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SearchPods

Inspired by Apple’s AirPods

AirPods are a global hit.

Apple’s AirPods were first released in 2016. Since then, they’ve become extremely popular across the globe. Using Google search trend data, SearchPods is a visual representation of the popularity of AirPods both globally and since their first release.

Apple’s AirPods were first released in 2016. Since then, they’ve become extremely popular across the globe. Using Google search trend data, SearchPods is a visual representation of the popularity of AirPods both globally and since their first release.
60 million

units sold in 2019

71%

wireless earphones global market share by revenue

Google Search Data

Apple doesn’t release specific data on its sales volume, so I used Google Search Trend data as a proxy for the popularity of AirPods overtime and globally.
Interest Over Time

Interest Over Time

Numbers represent search interest relative to the highest point on the chart worldwide since AirPods were first released. A value of 100 represents when the popularity of AirPods peaked up until April 2019.

Interest Over Time

Numbers represent search interest relative to the highest point on the chart worldwide since AirPods were first released. A value of 100 represents when the popularity of AirPods peaked up until April 2019.
Interest Over Time
Interest By Region

Interest By Region

Color intensity represents the popularity of AirPods in that country as a fraction of total searches in that location. Gray indicates a lack of data for that region.

Interest By Region

Color intensity represents the popularity of AirPods in that country as a fraction of total searches in that location. Gray indicates a lack of data for that region.
Interest By Region

Creating the Design

Creating the Design

Using Processing, I wrote a short program that analyzed the Google Search trend data and mapped it to different sizes and color saturation.

Creating the Design

Using Processing, I wrote a short program that analyzed the Google Search trend data and mapped it to different sizes and color saturation.

Interest Over Time

Triangle size correlates to search trend popularity, mapped using Processing. Color saturation maps to recency (i.e. red triangles represent recent data). The extent to which the triangles overlap represents popularity, but also the growth rate of AirPod popularity. The design was duplicated in Adobe Illustrator.

Interest Over Time

Triangle size correlates to search trend popularity, mapped using Processing. Color saturation maps to recency (i.e. red triangles represent recent data). The extent to which the triangles overlap represents popularity, but also the growth rate of AirPod popularity. The design was duplicated in Adobe Illustrator.

Interest By Region

Text size correlates to popularity in the country, mapped using Processing. Opacity was decreased in order to ensure visibility of all countries. Design was overlayed and repeated using Adobe Illustrator.

Interest By Region

Text size correlates to popularity in the country, mapped using Processing. Opacity was decreased in order to ensure visibility of all countries. Design was overlayed and repeated using Adobe Illustrator.

Interest By Region

Text size correlates to popularity in the country, mapped using Processing. Opacity was decreased in order to ensure visibility of all countries. Design was overlayed and repeated using Adobe Illustrator.

Getting Scrappy

Using my actual AirPods for reference, I used a mix of wireframe and paper mâché to create the basic structure of the SearchPods and the case. When it came to the final design layer, I had to think about how to apply my printed design to ensure a sleek, uniform look.

The Finishing Touch

After creating the basic structure of the AirPods and the case, I realized it looked a bit raggedy and unfinished. After ideating different solutions, I realized I could use the shape of AirPod skins. I looked up different brands’ skins and recreated the shape in Adobe Illustrator. From there, I laid it over my design, printed it, cut it out, and wrapped my project.

The Finishing Touch

After creating the basic structure of the AirPods and the case, I realized it looked a bit raggedy and unfinished. After ideating different solutions, I realized I could use the shape of AirPod skins. I looked up different brands’ skins and recreated the shape in Adobe Illustrator. From there, I laid it over my design, printed it, cut it out, and wrapped my project.

A Sleek Look

Once I wrapped my project with the skins, they were smooth, but they still weren’t sleek. I wanted that glossy finish characteristic of AirPods. I remembered in Kindergarten my teacher emphasized that an Elmer’s glue glaze will provide a beautiful glossy finish, and so I revisited my past and was able to achieve the exact look I wanted.

A Sleek Look

Once I wrapped my project with the skins, they were smooth, but they still weren’t sleek. I wanted that glossy finish characteristic of AirPods. I remembered in Kindergarten my teacher emphasized that an Elmer’s glue glaze will provide a beautiful glossy finish, and so I revisited my past and was able to achieve the exact look I wanted.
presenting

SearchPods

With more data than ever.

Buy 〉

*Disclaimer: SearchPods are not actually available for purchase.

Merrick Eng

Class of 2022
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

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Copyright © 2020 Merrick Eng