01 // PROJECT GOAL AND OBJECTIVE
01 / Creative Brief
Design a cardholder for everyday storage of bank cards and currency, reimagining the aesthetics of a metallic cigarette case and modern cardholders. Develop a compact form, an opening mechanism, and a way to secure the contents. Test the proportions and functionality of the item on a mock-up.
02 / Project Goal
Design a daily accessory that combines easy card access and secure content retention with a distinctive metallic aesthetic.
02 // RESEARCH
01 / Use Case
Everyday urban scenarios: making purchases, using a pass, and carrying cards and small amounts of cash in a pocket or bag
02 / Target Audience
People who are satisfied with just a few essential cards and folded bills. They value compactness, expressive materials, and accessories with a distinct personality.
03 / Analogues and Visual References
The study examined various types of card holders: horizontal and vertical, hanging, with open pockets, leather flaps, and retractable designs. They differ in how they are carried, the arrangement of the cards, and the principle of accessing their contents.
Examples of Alternatives
04 / Problem Statement
It is necessary to balance a compact size, easy card retrieval, and reliable content retention. For the steel casing, it is important to check the weight, edge finishing, and smoothness of the moving parts.
03 // CONCEPT
The project is a metal cardholder designed to store bank cards and folded bills. The inspiration is derived from a cigarette case—a compact, personal object with a rigid body and internal content retention. In this project, its form and structural principles are reinterpreted for a different everyday scenario: holding cards and cash.
Individual principles are borrowed from the selected analogues:
01 / APPLICATION // 02 / ADMISSIONS // 03 / REGISTRATION
01 / FORM Rectangular body with rounded corners02 / OPENING Pull-out interior03 / LOCKING Clamping strips to hold contents
04 // MOODBOARD
05 // SKETCHING RESEARCH
Sketching allowed us to refine the shape and proportions of the cardholder, develop the opening mechanism, and determine content layout. The initial drafts helped solidify the material choices and formed the basis for subsequent mockups.
Lightweight design // Sliding mechanism // Grab loop
01 / A clean and minimalistic aesthetic. Sharp lines, soft corners
02 / The pull-out mechanism allows you to quickly access the desired card
03 / A loop for easy grip on the inside of the card holder
06 // MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS
01 / Sheet Steel / Chassis
The rigid outer shell and interior of the cardholder. The initial thickness is 1.3 mm to reduce the product’s mass.
02 / Leather / Draw Tab
