VITRO is a new kind of iPhone battery case with a dynamic tactile surface on its back. The surface, which consists of 23 movable tiles, gives a new form of communication between iPhone and its owner. Through iPhone Notification Center, user can enable VITRO to react to a notification, and he can choose a distinct movement for different incoming sources like his calendar and social media. Unlike phone vibration, user can easily tell different types of notification through seeing or feeling the movements of VITRO. User can also receive notification by touching it while it is inside his pocket or while it is being held. Moreover, it operates without creating noise, so it suits well for meeting time.

VITRO is perfect for busy business people who need extra batteries for their phones and get notifications all the time. VITRO will save their time by emphasizing notifications that is important to them, and it also gives them multiple ways to access information.

Designers : Natt Phenjati, Emmika Sakonwitthayanon, Zijing Zhang
School Project: Domus Academy
Project Leader / Professor: Paolo Lorini

The technology behind the movable tiles is Electroactive Polymer or EAP, which is a polymer that changes shape when it gets electrified. This material normally is used to create artificial muscle. It comes in various sizes and functions. VITRO contains 23 sheets of EAP. Each has a size of 1 cm by 1 cm, and it can rise up by 3 mm when 3 voltages are supplied. The movement of these sheets is controlled by a processor that is connected with the iPhone through the phone’s connector. These EAP sheets only take a minimal amount of energy from the extra battery. Most of the energy will be preserved for the iPhone.

For its potential, the tactile surface of VITRO can be used to enhance other iPhone’s experiences. For utility, it can be use to visualize time tracking process. For music, it can become a touchable music equalizer. For entertainment, it can be use to simulate movements in video games. These are only a few examples; the possibilities are endless.

Tuvie has received “Vitro Tactile Battery Case” project from our ‘Submit A Design‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their design/concept for publication.