I started out unsure with what I wanted to achieve from a mobile phone dock, so I went straight into sketching. My only idea then was to use geometrical shapes, as I was into the idea of creating a look that was more pop-sy.

Initial design sketches

I asked a friend for their opinion on which designs were their favourite, ticking several which were preferred, and developed them further.

Further development

I decided to go with the organic shaped one that was based off an ocarina.

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But many people also mentioned that the design was like either a lamp or a space ship. To be really honest, I agree with them, I just went with the aesthetic of an ocarina and moved from there, which I thought was interesting. I liked the way ocarinas were coloured, and that they were mostly made using ceramics, although some were made of plastics or woods, or even bone, which creates a different acoustic sound with each variation of material.

Possible dimensions to fit phone, frontal orthographic view

Orthographic top view and side view

After creating very rough sketches of my final design, I was asked to do a mini-prototype. Through this process, I wanted to try manipulating it to see how the weight would fair with such an asymmetrical design.

Created paper templates to help with cutting foam, using the designs to help determine the proportions

Next step: created base shape after much sanding. Made it very curvy, as shown in the initial design.

Some parts were not as accurate to initial design, but I decided to go with the flow because an important thing in my design was to make sure that everything was proportioned to weigh evenly.

Proceed to create markings for where I might want to cut into (for the phone to sit in, or for buttons to be placed in)

Accidentally shaved off too much at the bottom, but basically made a concave platform for phone to sit in!

Top view, as imagined from initial design.

Noted as well, some parts of original design were taken away (legs for example) because I found them not as relevant since I could make it balance with a flat bottom.

Also created some extra edges along the bottom for a not so all-rounded look.

By this point, I had a clearer idea of what I wanted to achieve for the final product. I had to make sure that the phone stand would not break off when I cut the top, and after consultation, was able to do that by cutting a whole piece off, and then sticking it back again.

A problem I encountered doing this was that after sanding, the bottom right area ended up chipping off, creating an awkward space that did not connect the two pieces together. I had to sand it down until it was an even gradient. One thing I would have changed about this was to have been more careful with cutting and sanding things. But as a first try with foam, I was rather satisfied with my product.

Colour wise, I would have chosen bright, saturated colours to those of the pop age, and use contrasting colours for the buttons.