The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds represent a bold evolution in wearable technology, blending advanced open-ear audio with sculptural form and everyday self-expression. As a collaborator on the industrial design, Berk Ilhan worked alongside Bose’s in-house team and Reed Art Department (RAD), led by Brandon Washington, to explore how the product could transcend function and become a personal, wearable statement.
Berk contributed to the design strategy and form development, drawing inspiration from jewelry, contemporary art, and the human body. The team applied persona-driven research and iterative design methods to refine the balance between performance, comfort, and visual identity.
The result is a seamless integration of technology and aesthetics—an earbud that not only delivers Bose’s signature sound but also stands as an expressive object. The project reflects the power of collaborative design to reimagine how technology can connect with the body, the individual, and the world.
