Project Overview
Phonak needed an EVA case that could house and protect their flagship hearing aids, as well as carry an accessories that their customers might need for maintaining or fixing the device while on the go.
Specs:
Thermoformed foam EVA shell with an elastic band, pvc pocket, and custom molded insert.
Challenge
Phonak contacted us with the opportunity to design and manufacture a fully custom carrying case for a new hearing aid they had recently developed. The case needed to be durable and shock-proof in order to prevent damage to the device. It also needed to house items for cleaning, maintenance, and additional accessories that are used alongside the hearing aid itself. Phonak was also adamant about creating a design that would be functional, fashionable, and add value for their end users. Our biggest hurdle was going to be making the case fit the small and irregular shaped hearing aid devices and securing the cleaning tools in a way that would reduce rattling and movement from within the case while being transported.
Solution
Given the application of the case, we knew we wanted the shell to be molded from EVA material in order to best protect the components. We really wanted to give the case a sleek look and feel good in the hand, so we went with a black PU leather wrap for the EVA shell. On the outer shell we had the Phonak name and logo pressed into the material, as opposed to a protruding rubber sewn logo, for a more elegant and smooth look. The interior top half of the case has a full mesh pocket which is secured by an elastic band. On the front of the mesh is a clear PVC card holder that can hold business cards, IDs, etc. The bottom interior of the case holds a specially molded tray with an elastic band that holds a thick owners manual and secures the devices. Underneath the tray the user can hold jewelry or more cleaning accessories, as well as extra tubes or earpiece molds. The bottom center tray also sports a sewn-in rubber logo with their trademark green dot that really makes the inside of the case pop.
Results
The finished product met and exceeded all of our original expectations for the project. Phonak was very pleased with the results and we were honored to have had the opportunity to work with such an innovative and life-changing company for people with hearing loss. The cases were also very well-received by their end users which helped them to further establish trust and brand loyalty within their consumer base.