Eureka – Isabell Kaletka

EUREKA

FIELD INTERFACE DESIGN

ROLE RESEARCH, CONCEPT, IDEATION, PRODUCT DESIGN

COLLABORATOR XIN ZHANG, XIAOLE LI & ME

DURATION TWO MONTHS

LOCATION & YEAR SCHWÄBISCH GMÜND, 2024

Eureka is an innovative audio interface that makes podcast production accessible to beginners. By combining advanced technology with intuitive operation, Eureka enables users to effortlessly create and edit high-quality audio recordings without the need for complex equipment or prior technical knowledge.

Problem

Podcasting has become more accessible, but the production process can still be a major barrier for beginners. Eureka addresses three key problems that often make podcast production feel unnecessarily difficult: technical complexity, time-consuming workflows, and overwhelming editing tools. Traditional software often requires extensive technical knowledge and involves multiple manual steps, taking time away from the creative process and making it harder for beginners to get started.

For whom is Erueka made?

Eureka is aimed at people who are interested in creating their own audio content and want to turn personal interests and ideas into engaging podcast formats. The audience ranges from first-time creators exploring podcasting for the first time to curious early adopters who enjoy experimenting with new digital tools. Typical interests include lifestyle, culture, and travel, with a shared motivation to create polished audio content without having to become audio-production experts first.

The interface

The following interface screens support the user before, during, and after recording audio. The home screen provides access to three main sections: Recording, Files, and Settings. Within the Recording section, users can choose from a set of AI-powered templates. These templates streamline the editing workflow by automatically removing filler words, normalizing volume levels, and applying other time-saving enhancements that support the creative process. Users navigate the interface by turning the physical dial. To select an option, they press and hold the dial until the selection is confirmed.

Interactions

Eureka is designed around direct, physical interaction to make recording and editing feel simple and accessible. Users control the device through a rotary dial, slider, touch bar, and clearly positioned buttons, allowing them to navigate functions, select audio segments, adjust playback, and make edits without relying on complex software. The flexible wireless microphone supports spontaneous recording in different environments, while AI-assisted actions reduce repetitive editing tasks. Together, these interactions create a focused and approachable workflow for users with little or no podcast-production experience.

Physical Form

The ‘Eureka’ podcast player is designed to feel natural to hold and operate in everyday situations. Its compact, lightweight form fits easily into any bag or hand luggage, while clearly arranged physical controls and a rotatable dial provide immediate tactile feedback.

Function Map

Prototype

A fully functional prototype was created using Arduino, Plexiglas and 3D printing, with a clear focus on audio editing capabilities. The prototype enables users to test essential editing processes in real time. ProtoPie was used to simulate haptic interactions such as cutting audio segments and starting recordings.

Process & Thoughts

With Eureka, I found it particularly exciting to explore how interaction can extend beyond traditional screen interfaces. While solutions for podcast production typically exist in purely digital software environments like DAWs, it was enriching to investigate how a physical, tactile interface can create a new level of intentionality and focus during recording and editing.

In this context, it was both challenging and thrilling to design a device that conveys information primarily through form, controls, and haptic feedback, rather than through displays or LEDs. It was also my first engagement with industrial design, which showed me how physical products can enable thoughtful and meaningful user experiences.

isabell.kaletka@icloud.com
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