Astrohaus.
A new product design for distraction-free writing.
Astrohaus asked WMP to design the Freewrite Alpha, a portable, distraction-free writing device that helps modern writers build daily writing habits and get into a flow state, and stay there. We explored concept design, product development and a colour, material and finish study to bring it to life.
Sectors
Expertise
Solutions
Background.
A world of infinite distraction, in need of a sanctuary for drafting.
Laptops and even our smartphones have become the portal to everything, and with that power and functionality comes distraction.
The Freewrite Alpha by Astrohaus is designed to help the modern writer get into a flow state and stay there. In a time of constant notifications and constant connectivity, the Alpha provides a rare sanctuary for drafting. The idea is that the writer drafts from top to bottom, then edits in a separate session on a computer: by separating these processes, the productivity of content can skyrocket by as much as two times. In design, this process is comparable to loose sketching; the fact that the output is 'not perfect' allows you to move on quickly, developing and generating new creative ideas.
Our ambition was to create a minimal form factor and visual aesthetic sympathetic to the distraction-free experience, exploring a flecked, matte-finish plastic and contrasting deep blue keys to give the product a distinctive, unisex visual character.
The Solution.
A device designed down to the details that matter most.
Write anywhere inspiration hits.
With an unmatched 100-hour battery life, and a slim, featherweight design, Alpha is ready to write anytime, anywhere. Alpha's automatic cloud syncing lets you focus on your writing now and dive into edits later. The Alpha will fit a million pages right on the device, and when connected to WiFi, documents can be sent via cloud services like Evernote, Dropbox or Google Drive. The enclosure is designed with durability in mind: soft, rounded corners and an inset display make the product extremely robust and easy to slip into a bag.
Maximise your writing comfort.
Ergonomics are critical for any device used for long periods of time. Creativity can call at any moment, and many writers draft from the sofa, outside, or in bed, so it was important that the form factor was large enough to support the user's palms comfortably for extended use.
Many writers work late into the night, so the blue-light-free LCD display helps reduce eye strain. The mechanical keyboard is quiet, so as not to distract others, and gives satisfying tactile feedback that reduces finger fatigue. The integrated kickstand can be used to improve the angle of the keys and display when used on a table top.
Let's work together
Let's partner to create brand, product, and experience solutions that move people and markets.
Freewrite's fastest and most affordable writing tool yet.
Unlike mainstream devices, Freewrite produces specialist devices for a niche customer base. As a result of these lower volumes, past devices in the range have been positioned at a premium price point. The Alpha aims to strip back functionality and design to the essentials without compromising usability or desirability, making distraction-free drafting more accessible than ever.
The impact.
Fully funded in days, becoming Freewrite's most accessible device yet.
Astrohaus launched the Alpha through crowdfunding on Indiegogo, and it comfortably beat its funding target, raising over $400,000 from hundreds of backers within its first week. By stripping back functionality and design to the essentials, the Alpha became the most accessible device in the Freewrite range yet, without compromising on usability or desirability.
