Although some companies have tried to remove the chargers they ship with devices like smartphones, they haven’t exactly gone down in number at all. In fact, given the many different charging technologies and sometimes incompatible support, people might be buying more chargers to keep up with the fast-paced changes. But while these chargers are rapidly changing on the inside, they seem to have stagnated on the outside.
Chargers come in all shapes and sizes, but the vast majority of them also come in boxy and uninspiring designs. You’d think that considering how often we use them and put them out in public, people would want these essential gadgets to actually look more appealing. That’s the kind of design innovation that these chargers are bringing to your bag and your life, adding a much-needed facelift to an otherwise mundane object.
Designer: Counterpart
Chargers are boxy for a good reason, at least in the past. Electronic components were often large and bulky, so they needed to cram as much in a small space, making a regular box shape the most efficient choice. But with advancements in technology like GaN (Gallium Nitride), for example, we can squeeze in more in an even smaller space or, better yet, expand the design language that these products use.
The Charger might sound like a generic name, but its design is anything but. Rather than a square or rectangle, these chargers have a more pleasing and pleasing round shape, with a rippling surface that is almost reminiscent of Zen gardens. The cable, which would normally be unruly and difficult, is kept in line using a retractable mechanism that also protects it from wear and tear. Curiously, it gives the charger an image not unlike a snail, which is probably one of the most Zen critters given how slow it moves.
The design goes beyond just changing the way the product looks. It also feels nice in the hand thanks to the use of silicone, while post-consumer plastic adds a touch of sustainability to its character. On their own, these little changes seem inconsequential, but together they completely transform the charger from a humble tool into a lifestyle accessory, one that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to show off while you hog the power outlet.
Despite its small size, The Charger is able to output 35W of power thanks to GaN technology, enough to charger devices smaller than a laptop. If there’s one minor flaw in this design, however, is that the circular shape might block adjacent sockets in more cramped power strips or wall outlets. It’s also a bit bulkier, even if the plug can be folded up when not in use. It’s still a small price to pay for a design that improves not only the user experience but also its appreciation as well.
The post Snail-like GaN chargers bring a long overdue aesthetic upgrade to an everyday product first appeared on Yanko Design.
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