Radio Canada
January 27th, 2010
Design: Science & Sons
Manufacture: prototype
Date: 2010
Photo: Science & Sons
This little prototype attracted a lot of attention at IDS10 last week. Obviously inspired by the CBC’s iconic logo, Radio Canada also pays homage to the national broadcaster’s dedicated listening audience. With a tuner hidden on the bottom of the radio, users can preset their local CBC stations. Once programmed, the radio’s oversized toggle switch flips between Radio One and Radio Two – because what else do you need? (Actually, the radio is compatible with your MP3 player too, so it can also play those Radio 3 podcasts you downloaded.) Appropriately, the case itself is constructed from maple and aluminum, which are both local and loaded with national narrative.
Conceived from the ground up to cater to a niche audience, this design is a direct challenge to the prevailing trend of mass-appeal-products. However, it’s hardly alone in this approach as even major manufacturers are creating locally tailored products (Nike, T-Fal, etc.) and targeting small, but fervent markets (think pre-iPod Apple and hybrid cars). In this light, it will be interesting to see if and how this design is translated for production.
-Michael Erdmann
Entry Filed under: Electronics, Housewares, Miscellaneous
24 Comments Add your own
1. John Ryan | January 27th, 2010 at 12:16
I love the way it flips onto its back. Can’t tell from the photo, but it would certainly make sense if it switched into alarm clock mode when ‘reclining’.
2. Jonathan | January 27th, 2010 at 12:58
I would actually buy one of these. Make it happen internets!
3. Cas | January 27th, 2010 at 14:13
I LOVE this! If it were available right now I would buy 10! As a CBC aficionado, and knowing many more, this is the PERFECT gift (birthday, christmas, etc). I agree with the alarm clock addition – would adore if this was the way my CBC was played to me in the am vs. the current piece of black plastic that currently sits on my night table. Fantastic work!
4. Zahra | January 27th, 2010 at 14:19
I’d love one, but it should be able to play Radio One, Radio Two, la Première Chaîne and Espace musique. Then it may be worth the price to buy one :)
5. Lindsay | January 27th, 2010 at 17:19
I will buy one! I’m assuming it’s a full AM/ FM radio, too.
6. aaron | January 27th, 2010 at 20:42
I’d buy one too. Does it require batteries as well?
7. Julia Breckenreid | January 27th, 2010 at 22:15
I WANT IT! I love it.
8. Rich | January 28th, 2010 at 06:38
Sign me up. I want one too. I love the maple/aluminum case.
9. Dave | January 28th, 2010 at 07:16
I will buy one so long as I don’t have to listen to the CBC!
10. jonathan derouchie | January 28th, 2010 at 08:16
awesome! i need one for my office!
11. Brad Quarrie | January 28th, 2010 at 10:27
It’s nice enough. But get rid of the CBC logo on the speaker grille, and it’s a Tivoli rip-off!
12. Jones | January 28th, 2010 at 10:41
Very, very cute; I’d buy it in a heart beat.
13. Careygrrl | January 28th, 2010 at 13:16
@Brad Quarrie: so what you’re saying is it matches your extant Tivoli components perfectly…all the better
14. Joshua K. | January 28th, 2010 at 14:19
Yeah, how do I get my hands on one of these?
15. smartygirl | January 28th, 2010 at 18:26
brilliant!!
16. uberVU - social comments&hellip | January 28th, 2010 at 21:53
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by almendili: Radio Canada: http://bit.ly/d8gpKs...
17. concretematt | January 29th, 2010 at 06:51
very handsome, I don’t need a little radio but this design really makes me want to buy that one.
18. kristyn | January 29th, 2010 at 22:41
Covet.
It’s just right. ALthough there are some great online stations for cbc3…. ?
19. KDS | February 2nd, 2010 at 15:47
Love love love this. It might just be because of the upcoming Olympic games, but lately it seems like Canadians are a lot more proud to be quirky Canadians.
I’d buy one of these in a second. I’d bet money that Douglas Coupland would buy 20.
20. Thom | February 3rd, 2010 at 14:37
Make it happen, CBC. Spend our money well!
21. Jenn | February 8th, 2010 at 22:08
Oh freaking heck yes!
So where do I sign up to be the product tester?
22. David Gick | February 19th, 2010 at 14:35
I must have one.
23. bork | February 25th, 2010 at 12:18
Really?
I love the CBC too, but this design seems creepy to me.
It makes me think of North Korean radios, which are (like this) wired so that they can only tune in the state broadcaster.
Not where I’d want to be getting my design inspiration.
24. CDR3 | February 26th, 2010 at 13:24
Yeah Bork!
It’s not as heavy as you make it out to be. The radio can tune in any station… it’s just styled for the CBC fans – stripped down to the essentials.
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