Engineering Design Course Project

iPhone SE Phone Case Design

Project Introduction

  • Course: Engineering Design 101

  • Software Used: Autodesk Fusion 360

  • Team: Hana Duncan, Jake Brown, Berk Demirci, Imge Aktugan

  • Objective: Design a functional and aesthetically pleasing phone case for the iPhone SE, addressing specific user issues.

Problem Identification

  • Research: Conducted research to identify common issues faced by iPhone SE users - overheating and susceptibility to damage due to dropping.

  • Material Issues: Noted the problem of discoloration in existing phone cases.

Design Process

  • Initial Design: Created the basic case shape in Autodesk Fusion 360, ensuring accommodation for buttons, camera, and screen.

  • Material Selection: Chose polyurethane for its heat resistance, durability, and resistance to discoloration.

  • Features: Incorporated vertical air channels for cooling, and adjusted material thickness for cost-effectiveness and weight reduction.

Challenges and Solutions

  • Cooling and Durability: Tackled overheating and drop-damage issues by designing a case with enhanced grip and air ventilation features.

  • Aesthetic Consideration: Maintained a sleek, minimalist design with a metallic black color to appeal to users.

  • User Feedback: Conducted a survey to fine-tune design elements based on user preferences.

Final Design and Results

  • Outcome: Developed a lightweight, durable phone case with efficient cooling and an attractive design.

  • Testing and Feedback: Analyzed material properties and gathered user feedback to validate the design.

  • Reflections: Emphasized the importance of user-centric design and materials research in product development.

Skills and Techniques

  • CAD Modeling: Demonstrated proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting with Autodesk Fusion 360.

  • Material Science: Applied knowledge of material properties in design.

  • User Research: Employed survey methods to gather user insights for design refinement.

Reflection and Personal Growth

  • Gained valuable experience in collaborative design and problem-solving.

  • Developed a deeper understanding of user-centric product development and material selection.

  • Enhanced skills in 3D CAD modeling and incorporating user feedback into design iterations.