Background
The general technology assortment within the promotional product industry has to account for not only all different versions of phones and tablets, but also audio accessories including the heavily adopted Airpods. The launch of the Airpod Pro created an issue for our customers as they did not want to provide their promotional branded Airpod case that could not fit all available generations.
Research
Desktop Research
Extensive desktop research was conducted to identify if there was a current type of case on the market that adopted to both generations of the Airpod. Unfortunately, such product did not exist, mainly because suppliers were targeting individuals, not groups that are typically seen in the promotional market.
I also conducted competitive research to see if anyone in the promotional product space had found any type of solution or case currently in line. The only cases identified were non adjustable silicone cases for the Airpod under $1.
Trend Analysis
Retail trend analysis was performed by visiting tech specific stores and general retail merchandisers to answer the essential questions such as; what types of cases are selling, what cases and other phone accessories are on clearance, what are the hot trends in colors, materials, brands within the tech accessory and fashion space, and what price point ceilings do these products live at.
The surprising intel was regarding the price point; most purchasers sprung for an under $10 case, where the product it is protecting is worth much more. From their perspective, the Airpod’s technically come in a charging case already, so customers didn’t feel the need to get a more expensive case for their case.
Ethnographic Research
Observational studies were performed while pursuing trend research within different stores. I observed how people interacted with their technology, how they stored it, and their general actions while shopping, commuting, and interacting with other people.
The cases for Airpods were mainly used as a means of storage organization with a clip than protection. Cases were clipped to keys, purses, gym bags, and other everyday essentials so they would not be left behind; similar to the attachment to a cellphone. Cases also acted as an accent to their style.
Identified Design Requirements
The research conducted revealed that Airpod users typically keep their Airpod cases on hand everywhere they go, just as they would their Iphone. The case needed to fit functionally and aesthetically into their every day life. Analyzing fashion trends pointed to muted colors, comforting materials, and basic silhouettes that can accent the consumers everyday style. The following design requirements were identified:
- Fit both Airpod and Airpod Pro
- Material needs to be a soft Polyurethane to deboss and print but keep it soft to touch
- Elastic sides will allow the case to stretch to fit the width of the Pro
- Strong magnetic top will allow height to be adjusted while remaining secure
- Basic silhouette and muted colors (black, grey, blue)
- Strong keyring to ensure security
From the identified design requirements, I collaborated with our industrial designer to reconfigure a previously proposed design to fit the new functional needs and design aesthetic that our target customer was seeking. This new case not only needed to fit the design requirements, but also stay under the coded price of $5. The designs below include the initial product from our factory as well as the initial design file.
Proposed Product
Size Constraint
Initial Design
Initial Prototype
Iteration
Testing of the initial prototype included the ability to decorate by deboss and color print, the ability to hold both the Airpod and Airpod Pro securely and the overall durability. From the product testing, the product issues lied mainly in the inability to consistently decorate due to the rounded magnet on the front flap. To remedy this issue I redesigned the flap to have a thick rectangular consistent magnet that fit on our deboss and color print machines while also providing a more secure front enclosure. We also noted that the elastic on each side tended to stretch out over time when used with the Airpod Pro, so a change in the material to an upgraded fabric elastic allowed the case to maintain it’s form.
Final Product
