Most smart speakers only allow users to digitally disable microphones.
POP envisions a smart speaker that puts privacy in the users' hands.
Context
Studies from Edison Research and NPR show that one of the top 3 reasons users don't use smart speakers is due to privacy concerns. Even 51% of smart speaker owners are bothered by the fact that the device is always listening.
Process
I've had the idea of a privacy focussed smart speaker for a while. Initial ideas focussed on a physically removable microphone that the user could detach, but this felt a little too fussy. I wanted to design a privacy focussed smart speaker that included some compelling user interaction.
Pop puts the control in your hands.
Twist to 'pop' the microphones up. When you want privacy, twist to shield the microphones, both muffling and physically disconnecting them.
With the mic array popped, Pop works like a regular smart assistant.
With the mic array muffled, Pop becomes a smart speaker while still offering glanceable info.
