iPhone Protection
Designing phone cases requires balancing durability with comfort and aesthetics. The challenge was to create truly protective cases while keeping them slim, comfortable to hold, and visually refined.
I focused on maximising protection while minimising unnecessary material, using form, surface structure, and controlled geometry to reinforce key structural areas without adding bulk.
The designs were developed as part of ZAGG’s global phone case lineup and distributed through major retail channels. Across multiple platforms, the cases have received over a thousand positive customer reviews, maintaining an average rating above 4.6 stars. The designs were also featured by CNN Underscored as one of the best cases for the iPhone 17.Role:
Lead Industrial Designer responsible for form development and production CAD across multiple consumer device protection products.
Lead Industrial Designer responsible for form development and production CAD across multiple consumer device protection products.
Scope:
Industrial Design • Concept Development • CMF Development • Engineering Collaboration
Industrial Design • Concept Development • CMF Development • Engineering Collaboration
Outcome:
The project delivered a range of protective phone cases that balance durability, usability, and visual clarity while supporting large-scale global production.
The project delivered a range of protective phone cases that balance durability, usability, and visual clarity while supporting large-scale global production.
Context
These designs were developed as part of a wider consumer electronics accessory portfolio for global distribution by ZAGG. The cases needed to follow an established visual language while working within existing engineering frameworks and manufacturing constraints. The brief was to create products that clearly communicate protection while remaining slim, refined, and consistent with the broader product range.
Exploration
Early exploration focused on how geometry and surface structure could communicate durability without relying on excessive material. Subtle shifts in panel divisions, surface direction, and grip areas can significantly influence how protective a product appears and feels in use.
Sketching allowed me to test different approaches to visually reinforcing structural zones while introducing surface textures that improve grip and handling.
Development
As the designs progressed, development focused on refining edge profiles, corner protection, and wall thickness. Structural areas were carefully controlled to maintain durability while avoiding unnecessary bulk.
These refinements helped establish a clearer balance between protection, material efficiency, and the overall visual character of the case.
Design Resolution
The final designs integrate protective elements directly into the geometry of the case. Controlled surface transitions and structural detailing reinforce impact zones while maintaining a clean and restrained aesthetic.
Material selection and surface textures were tuned to improve grip and tactility, creating a case that feels secure and durable while maintaining a slim and visually balanced silhouette.
Outcome
The project delivered a range of protective phone cases that balance durability, usability, and visual clarity while supporting large-scale global production.
The cases were released as part of ZAGG’s global accessories portfolio and distributed through major retail channels. The designs were applied across multiple product lines and received strong customer feedback, with over a thousand positive reviews averaging 4.6+ stars, frequently highlighting fit, durability, and overall feel.
The cases were also recognised by CNN Underscored as one of the best iPhone 17 cases, reinforcing the success of the design in real-world use.
