Every year,  the Red Dot Award celebrates products and design concepts thatthat push the boundaries of innovation and enhance our daily lives. This year, the stunning Ravenchord piano concept by San Francisco-based design agency Whipsaw took home the Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2024.

The physical form of the acoustic piano hasn’t changed for hundreds of years. While it is a masterpiece in its own right, traditional pianos often obscure the pianist’s facial expressions and the intricate mechanics of sound production. Whipsaw’s Founder & CEO, Dan Harden, a music lover himself, and his team at Whipsaw Design Lab (WDL), have crafted this “front projection upright piano” concept prototype that offers purer sound and a fresh visual experience, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the performer.

The Ravenchord retains the essential features of a traditional piano, including 88 keys, three pedals, and approximately 230 metal strings. However, its frontward projection design eliminates the reflective sound from the piano lid or floor, ensuring a clearer, more direct tone. As the audience, we can see the emotions of the pianist as they perform, as well as the movement of the strings as they strike every note.

The key deck remains at the standard height of 30 inches, and the lacquered, hardwood frame can be disassembled for proper tuning and maintenance, just like any other piano. Measuring 84 inches in length and 18 inches in depth, and weighing around 500 pounds, the Ravenchord is not only lighter and more mobile but also perfectly suited for modern homes with its sleek, compact design.