Protection is only one half of the packaging equation. For many products, the carrying case is the user’s primary interaction point, transforming into an essential tool in its own right.
Tetrafab’s Business Development Group recently tackled a project for a customer who wanted to create a highly functional, portable case specifically for hobbyists—people who enjoy painting, model-making, and similar activities.
The challenge wasn’t just to protect the supplies; it was to turn the case into a mobile workspace.
Engineered for the User’s “Use Case”
As Shawn Smith from Tetrafab notes, the entire design revolved around the end-user’s needs: portability and instant setup. Hobbyists needed a solution that would allow them to take their supplies anywhere and immediately begin working.
We collaborated with the customer to design a custom EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) case that is truly multifunctional:
1. The Fold-Out Workstation
The most distinctive feature of this case is its front panel. It’s engineered to be more than a lid—it’s a complete fold-out workstation.
- The main EVA panel unfolds to provide a stable, flat working surface.
- The sides of the fold-out area are designed to securely hold paint palettes, notebooks, or small tools, keeping them accessible but off the main work area.
2. Custom Internal Organization
The interior of the case was designed for maximum customizability. It features various compartments to organize different types of paints, brushes, and small hobby items. Furthermore, a specialized inset tray was built into the front panel specifically to hold a cutting board, ensuring a crucial tool is always ready for use.
3. Smart Storage and Portability
Beyond the primary work area, the case was optimized for carrying efficiency:
- The rear of the case opens up to provide general storage space for larger items or project materials that don’t fit in the specialized front compartments.
- Ergonomics were prioritized with both a comfortable shoulder strap and a hand strap, making it easy to carry to classes, clubs, or outdoor sites.
Adding Value Beyond Protection
This case study demonstrates that custom packaging can be a significant value-add for your product. It’s an investment that elevates the entire user experience.
By collaborating closely with the customer and focusing entirely on their “exacting specifications all around the use case,” Tetrafab delivered a unique item that acts as a protected transport and a fully functional workstation—ultimately enhancing the hobbyist’s ability to use the product wherever they go.
Do your customers’ products demand more than just a box? Partner with Tetrafab to engineer a custom case that becomes part of the product experience!