Our client, a prominent computer peripherals brand, sought to address a common user pain point: muscle soreness and joint stiffness caused by prolonged, repetitive mouse usage. They recognized that the market primarily offered incremental shape variations, which failed to solve the root of the problem.

The client partnered with LKK Design with a bold vision: to create a truly comfortable mouse by fundamentally changing how it is used, rather than focusing solely on ergonomic form. The goal was to innovate through interaction.

The project aimed to develop a groundbreaking product: the Air Mouse, a foldable controller integrating a mouse and a wireless presenter. Key objectives included:

• Dual-Mode Operation: Seamlessly switch between a traditional desktop mouse and an air-operated mode by simply folding the device.

• Multifunctional Integration: Combine features like a laser pointer, PPT control, inductive touch roller, plug-in storage, USB charging, and more into a single, portable device.

• Robust Durability: The folding mechanism had to be exceptionally reliable for long-term use.

• Premium User Experience: Every detail, from the tactile feedback of the thumb wheel to the overall feel, required meticulous engineering.

LKK Design employed a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary process to bring this innovative multifunctional mouse design to life.

Design Research
Our team immersed itself in the workflows and challenges of business travelers. We identified a need for a consolidated tool that could adapt to various scenarios—from presentations to mobile desk work. The "air operation" concept was born from this insight, aiming to free users from the desk.

Industrial Design
We crafted a sleek, modern, and ergonomic form factor. The design was optimized for comfort in both folded and expanded states. An inductive touch roller was incorporated to provide precise, wear-free control and allowed for fine-tuning the tactile response.

Mechanical Structure Design
This phase presented the core engineering challenges.

• Folding Mechanism & FPC: The foldable design meant the flexible circuit connecting the two PCBs endured repeated bending. The initial material (FDC) proved prone to failure. LKK's team collaborated with the supply chain to adopt a customized FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), significantly enhancing bend-cycle life and ensuring long-term reliability.

• Thumb Wheel Damping: Project management identified that the thumb wheel's damping feel was insufficient. To enhance the user experience without compromising mass production feasibility, we innovated by adding a special leather material between the wheel and the slider. This subtle change dramatically improved the tactile feedback and premium feel.

Electronic Design
The complex functionality demanded a sophisticated PCBA layout. Our electronic engineering team meticulously designed the board to accommodate the laser module, motion sensors for air-tracking, the inductive touch system, and Bluetooth/Wireless connectivity, all within the tight space constraints of the foldable body. Power management was a key focus to ensure long battery life across all its functions.

Prototyping and Testing
We built multiple functional and appearance prototypes. Rigorous testing was conducted on the folding mechanism's fatigue resistance, FPC durability, thumb wheel feel, and electronic stability. Each test iteration refined the design, ensuring all issues were resolved before mass production.

Mold Development and Mass Production
We worked closely with mold manufacturers to optimize the process for complex assemblies, including the thumb wheel with its special leather component and the FPC installation. This ensured that our innovative design was translated into an efficient, stable mass-production line, guaranteeing high-quality output.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Sourcing specialized components like the custom FPC and the unique leather for the thumb wheel required proactive supply chain management. We identified and qualified reliable suppliers, managed lead times, and ensured component quality to align with the production schedule, facilitating a smooth transition from prototyping to full-scale manufacturing and timely market delivery.

The Air Mouse delivered by LKK Design is more than a mouse; it's an all-in-one portable office companion for the modern professional.

• Revolutionary Interaction: Its unique foldable design enables dual-mode use, fundamentally changing user interaction and effectively reducing fatigue.

• High-Level Integration: It consolidates multiple business travel essentials into a single, sleek device, simplifying users' gadget ecosystem.

• Proven Reliability and Quality: Engineering breakthroughs like the custom FPC and enhanced thumb wheel mechanism ensure the product is not only innovative but also durable and delightful to use.

This successful multifunctional mouse design launched our client into a new market segment, establishing them as a leader in innovative peripherals and showcasing LKK Design's ability to integrate user-centric design with robust engineering to create exceptional business value.