The challenge: Redesign the basic folio-style case for tablet devices.
As our traditional-style folio sales declined, I was tasked with developing an entirely new platform that would allow us to be more competitive in the tablet accessory market.
The Versatile People Pleaser
This folio cover opens like a book and closes to protect, even if you drop it from 6 feet. Inside the cover, your device is held in a protective frame that grips its edges, leaving the entire surface of the touchscreen accessible.
The frame holding the iPad Air 2 is detachable for easy one-handed use.
Inside the folio, it rotates a full 360 degrees, and clicks into landscape or portrait mode, then folds into a 4 position workstand. Magnetic closure allows for a stylus inside, next to your device.
Making a Case with a Future
Collaborating closely with our mechanical engineers and QA team allowed us to develop a perimeter snap component that was not only low-profile, but versatile. With this platform, we were able to move from a mostly cut-and-sew style folio to a multi-function folio/shell hybrid. Bridging cut-and-sew with molded components created the opportunity to pursue more sophisticated features and functionality.
Elevate The Every Day...
Careful attention to trend direction revealed that many premium Apple device accessories were loosely color coordinated with the main device color options (either black or white). I chose a light, neutral interior microfiber color to complement devices with a white display frame. Drawing inspiration from the device color paved the way for cases that were affordable with a sophisticated touch.
...And Do Every Little Thing Right
The vast majority of cases are not only lacking in thoughtful features, but also well-resolved construction details. To stand apart, the TurnFolio had to offer excellent construction for its price point. Working directly with our manufacturer I was able to fine-tune details using construction materials and processes that we were familiar with, carving out opportunities to experiment- like working directly with suppliers overseas to develop a selection of exterior material samples, which allowed us to create a PU with a great hand-feel that was still within our target cost.
