# 3D-Printed Smartphone Mounts Otterbox is Helping Consumers to Customize Its uniVERSE Accessories By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-12-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universe-accessories References: [3dprint](https://3dprint.com/198694/lulzbot-otterbox-case-study/) & [otterbox](https://www.otterbox.com/en-us/universe-cad.html) To show off the endless possibilities for its uniVERSE Case System, [Otterbox](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otterbox1) released a CAD file for its case accessory mount, giving consumers the chance to create their very own uniVERSE accessories. Otterbox's three-step creation process begins by suggesting that users pick themselves up a case if they don't have one already. From there, they are able to download a complete set of files that will provide them with the ability to create their own inspiring accessories. Some of the pre-engineered accessories that have been shared by Otterbox include a suction cup holder and a [phone stand](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acestand-2), both of which offer simple, modular solutions for making the most of the brand's [versatile smartphone case](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vrs-design-origin) in daily life. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Customized Accessory Creation:** Companies can enhance brand loyalty and creativity by providing users with the ability to create their own accessories through the use of 3D-printed CAD files. - **Modular Solution Design:** The rise of modular product designs creates opportunities for customers to easily customize their products and increases the potential for companies to extend the lifecycle of their product lines. - **CAD File Sharing:** Sharing CAD files publicly allows for greater collaboration and innovation among consumers, and can lead to the creation of new, innovative designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Consumer Electronics:** Companies in the consumer electronics industry can benefit from offering customizable accessories through 3D-printed CAD files as a value-add for customers. - **Retail:** The rise of 3D-printed customizable products in the retail industry can lead to new business models and opportunities for in-store customization experiences. - **Design:** The ability to create and share 3D-printed CAD files can revolutionize the design industry, allowing for greater collaboration and creativity among designers and consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cable Storage Smartphone Stands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hold-the-phone-stand.md) - [Adjustable Geared Smartphone Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-smartphone-holder.md) - [3D-Printed Auto Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fits.md) - [Design-Forward Phone Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otterbox1.md) - [High-Tech Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-case-30.md) - [Smartphone Case Pin Charms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customizable-smartphone-cases.md) - [Embroidered Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cactus-leather-embroidery-collection.md) - [Adorable Love-Themed Phone Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-day-phone-cases.md) - [Multifunctional Magnetic Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/torras-upro-ostand.md)