VIZIO Soundbar

Before 2009, soundbars were virtually invisible in mainstream retail. Walk through any electronics store and you’d find sleek flat-panel TVs—but no dedicated audio companion that fit their slim aesthetics. Tandem Design partnered with Vizio to change that. Drawing on our deep experience designing monitor-mounted soundbars, we helped Vizio launch what became the first widely available mass-market soundbar: the Vizio VSB series.

Tandem’s Role – Make the sound visually louder.

Rooted in Industry Insight
Our team had pioneered soundbar solutions for large computer monitors. So when Vizio approached us to explore audio for their flat-panel offerings, we immediately recognized an unfilled consumer need—a simple way to bring better sound to minimalist TVs.

Human-Centered Process

Through rapid sketches, 3D prototypes, and user testing sessions, Tandem refined a streamlined form factor with thoughtful features:

• Iconic design with curved back which enhanced audio performance

• Simple controls, elegant placement of drivers, and easy mounting options

Collaborative Design and Engineering

We worked hand in hand with Vizio’s VP of design and technical team to balance aesthetics with acoustic performance. Materials and positioning were engineered to deliver clarity and punch—drawing praise in reviews like “dialog was crisp and intelligible… effects had plenty of punch”.

The Outcome – Creating a Category

This was the first mass-market 5.1 soundbar on the market and was tandem's 1st project.

It quickly became a gateway audio solution—a practical, visually appealing upgrade that millions bought.

It ushered soundbars into mainstream electronics retail. Before this product, most shoppers wouldn’t even consider a separate audio accessory.

The iconic design helped VIZIO gain the No.1 market share in the US speaker bar market.

Iconic Design

2nd Read - Signature Details

The 1st mass market soundbar

What We Learned

Design shapes adoption.
We saw first-hand how a clean, thoughtful solution can spark a whole new product category.

Simplicity sells.
The goal wasn't to compete with high-end audio—but to offer something that worked well, looked right, and was easy to own.

Early adoption matters.
Being among the first to deliver a user friendly, iconic soundbar put Vizio—at the heart of a rapidly expanding market.

Final Thought

Tandem's collaboration with Vizio wasn’t just about building a product—it was about defining an entirely new experience for everyday consumers.

We didn’t just design a soundbar. We helped make it the soundbar.