Traditional smartphone holders such as armbands and waist pouches have their limitations. Armbands tend to move easily and put weight on one side of the arm, while waist pouches can be cumbersome to access. Xporter Neo aims to address these issues by providing a simple yet effective solution.
The structure of Xporter Neo is elegantly minimalistic, consisting of a panel and shock cords. The durable shock cord plays a vital role in ensuring the holder's versatility and stability, regardless of the activity. It allows users to adjust the holder to fit their body and securely fasten their smartphones.
With dimensions of 73.5 mm in width, 9 mm in depth, and 157 mm in height, Xporter Neo is designed to accommodate various smartphone models, including the iPhone.
Fromwest & Kairi Eguchi Design aimed to create a smartphone holder that not only enhances wearability but also maximizes the utility of smartphones during sports and outdoor activities. The transparent material chosen for Xporter Neo adds a futuristic touch, inspiring and exciting users.
Operating Xporter Neo is effortless. Users simply put the strap around their body or hand and connect the straps with the small connectors assembled onto the shock cord. Two straps are available: a hand strap attached to the panel/plate and a body strap that can be connected to the hand strap to extend its length, allowing users to wear it around their shoulder or chest, depending on the activity.
The development of Xporter Neo began in August 2014 in Japan, building upon the success of its predecessor, Xporter. The initial product was designed solely for the iPhone 5, but Xporter Neo caters to a wider range of smartphone models. While it has not been exhibited yet, Xporter Neo is set to make a significant impact in the market.
Extensive research was conducted to identify the potential market for Xporter Neo. Fromwest & Kairi Eguchi Design analyzed the sports market and recognized the increasing integration of sports into our daily lives. As a result, Xporter Neo was designed to be flexible, catering to both sports and daily life scenarios.
The creative and technical challenges faced during the design process were overcome through careful consideration of materials, parts, structure, and form. The use of shock cord, known for its durability and toughness, proved to be a game-changer, ensuring the compatibility of electronic devices with Xporter Neo.
Fromwest & Kairi Eguchi Design's Xporter Neo has garnered recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Sporting Goods, Fitness, and Recreation Equipment Design category in 2016. This prestigious award acknowledges the practicality, innovation, and professional standards upheld by Xporter Neo.
With Xporter Neo, Fromwest & Kairi Eguchi Design has revolutionized the way we carry our smartphones during sports and outdoor activities. This universal smartphone holder combines functionality, style, and durability, making it an essential accessory for active individuals seeking to enhance their smartphone experience.
Project Designers: Minoru Kishimoto
Image Credits: Image #1~5 : Creator (KAIRI EGUCHI DESIGN / design studio) Kairi Eguchi and Enya Hou, Xporter Neo, 2015
Project Team Members: Designer: Kairi Eguchi
Assistant Designer: Enya Hou
Project Name: Xporter Neo
Project Client: Minoru Kishimoto