you could add in the black area a flexible solar panel so it could recharge the ipod or iphone.

This is a great idea that has a good chance of making it. Some questions... is the case a soft or hard case? Because some people prefer one to the other and won't change their case. Also would it be possible to have a feature with the iHome...if you're at a party you can plug in your iPod and it lights up or changes with the song being played. Would be a great party accessory.

This is a great, timely product. Should be very successful.

2 suggestions:

Have a built-in belt clip or accessory clip on the case so customers can show off your product.

AND

Is it possible to make the case modular? Perhaps one side of the case has the ability to be replaced and still interface with the iPod and the electroluminescence technology. You now would have the ability to sell the complete case at $29.95 with a one-sided pattern and can also sell additional side patterns at $9.95 This way you can build a customer base and indefinately expand your product line.

I like this idea a lot, and if developed right it has serious potential.
Also perhaps it could be made it responsive to vibration?
I agree the idea that although custom design would be cool, perhaps five or so standard designs would be a good starting point whilst it gets off the ground. A
Another thing to consider would be patenting this idea (if you haven't already done so), because if successful it's likely to get copied.

I think the idea of it flashing when a device is in WIFI range is really winning. If there;'s any way to make that work, I think people would be really into it. The simple form (lighting up for fun) just seems a bit like cheesy cell-phone technology to me. But maybe I'm too old to get the appeal.

If it were powered through a plug-thru headphone jack it could have the plug, a short wire and the electroluminescent display. That way it could be built into any case. You might need to supply a clear adhesive sheet to attach it to the outside of a case if it weren't made of clear plastic. If the price point were low enough for a single unit in large quantities I could see companies giving away customized versions as part of an advertising campaign. The initial design could be tie into Quirky.com so we could all promote the Quirky brand.

Anyway to get it to work in conjunction with the ipod screen? In the case of i-phones you could probably create an app that also recognizes the music, and would continue what shows up on the case. That way, the entire thing would light up with the chosen design. If such a functionality were created though, make sure the case can still work without the app running too.

I agree with Wade here; if there could be a speaker built into the case that'd be fantastic. It'd be best if it was optional to use, and if headphones could be used in conjunction with the case. Most ipods don't have an external speaker, but the iphone does. Something to consider.

On the topic of designs- I agree with those that have spoken about an open source / threadless situation if possible. If impossible, remember that tacky designs that appeal to only one limited group (ie the word rock or emo or "princess") would limit the product. Abstract designs (spiral, dots) are more general and are likely to appeal to a larger base.

This is such a good idea. I dont have an ipod/iphone myself but i know a lot of people who do and would buy one. I think it should be aimed at the iphone more, as you can do much more with it - for example have it flash when receiving calls/texts/IMs. I dont know if it is possible - perhaps using software for the iphone - but could you also have the case react to external sound as well, maybe using the iphone's microphone? That could be a nice gimmick to have.

I think I see our first really big engineering challenge with this. Some devices (like iPod) have just a headphone jack, and no external speakers. No problem, just make a pass-through headphone jack! However, other devices (such as iPhone) have built-in speakers that turn off when headphones are connected. If this thing is going to be powered off of the headphone jack, we are going to run into the problem of people being unable to use their built-in speakers. This could cause a problem for iPhone users who want to put the phone to their head or use speakerphone instead of talking through the headphone microphone that comes with the phone (assuming this won't interrupt that function as well). D: This gets complicated with the iPhone.