Design, Make, Space.
The first of many videos in our new series called: Labs. We wanted to dive into the process of how we design the products, what really goes into making them, and the space they are meant for. Throughout the series, you’ll get to learn all about our Monument and the tiny details on how it came to life.
With that being said, let’s talk Design. Monument was a product that was actually built because of a reaction to another. With the launch of the Magsafe, we were curious as to what could come next. Once the IOS 17 stand by mode was created, we were hooked. Our goal was to create something more substantial that could pair with the high tech, magnetic puck.
Once we nailed down the cement foundation of the monument, we then asked ourselves, what does the form look like? It was important to decide on things such as angle, weight, and shape. It took a few tries to get the distributions right, and find the right configurations on cavity depth for the MagSafe puck. Through a combination of rounding the corners, decreasing cavity depth, and lofting the face of the monument, we hit our sweet spot. Allowing even the largest of cameras to be able to rotate using the MagSafe puck.
The next thing added to the design was figuring out how the puck would mount to the cement. Since the cement has such a rough and stiff nature, a friction fit was unfortunately not an option. Once we took a deeper look, the solution became simple: a self-adhering, micro suction pad. An interesting material that holds onto objects incredibly well.
Lastly, we wanted to figure out the best way to be able to place a cement object on other pieces of furniture without leaving marks behind. We decided to go with our trusty felt pad as a buffer between the cement, and other surfaces.
After many iterations, we felt the product start to come together. With such a specific build and a strong material, the product feels timeless and can be used for many years to come.
Once we had the design down, it was time to move over to the make. With this being such a new material for us, there was definitely a learning curve that came along with it. Since we had already decided on the base material, the next step was to dial in on the additives. The goal was to keep things fairly simple by only adding a water reducer and a pigment for the colored options. After dozens of tests, we were able to dial in the perfect ratio.
Another key material of this process is the 3D printer. 3D printing has become pivotal in our design process and has come a long way over the years. In order to get our desired finish, we couldn't just go from print to mold. Depending on the resolution of the print, there are a few steps we take from there to get the master ready. Throughout this process, we quickly learned how big of a part chemistry plays in mold making and after hours of research, we figured out the type of finish needed to properly set the mold. Producing these finishes really comes down to two key things: ratio, and timing.
One of the biggest things learned in this process is to find the perfect time to demold the monument. That sweet spot where the mold is not too wet, but not fully cured either. From there, the last steps were simply adding the felt to the bottom, and packing it up for shipping.
Every unit is extremely unique, having its own details and character. During the days of early experimentation, we created some interesting variations that were able to teach us what may have gone wrong. As far as make goes, that’s our process. Next, let’s talk space.
The goal for this video is to show the monument in use. We view the monument as quite sculptural, a piece that is as much art as it is functional. Since we tend to have our phones glued to us at all times, the Monument is a great addition to any space where you spend a lot of your time.
For the office, we recommend that you place the monument on your desktop. That way, your phone is easily accessible and visible to you at any point in time. If you happen to be placing the monument on an Artifox Desk or Table, your cords can run down through the cable management slots, giving your workspace a more organized look and feel.
Monument can also be used as a companion in your kitchen. Maybe you need a recipe to be easily visible, a timer or catch up on your favorite show while making dinner. Simply mount your phone to seamlessly charge while you follow the recipe and cook with ease.
In your bedroom, Monument is the perfect addition to any side table, turning your phone into the ultimate alarm clock. The weight of Monument makes the phone easy to attach and remove for when you’re ready to wake up for the day.
We truly feel the Monument makes the perfect addition to any space in your home. Whether it’s used for seamless charging, a doc for FaceTiming, or to mount your phone as an alarm clock, Monument will support it all.
As design, make, and space all come together, we hope this gives you a nice visual experience and an easy to understand process of how the Monument is made. Through trial and error, lots of adjustments, and a positive attitude, we are able to create products like this. Follow along and stay tuned as we dive deep into more Artifox products together.