MIX

Discover MIX

William Waris & Studio 801

MIX is a tangible music exploration system that brings back the ritual of collecting and curating music. Developed during Studio 801 at Kansas State University, the project reimagines how users engage with music turning digital discovery into a tactile, expressive experience.

Product Highlights

Analog simplicity with modern innovation using aluminum knobs, CNC wood, and a digital display.

Built on research into the emotional and cultural value of collecting music and interaction design.

Collaboration

MIX included cohesive branding, marketing, and storytelling. My team developed a unified visual language across packaging, graphics, video, and merchandise.

Skills Shown

Human-Centered
Design & User
Research
Product Systems
Interface Design
Visual Communication
Branding

Step-by-Step Process

MIX was a semester long project that was developed during my studio 801 class.

Full Process PDF

Research/Problem Identification

How can we collect digital music and interact with it in meaningful ways like what was done in the past?

Sketching

The initial design of MIX focused on how the user interacts with the music and the overall style of that experience.

Modeling

I made many wooden models to study size and proportions. These helped me understand how the knobs felt, the capsule size, and the interactions.

User Feedback

This project was driven by user studies and feedback to refine the organization and proportions.

CAD Modeling

I created detailed CAD models of MIX focused on form, materials, and manufacturing methods.

UX/UI Design

The interface allowed users to create a visual mix with different music styles and view music videos and album art.

Packaging

After developing the concept and product design, I collaborated with two classmates to bring MIX to life through a cohesive marketing campaign

Prototype

A model was made with real finishes and packaging for demonstration.

Branding

My team developed brand visuals, motion videos, and merchandise that reflected MIX’s tactile and emotional character.

Reconnect with Music

Enjoy Finding New Music

How it Works

The MIX Collection transforms music discovery into a physical, collectible experience.

Each capsule represents a mood, genre, or decade designed with distinct visual identities that make every piece feel special and worth keeping.

The controller allows up to four capsules to be combined, which then generates a curated playlist based on your selection.

The MIX Marketing Team

William Waris: Concept, Design Development
Jaren Stover: Rendering
Abi Schmidt: Packaging

Packaging

The packaging and graphic language reinforce this sense of individuality, turning each capsule into a small work of art.

Together, the capsules form a growing collection that reflects the listener’s evolving tastes and memories, making the act of discovering music both personal and deeply engaging.