PleinArt is an ergonomic handle to support illustrators using iPad, especially while sketching outdoors. With no access to a studio environment, this was a fun experiment with clay that pushed me to test how different forms fit into the hand.
Moodboard
Most existing iPad handle attachments are straps attached to the back. The artist would slip their hand behind and hold it there while sketching with their other hand. However, doing this for long periods of time can damage the wrist, and do not give artists enough grip while applying pressure to their pen strokes.
Ideation sketches
Rough prototypes using foil and hot glue
Second round of modeling using clay: three clip-on handles that attach to the back of the iPad.
Ultimately, the circumference of handle 1 was too narrow, and handle 3 did not put the wrist in a comfortable spot relative to the iPad. I decided to refine handle 2.
I simplified the handle's silhouette from a profile view and adding a button that could be programmed for quick commands in the sketching software (such as undo). The final spiral curves are less extreme. I also replaced the clips on the ends with two suction cups. Not only were these easier to model, but they eliminated unnecessary height from the form.
