Woodle Cube
Handmade device cradle charger
Introduction
The Woodle Cube is a hand-made wooden stand that I designed to hold a wide variety of mobile devices and tablets. My main goal in the design process was to create a product that would be both functional and visually pleasing to improve the experience of using mobile devices. The Woodle Cube project started in 2014 as a collaboration between myself and my father, who is a skilled woodcarver.
Background
As a digital product designer, I constantly use mobile devices and tablets as tools for my work, and I have had the opportunity to use a variety of different devices and cables. This led me to realize that there was a need for a device stand that could accommodate a wide range of device sizes and types, and work with any USB cable. My father’s skills in woodcarving presented an opportunity to combine our expertise and develop the Woodle Cube as a small-scale project.
Problem Statement
The specific problem that the Woodle Cube aimed to solve was the need for a device stand that was easy to use, pleasing to look at, and able to accommodate a wide range of device sizes and types, including fat smartphones and tablets. Additionally, the stand needed to work with any USB cable, even bootleg ones.
Users
The targeted audience was young, computer-savvy people who appreciate hand-made, wooden products. This audience is likely to be tech-savvy, with a preference for minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing products. They are looking for a practical solution for holding their mobile devices and tablets without compromising on design. The target audience is primarily individuals who own multiple devices, whether for personal or professional use, and want an easy-to-use stand that works for any device type. It was also aimed to be a product for people of all ages who use any mobile device and would enjoy the minimalistic design.
Design Process
To design the Woodle Cube, I first created a prototype by working with my father, who had the knowledge and machinery to make a wooden cube. I created a 3D model and calculated all the holes, essentially a technical drawing. I also explained every nuance to him, and he created the first wooden prototype.
After several iterations, we finalized the design, focusing on the size of the cube and experimenting with different types of wood. We aimed for a minimalistic and functional design that followed the principles of Dieter Rams approach to product design. I have given the prototype of Woodle Cube a clean and simple look, that would be recognizable at a glance and easy to use for a wide range of device sizes and types.
The Woodle Cube featured laser engraving on the back side of the wooden block, which served as a unique feature and added an element of personalization. The engraving included the type of wood used in the production of the cube, which added an element of authenticity and craftsmanship to the product. Different designs and laser engraving settings were experimented with to achieve the desired look. The laser engraving helped to create a subtle but significant detail on the product, adding an extra layer of uniqueness and personal touch to the Woodle Cube. It also helped highlight the product's quality and the attention to detail paid during its development. This addition of laser engraving was vital as it helped to make the product look more premium and hand-made, something the target audience would appreciate.
Branding
Once the design of the Woodle Cube was finalized, we focused on the packaging and branding. I chose a natural, uncolored recycled cardboard for the packaging that was perfectly fitted around the cube, and on one side, there was a minimalistic white sticker with the logo and the name. I wanted the packaging to serve as a wrap, not as a separate product, to reflect the minimalistic nature of the product itself.
Logo
I’ve put a lot of emphasis on the logo as well, I wanted it to be simple and reflective of the minimalistic and functional nature of the product. After trying different fonts, I chose Gotham Black, which met those criteria.
The logo of the Woodle Cube was a crucial part of the branding and packaging process. The logo consisted of the name “Woodle” written in the chosen font and the number 3 to represent the cube shape, this simplicity of the logo makes it immediately recognizable and easy to remember. It was an essential part of the visual identity of the product and helped to establish a strong brand image for the Woodle Cube. The simple and clean design of the logo was in line with the minimalistic design of the product, which further reinforced the product’s identity.
IKEA Style
The Woodle Cube project was a resounding success, not only in terms of sales but also in terms of popularity in Sweden. The minimalistic and functional design of the product caught the attention of companies in Sweden, many of whom began ordering the Woodle Cube as a New Year gift for their employees.
Additionally, the product’s popularity led to one company becoming a reseller of the Woodle Cube. This level of success in Sweden helped to solidify the Woodle Cube’s reputation as a high-quality and desirable product among its target audience. To add, it was also featured on a web marketplace that was later bought by Shopify and increased its exposure to even more customers.
Conclusion
The Woodle Cube is a hand-made wooden stand that was designed to address the need for a versatile and easy-to-use device stand that looks pleasing to the eye. The design process was a collaboration between my father and me, where we combined our expertise to create a minimalistic, functional,l and visually pleasing product that can accommodate a wide range of device sizes and types and work with any cable.
Packaging and branding were also carefully considered to reflect the minimalistic and functional nature of the product. Woodle Cube was available to everyone worldwide for $8 per cube. Through this project, I’ve learned how to iterate on a real-life product, market and sell a product from scratch, and the importance of minimalism and simplicity in design.
Key Takeaways
Minimalism and simplicity are important in design
The Woodle Cube was designed with minimalism and simplicity in mind, which helped it to be functional and visually pleasing.
Collaboration can lead to a better product
The design and development of the Woodle Cube was a collaboration between my father and myself, and combining our expertise led to a better product.
User needs drive product development
The Woodle Cube was created in response to a specific user need: an easy-to-use device stand that works with various device sizes and types.
Packaging and branding are essential
The packaging and branding of the Woodle Cube were carefully considered to reflect the minimalistic and functional nature of the product.
With the proper marketing and branding strategy, it is possible to sell a product that is just one single piece of wood, like the Woodle cube, that is functional and aesthetically pleasing.
