SLICE
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Slice is a modular electronics organizer with a built-in wireless charger. Its circular shape and spacious compartments lend itself to a convenient and compact storage solution for small electronic devices.
TIMELNE
4 Weeks
February – March 2025
TOOLS
Vacuum Forming
Paper Prototyping
Arduino Nano
Soldering
Research
USER RESEARCH
Before deciding on the form of the organizer, I interviewed two users about their current desk organization system and what could be improved. I found that they preferred larger containers to store things. While small and specialized storage systems worked well initially, they were too much of a hassle use daily.
Ideation
INITIAL SKETCHES
With the insight I gained from the interviews, I sketched three ideas for a desk organizer. One requirement was to include a wireless charger pad within the design which I did in all three designs.
Iteration
FORM STUDIES
With the sketches I decided to proceed with modules that would come together to form a shape. I also kept in mind my user research and used larger compartments. Using printer paper I created two prototypes. I received the most positive feedback from the circular prototype so I continued with it moving forward.
ORTHOGRAPHIC DRAWINGS
After creating the physical prototypes, I used Adobe Illustrator to visualize the final dimensions as well as where the components for the charger would sit. I decided on a sloped design for the entire organizer to create more visual interest, as well as allowing for your phone to face you at a natural angle while it is being charged.
However, I changed the direction so that the compartments would be sloped due to the limitations of vacuum forming. I also increased the angle of the wireless charger as I found the original angle to be too shallow for the user to view.
PROCESS
To make the compartments, I first used polystyrene foam to create each mold. I then vacuum formed PETG sheets over the molds to create each compartment. To create the angle I cut each compartment to the specific angle and sanded the edges to create a smooth finish. Finally, I created a wood shell for the wireless charger and Arduino by laser cutting plywood and stacking them together.
FINAL MOCKUP
A photosensor is used in the final model to detect if a phone is on the charging pad. That triggers the Arduino to light a white LED light under the wireless charger piece. Each piece can be used indiviaully or all the pieces are combined to form a tessellated electronics organizer.
