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Is Tactile Design Still Important in the Digital Age?

In the digital age, it’s all about minimalism. More and more, people are embracing discreet sound systems with app integration and voice control while tactility and aesthetics have taken a back seat. So, is tactile design still important in the 21st century? We certainly think so! 

At Ruark, our goal has always been to create products that are just as pleasing to the eye as they are to the ear. That’s why we’ve embraced a timeless design style that brings elegance and personality to the home. From a kitchen radio to a complete sound system, every product should not only fit with your overall aesthetic but enhance it. So where does tactility come in? Instead of app control, we’re big on buttons, switches and screens.

Interacting with your devices on a physical level helps build an emotional connection between you and the music you listen to - whether you’re an avid radio listener, love the ease of Spotify or prefer the atmospheric tones of your CD collection. With a tactile product, your listening experience can feel more personal than ever, thanks to a simple push of a button or the scroll of a dial.

Tactility is at the heart of all the products we design. Take our iconic RotoDial control for example, this has been a distinct part of our design language since 2006 and is a firm favourite amongst our customers, allowing them to intuitively select sources, control playback, and adjust the volume in a pleasing way. On our 100 series range, we have included a matching rechargeable remote, allowing users to relax and get the tactile experience, even from afar.

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Since the start of our journey, we’ve strived to deliver the finest sound and design possible. Both our R Series and 100 Series collections are inspired by classic aesthetics but have been elevated with a contemporary twist. A great example of this is our R410 Integrated Music System. Fitted with a hand-crafted walnut grille, sleek, high-resolution colour display screen and of course, our famed RotoDial control, the R410 fosters that much-needed personal connection. And how better to feel connected than with a physical music medium like CDs? Our R-CD100 was specifically designed to encourage tactility, not only with a precision slot loading CD mechanism but with an elegant retro-modern design that perfectly matches our R410, R610 and R810 systems.

What better way to experience this for yourself by getting hands on with our products? We’re thrilled to be showcasing both the R410 and R-CD100 at this year’s Ideal Home Show from 21st March to 6th April at Olympia, London Find us in the Smart Home Section where you can explore the product’s premium audio quality and the tactile features that make them so personal. We hope to see you there!