Vavo: a universal stand and mount for iPhone [sponsored]

You know we’re big fans of Kickstarter projects here at iDB. While some of them are kinda wacky and don’t bring anything new to the table, others are quite innovative and make me go “I need one of these.” That’s exactly the case of Vavo, a universal mount and stand for iPhone and other devices that recently launched on Kickstarter.

The folks behind Vavo aren’t stranger to Kickstarter or iDB. A couple months ago, they successfully launched Foco, a sound-enhancing device for the iPad, with a little help from iDB.

Today, we sit down with Adewale Adeluyi-Adelusi and Bojan Smiljanic from Unique Design Solutions and ask them more details about Vavo…

What is Vavo?

Vavo is an ultra portable universal smartphone and smart device accessory with two simple functions: propping your device at angles and mounting your device on smooth stationary vertical surfaces for viewing purposes. With these two simple functions, the small structure of Vavo brings a lot of versatility to how you will use your smart devices such as watching movies, capturing steady video and photos, video conferencing with friends and family and much, much more.

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With so many small stands out there, do we really need another one?

It is true that there are a lot of small stands out there but very few are truly portable and universal. Those available limit you to one or two fixed angles, they usually can’t be transported easily, and they’re not that stable for viewing/typing or only fit one specific device, which means a new accessory is needed with each new device. We also know that most consumers carry their keys and smartphones. With the observations above, Vavo was created as a single accessory that would enhance your smartphone experience while incorporating the following:

  • Work with most smart devices
  • Be ultra portable – fit in your pocket, purse or bag and even on your key chain
  • Give you many stable angle options for viewing and typing
  • Be aesthetically pleasing and built with durable materials
  • Push the envelope by mounting on vertical surfaces for viewing purposes without extra hardware

Why Vavo?

Our devices have been fully integrated into our lifestyles and we use them in fluid and dynamic ways. It only makes sense to have an ultra portable device that can be used with our devices as we move between different environments in the course of our day. Most portable stands do not transition well with different environments and can become more of hindrance. The combination of its diminutive size, micro kickstand and PU sticky pad allows you to easily have Vavo with you as you transition easily between different environments and uses throughout the day.

What devices work with Vavo?

Vavo will work with smart devices (smartphones, MP3 players or small cameras) that have enough of a flat surface to attach to. Most smart devices will work with Vavo when used as a stand. We have a vertical viewing position weight limit of 6oz for optimal efficiency (most devices weigh between 3 – 6oz).

Any commercial uses for Vavo?

We will also offer Vavo as customized promotional items. Vavo’s ultra portable size makes it the perfect gift for anyone who uses a smartphone, mp3 player or small camera. It’s also ideal for promotional items in any industry from government, small businesses, restaurants, schools, conferences, realtors and the list is endless.

What is this PU pad?

The pad is a specially formulated polyurethane (PU) material that sticks to most surfaces, is reusable and leaves no residue. We picked this material because it is versatile and extremely durable. Similar types of PU pad were leveraged in our products, Capta, PuGoo and Foco, with different levels of strength and adhesion. Our PU pad sticks to more surfaces than a suction cup or magnet and works in more situations. Refreshing and removing built up debris and dirt from the pad can easily be performed using running water and allowing the pad to air dry. It truly is an amazing material.

Why Kickstarter?

It used to be that if you had a great idea, you could get it financed and start production easily. With the turn of the economy, things have changed. A great idea is nothing without the ability to bring it to life. For a start up like UDS, we have a lot of great ideas but, lack the financial backing to bring each and every one of these ideas to life. Kickstarter is truly a blessing for startups like ours. You can present your product to a large number of people and those who see value in it can contribute enough to get that product started for you and they will be the first to get it.

We successfully launched our products Capta and Foco where we were able to use the funds to manufacture our first run and use towards the development of new projects such as the recently released, Foco. Without support from the Kickstarter community starting up UDS products would not have been possible. We take pride in our designs and our customer service and we are proud to have backers that will return to back our new ideas.

Who is UDS?

Two freelance designers, Adewale Adeluyi-Adelusi and Bojan Smiljanic, run Unique Design Solutions (UDS). In the past, we have designed products for others and recently formed UDS to launch our own line of products. Our first products were Capta, a hybrid accessory for smart phones and Foco, a simple sound enhancing device for the new iPad 3 and iPad 2. At UDS, our goal is always to deliver top quality products and customer service. We have many more products in the pipeline and look forward to a successful Vavo campaign that ends with it being sold in stores.

When will Vavo enter production, where will it be made and how much will it cost?

Our Kickstarter campaigns ends June 30, 2012. We will move into production once we have received funds raised through Kickstarter. Vavo was designed, prototyped and tested in the US and will be manufactured in China. Vavo will have a list price of $14.95 but is currently available on Kickstarter for a pledge of $10.

Where will we be able to buy Vavo?

Vavo is currently available via Kickstarter for pre-order through June 30th. Once manufacturing is complete, Vavo will be available on the UDS website. We are also working with retailers to make Vavo available for purchase.

Interested in supporting this project? Pledges start at $10 on Kickstarter, which will get you one Vavo once available. You can also decide to pledge more which will get you even more Vavo once they are available. Get your pledges in today!