headset with integrated digital screens displays the playlist, lyrics and your music taste

broadcast your mood through your headphones.

christina petridou June 22, 2023 3 min

FUTUREAHEAD Headset’s digital screens visualize user’s mood

Industrial designer Olga Orel takes the classic headphones to a new level with the FUTUREAHEAD headset. With a nostalgic retro aesthetic, this audio tool features digital screens on its outer shells, displaying the playlist and relevant information about the songs the users are jamming to. Integrated into the design, the square metal cans animate abstract clips that synchronize with the rhythm of the music, reflect the genre of the playlist, or even depict the song lyrics, showcasing the user’s mood and taste to the world.

Over the last decades, headphones have evolved from clunky audio gear to sleek, lightweight cans that deliver an authentic audio experience. Now, with a focus on achieving an optimal ergonomic fit, incorporating advanced audio technology, and seamless device interaction, the designer aims to elevate the listening experience to new heights. ‘My design task was to combine the retro look with modern technology, and at the same time, it was important to emphasize the functionality of the headphones. ’Future Nostalgia’ as a visual style became a source of inspiration for this project,’ shares the designer.

headsets with integrated digital screens display the playlist, lyrics and your music taste — all images by Olga Orel

broadcast your mood on your headphones

Once the user puts on the headphones, the screens automatically turn on. Through the app, users have full control over their display preferences, allowing them to show off their music tastes to those around them. When the music begins, the headphone screens display dynamic visualizations that synchronize seamlessly with the rhythm and beats, creating elevated music enjoyment.

Designed by Olga Orel (see more here) with user comfort in mind, this headset features an adjustable headband that guarantees a comfortable fit. The leather pads, attached to the headphones with magnets, ensure a comfortable experience for users, even during extended periods of use. Additionally, if the pads experience wear and tear, they can be easily replaced. On the right side of the headband, a placed button allows users to toggle the screens on and off at any moment for battery saving.