For those not yet acquainted with the Poly Sync Family, here's a brief overview to bring you up to speed: This family comprises three USB/Bluetooth® smart devices—the Poly Sync 20, a personal-sized speakerphone and portable speaker; the Poly Sync 40, ideal for flexible and huddle spaces; and the Poly Sync 60, designed for small to medium conference rooms.
Poly has witnessed significant changes throughout the year, and as we navigate the dynamic landscape of the working world, we find ourselves in a highly intricate situation that seems to evolve daily. Amidst this uncertainty, our consistent need for professional-grade audio solutions to facilitate impactful collaboration from remote locations remains unchanged. The Poly Sync Family of intelligent speakerphones has been specifically crafted to meet this need, ensuring that your meetings sound impeccable regardless of your work setting.
We recently had a conversation with Nick Paterson, Senior Director of Industrial Design at Poly, to delve into the sleek design behind this family of three.
Taking into consideration today's diverse work environments, we designed them to be dust and water-resistant*, ensuring easy cleaning for a germ-free environment. Furthermore, the Poly Sync 20 is Zoom certified and is available in a Microsoft Teams version, guaranteeing a flawless meeting experience every time. Rest assured, Zoom and Teams certifications are in progress for the entire Poly Sync Family!
[Question] When examining Poly's earlier speakerphone solutions, the Poly Sync Family appears to take a completely different approach in terms of both shape and overall design. Could you provide some insights into the family's design?
[Nick] Indeed, the design of the Sync family deviates from our previous speakerphone products such as the Calisto. However, when considering the trajectory of our next generation of products, the Poly Sync should feel quite familiar, as it adheres to the same design language seen in the Poly Studio X and various other new products currently in development.
The low-profile design of the Poly Sync Family, positioned close to the table, was purposefully crafted around three high-performance microphones within the device—a departure from the typical single microphone found in previous 'puck' designs. The utilization of three microphones forms a beam that precisely focuses on the speaker, leading to enhanced voice pickup. Additionally, this unique shape allowed us to incorporate passive radiators, contributing to superior playback performance with reduced distortion. Therefore, the design isn't merely aesthetic; it actively contributes to an improved audio experience for both the user and the caller on the far end.
[Question] In our prior discussion, you highlighted the significance of observing workplace trends in your design process. Could you briefly revisit those trends and guide us through how they manifest in the design of the Poly Sync Family?
[Nick] When we used to commute to the office, the prevailing norm was a departure from formal business attire, with offices leaning towards an ambiance that blends modernity with comfort. This shift inspired the incorporation of a soft, sand dune-like surface on the back of the device and the use of denim fabric across the front.
To infuse a natural and soulful aesthetic into our products, we center our designs around elements like clasping hands and forms with subtle, backlit edges. The juxtaposition of colors adds an intriguing visual appeal. In the Poly Sync's case, the sand-colored, textured bottom creates a light and airy appearance, complemented by the denim face that exudes a laid-back yet elevated and modern vibe.
Emphasizing smooth curves at the device's base produces a shadow that minimizes the silhouette, achieving the desired effect of a light, floating feel—a design principle consistent across all our new products. The ski-tip edge along the control panel introduces a subtle tension, complemented by soft forms to add interest to the overall aesthetic.
Our aim was for the Sync to encapsulate the same design DNA present in the Studio X, maintaining consistency across our new products without adhering too literally to a single style.
[Question] Will there be any design features making their debut in this product?
[Nick] A subtle detail that may catch your eye afterward is our discreet identity Poly pixel, discreetly placed on the back of all our current projects.
[Question] Returning to office trends – considerable changes have occurred in this landscape since the inception of the design process. Were any adjustments necessary?
[Nick] Indeed, when the impact of COVID became apparent, there were concerns about the fabric on the front, and there was a suggestion to remove it entirely. However, we opted to retain our original design and instead introduced a coating on the fabric, endowing the device with water-resistant properties. This enhancement allows users to disinfect and clean the device by spraying it, addressing the evolving need for cleanliness and hygiene.
However, when it comes to the fundamental functionality of these three products, I would assert that there's no significant divergence. Each of the three models maintains a crucial role in the contemporary workplace shaped by the COVID era. Presently, we anticipate the Sync 20 to be the most sought-after, given the widespread trend of remote work. The design of the Sync 40 caters to huddle and flexible spaces, accommodating various purposes and necessitating a speakerphone as adaptable as the room itself. As for the Sync 60, we've observed its use in reopened offices where larger rooms are now being utilized for meetings that previously occurred in huddle rooms, with a few participants spread out.
[Question] The rocket ship button on the Poly Sync has piqued my interest. Could you provide some insights into the user interface of these products?
[Nick] The rocket ship serves as a programmable button that users can customize to perform various functions, such as activating voice assistants or playing music. Choosing an icon for this versatile button required careful consideration, as its interpretation is subjective. We opted for the rocket as the icon for two main reasons. Firstly, it symbolizes launching an activity or function, making it a fitting representation of the button's functionality in the user interface. Secondly, it holds significance in our company's heritage, adding a playful element that connects to our origin story with NASA Apollo 11. This design element will also be a recurring theme in our upcoming products.
[Question] I'm now intrigued. Could you share more about the projects your team is currently undertaking?
[Nick] Well, you'll have to be patient on that one – but I can assure you, it's something worth looking forward to. Stay tuned for updates!
In conclusion, the conversation with Nick Paterson has shed light on the innovative design principles behind the Poly Sync Family of smart speakerphones. From the evolution in workplace trends influencing the product's aesthetics to the thoughtful consideration of user interface elements such as the distinctive rocket ship button, Poly's commitment to delivering cutting-edge audio solutions is evident. The adaptability of each Sync model to the dynamic demands of the COVID-era workplace, coupled with the anticipation of future projects, reflects Poly's dedication to enhancing remote collaboration experiences. As we eagerly await the unveiling of their upcoming endeavors, it is clear that Poly is poised to continue shaping the future of audio technology with a blend of creativity, functionality, and a nod to its rich heritage. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Poly!
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