Here’s a quick update on the Wrapster, Quirks.
We are currently testing Wrapster prototypes coming directly out of the tooling. Over the last month or so, our factory has sent us four samples. These samples are each a different type of plastic and have varying levels of hardness. Wrapster’s form is simple but every part of its design is functional. And choosing the right material for this product is imperative to its success from a design standpoint (actually from every standpoint).
Above is a shot of the four samples we’ve tested so far. From left to right, the tooled prototypes range from a hard plastic to a much softer TPE. We might actually receive another batch of samples today, if Hurricane Earl doesn’t blow our messenger off the map.
These new samples we hopefully get in today will be made out of TPE. However, this time they will be stiffer than before. This material choice allows for flex but also holds its form. In the beginning of the production process (post tooling) our factory engineers were a bit concerned with this material choice not behaving nicely with internal design of the tool. But so far things have been looking good and we feel confident that we are moving in the right direction.
We will slide in another update after the holiday when we receive/test the new samples.
Brain* out!
Community Ambassador note: Brain is Brian’s new nickname. Spread it like wildfire!
8 Comments
Clinton | 09/03/2010 10:14 PM
Hey Brain – great nickname! Where’s Pinky, BTW?
Matt Fleming | 09/05/2010 12:45 AM
Love the new design. I hope you guys go with the lightest material possible (this thing will be dangling from our ears), while still allowing for propping up the IPhone for landscape viewing. I am also hoping that you include, for purchase, a less conspicuous color option for those who want to be subtle (like clear or cord-white).
Thanks!
ThePeanutGallery | 09/05/2010 9:00 PM
Sorry, that design is not intuitive. A product like this should be intuitive to use. Maybe it should be redesigned.
Ann Marie | 09/07/2010 2:44 AM
White, white, WHITE and glow in the dark for the fun folks. Hate it, but if Matt likes it, so be it.
Kaari | 09/07/2010 3:00 AM
The trouble with the new design is that it doesn’t look like a design at all, compared to Matt’s orginal one it also lacks functionality.
If someone showed this to me and asked what is it, I’d guess it’s a cheap door or window stop, it doesn’t look something I’d carry around. Sorry
Kaari | 09/07/2010 9:06 PM
If you look at this one, you know what I mean
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hardware-Fasteners-Weather-Stripping/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xh8Zard7/R-202016390/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
chief | 09/08/2010 1:16 AM
So you redesigned wrapster to be a squeegee for side-view mirrors? That’s genius – now there’s something I actually have a use for.