tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device

the circular form allows users to spin the circular wheel to match beats, scroll, and click to adjust EQ or FX, simulating the intuitive gestures of professional DJ equipment in a simplified, portable format.

Chaewon Lee edited by christina vergopoulou November 8, 2025 3 min

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller redefines portable music mixing

Tuno, conceived by Chaewon Lee, is a compact DJ controller designed to integrate music mixing into everyday life. Shaped as a ring-like device, it condenses the essential gestures of DJing, beat matching, EQ adjustment, and effects control into a single, tactile interface that fits in the palm of the hand.

The circular form allows users to spin the circular wheel to match beats, scroll, and click to adjust EQ or FX, simulating the intuitive gestures of professional DJ equipment in a simplified, portable format. Its interaction system was developed through research on DJs’ hand movements, translating the dynamic actions of mixing into a 360-degree control experience.

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device - 1 — Tuno fits right in your hand, turning DJing into an intuitive, portable experience | all images by normal.scape

tuno Reframes Music Making Through Compact, Wearable Design

Built-in earbuds enable on-the-go track preview and mixing, allowing users to create and blend sounds anywhere. Supported by the Samsung Design Membership program, the project included the development of a physical prototype used to refine ergonomics, balance, and usability.

Through Tuno, designer Chaewon Lee explores how performance-oriented tools can evolve into accessible, personal devices. By miniaturizing traditional DJ hardware into a ring-shaped form, the project reimagines the relationship between music, technology, and everyday interaction.

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device - 2 — familiar to CDJ users, Tuno is instantly intuitive, offering FX, EQ, and beat matching in a compact form

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device - 3 — Tuno ring-shaped DJ controller is lightweight and comes with a strap for easy carrying anywhere

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device - 4 — various textures combine with haptics to create a rich tactile experience

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device - 5 — Tuno simplifies six CDJ knobs into one tactile interface

tunoring-dj-controller-chaewon-lee-designboom-1800-3 — the device uses a click wheel and scroll for intuitive control of sound frequencies

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device - 6 — Tuno’s compact layout fits naturally in both hands for smooth control, with lighting feedback and gestures

tunoring-dj-controller-chaewon-lee-designboom-1800-2 — Tuno’s spring-loaded top button spins for beat matching, offering a tactile, jog wheel–like feel

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device - 7 — built-in wireless earbuds connect to your music app and instantly activate the device when worn

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device - 8 — the earbuds’ motion sensor detects head tilts, letting you monitor either deck’s sound in real time

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device - 9 — the analysis found symmetrical decks and circular motions, inspiring a ring-shaped design

tuno ring-shaped DJ controller reimagines the deck as a portable donut device - 10 — by tracing their movement paths, the designer observed how DJs interacted with equipment

project info:

name: tuno
designer: Chaewon Lee

photographer: normal.scape

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