Opius gives Brainwave a little Pzizz

Product design group Opius has created a gadget designed to ‘relax and re-energise’ busy people through an electronic headset, which launches worldwide on 15 November.

Called Pzizz, the unit is a mini micro-processor computer featuring plug-in earphones. It enables the user to listen to a series of ’empowering’ spoken word and music programmes, lasting from ten minutes to an hour in length.

Opius joined the project in October 1999 on the strength of previous work with Pzizz owner Brainwave. It worked for a reduced fee in return for a share of the royalties, which ‘focused the mind’, according to Opius managing director Joss Newberry.

The consultancy created early design concepts to help Brainwave obtain funding, as well as sourcing electronics and manufacturing partners. ‘We were keen to get involved in the project early on as it is extremely satisfying to see [a job] through from start to finish,’ adds Newberry.

The Pzizz brand identity, which incorporates two ‘thought bubbles’, according to Newberry, was designed by Opius. The name and website are designed by advertising agency Apache Advertising.

The website, www.pzizz.com, goes live on 1 October and will sell Pzizz for around £250.