Px7 & Px8 Headphones
Client
Bowers & Wilkins
Year
2022
Type of Work
Design development
Ergonomics
CMF development
Design for manufacture
This project was a lock-down labour of love… from the concept development, detailed design and ergonomic/anthropometric analysis through to material selection, manufacturing refinement and trend/colour analysis.
The results are extraordinary: the finest sounding, most comfortable headphones you’re likely to experience. Our task was to create new interest and energy for B&W’s headphones. In doing so, the headphones have surpassed all sales expectations and won both iF and Red Dot design awards. We are extremely proud to have developed these prestigious headphones with B&W.
The Px8 headphones take a no-expense spared approach to improving the acoustics and the construction materials. Using die-cast aluminium arms, they are incredibly solid whilst remaining light. And the finest Napa leather headband and ear cup cushions are soft, light and luxurious.
The Px8s were originally offered in a black and a tan leather. The range has since extended to include alternative colours as well as special editions for James Bond amongst others.
Px7S2 (and the new S2e) are the entry-level models, finished in a hard-wearing ballistic nylon. Originally offered in three colours, we have since extended the colours in the range when B&W updated the internal technology.
Choosing colours is not a simple process – it goes beyond seasonal fashion trends because people’s appreciation of (and desire for) a colour is also influenced by socio-economic landscape. Predicting colours two years in advance is part of the art of CMF design…
Whilst acoustic performance is critical for B&W, for headphones comfort is equally important. During the design process we were acutely aware that people may be wearing the headphones for extended periods; the headphones need to be ergonomically designed for a broad range of head sizes. Beyond weight reduction and cushion construction, we carefully analysed the effects of head size on arm shape/extension and headband curvature/flex. The result is one of the most comfortable headphones available today.