A minimalist, high-key photograph of snow-covered dunes with smooth, flowing curves and textures.

Cloud9!

A cloud-shaped speaker with pastel rainbow colors on top and pastel star decorations on the sides, set against a black background.

The Cloud9 Radio is a Y2K and Lisa Frank–inspired children’s radio that blends nostalgic charm with modern technology. Handcrafted in a whimsical cloud form, it features an iridescent rainbow stripe and two playful squishy stars — the purple star acts as the power switch, while the blue star offers a tactile element for interaction.

Inside, a Bluetooth-enabled board connects seamlessly to a soldered speaker and USB-C charging port, bringing contemporary convenience to its retro-inspired design. When powered on, the radio provides playful voice prompts to guide users through pairing and connectivity.

Light, fun, and interactive, Cloud9 is designed for children and for anyone “young at heart” who loves the vibrant, nostalgic aesthetic of Y2K and Lisa Frank.

Fun for all Ages

Within the whimsical world of my designs, the purple star serves as the enchanted button where the radio clicks on and off. Once activated, the cheerful voice of Bluetooth fills the air, eagerly waiting to be connected as its light flashes in anticipation. Find magic in the mundane with this playful design, sparking joy and wonder in all who encounter it.

A device with a white heart-shaped front that has a purple star decoration, a small push button, and a light indicator for charging or on/off status.

Scrolling through the CAD model, you'll notice that the grill design has transformed the physical model. The change was intentional, aiming to infuse a more whimsical essence into the overall look. Throughout my design processes, the focus shifted towards capturing a sense of playfulness and charm, resonating with the quirky nature of the project. This shift allowed for a more innovative and engaging final result, creating a design that truly speaks to the youthful and creative spirit at the heart of the project.

Process

From early sketches to 3D modeling, printing, and meticulous assembly, the creation of Cloud9 was a full design adventure. I soldered the internal components by hand, ensuring seamless functionality, and finished the piece with playful decals that brought the whimsical concept to life. This hands-on process not only highlighted technical skill but also left a touch of magic in the final design.