Dezeen Magazine

Master & Dynamic files patent for headphones that change colour with user's mood

Master & Dynamic unveils design for headphones made from colour-changing leather

Audio brand Master & Dynamic has revealed designs for headphones made from leather that changes colour to match different moods.

The New York company has filed a patent for the pioneering leather that can change colour in response to a wearer's mood, or a type of music.

Although the company has not revealed full details of the technology, the application outlines plans to use thermochromic technology, which refers to products that change colour in response to temperature.

"The introduction of thermochromism further builds upon Master & Dynamic's interest in exploring colours, materials and the overall listening experience," said the company.

"The material's sensitivity to the alteration of brainwaves, caused by varying musical and podcast genres, will create a spectrum of colours matched to specific moods."

Colour change will be unique to each user

Master & Dynamic claims that the colour of the leather will be specific to each user. But there may be some similarities in genres, for instance, a hip-hop track might always produce a yellow colour, while jazz might frequently show as purple.

This apparently occurs through the "hyper colour coating" on the leather, which reacts to a combination of sound vibrations and brainwaves.

"While each listener's brainwaves are different, they will likely be in sync with others nearby, meaning that those experiencing a certain feeling or emotion may find that their headphones turn the same hue," said Master & Dynamic.

Leather will be introduced to all headphones

Master & Dynamic was founded by entrepreneur Jonathan Levine in 2014. Its product range includes a speaker designed by architect David Adjaye.

The company plans to introduce its new colour-changing leather to all of its headphone range, which includes the MW50 and MW60 wireless headphones, as well as the MH40 over-ear and the MH30 in-ear headphones.

The patent was filed today, 1 April 2018.