SAMSUNG DESIGN INNOVATION CENTER
SAMSUNG DESIGN INNOVATION CENTER
SAMSUNG DESIGN INNOVATION CENTER

Predicting the Future of Earbuds

Predicting the Future of Earbuds

Predicting the Future of Earbuds

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Project Summary

Translating emerging AI signals into future Galaxy Buds experience concepts.

Translating emerging AI signals into future Galaxy Buds experience concepts.

The next generation of earbuds won’t just play music. They will understand context, anticipate needs, and act as a personal agent in your ear. This project set out to predict how earbuds would evolve over the next 5 years. Using a new computational AI research process, our team translated emerging technology signals into future Galaxy Buds experience themes and concept directions. My role focused on synthesizing signals, mapping future AI capabilities to user needs, shaping concept directions, and bringing the ideas to life through storyboards and AI-generated concept videos.

The next generation of earbuds won’t just play music. They will understand context, anticipate needs, and act as a personal agent in your ear. This project set out to predict how earbuds would evolve over the next 5 years. Using a new computational AI research process, our team translated emerging technology signals into future Galaxy Buds experience themes and concept directions. My role focused on synthesizing signals, mapping future AI capabilities to user needs, shaping concept directions, and bringing the ideas to life through storyboards and AI-generated concept videos.

Role

UX Researcher & Interaction Designer

Timeline

Jul 2023 – Oct 2023, Dec 2024 – Feb 2025

Skills

AI Foresight, UX Strategy, Concept Design, AI Video Generation

Achievements

Shaped future Galaxy Buds experience directions, Helped establish new AI-powered research and video generation workflow for studio

My Contributions

My Contributions

AI Research Process Innovation

Helped spearhead a new computational AI research process alongside my team, using LLMs to aggregate, cluster, and synthesize emerging signals. Built a scalable framework for translating emerging technology trends and future AI capabilities into product experience opportunities grounded in user needs.


Future Forecasting & Signal Research

Analyzed 100+ patents, 100+ analyst articles, 50+ AI industry job postings, and 27 key acquisitions to identify signals shaping the future of earbuds. Synthesized findings into future sensors, software capabilities, interaction patterns, and experience themes.

Experience Strategy & Concept Development

Translated technology signals and user needs into 4 experience themes and 8 future Galaxy Buds experience concepts. Mapped projected AI capabilities to human needs, then developed storyboards and video vignettes to turn abstract technology shifts into tangible product experience concepts.

AI Video Generation

Revisited the project in 2025 using new generative AI tools to produce detailed AI-generated concept videos. Helped pioneer a new video generation workflow for the studio, making future Galaxy Buds concepts easier to visualize, evaluate, and communicate with stakeholders.

Project details are confidential.
Please reach out directly to learn more about my role, process, and impact.

Get in touch

Project details are confidential.
Please reach out directly to learn more about my role, process, and impact.

Get in touch

Project details are confidential.
Please reach out directly to learn more about my role, process, and impact.

Get in touch