Tilt Radio

An experimental project that aims to reintroduce the now obsolete radio through the exploration of new paradigms of interactions.

The Tilt Radio is a fully-functional radio inspired by the Weeble toy. As the radio wobbles, it randomly shuffles various radio stations available, and selects one station when standing still.

  • 4 weeks

  • Arduino, Soldering, SolidWorks, FDM Printer, IdeaMaker, Concrete Mold, Milling Machine

  • ID, Physical Computing, Rapid Prototyping, User testing, Human Factors, and Ergonomics

Charging on the Platform

Pick up the radio to turn it on

Twist to turn up the volume

Tilt to shuffle the stations

Tilt Radio

The Tilt Radio is a fully-functional radio inspired by the Weeble toy. As the radio wobbles, it randomly shuffles various radio stations available, and selects one station when standing still.

This playful radio elicits constant engagement from the user for them to find the right station for them, and encourages exploration and delayed gratification.

Fully Functional Prototype

11 different parts. The pieces are held together with screws and thread inserts melted into the plastic allowing for simple construction and deconstruction. We experimented with using stainless steel metal-filled PLA for its metallic finish and weight.

CMF Exploration

How might randomness be communicated through CMF? These CMF explorations done on Keyshot aim to leverage color and material to evoke playfulness and randomness.

Form Inspiration: Simple but Complex

They are simple, but complex. I was inspired by the surface treatment and how some of these products embody details that convey sound.

Concept 01: Finger Grooves

There is something pleasing about running our fingers through detents that reflect the size of our fingers.

This concept arose when taking a look at current interaction methods with radios. I wanted to translate the interactions to tangible motions with finger grooves.

Fabricating the Finger Grooves

The Finger Groove prototype was fabricated using the Milling Machine. Through fabrication, I was able to confirm aspects of my concept that I had in my drawings. Although the tactile experience resonated with me greatly, I decided to pivot because the concept didn’t challenge current paradigms of interactions enough. It was satisfying to touch, but didn’t elicit new behavior.

Concept 02: Material Exploration

The material we choose to use greatly affects the form, interaction, and perception.

This concept arose from the material qualities of concrete. I waned to recreate the effects of rain on sidewalks and how it slowly dries overtime. The user would use a stylus to “paint” on a concrete slab using water, connecting different pins with water to change radio stations.

Concept Re-evaluation

Before moving forward, I took a step back to see the project again under a new light. I did further research into the history of radios and its significance today.

The radio has always been about communication. The various channels are a reflection of our culture, where the content various from region to region.

When thinking about how we currently use the radio, we all have our go-to stations. There is no aspect of new discovery or play with this product. I wanted to use this project as a vessel to encourage people to step out of their comfort zone to find new content.

Final Concept 03: Weeble (Tilt) Radio

With a new design goal in mind, and after further research, I chose to pursue the concept of a Weeble Radio. I was drawn to the Weeble because of its playful and unexpected movement. It is delightful to interact with.

The fully enclosed product would come with a charging base, and the form would rotate to control the volume. A simple tap would shuffle the radio stations, choosing one when stopped.

Proportions Matter

The form allows function. It needs to carry a round base in order to weeble.

Through orthographic drawings, I explored proportions, rate of curve (“eggness” to “pill”), and the relationship between the product to its base.

Arduino Prototyping

While working on the form, I began to collect sensors necessary to achieve the interaction for my concept. After finalizing the hardware components, I soldered the compact PCB (to the right) that is easy to work with the final functional prototype.

Tilt Sensor & Radio (Final Prototype)

I purchased a tilt sensor, which turns “on” when tilted at an angle greater than 15 degrees. This way, as the radio weebles, it can shuffle radio stations.

Blue Print Sketches

Before jumping into CAD, I used drawing as a tool figure out how all the components would fit inside the radio. This was necessary to reduce troubleshooting in CAD.

First Print and Assembly

With the blue print sketches finished, I 3D printed the first assembly to test our tolerances and feasibility of the weeble mechanics. After the assembly, I realized that I needed to re-engineer the placement of the components and add more weight to the base of the radio. The center of mass needed to be placed lower in the form.

Watch the assembly video here.

Form Iteration

The newly engineered radio has a lower center of mass by placing the PCB lower into the form. This meant the potentiometer would be placed at the top of the radio. Therefore, I explored ways to treat the parting line.

Final Assembly

The metal-filled PLA came off the printer with print lines that needed to be sanded down. Ranging from 60 – 500 grit wet sanding, I was able to achieve the shiny metallic look after polishing the print with a wood stain. In order to add more weight and lower the center of mass, I created a cavity at the base of the radio and filled it with steel shots.