The Ladybug
Portable FM Transmitter For Mobile Phone
for Seneka, Inc.
Seneka, Inc. was a small startup specializing in software and electrical engineering development.
Its main business involved providing software and electrical engineering services to companies engaged in full product development.
However, Seneka had ambitions to transition into a full-fledged consumer product company. With this goal in mind, the team turned its attention to the growing demand for hands-free phone calls—driven by the rapid increase in mobile phone usage in South Korea in 2007. They believed that a hands-free phone call device could be a suitable choice, offering low development risk and early consumer appeal based on clear market demand.
Challenge: What is the most attractive way to appeal to consumers?
At the beginning of the discussion, Seneka had already developed the software and PCB using FM transmitter technology, but they had no clear idea how to make the product appealing enough for consumers.
To answer this question, I focused on use cases. People would carry and use this device alongside their mobile phones, meaning it would always be with their phone. Based on that insight, my proposal was to design the product as a mobile phone accessory, since they had already developed components compact enough to make that feasible. I believed this approach would maximize the benefits of portability enabled by its small size.
The design development process emphasized striking the right balance between highlighting the product’s functionality and seamlessly blending it in as a mobile phone accessory.
* Seneka requested the design of the entire product experience—from out of box to physical usage, including packaging and the quick start guide. In response to this request, these elements were developed in parallel with the product design development.
Transformable Ladybug for Your Needs
“The Ladybug” was inspired by the ladybug—an insect that transforms its form depending on the situation, whether resting on leaves or in flight.
“The Ladybug” is a simple and compact mobile phone accessory that can be attached to your phone. It comes in a variety of bright color options, offering a wide selection to suit different phones and personal styles.
To transform it into an FM transmitter hands-free device, simply rotate it into a half-moon shape and connect it to your mobile phone. Just six easy steps are needed to convert it from a phone accessory into a hands-free device for use in your car.
“The Ladybug” features a minimal yet approachable design, with an intuitive transformation process. It strikes a well-balanced harmony between aesthetics and functionality—bridging the gap between a mobile phone accessory and an FM transmitter hands-free device.
* ”The Ladybug” was sold only in South Korea.
Design Team:
Joongoo Lee (Industrial Design Lead) and Sungpil Lee (Project Manager)
Design Credit:
Seneka, Inc. Suwon. South Korea.