Sustainable Phone Case
Smartphone cases are becoming increasingly popular. People use them to protect their phones from damage.
However, many cases are made from plastic. This is harmful to the environment.
BY LAYLA AL-ANI - NABA SABAH - FARAH DALI - FATIMA AHMAD
Challenges with Traditional Phone Covers
Limited Functionality
Traditional phone covers primarily focus on protection.
Aesthetics
Lack the visual appeal and personalization options.
Material Concerns
Many phone covers are made from non-biodegradable materials.
Durability
Traditional phone covers may crack or break easily, requiring frequent replacements.
Interviews Feedback
We conducted personal life style type interviews with smartphone users to understand their needs and pain points related to smartphone cases.

1

2

3

1

Sustainability Concerns
Many users expressed concern about the environmental impact of plastic phone cases.

2

Durability and Protection
Users sought cases that would protect their phones from drops and scratches while lasting longer than plastic options.

3

Aesthetics and Style
Users desired cases that would complement the look of their phones and express their personal style.
By understanding user needs, we identified key areas for improvement in sustainable smartphone case design.
Empathy Map
1
See
  • Extension of their personal style,
  • matching it with their outfits.
  • way to express personal style.
2
Hear
They hear about new phone case designs and may be influenced by trends or recommendations from friends.
3
Feelings
Happy:
Frustration: .
Openness: to considering eco-friendly options.
Surprised: to learn about the environmental implications of phone cases.
4
Thoughts
  • Aesthetic: they prioritize aesthetic appeal.
  • Forgetfulness: forget to change their phone case .
  • Environmental Awareness: they express concern about sustainability when prompted.
5
Say
  • "I have multiple phone cases."
  • "I like having different colors and styles to match my outfits."
  • "Sometimes I forget to change them."
  • "I didn't realize phone cases could harm the environment."
6
Actions
  • Changing Phone Cases.
  • Discarding Old Cases: typically throws away old phone cases.
  • buys a new phone case with each new device.
7
Pains
  • Forgetting to Match.
  • Environmental Impact: While not a significant concern initially, they may feel guilty.
8
Gains
  • Aesthetic Satisfaction.
  • New Options.
  • Expresses readiness: to change behavior if a viable alternative is presented.
Journey Map
Fish Bone diagram
We used a Fishbone diagram to analyze the root causes of the problem of unsustainable smartphone cases.
Redefine the Problem
Opportunity Statement
Everyone wants to express their personal style and aesthetic preferences through their choice of phone cases surprisingly they lack of awareness or accessibility to sustainable alternatives.
How Might We
How might we use phone cases for aesthetic reasons without being misused?
Challenge the assumptions
Owning more than one phone case at the same Manufacturing phone cases made up from plastic
Why we have to have more than one phone case?
Why we should manufacture it from plastic?
Break the rules
Having one phone case with multiple themes instead of multiple phone cases Having smart phone case instead of plastic phone case
Combine the unusual
Combine the technology with phone cases manufacturing Combine the AI with phone cases manufacturing
Ask searching questions
Why we are consuming a lot of phone cases?
How the use of plastic phone cases affect the environment?
How we can save the environment from the predicted outcomes from the use of plastic?
What are the alternatives that can be used instead of plastic phone cases?
Ideate a Solution

1

Plant-based Plastics
Utilize bioplastics derived from cornstarch or sugarcane.

2

Biodegradable Materials
Explore options like bamboo, hemp, or organic cotton.

3

Smart Case / Bioplastic (PLA)
3D printer to print the phone case based on your design.

4

Recycled Materials
Use recycled paper, cardboard, or textiles for the cover.

5

Upcycled Materials
Repurpose materials like old jeans, tires, or plastic bottles creatively.
Smart Case
We designed a smartphone case that addresses the environmental and durability concerns of current cases. It is made from a sustainable material, such as recycled plastic. This material is both strong and biodegradable. The case also features a modular design, allowing for easy repairs and customization.
Personalization and Customization
Custom Colors
Users can choose from a wide range of colors to match their personal style and preferences.
Unique Designs
Phone covers can be printed with personalized patterns, logos, and artwork.
Textured Surfaces
Different textures, from smooth to rough, add tactile appeal and enhance grip.
3D Customization
Advanced customization options allow users to design their own unique phone cover shapes and features.
Prototype
Test 1
"The app is very useful and essential to us in these days; not only does it save the environment, but it also helps us be creative and stylish and saves our time and effort. I really love it."
Test 2
"The website seems well-positioned to attract environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability without compromising on quality or style in their phone accessories. Its user-friendly interface and streamlined ordering process further enhance its appeal, making it a compelling option in the sustainable product market."
Areas for Improvement
Iteration
OUR PROUD LOGO
Golden Circle
  • At Ecolegance, our mission with eCover is to lead the way in minimizing plastic phone case consumption
  • Creating a sustainable future and empowering personal expression
  • Through innovative design, collaboration, and education,
  • Aim to inspire positive change towards a greener planet while meeting the diverse needs of our customers.
Story Telling
Work
LAYLA
Traditional phone cases
Redefine the problem
Prototype
Storytelling
NABA
Empathy map
Ideate a solution
Areas for improvement
FARAH
Journey map
Fishbone
FATIMA
Ask searching Q
challenge assumption
Break rules
Combine unusual
Made with Gamma