This compact LTE walkie talkie offers safe & easy communication.

  • Industry
    Consumer Electronics
  • Product
    Walkie Talkie
  • Date
    2017-2018

Relay is an LTE walkie talkie for children that allows easy communication between parents and friends without the additional cost and complexity of a smart phone. The device ditches the standard screen in favor of a few simple interactions: Push the center button to talk, hold it to talk to Alexa or Google Assistant, use the three buttons on the side to cycle channels and adjust the volume.

Role: I worked on the development of this product for a year with MNML design director Kyle Buzzard. My primary contributions were selecting the final CMF, creating final renders and tech-packs for manufacture, and working with fellow designer Jilian Tackaberry to create the grill pattern.

Talk. Track. Connect.

Relay is shock proof, water resistant, and charges via a magnetic cable. A powerful speaker and dual microphones means the device can be held comfortably at arms length while speaking. Relay features bluetooth connectivity, and a 3.5mm jack for private calls.

Relay App

The Relay App is used to manage multiple Relay devices. The app securely stores the location, service status, and battery levels of each device. When a child uses their relay, an LTE call is made to the parent's cellphone. This allows convenient communication between an adult and multiple children. Relay isn't limited to use with children. It is also perfect for small teams, such as restaurant staff, or the elderly who are not comfortable using smart phones.

Always Ready.

An optional carrying loop allows Relay to be conveniently clipped to a backpack or belt loop. The device is lightweight at only 70g and lasts 1-2 days on a full charge.

CMF

Relay comes in a wide range of colors that appeal to a diverse audience. Brick, Blueberry, and Mint are geared towards children, while Charcoal, Slate, and Snow are aimed at adults.

Relay is used by nurses to communicate quickly and easily.

Pattern

Relay's sunburst pattern fades out across the device, creating an organized grid of speaker holes that also hide the microphone.

(Above) A few of the alternate patterns visualized in the design process.
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