The USB Tribe
Between 2011 and 2012 I've designed these USB flash drive for Maikii.
This was the first serie that I've done, I'm publishing only now because I've spent some time gathering all the material in order to show you the entire the process behind the creations of this kind of products.
You can buy them on the webstore or in the official retailers shops. If you want to be updated with all the upcoming series add us on facebook !
The Process
After the first sketches I start doing the turnaround views of the different characters.
I won't be too much technical but there are lot of design limits you need to consider when you realize something which will be produced with injection moul. There are some shapes which can't be done, expecially any undercut on the side views.
Plus this the main goal is to calculate the space occupied by the USB chip and connector trying to keep the hole USB stick as small as possible.
The 3D Modeling
After the design phase, a 3d modeler starts to realize the prototype. In this case the factory used a 3D model to build the mould, in the next series we've benefit of the work of some great sculptors who create handmade prototype just like in pre-computer era.
The Final Product
Once the final 3D model is approved the production phase can start.
We have realized around thirty different characters, all of them are made of soft rubber.
Collateral artworks
I've realized some others artworks for the website and for the retail displays.
This is a small selection.
Hope you liked this project, don't forget that you can you can buy this and other USB drives on the Maikii webstore. If you want to be updated with all the upcoming series add us on facebook !
