3 Week Project
Junior 2026
Clathrus
Open-Ear Earbuds
Clathrus are mushroom and jewelry inspired open-ear earbuds.
Skills Learned
Gravity Sketch: VR Modeling
NURBS Surface Modeling: Rhino
Biomimicry
Earbuds on the market are uninspiring…
How might we make them feel more unique and comfortable at the same time?
Exploring Nature
The lattice of a Clathrus Stinkhorn is both beautiful and lightweight, a perfect pair for a new earbud solution.
Initial Ideation
Explored and sketched different earbud forms on Procreate.
Ergonomic VR Ideation
Explored different ear-wrapping arms
Beginning lattice shape
…In GravitySketch
Building 3D structure
Used Gravity Sketch to model the earbuds directly onto a human ear to explore ergonomic fit and form.
CAD Ideation
…In Rhino
Added part lines and internals to make final product manufacturable.
CMF
Plastic matte black
Glossy silver
Designed to complement cool undertones
…Inspired by jewelry
Plastic matte white
Glossy gold
Designed to complement warm undertones
CLATHRUS
Biomorphic Open-Ear Earbuds
