Redesigning the MacBook Dock
We launched our first MacBook dock in 2015—it's a crucial piece of the office-scape for many people. As we matured, we realized it deserved a redesign. Read on to learn why we did it and how it happened.
Why We Redesigned
Rewind to 2015. We had been working on the MacBook dock design for a while, but we weren't totally happy with it. Sometimes that happens, and because we'd spent so much time on it, we had to just put it out into the world to see how it did.
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(Original MacBook Dock design, circa 2015.)
Turns out it was difficult and expensive to make, and it didn’t sell well enough to justify the cost. So we seized the opportunity for a redesign. As a company, we were in a period of embracing 'the float'—floating surfaces, floating lines, floating silhouettes. The old MacBook dock looked too dense and blocky. We had to install a separate laser-cut insert for each different MacBook model. We wanted something simpler and more elevated.
So we went into the redesign with two guiding lights:
(1) Make it float.
(2) Make it universal.
The essence wouldn’t change: Stable, sturdy, and good-looking whether or not there’s a computer in it.
(1) Make it float.
(2) Make it universal.
The essence wouldn’t change: Stable, sturdy, and good-looking whether or not there’s a computer in it.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=44be4df449b9e222bcf444376355aca7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=1aa7f233707327de750efb3acdc81e54 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=2ab40399ad5e05ac60aa59613dc7df1d 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=fce466501e506cc99367b1c06f740a25 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=0a83d6cce681c9c554eabfd7b6c54425 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=3b79a17a1dca558d812d72a79fe6af6a 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=1998f08efba41a4e67d7dc65f3585049 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=5112896fc4da043a87bb843b761c18b6 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=1118c57f8fa2a7ce35a4aec48ed58ae8 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=4a56a298eb6d867a516f4f2b61970ee7 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=f175f87f2c0f79c1ccb14f90aae0b8c4 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A4.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=b44a3179bd50099fb783080001d6031c 3000w)
We couldn’t have designed this product back in 2015. We've matured a lot since then.
SEAN KELLY
Lead Product Designer
Drawing It Up
At this point we’d started to design products with bent metal and flat pieces of wood attached (see: iPad Stands), and we realized this would be a positive shift from the sandwiched form of the old dock. What if we kept the same materials, but played with the shapes and lightened it up a bit?
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We liked an A-frame silhouette, and the idea of creating sturdy feet. So we raised the height and angled the walls out. This meant no more block forms of wood. Instead we had flat panels for a sleek, continuous visual.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=5805d0b3d0d551558a5de5c58a0da698 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=102342f8b7efc872fef52346c890f8cd 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=d3fdf4664b8babd80ace1f7516727b50 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=39686db1c7eca6bd406f6b1c65698282 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=c948417776e6050fd52945f6ee22e6b0 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=81be5a912bfb29f799a0fdadbcfdb0a0 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=6c5fa8b43be5ff00338b96d6c2080b7d 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=e9980acbd32327b4e29422fbb04d1131 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=09d6730ea0ad7e56ce06f55229ab53df 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=35c2d9e25c81a6ee128741b5f00c7ee2 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=81ce1659495d586f8dfc6674d5a32027 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=534985ca6a0d48d8e7731867b30c9981 3000w)
Those straight lines opened a space for contrasting curves. Enter: bent metal. We opted for stainless steel, giving the dock a heaviness it didn’t have before, so it stays put as you use it.
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We shrank the visual mass but actually made it physically heavier, and more stable.
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
Now we had 'sturdy,' but we needed the softness necessary for cradling and protecting a high-value tech product.
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Merino wool felt was the best option. It's a tricky process to insert it into the deep groove, but the hard way is often worth it—curves and angles, hard and soft all combined nicely.
Seriously Airy
We cut out the sides of the curved metal piece, creating flaps that we could secure to the wood. This helped achieve the floating effect and stabilized the structure. But it also created a natural space for ventilation and airflow, a bonus for everyone out there trying to keep their computers cool.
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SEAN KELLY (Lead Designer): We don’t like simple slots. We wanted to make this one interesting.
So in addition to looking airy, the new dock actually is airy. Heavy, with a lightness of being.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=915c5f608010822748b421d141ddc941 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=c688245b4609aea39ee1b0a88d020eda 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=7dfc35802ad1ae2a6f035d9cecc3bdd1 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=fc7ab61f8b5a9223b8969b59a81d0cb9 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=b8d48e1cd27b61394d03bd162a6fb467 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=7214d80c9776ad5dd918e765c3e7e81d 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=efe8742b993d21aa2eae03ce4bdffe17 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=e4dfdce443320c97667534472b427d12 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=01f91861f15b9a2760c4e2857004725d 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=d16f642590614784c0053f75a832897e 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=dba27f9ac2561322fe2322c66f65fd76 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-macbook-dock-2-walnut-galB-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=1d29b7dacc42263841cfb34fac5a182f 3000w)
The Final Thing
When we finished the process, we were happy.
We’d created a product deep and stable enough to accommodate multiple versions of MacBooks. One with an interesting, ventilated slot and soft lining. And it had the float!
Had we followed our guiding lights? Yes, and they brought us to a pedestal fit for the beautiful computers it’s designed to hold.
Had we made a product that we’d be happy to have on our desk, even if it weren’t holding a computer? Yes!
We’d created a product deep and stable enough to accommodate multiple versions of MacBooks. One with an interesting, ventilated slot and soft lining. And it had the float!
Had we followed our guiding lights? Yes, and they brought us to a pedestal fit for the beautiful computers it’s designed to hold.
Had we made a product that we’d be happy to have on our desk, even if it weren’t holding a computer? Yes!
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8161a7782440835b56dc1fc7af139853 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=b91b2173ac12b0e6984b9913c208863f 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f28b5fa2e71bc891f2b48cc4583dabc7 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=5b2858382d5b2010fa39651b405910f8 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=522adb642cfe2a4278e222543651df60 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=29b0d01b310876823ad0192c14afc633 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=12a50b579a45068ba02afc02f7354b25 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=01498ddc9b9460a39579a26de390e21d 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=096cc4df96b14ecec3d29be06b5a6fae 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=20535d12eaf6ab6c139483a185fdeaf7 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=395cfea2be753b996a297da6dfaf1cf2 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=08ed6543f605572b1d6a3dd5fcdad124 3000w)
Every product we design has to look good with the device and on its own.
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
At last we could say goodbye to the old MacBook dock, thanking it on the way out for leading us to this one.
The MacBook Dock
The MacBook dock was designed with a minimal footprint to maximize your desktop real estate, and give you a secure home for your MacBook Pro.