The chicest, funniest, hottest, girliest, manliest way to hold and handle your phone, fonhandle is available in five superfine models. Read more
The chicest, funniest, hottest, girliest, manliest way to hold and handle your phone, fonhandle is available in five superfine models.
About this project
Introducing a new kind of accessory
Fonhandle is inspired by hafting, the act of attaching artifacts to a handle which turns them into useful objects. Humans have used this method throughout history to turn rock, metal and bone into axes and hammers, then later on – simple lenses into magnifying glasses, and then – rubber nets into fly swatters. Now it is time to do the same with the most useful object of all – the smartphone.
Fonhandle enhances your mobile experience. It opens a world of new photographic and videographic opportunities, better ergonomics, easier web browsing and other uses that have yet been discovered.
Black and White – Sleek & Opaque, the Glossy Black and GlossyWhite models are made of top quality acrylic material.
Clear and Pink – A translucent line made of tinted, transparent acrylic.
Lime - A Kickstarter limited edition made of transparent yellow-green acrylic.
Wood - Machine milled from cherry wood block, hand finished and lacquer coated.
Currently all models are made for iPhone 5/5S.
In its natural habitat, fonhandle is a multi-useful tool – allowing steady motion capturing, better angles for those hard-to-take selfies, an even better web browsing experience and hands-free video conferencing on the beach while keeping the device neat and clean*.
* Note: Pesky sand may still find its way in your phone – be vigilant!
The design process included more than 32 prototypes, 51 CNC hours, 26 3D model files, 441 emails and countless iterations of sketching and refining. Fonhandle was modeled and tested in a variety of modeling technologies, like laser cutting in wood and acrylic, stereolithography (by Objet machines and by service of Shapeways), 3D printing by Makerbot and CNC milling in final materials. All this was done to achieve optimal proportions, to verify the design, and to check functionality under real world conditions. Fonhandle is currently patent pending.
With over seven years of experience as an industrial designer and product manager in various projects, fonhandle is my debut product. I believe that it's up to us, creators and backers, to imagine and realize original products and challenging projects – fonhandle being my own contribution to this effort.
Risks and challenges
Serving as a product manager in several companies, I have experienced all aspects of production, from setting up a production line to quality assurance and shipping. Several challenges are up ahead that require special attention:
Production:
Mold preparation is the most time consuming process, and will be a big challenge in terms of keeping up to schedule. The mold is simple: it has two slide cores (for the connectors and on/off button) and for its high-end finish requires an almost optical-grade polish. I have met and consulted with mold makers and plastic injection professionals on this subject to better prepare for this step. Furthermore, most of the design for production is already completed along with price quotations and a timeline for manufacturing. In short, we are ready to go.
Shipping:
My goal is to be able to ship the highest quality product that can be made during the time frame that has been set for shipping. I have allowed more than enough time for the manufacturing process to go as smoothly as possible. However, in the event of delays, backers will be notified of any changes to the shipping schedule.
Thank you for taking your time to read. You are welcome to voice any questions and thoughts by contacting me by contacting me using the contact link in the sidebar. Yonatan.
Learn about accountability on KickstarterFAQ
-
At the moment fonhandle is compatible only with iPhone 5/5S, but that may change latter on...
-
You can use one of the many free photography apps available, like CamMe for taking selfies using hand gestures and KeyCam for time-triggered pictures.
-
fonhandle is a simple accessory, and is free of batteries, connectors and electronic mechanisms.
Rewards
-
Pledge $1 or more
7 backers
You're awesome! Get great karma and my most sincere thanks for believing in this project. Free worldwide shipping.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $8 or more
3 backers
Show your support! Two Kickstarter-green Fonhanle vinyl decals. Stick it on your laptop, on your rear car window or anywhere else.
Size: 9"by 3.75".
Free world wide shipping.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $13 or more
48 backers Limited (152 left of 200)
Early birds! First 200 get a Glossy Black or Glossy White Fonhandle for a bargain. This will help warm up the engines and spread the word!
For iPhone 5/5S. US shipping included.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $18 or more
5 backers
Opaque! Your very own high polished Glossy Black or Glossy White Fonhandle.
For iPhone 5/5S. US shipping included.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $23 or more
4 backers
Translucent! Clear or Pink Fonhandle!
For iPhone 5/5S. US shipping included.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $30 or more
5 backers
Kickstarter exclusive! Translucent Yellow-Green plus a Fonhandle decal. This version of Fonhandle will be available here only.
For iPhone 5/5S. US shipping included.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $45 or more
4 backers Limited (96 left of 100)
Personalize! Custom laser engraving of up to 16 characters etched on the handle. Your choice of color: Black/White/Clear/Translucent Pink.
For iPhone 5/5S. US shipping included.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $60 or more
6 backers
Rainbow Pack! Get one of each, Glossy Black, Glossy White, Clear and Translucent Pink.
For iPhone 5/5S. US shipping included.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $100 or more
9 backers Limited (41 left of 50)
Wood! Made to order from cherry wood block. Each unit individually CNC milled, lacquer coated and hand finished.
For iPhone 5/5S. US shipping included.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $250 or more
1 backer All gone!
Numero Uno! The very first fonhandle ever injected from the mold. Signed and dated. One only (color may be uneven).
For iPhone 5/5S. US shipping included.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world
Funding period
- (59 days)
