More than one

trick up this sleeve

FlapTop Sleeve

for MacBook

ROLE Lead Industrial Designer, Speck Products

FlapTop Sleeve - Speck Products_Page_3_Image_0002.png

FlapTop Sleeve is a protective case for MacBook, providing secure storage and quick access to your device with an incredibly simple and intuitive open-close experience.

The patented FlapTop closure is placed on an over-center hinge to stay shut when a device is inserted. No magnets or zippers means your device won't auto-powerdown or become scratched.

Military grade drop protection

Impactium Shock Barrier™ provides protection in the form of a lightweight foam perimeter that can absorb the shock of continuous 4-foot drops.

PROCESS

Whiteboards for the win

WHAT I LEARNED:

Whiteboards > paper
Any given design can be described and understood quickest through cross-section sketches
An iconic design should pass the “sharpie test”

Proof is in the prototype

WHAT I LEARNED:

How to use a sewing machine
Certain foams and fabrics are prone to catching fire and foul smelling fumes when laser cut
Spare the pretty looking protos - it’s more important to first vet out functionality with quick and dirty mockups

Fun with foams and fabrics

WHAT I LEARNED:

EVA foam is a mind-blowing material - especially when it expands from paper-sized to mattress-sized sheets
The difference between lycra, neoprene, and spandex

The architecture and construction of this sleeve is essentially that of a shoe - consisting of a foam bumper (sole) and textile panels (upper)

**Samples, samples, and more *samples**

*golden

WHAT I LEARNED:

EVA foam tools are (relatively) cheap - so if the budget permits, go wild
Tooling and manufacturing limitations for compression molded EVA vs injection molded EVA
Professional sample makers are essentially sewing machine wizards

Approving parts can take all day - especially when there are designs for various device sizes and multiple colorways
The rewarding feeling of signing off on a golden sample