Ariano K1
Ariano Instruments
2020
The K1 was developed for Ariano Instruments, a startup focused on creating a keyboard that mimics natural, expressive musical interactions. Using proprietary key technology, the 2-octave MIDI keyboard allows musicians to slide, glide, press, and wiggle on the keys, changing the sound while preserving the tactile feedback of traditional pianos. This foundational product set the design language for Ariano's future products. As a pianist, I shared a common vision of the final product with the client. Despite the project being remote due to the COVID-19 lockdown, efficient communication led to a smooth collaboration. A unique challenge was to make sure that early sketches and designs were understandable to people from other disciplines, who were not familiar with the design process.
The design aesthetic aimed to be neutral to adapt to different types and genres of music. The player’s view of the K1 is very neutral, with subtle orange accents to showcase the brand colors. The side view, however, brings a lot of character with an iconic cut angle, adding a distinctive element to the product.
The K1 was aimed at professional musicians, and prototypes received high praise for their tactile feedback and expressive capabilities. The project highlighted the importance of healthy communication and shared in-depth knowledge. The design for K1 established a design language for Ariano, influencing subsequent products. Unfortunately, Ariano ceased operations a few years later due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact.
Key learnings from this project included the significance of maintaining efficient and clear communication, especially when working remotely. The collaborative process with Ariano, despite being conducted entirely online, showed that a shared vision and mutual understanding can lead to successful outcomes. Even though Ariano understood the value of industrial design before the project, the outcome had a bigger impact than expected. The visuals and design story developed were instrumental in marketing efforts, attracting investments, and showcasing their brand values in a more tangible way.
