The Apple iPad is one of the most exciting things to be launched this year and we at case-mate wanted our cases to match the uniqueness of the device while also highlighting its utility. A lot of people were really trying to get into the mindset of being an iPad user. Guess what – the iPad is so unique and at the same time so common that identifying key demographics to such a device would be useless.
The initial launch of the iPad was met with great skepticism with people questioning if it fell in between the iPhone and the Macbook. Frankly, once people buy it, they will find a use for it, and it’s becoming clear that people will definitely buy it.
I have seen crazy flow charts giving you reasons why you shouldnt get it and toons and “Pad” jokes flying around on twitter and facebook, here’s an example:

When i watched the iPad launched, Mr. Jobs said ” it works” repeatedly, while many of us were still questioning the existence and functionality of this product. If you understand the true value of innovation, what Apple has done with the iPad is given out a base and asked the consumers to flavor it. Its like giving people the option to create a sandwich, but giving them the bread to start out with – you just have to choose all the vegetables and meat to fill it up. Thrusting innovation into the hands of consumers makes us feel that we’re able to contribute to the overall experience of the product which fuels curiosity to learn and while becoming accustomed to and reliant on the product.
Apple did it with the iPhone and they will do it again with the iPad. There are already rumors of a free netflix app you can use to stream movies. Bored of typing? There’s a dragon dictation app; which is already available for your iPhone – simply write an article, letter, email, whatever by dictating everything you want to say. Apps define the user experience of a device and with the launch of the iPad Apple is working towards creating a massive app store.
I recently read an article on core77 discussing the term “disruptive technology.” They claim, “Too many companies—and the marketers in charge of bringing these companies’ innovations to market—assume that “disruptive” connotes a highly-sophisticated, high-end product with cutting-edge technology that will appeal to early adopters.” With the launch of the iPad, we have yet another device that falls into this category. I’d argue there is no logical demographic identity for the iPad – and as a company we plan to keep this in mind as we develop accessories from both ends of the pyramid.
As more iPad reviews flow in, we’ll begin to see people adapting the product to their interests; affirming that the conventional design process is never complete with a product that develops with the user experience. Websites and companies must become iPad compatible to compete in this new market.

From a physical hardware standpoint, it’s always best to keep it simple and adaptable – it helps cater to a larger segment of consumers, and the move forward from physical form is becoming simpler everyday in the consumer electronics segment with overall experience becoming the top priority.
As with any product, there will be various disadvantages to the device in terms of restrictions, etc., but the aftermarket accessories and creative thinkers with DIY ideas will think of more ideas and products. The device is almost more of a consumer than a creator. Here’s the way I interpret Apple’s smart device lineup:
iPhone: Communicator
iPad: Consumer (data and knowledge)
Macbook: Creator.
So, judging the device on certain functions really doesn’t truly hold. If I have a chance to get one, I think I will be in complete awe of what it can do.
When I was designing cases for the iPad, I looked at various universal patterns that speak to a lot of users, from a functional standpoint it’s very important that we offer protection for a device that’s a simple viewer, yet fragile. So, if you happen to drop one, we got it covered. Here are Some pics of the cases I designed:
PC MAG’s 12 Coolest Accessories for the iPad: The Gelli series.


The Traveler, also designed by me 

