Yamaha PSR-F52
Digital Keyboard.
2021 | europe.yamaha.com
Goal: Entry-level keyboard for beginners and returning players
Role: Lead Designer, User Research, UX/UI Designer
Concept: Omotenashi in Keyboards
Keywords: Welcoming, Promising, Uplifting
Photography: M.Perry, YMW
As an entry-level keyboard, the new PSR-F52 by Yamaha offers powerful functionality with a simple, user-friendly interface.
Since the start we aimed at creating a promising keyboard but at a very reduced cost so that it can reach everyone worldwide. We also wanted to offer the future clients an experience comparable to the Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi), inviting, welcoming and convenient with soft and simple lines but with a promising look and uplifting interactions.
The PSR-F52 is the perfect keyboard for people who want to learn to play. It has all the features you need for your first playing experience. The PSR-F52 offers a solid foundation for anyone looking to start playing the keyboard.
Because of this keyboard being an entry-level model, understanding our user was top priority. We set out to design a product that was welcoming, for beginners and returning players, promising by looking and hitting above it’s weight, and by uplifting it’s users with ease of use and fast gratification. We called it Omotenashi in Keyboards.
Research and Concept.
I went through a lengthy exploration on what our user groups need, want and behave and tried to express the ideas I found in the form of sketching. I iterated on the first ideas until coming up with the shape we were aiming for.
Ideation through sketching to find shapes that fit our story.
Playful, Welcoming UX/UI Design.
UX Design was the main concern for this product, as this is the part that can bring gratification to the users quicker. It was paramount to us that the UX was clear, understandable and easy to use without losing any of it’s playfulness.
Art Direction of Key Visuals.
As this keyboard is meant to hit many different markets worldwide, we intentionally directed different photoshoots to, in some way, represent different user’s environments.