Client: Otto

Case Study: Audio UX & Audio Brand Development for Smart Door Lock

Otto approached me in 2016, requiring sound design support for their Smart Lock. Otto are a startup with substantial investment based out of San Francisco – and after 4 years of research, design, engineering and testing, the company announced their flagship product in late 2017, the Otto Smart Lock. The Otto lock sets a new benchmark for digital locks, with it’s beautiful design and advanced features.

I worked closely with the Otto design team, and after gaining a deep understanding of the product and brand, my initial task was to explore different directions for the audio UX. The most important sound within the experience was the Lock and Unlock sound, created as a coherent pair. These sounds had potential to create brand recognition, whilst reassuring the user that their door has either locked or unlocked as expected. The final lock sounds can be heard below.

The Otto brand story was distinctly minimalist and modernist, with a focus on craftsmanship. The sounds also needed to reflect this, whilst the lock/unlock sounds also needed to feel ‘secure’, as though something has confidently locked or unlocked. However it was also important to showcase the fact this was advanced technology, with immense digital prowess behind the minimalist design. The lock sounds should therefore not attempt to mimic the sound of a traditional lock; instead providing a very modern and future facing take on what a lock sound should be.

Once we had agreed on the direction of the lock/unlock sounds, and the core audio identity was established, I proceeded to create the other sounds needed. These included sounds for the accompanying app and sounds for the device - including a power-up sound, general notification, low battery notification, and PIN entry success sound.