAV, and from gramophones to modern streaming platforms. The trajectory of innovation had long favored smaller, faster, and more accessible formats. Convenience was king.But in recent years, an unexpected shift has emerged: the resurgence of vinyl records. Despite being bulky, fragile, and acoustically imperfect, vinyl has regained popularity. This reversal fascinated us. It revealed that users are no longer solely prioritizing efficiency—instead, they are seeking emotional resonance and the tactile comfort that only physical objects can offer.This insight sparked a key question for our team: could a similar shift happen in music playback devices? Could we bring emotional value back to audio hardware?NostalX was born from this line of thinking. We wanted to explore how interaction itself could become part of the emotional experience. That’s why we deliberately chose to design with tactile controls—not just as a nod to the past, but as a way to invite users to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy music with intention.
The visual design of NostalX was heavily inspired by one of the most iconic music storage formats in history: the cassette tape. Its introduction marked a major shift—people could finally access high-quality music anytime, anywhere. That era also gave birth to some of the most beloved industrial designs of all time. I mean, who didn’t love the Walkman? (laughs)By incorporating instantly recognizable visual cues from that period, NostalX taps into a shared sense of nostalgia and emotional safety. At the same time, its unique interactive interface offers something fresh and unexpected. That’s the experience we aimed to create—a product that feels both familiar and exciting, grounded in memory but designed for the present.
maintaining the product's cohesive aesthetic?As industrial designers, it’s easy for us to get carried away with beautiful renderings and forget that a product only creates real value once it reaches the user's hands. In this project, the most challenging part was balancing the interface design with the hardware layout—creating a prototype that was both functional and true to the intended aesthetic.At times, it felt like a constant tug-of-war between design and engineering. We wanted a button placed in a specific position for the best user experience, but the circuit board simply wouldn’t fit. So what do you do? You negotiate, you iterate—and sometimes, you break a few components along the way (laughs).Thankfully, we had support from some great engineers during this phase. After several rounds of trial and error, the final prototype turned out to be incredibly satisfying. Everyone who has held it in their hands asks the same question: “When can I buy one?”
This part of the project was particularly challenging. We spent a significant amount of time calculating the relationship between the rotation angles of the knobs and the corresponding movement on the dashboard display. Using CAD software, we simulated the motion and fabricated test parts using laser cutting and 3D printing to validate the mechanism.Although we encountered some issues during the final assembly—something that’s almost inevitable in physical prototyping—the result turned out very well. The mechanical response was smooth, accurate, and visually satisfying. Seeing the components move in harmony after so much iteration was incredibly rewarding.
As industrial designers, we’ve always been fascinated by CMF design. Different materials evoke different emotional responses, and we believe that a product’s surface treatment can communicate just as much as its form.During the research phase, we curated a mood board of vintage products to guide the material direction. We also explored a wide range of possibilities through rendering experiments, visualizing how various textures, colors, and finishes could shape the personality of the speaker. While time constraints meant we could only prototype one CMF variation with high feasibility, the renderings allowed us to communicate a broader vision for the product line.One detail we especially enjoyed was naming each CMF direction after a famous music genre—like “House,” “Synthwave,” or “Rock & Roll.” It added a layer of narrative and made it easier for music lovers to choose a version of NostalX that reflected their personal taste and style. After all, music and design are both deeply emotional, and we wanted NostalX to celebrate that connection.
In a world where everything is optimized for speed and convenience, we’ve observed a growing counter-movement among consumers—especially in the realm of music. People aren’t just looking to play music quickly; they’re seeking moments of pause, presence, and personal connection. They miss the ritual.NostalX was our response to that shift. We wanted to bring back the small but meaningful physical gestures that once made listening to music a richer experience—turning a knob, pressing a button, waiting for the sound to warm up. These actions may seem minor, but they invite users to slow down and engage more deeply. They create a rhythm between the person and the product.
Savannah, Georgia is a city known for its slow pace, rich history, and unmistakable Southern charm. Living and designing there—far from the fast-paced energy of tech-driven cities—naturally inspired us to infuse more warmth and emotional depth into our work.One of the most vibrant cultural moments in Savannah is the annual Jazz Festival, which fills the streets with music and celebration. Even on ordinary nights, you can walk into a karaoke bar and be surprised by an incredible live performance. In fact, some of the CMF directions for NostalX were directly inspired by those experiences—the colors, the textures, the mood of music echoing through the city.
The emotional power of music doesn’t come solely from portability, affordability, or even sound quality. The resurgence of vinyl has already proven that. We believe the future of audio device design will move beyond minimalism and pure functionality. As consumers become more emotionally attuned and design-literate, they are seeking products that offer not just convenience, but also character, texture, and a sense of connection.With NostalX, we explored how physical interaction, rich sensory engagement, and emotional storytelling can coexist with modern technology. We hope this approach inspires future designers to rethink what “innovation” truly means—not just smarter features or slimmer forms, but deeper, more meaningful, and memorable experiences.
We believe what resonated most with the jury was NostalX’s ability to bridge modern technology with a deeply human, emotionally rich user experience. Rather than treating innovation as a pursuit of more features or digital complexity, we focused on redefining how people feel when they interact with an audio device. From the tactile controls to the nostalgic form language and curated material choices, every detail was designed to evoke memory, warmth, and presence.We think the jury recognized that innovation doesn’t always mean futuristic aesthetics or cutting-edge tech. Sometimes, true innovation lies in reintroducing forgotten values—slowness, tangibility, and emotional connection—back into everyday experiences. That’s the kind of user-centered design we strive to create.