Design lead | Advisory role
Way back in 2011, we saw the rising popularity of the smartphone, 3G, and 4G networks. This drove the need for a more simple, convenient, and safer way to use the navigation, music, and communication apps while driving. Our design found an elegant solution to this problem by securing people’s phones to their car air vents.
A personal friend to the founder, I took on an advisory role with Kenu and developed the concept with a small team. After over a year of prototyping and testing, Airframe was released in early 2013 to media praise and sold over a million units in the first year. It was also the top selling auto accessory in the Apple Store during its time in market.
Airframe’s compact, portable form factor and light weight (under 1 oz.) made it the perfect commuter and travel accessory.
The unique design of the vent clip allowed for simple attachment to vent louvres of varying thicknesses, depending on which orientation the clip was turned.
This simple clip became Airframe’s most often-imitated feature.
Earlier directions explored a drop-in cradle to secure the phone, but were dropped in favor of a more secure spring-loaded arm with dual stainless-steel rods.
Technical drawings for the early explorations of the product.
We created the original components in-house so we could test and improve the design.