StayHear™ Max tips were redesigned at a pivotal moment, as the industry shifted from wired and neckband products to fully true wireless earbuds. In previous generations, including my work on SoundSport, the ear tip architecture worked well within larger systems. But as more electronics—battery, antennas, sensors—moved into each earbud, that same structure began to drive the overall size up. To create a smaller, more wearable product, we had to fundamentally rethink the ear tip itself.

Through market research, ergonomic studies, and close collaboration with advanced engineering, we developed a new approach: integrating the acoustic driver directly into the ear tip system. This allowed us to reduce the overall earbud footprint while maintaining stability and comfort. I refined the geometry and surfacing to feel softer, cleaner, and more modern—balancing a secure fit with a lightweight, low-pressure experience.

Beyond form, the design required tight integration with hardware and user interaction. I worked with engineering to define the attachment mechanism, ensuring the tip locks securely onto the earbud while remaining easy to remove. We also carefully considered functional details—such as openings for in-ear detection sensors and acoustic performance. Even the packaging experience was part of the design: organizing sizes clearly so users can quickly find the right fit and store extras without losing them.

StayHear™ Max reflects a shift from adapting legacy solutions to designing holistically for a new category—where comfort, miniaturization, and system integration come together to define the experience.