Courage and perseverance are necessary to embark on a path that has never been traveled before. In order to create the first “open type” wireless earbuds for the Galaxy range, Galaxy Buds Live designers undertook in-depth analysis and extensive testing to achieve a superior level of comfort. But how was the development process of an unprecedented headset?

Step 1: Finding a new form factor

The new Galaxy Buds Live are designed for those who want to enjoy a wide range of sounds. While the Galaxy Buds+ (previously released) were 'canal-type' earphones, for those seeking immersive experiences, the Galaxy Buds Live are open-type earphones that can be worn comfortably for a long time, and are therefore ideal. for users who listen to music, watch videos or make phone calls throughout the day. Tommy Choi, one of the designers explains: “Unlike canal-type earphones, which can be uncomfortable for some when worn for longer hours, open-type earphones are placed outside, which facilitates air circulation and offers better comfort. more comfortable use. We created the current design to satisfy a large number of users and differentiate our headphones with a form factor that is unique in the market.”

Step 2: Adjust for maximum comfort

If the headphones are uncomfortable, even if they perform well, users will not want to use them. So with Galaxy Buds Live a lot of effort was put into making them as comfortable as possible. “During development, 80 RP (Rapid Prototyping) headsets were developed to test the size, shape and specifications of the product. We prepared a lot of RPs as even the slightest difference in shape could lead to big changes in your comfort,” explains designer Youngsang Jang.

The human ear offers a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so finding a fit that works for everyone is a big challenge. For this reason, the Galaxy Buds Live underwent different tests to ensure a comfortable fit for all types of people, regardless of the shape and size of their ears. Designer Joonha Kim elaborated on the testing process, “In the beginning, people wore the headphones for a short period of time and provided feedback on various points. We knew we couldn't meet every need, but we developed the design to meet as many people as possible. We then ran tests where individuals wore the earphones for a longer period and tested them with a lot of movement to refine the shape for a comfortable earphone.”

“Setting the comfort standard was the hardest part,” adds Choi, who also worked on the tests. “When eight out of 10 people said that the headphones were comfortable, and only two that they were not, we had to make sure that we made modifications to satisfy these two people without compromising the satisfaction of the rest. In order to make a comfortable product for as many users as possible, we tested them with almost 2,000 people.”

Step 3: Fancy Square Case for “Jewel-Type” Headphones

Galaxy Buds Live, the first open-type Galaxy wireless earbuds, also come with a revolutionary case design. The Galaxy Buds+ case was oval in shape, but the Galaxy Buds Live case is square with rounded edges. Youngsang Jang explains the reason for the change: “Based on the idea that the earphones would almost look like jewelry, we designed the case as a square, to make it look like a jewelry box. The size and shape were defined to allow the case to fit easily into pockets or be held in the hand, with enough room for the battery, which provides up to 21 hours of listening time when fully charged.”

The space that extends between the top and bottom halves on the sides of the box is also a new feature that makes it easier to open. “The space adds more convenience when opening the case and also makes it easier to put outer covers on the headphone case,” explains designer Sangok Sohn. “When applying outer covers to previous versions of Samsung earphones, double-sided tape had to be used to secure the cover to the case, often leaving stains on the case itself. However, by adding the space that extends around the box you can fit the covers more easily and eliminate the need for tape.”

“When designing the product, we thought carefully about all stages of use for users, from the moment they first see the product, to when they open the case and use the earphones, to when they put them back in the case to charge them,” says Choi. “We also thought about how the earbuds would look while in the case and how much should they stick out, and at what angle, to allow users to easily pull them out.”

Step 4: Beautiful Colors and Eco-Friendly Materials

Galaxy Buds Live come in different colors (Mystic Bronze, Mystic White, and Mystic Black), which are designed to match the five new products that were introduced at Unpacked on August 5. “The colors were selected so that Galaxy Buds Live are part of the same family as other Galaxy devices,” explains designer Mingyeong Jang, who was in charge of the CMF (Colour, Material and Finish) design for Galaxy Buds Live. "Although the smartphones and the Galaxy Buds Live are not made from the same materials, we adapted the design so that they both show similar colors and textures."

Extensive testing to optimize usability and for the earphones and case to complement each other was essential during the CMF design process. “When I first saw the shiny RPs, they seemed very luxurious to me, and the case that looked like a jewelry box reaffirmed this feeling,” said Mingyeong Jang. "Therefore, we designed the Galaxy Buds Live to be brighter after analyzing a wide range of user preferences."

Galaxy Buds Live are also innovative with regard to the materials that they are made of. According to Jang, “In an effort to reduce the environmental impact caused by plastic waste, the new Galaxy Buds Live are made with 20% post-consumer recycled materials (PCM). I hope we will see similar ecological changes in other areas as well,” he concluded.

During the design process for an entirely new wireless earbud, Galaxy Buds Live designers delved into the study of the human ear. Designer Yongseok Bang explains: “The form factor of the Galaxy Buds Live is unique and allows users to enjoy the benefits of open-type and canal earbuds. We will continue to learn about the human ear and improve our knowledge and skills to create a design that can satisfy a large number of people.”