We must all agree that the smartphone has become a tool that we no longer see our lives without. We use our smartphone as a way to communicate, search for information, work, and spend time on social media. And because our smartphones are so important, we want to offer them the extra care they need with the help of phone cases.
Users are paying more attention to the smartphone case they choose for a very simple reason: you spend many hours with your phone in your hand or pocket, and you want to stay comfortable. Phone case manufacturers have understood the importance of phone cases to blend seamlessly with the device and support everyday use.
In this article, we will delve into the basics and foundations that create protective yet stylish phone case designs.
Phone cases need to support daily activities like handling, carrying, and charging
You might not think much about it, but phone cases will impact the way you interact with your phone. Let’s take the handling part. The phone case acts as a protective bridge between your phone and external risks. Also, when you hold the phone, the case’s texture and thickness shape the experience. These elements will also determine how protective the phone remains, as too bulky designs can make you lose your grip on the phone. Also, you need to decide what you want from a particular phone case. Do you wish to add an extra protective layer? If so, you can look for textured cases. Or, if you want to have an elegant and minimalist case, then you might want a smooth finish.
Also, you need to think about the ways you enjoy carrying your phone the most. Do you usually keep it in your pocket or maybe in your bag? The phone manufacturers keep these details and consider people’s answers, so they design phone cases to match their needs directly. In this regard, those who keep the phone in their pockets will want a slimmer case, while those who keep it in the bag won’t need to pay that much attention to the thickness of the case they choose.
Another important part when designing the phone is charging. The phone case needs to blend seamlessly, without adding hassles and more friction. Also, phone manufacturers need to provide solutions for whatever charging method people prefer, either the traditional way with the charger or a wireless connection.
Finding the best solution between grip, bulk, protection, and style
A good phone case is the result of seamlessly integrating various elements. Some of them include grip, bulk, protection, and style. The problem is that these characteristics don’t always go hand in hand. For instance, bulkier features can add protection but cut into style. The other elements of a phone case can also impact the grip, and phone cases with additional material might be more challenging to hold.
Now, let’s talk about style, since it is one of the most important elements for some people. There are users who want colorful phone cases with different patterns, and for them the phone case is an accessory itself and not only a protective tool. For others, transparent phone cases are the best solution, since they enjoy simpler approaches.
For the protective elements, this depends a lot on the regular activities a person has. It also matters the tolerance for damage as well as handling habits. If someone works in an outdoor environment and uses their phone constantly, they might need to prioritize phone cases with more protective elements. Instead, someone working in an office can prioritize case style.
Users have different needs, and because of this, they need to consider which elements they don’t want to compromise on.
How to integrate the everyday routine of users into the phone case design
The brands that want to remain the first answer for users need to understand user behaviors and design products to reflect them. One of the remarkable brands in the phone case industry is Velvet Caviar. This brand has an interesting history. The founder, Michelle Aran, didn’t find one phone case that would offer protective qualities while also having a stylish appeal. So, because of this constant desire to find something to balance both elements, she started designing her own phone cases, and this is how Velvet Caviar took its first steps in February 2014.
What started so small became an internet sensation because Velvet Caviar didn’t choose between protection and style; it found the perfect way to balance both into a phone case. By looking only at Velvet Caviar’s cases for iPhone, we can explore a stylish collection of over 150 designs that don’t compromise protection. So, when discussing why phone cases should start with everyday behaviors, we should ask for the opinion of the experts in the domain.
Michelle was asked to offer her opinion to the question: What everyday phone-use habit do you think case designers most often overlook, and can you share a real example of how that habit has influenced a design decision at Velvet Caviar? Michelle answered:
Many phone case designers overlook the day to day durability of the phone cases they design. While many brands have done a great job incorporating the necessary protective elements for a phone case, many still lack the proper qualities to have a case retain a “like-new” look condition after 6 months of use. At Velvet Caviar, we’ve invested years of research into improving our cases to be extremely scratch resistant and detract any discolorations or yellowing. Especially with the growing use of MagSafe accessories, it’s essential that a customer spending $40-80 on a premium product also gets great durability and longevity from their phone case.
The bottom line
To remain a good solution for people, you need to design products that directly match people’s needs and preferences. Velvet Caviar has understood this, which is why it has turned into a phenomenon and the go-to answer when people are looking for a place to get their phone cases.