Ariano K1
Ariano Instruments
2020
Following the design foundation established with the K1 project, the Ariano K2 was developed as a stage performer keyboard. Unlike the K1, which is a MIDI keyboard, the K2 features a full 5-octave range and an inbuilt sound engine. It uses the same proprietary keys and ribbon technology from the K1, allowing for expressive musical interactions. A specific challenge for K2 was incorporating a physical user interface while scaling the K1 design language. A unique step taken early in the process was creating a 1:1 diagram of the keyboard to test ergonomics, which is vital for an instrument of this size. The white bezel from K1 was scaled uniquely to form an additional panel for the physical UI, offering a new canvas to showcase the Ariano brand.
The K2 project successfully demonstrated that the design language from the K1 could be adapted to a new product category. The visuals and renders of the K2 were shown to musicians and investors, communicating a solid "next step" for Ariano. This project highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency in design language while adapting to new functionalities. It provided valuable insights into developing scalable design guidelines across different product classes. Through these exercises, Ariano came to highly value design input, with many decisions being made through design thinking.
The successful development of the K2 further reinforced Ariano's brand identity and showcased the scalability of its design principles. This project set the design story in stone at Ariano, showing their plans for a more serious product category and validating the design foundation created with K1. Unfortunately, Ariano ceased operations a few years later due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
