Anvil Studios

Power A

Anvil Studios
Power A

Power A iPhone Wetsuit

PowerA tasked us with designing a weather-resistant protection solution for the iPhone 4, focusing on two concept directions that meet the design objectives. The primary goal was to create a silicone enclosure that incorporates a protective rigid housing to securely encase the iPhone, ensuring weather resistance while maintaining a high-end aesthetic in line with Apple's rugged design principles. The design aimed to strike a balance between protection and user experience, inspired by the elegance of REI products.

 

One of the key challenges was to address the waterproofing of the 30-pin connector while preserving the audio quality of the speaker and microphone components positioned adjacent to it. This required careful engineering to enable waterproofing without compromising sound integrity. The rear-side camera lens be sealed directly to the body of the protection case, potentially eliminating the need for additional coverage. The front face, composed of glass, remained free from protective sealant except for the edges, allowing for an unhindered touch interface. Users could opt to apply a thin protective film, enhancing customization without obliging them to do so. The designs ensured accessibility to the proximity and light sensors, maintaining the iPhone's functionality.

To provide users with flexibility, there was an option for a headphone pass-thru feature – an additional headphone connector integrated into the protection case, granting the iPhone extra weather protection. The silicone enclosure incorporated living hinge features molded into its design to facilitate button accessibility, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components. Notably, the design avoided the use of metal and prevented the creation of a layered structure that could trap debris, potentially scratching the glass surface. By aligning with these design considerations and objectives, we developed two concept directions for a weather-resistant iPhone 4 protection that fulfilled the specified criteria while embodying a refined and REI-like beautiful aesthetic.

With diverse experience in industries ranging from consumer electronics, high-end audio, medical and life sciences, housewares and cycling, Anvil Studios is a product design company committed to bringing a broad range of solutions to the table.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your next product design.