HERDD

Improvements for future iterations

Smaller print on the fabric

While the current fabric turned out rather nice, our initial plan was to have the print be much smaller. We initialy wanted the pencil itself case to look like a resistor. In this case the print would need to be closer to 4" wide rather than the 8" as used currently. This would result in a case that has ends that are a solid color with the characters and stripes just in the middle.

Enrich the color on the fabric

The fabric print, before being stretched in the thermoforming process, has a very nice rich color. It really pops. But after being thermoformed and stretched, the fabric's color tends to fade a bit. We would like to have the vibrant color on he final product and need to explore options to make this possible.

Experiment with different hinge mechanisms

Right now, the hinge is simply part of the zipper. It wraps all the way around the case with a little overlap and the overlap is the hinge. While this looks very clean and neat on the outside of the case. It is less refined on the inside. We need to explore ways to either cover this up on the inside or develop a new method of assembly that allows it to look more finished from the beginning.

Thicker case material

The case is made of 0.040" ABS plastic coated in fabric. While the plastic holds the shape well, the case feels a little flimsy when handled forcefully. We would like to look into using thicker plastics. Our limiting factor in thickness is how well it can be sewed. The zipper is sewed throught the plastic and through the fabric. If the plastic becomes too thick, it will not be flexible enought to bend a bit and fit under the industrial sewing machine neccessary to puncture the thicker material.

Explore different shapes

We have already explored several different shapes, but still have several more shapes we brainstormed that we did not get a chance to try due to time limitations. The current shape of the case is simply the best one of the options we have already tried. We want to try a few more so that we can refine the product farther.

What's next for the HERDD?

Sell zipper pull/keychaing collection seperately (a "collect them all" type of product)

Sell the entire sticker collection seperately (again a collect them all type of product)

Sell T-shirts with the design on them

Make other types of cases with the design