Stereo Headphones

Behind the design

Peek into the KiwiCo product design studio and the design process behind the Eureka Crate Stereo Headphones.

1. Ideate and Improve

   1. A big part of design process is coming up with lots of different designs, and then testing them out to see what works and what doesn't. These prototype headphones, for example, were all plastic and metal. We liked their simple profile and sound quality, but we decided they didn't look maker-y enough. That's why the final design features wood materials too.
2. Headband Materials

   1. We tried a few different materials for the headband, like wood, plastic, and even a metal ruler. But after testing them all out, we decided to go with spring steel. Spring steel is heat treated to maintain its springiness and electroplated for a shiny finish. The comfort and resilience you get from it actually makes spring steel the industry standard for headbands.
3. Extra Personality

   1. One reason the wood back panels are big and flat is for sound quality — another is so you can put your own art on them! Flip the panels around to add drawings, stickers, or anything you want. Of course, it's fine to rep Eureka Crate with the included art too.
4. Meet Sven!

   1. Sven the mannequin was one of our key testers for headphone sizing. We didn't intend to give it a name, but when one of the designers put a moustache on it, "Sven" instantly came to mind. Why Sven? It just fit! Like your headphones (hopefully) fit your head.