Speak.R
Repairable by design
Designed by Matthew RAJCHERT
Speak.R
Repairable by Design showcases how Speak.R, a repairable Bluetooth speaker, tackles barriers to repair in electronics, and offers a business catalogue to help manufacturers adopt repairable, durable, and circular design solutions.
Matthew
RAJCHERT
Matthew Rajchert is an Industrial Designer, specialising in consumer electronics and Honours student. He focuses on innovative, repairable designs that enhance daily life, combining technical expertise with creative problem-solving. Notable projects include Repairability by Design, which showcases his commitment to reducing e-waste and promoting longevity in consumer electronics. Matthew’s work reflects his passion for creating efficient, empowering, and user-centred products that have a meaningful impact.
Speak.R is a repairable Bluetooth speaker designed as part of Repairability by Design, a project addressing the critical issue of e-waste. Centred around the question, “How might we guide manufacturers and designers to create easily repairable consumer electronics?”, the project combines two key elements: a speaker showcasing repairable methods and a business catalogue offering actionable repair design strategies. Together, they demonstrate practical solutions to extend product lifespans and inspire industry-wide adoption of repairable practices.
Inside Speak.R: Repair in Every Detail
Speak.R embodies the essence of repairable design through its detailed engineering. Each element, from magnetic alignment to accessible thumb screws and friction-fit seals, is crafted for easy assembly and maintenance. These features emphasise simplicity and functionality, ensuring Speak.R serves as a clear and inspiring example for designers and manufacturers. Its modular structure and innovative connections demonstrate repairability as a practical, scalable solution for extending the life of consumer electronics and reducing e-waste.
Designed for Disassembly
The exploded view of Speak.R illustrates its features incorporating repairability and modular design. Key features include easily replaceable speakers and passive radiators, which ensure high-quality audio, while allowing for maintenance or upgrades. The 26650 lithium-ion battery, a standardised component, enhances longevity and accessibility for replacement. These elements work together to simplify disassembly and repairs, showcasing a repairable design that prioritises user convenience. Speak.R exemplifies how thoughtful design can make consumer electronics both functional and repair friendly.
Packaging with Purpose
Speak.R comes disassembled, inviting users to engage with its repairable design from the outset. This hands-on assembly process familiarises users with its components, empowering them to repair and maintain the product in the future. It also taps into the IKEA effect—the heightened value users feel when they build something themselves. By fostering a sense of ownership and accomplishment, Speak.R’s packaging not only educates but also strengthens the emotional bond between users and their product, encouraging longevity and care.
Modular Design: For Function and Customisation
Speak.R’s modular design showcases user-focused innovation. Its walls magnetically self-orient for effortless assembly, while the aluminium strap clip, secured in a groove, provides a durable and stylish carrying solution. The optional cover serves a dual purpose: revealing the internal components through translucent walls and protecting the speaker from dust and sand. Additionally, the cover offers customisation options, allowing users to choose different colours to suit their style. This modularity ensures practicality, versatility, and personalisation, enhancing the overall user experience.
Business Catalogue: Guide to Repairable Design
The Business Catalogue is a guide for manufacturers and designers, offering actionable methods to create repairable consumer electronics. It highlights practical solutions such as using magnets, screws, and modular components to replace adhesives and other barriers to repair. Each solution is supported by other examples, including the Speak.R, to demonstrate their application. By addressing challenges like disassembly, part replacement, and durability, the catalogue provides a clear roadmap for adopting repairable design, helping businesses extend product lifespans and reduce e-waste.
Matthew RAJCHERT
Meet