New Bang & Olufsen audio system knows what you want to listen to

Bang & Olufsen has worked with UX consultancy Tectonic to design an audio system which intuitively suggests songs to users who interact via a “MoodWheel” interface.

The BeoSound Moment product integrates cloud-based music services and digital music files from home networks.

Seattle-based Tectonic was engaged to create a “sophisticated and timeless” design language and created the MoodWheel for the system, which allows users to select a mood segment and then vary the familiarity of the music they hear by touching towards the centre for songs they know and around the edge to experience new songs.

Bang & Olufsen says the platform “learns users behaviors and adapts the listening experience”.

Tectonic worked with Bang & Olufsen industrial designers and engineers, who have integrated the interface into a product made of oak and aluminium.

Tectonic founder and principal Bill Flora says: “The design goal was to express the essence of Bang and Olufsen though software, and to find a solution that enables a new, modern music experience.

“We think true luxury is the ability to lean back and with a single touch create the right mood and atmosphere.”

Flora is a former Microsoft design director who worked on Microsoft’s Metro interface.