Imagine feeling every note of your favorite song as if you were in the studio with the artist. At HARMAN, we bring that experience to life with cutting-edge audio innovations. Our latest releases, displayed at Club JBL London, redefine how music is heard and felt – anytime, anywhere.
From the immersive precision of the JBL Tour ONE M3 to the bold, portable power of the JBL Flip 7 and JBL Charge 6, our designers have meticulously crafted every detail to elevate the listening experience. Here’s an inside look at the design elements that make HARMAN’s products stand out…
Meet Our Designers
Dario Distefano, Senior Industrial Design Manager Portables, and Laurent Lindenberger, Senior Industrial Design Manager Headphones, are two of the brilliant minds behind our latest audio products. They answered our top questions about the design considerations behind our top-tier audio products, including the new JBL Tour ONE M3 headphones, JBL Flip 7, and JBL Charge 6.
HARMAN: The JBL Tour ONE M3 is the pinnacle of audio innovation from JBL – can you explain the innovative technologies incorporated into the design?
LL: We kept the iconic design DNA of the TOUR series but gave it a fresh modern twist – our signature TOUR powerline decorative ring has been reimagined into a seamless, modern design element, making the headphones look just as premium as they sound.
HARMAN: How did you balance style, performance, and comfort in the design of the JBL Tour ONE M3?
LL: The JBL Tour ONE M3 comes in two distinct designs to appeal to different preferences. The Blue and Mocha versions have a lifestyle-focused look to appeal to a wide audience with subtle and versatile aesthetics. On the other hand, the Black version is designed for performance enthusiasts, featuring a sleek triple-black design with a glossy racing stripe, TOUR logo accents, and a high-performance visual identity.
LL: It also offers a better fit on the user's ear, thanks to larger ear cups and soft ear cushions, which helps improve overall passive noise cancellation.
HARMAN: Let’s turn our attention to the latest update to one of our cult classics. What new features were added to the JBL Flip 7 to enhance the listening experience?
DD: We redesigned the JBL Flip 7 with an interchangeable finger loop and carabiner hook, making it perfect for any adventure.
HARMAN: With all these upgrades, how did you manage to balance aesthetics with functionality?
DD: The new design improves the efficiency of the internal components without sacrificing portability. We've upgraded the acoustic components, added a replaceable battery, and given the product a more powerful look while also enhancing stability. The JBL Flip 7 is built to withstand any conditions, with an IP68 rating that makes it waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof.
HARMAN: Speaking of speakers built to handle anything, let’s talk about the JBL Charge 6. The JBL Charge line is known for powerful sound performance and rugged durability – so what’s new in this latest generation?
DD: The JBL Charge 6 is more portable than ever, thanks to its new iconic handle. You can carry it like a purse using both metal hooks and as a hand strap with just one hook.
DD: To improve stability and give it a more lifestyle look, we've designed new feet inspired by shoe soles. We've trapped air between two silicone layers to give the feet a squishier feel, making the speaker more stable and stylish.
HARMAN: Looks are important, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the sound. How does the design of this new model enhance the listening experience?
DD: The body shape aims to boost sound quality and performance. Its 45-degree "squircle" (a mix of circle and square) silhouette widens in the center to increase the acoustic volume and match the latest design trends.
HARMAN: Of course, no great design happens in a vacuum. How did feedback from real users shape the final design?
DD: We focused on the listening habits, desires, and interests of our fans and consumers during the redesign process. Our goal was to deliver bolder, more reliable sound for both indoor gatherings and outdoor adventures. Customization and self-expression are key for JBL fans, and the JBL Charge 6 and JBL Flip 7 come in even more colors to match the trendiest outfits, inspired by streetwear trends.
HARMAN’s talented design teams continually push the boundaries of creativity, driven by a commitment to audio excellence. Thanks to their passion for the cutting-edge, HARMAN’s audio brands remain at the forefront of innovation.
Ready to experience sound like never before? Check out the new JBL Tour ONE M3, JBL Flip 7, and JBL Charge 6, now available on JBL.com.
