The Focus
Musicians crave to collaborate on a global level, but making music online through remote locations has several challenges. The lag in sound transmission is the biggest barrier when creating flawless music via online collaborations.
Developed by the world-renowned Wenger® Corporation, Lutefish™ enables musicians to co-create and jam together over distances of up to 500 miles with ultra-low latency of sound.
They approached team Elephant for a product design of the device that would enhance the collaborative performance of professional and hobbyist musicians
The design had to ensure the device's stability, durability, usability and ease of access to multiple channels, while also blending seamlessly into a musician’s existing repertoire of equipment.
The Design
The Product Innovation team at Elephant developed a compact design concept called Fluir – Spanish for fluid – that aligned with the musician’s flow, intuitive controls and easy integration into existing setups while remaining stable.
The design focused on a robust form with a slight incline for better access & visibility of controls while ensuring easy set up and operation. The distinctive accent of brand colours makes the device vibrant and user-friendly.
The enclosure design ensures that Lutefish™ provides a highly convenient, deeply satisfying, and easy-to-use experience for professional musicians and hobbyists alike – signaling the beginning of high-quality, high-intensity collaborations in the future of music production irrespective of location or time zones.
The Story
When Wenger® approached us for product design of their music collaboration device, we knew we were stepping into something technically demanding and creatively stimulating. Lutefish™ is a groundbreaking device that allows musicians to jam together in real-time, despite being miles apart. With ultra-low latency of under 30 milliseconds, this device has the potential to revolutionize how musicians collaborate, rehearse, and create music remotely.
Inside the Musician’s Mind
While Wenger® had developed the technology for lowest-latency sound-streaming in a breadbox prototype, they needed our expertise to transform it into a user-friendly product. Our extensive research with professional musicians and hobbyists revealed several common challenges: lack of control over multiple channels and sound quality, expensive equipment, and complicated instrument setups. Musicians wanted portable, easily configurable devices with intuitive controls that would integrate seamlessly with existing equipment.
Enter Fluir
We developed "Fluir" (Spanish for "flow"), a design concept emphasizing fluidity and ease of use. We wanted to ensure the device's stability and durability, given the multiple cables and inputs needed during use. We opted for a robust design with an inclined angle for clear control visibility. The controls and inputs were arranged intuitively, allowing musicians to easily manage multiple channels with minimal fuss. The design emphasized tactility, with satisfying buttons and knobs that enhanced the overall experience.
The Muse’s Touch
Aesthetically, we wanted Lutefish™ to stand out while fitting into a musician's existing setup. We chose sleek, contemporary lines and distinctive brand colors to make the device both approachable and identifiable. Since its U.S. launch, where demand for such technology is notably high, the product has quickly gained traction among its target audience. Musicians particularly appreciate its blend of functionality, portability, and aesthetic appeal.
The result is more than just technology – it's a gateway to new creative possibilities, enabling quality musical collaboration from anywhere. We at Elephant Design are elated to have played a part in bringing this innovative product to life.
