Hello! I’m Jae-Gwon Sim, an automotive accessories designer at Spigen Korea.

I’d like to share the story behind our OneTap Pro 3 CryoMax™ Dashboard Car Mount, an innovative solution to smartphone heat buildup during wireless charging. Let me walk you through how we addressed this critical challenge.

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Growth and Opportunities in the Automotive Mount Market

The automotive mount market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology. The global market, valued at $1.1 billion in 2022, is projected to grow 5.5% annually through 2030. At Spigen, we’re expanding our lineup to align with these market trends.

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The Development Behind OneTap Pro 3 CryoMax™

As demand for wireless charging mounts grew, one major issue became clear: the heat generated during charging, which slows charging speed. After analyzing competitor products and reading consumer reviews, we found that the most common complaint was “overheating during wireless charging”. To address this issue, we chose to design the OneTap Pro 3 CryoMax™ with an integrated cooling fan. After about 16 months of research and development, we launched the product on Amazon in January 2024. Let me take you through the challenges and decisions we faced during development.

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Design Inspiration: Dieter Rams

Targeting iPhone users, especially MagSafe adopters, we needed a design that would complement Apple's aesthetic. I found inspiration in Dieter Rams, the legendary designer whose principles shaped Apple's design philosophy.

His book [Less But Better - Dieter Rams] was a huge influence on me (and I highly recommend reading it— the translated version is available too). Also, if you're ever in Yong-in, I suggest visiting the 4560 Design House to experience some of Rams' actual works.

Design Details That Matter

In product design, details make the difference. We meticulously crafted every aspect to ensure both exceptional aesthetics and performance, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction.‍

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1) Circular Design Inspired by MagSafe

‍Breaking from traditional rectangular mounts, we chose a circular design inspired by MagSafe. This decision not only creates visual harmony with MagSafe accessories but also optimizes airflow for enhanced cooling performance.

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2)Hinge Detail: Spin Hairline Pattern

‍Even less visible parts of the mount, like the hinge, received careful attention. We added a subtle spin hairline pattern to the surface to give the product a neat and luxurious mood.

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3) Minimalist Air Vent Hole Design
While adding wireless charging and cooling features could have made the design more complex, we wanted to keep it as simple as possible. Our goal was to eliminate unnecessary elements so that the product would blend seamlessly with any car interior. 

One area we focused a lot on was the air vent holes. By positioning the airflow to emerge through subtle gaps between components, we ensured the vent holes remain nearly invisible from the front or side. Through this design, we were able to achieve the neatness that Apple users love.

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4) Convenient Angle Adjustment: Torque Hinge

‍Many car mounts require adjusting a lever to change the angle. However, if the lever isn't tightened properly, it can become loose and thus uncomfortable to use. Spigen products use a torque hinge—a special joint that uses friction to keep the mount stable at any angle without a lever—preventing this issue. After 5,000 reliability tests, we confirmed its long-term stability.

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A Designer’s Journey

This project holds special meaning for me. After careful refinement and persuasion, my design vision earned management approval. The sales team's support and the CEO's personal praise remain memorable highlights of this journey.

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Being a Product Designer at Spigen

In my previous workplace (which was a design agency), I focused solely on product design. I think I felt that there was always something missing back then. At Spigen, I’ve had the chance to be involved in every stage, from product development to launch. These experiences have shaped me into a more complete designer.

For me, product design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about understanding the practical challenges of production and coming up with solutions that work. Designing something to be both beautiful and functional is when I feel a true sense of accomplishment. 

Completing a product requires a lot of effort, involving everything from mechanical development and testing to packaging, safety checks, performance verification, and patent approvals. Collaborating across the company throughout this process has significantly contributed to my growth as a designer.

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Looking Ahead

Our next innovation features Qi2 fast charging technology. We’re also planning to introduce a wireless charging stand and a tablet mount that incorporate the minimalist vent hole design, which received positive feedback with our latest product.

Automotive mounts are evolving alongside changes in vehicle interiors and technology. We’ll continue improving our vent clip and dashboard mount products, and we’re also planning to launch a new Monitor Screen Mount category.

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👉 OneTap Pro 3 CryoMax™ Dashboard Car Mount selling in Amazon (Link)