Aerohart, a Boston-based design company specializing in metal everyday carry (EDC) objects inspired by aviation and butterfly flight, has gained attention for their innovative Flutterbox featuring an extraordinarily complex reversible lid mechanism. The company, founded by Steph and Seb Emerson, operates through an unconventional business model where they design products they personally appreciate and then launch Kickstarter campaigns to fund production batches.
The Flutterbox represents the company's butterfly-inspired engineering philosophy, featuring a CNC-machined aluminum construction with what designers describe as an "absurdly overengineered hinged lid system" that essentially turns inside out during operation. This intricate mechanism appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate complex mechanical systems and precision engineering in everyday objects.
The product's journey to market demonstrates the challenges of crowdfunding manufacturing. During their successful Kickstarter campaign last year, Aerohart sold the Flutterbox units at $57 each, which the company admits was below their actual production costs. This pricing strategy was designed to attract backers and fund the initial manufacturing run, despite resulting in financial losses per unit.
Following the completion of their crowdfunding campaign, Aerohart has significantly adjusted their pricing structure for retail sales. The Flutterbox is now available for purchase at $300 per unit, representing more than a five-fold increase from the Kickstarter price. This dramatic price adjustment reflects the true cost of producing such a precisely engineered aluminum object through CNC machining processes.
Aerohart has successfully completed over a dozen projects using this crowdfunding-to-retail business model, establishing themselves within the specialized EDC community. The company continues to focus on flight-inspired designs, drawing inspiration from both mechanical aviation and natural butterfly movements to create functional art pieces that serve as conversation starters and mechanical curiosities for design enthusiasts.
