Combo: a walnut and aluminum finish makes this charging station also suitable for decorating.

News + Trends

When hardware becomes soft #3

15.6.2018

Translation: machine translated

Design has a mission: to make hardware softer. Because comfort is something sensual - and designing it is just as difficult as finding it - only a few succeed. Here I show you the exceptions that make our everyday lives more pleasant - and more beautiful.

Every mobile addict has their charger ready at all times. I'm not one of them, but I've been thinking hard about it ever since I saw the peripheral from Native Union. Thanks to its surprising design, it is no longer recognisable as such. With leather or cord details, charging stations and cables become fashionable accessories. This makes them appealing even to someone like me, who is generally reluctant to make any technical (usually unaesthetic) purchases.

Native Union

The electronics market is fast-moving. Design can take a back seat to a new feature. As a brand, it is important to be the first with the new product. That's why the two industrial designers John Brunner and Igor Duc have once again scored highly with their designs. They give technology just as much space as their idea of aesthetics. Native Union offers "digital natives" that certain something. Innovative tech accessories are combined with unusual materials such as marble, cables are wrapped in a pretty dress and screws are replaced with magnets.

Well camouflaged: «Drop» - A charger pad.

Cable storage for iPhone and co. images: Native Union — Well camouflaged: «Drop» - A charger pad.

Your mobile is "on point", why not your peripherals too?

Because gadgets want to be powered on the go and at home, not-so-cool hotspots form at many sockets or in your bag. For example, I've already got used to tripping over a charging cable here and there that drags around on the floor in my flat - or I stand around weirdly at a socket in the kitchen because the cable is too short. Native Union offers simple solutions for this, so I'm happy to give up my habits.

Luxury technology: how small cable clutter becomes fine

"Eclipse" is an eye-catcher. In a combination of marble or wood with aluminium, it becomes a decorative feature on the shelf or wall. With touch and light sensors, you can find the charger even in the dark. It supplies up to three devices with Storm and has been designed to be screwless and user-friendly down to the last detail: With a light press on the marble surface, it can be opened to connect your cables. They can then be wound around the edge of the box and fall elegantly out of the openings.

USB chargers

Native Union Eclipse

39 W

"Drop" is barely recognisable as a charging station. Circular, with a textile surface and a dotted pattern, the Charger lies flat. It also scores points as a flyweight when travelling and comes with an international plug system.

Wireless chargers

CHF23.70

Native Union Drop

10 W

«Dock» brings peace and quiet to your workplace.

Extra-long cables offer flexibility. Images:Native Union — «Dock» brings peace and quiet to your workplace.

"Dock" looks like a digital picture frame on the bedside table or desk. You can draw new messages without having to touch your mobile and charge it in the meantime. Even the cable is chic and matches the colour of the charging station.

USB chargers

Native Union iPhone dock

USB cables are also designed to make you mobile: With a length of metres, the plug reaches right up to your sofa, for example. A knot conceals an anchoring weight to keep the cable in place. Or they can be carried in a black or brown leather case like a key fob on your bag.

USB cables

CHF35.70

Native Union Night Cable

3 m, USB 2.0

Native Union Tag Cable (0.10 m, USB 2.0)

USB cables

CHF50.90

Native Union Tag Cable

0.10 m, USB 2.0

Well encrypted: A USB cable hidden in a leather case. Images: Native Union

You liked this article? Then press the little black "Follow author" button to get the next Design Tech post on your screen. I look forward to your plan. You can find the entire Native Union range here

Header image: Combo: a walnut and aluminum finish makes this charging station also suitable for decorating.

9 people like this article

Pia Seidel

Senior Editor

Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.ch

Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.

Interior

Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

News + Trends

From the latest iPhone to the return of 80s fashion. The editorial team will help you make sense of it all.

Show all

Search

When hardware becomes soft #3

Native Union

Your mobile is "on point", why not your peripherals too?

Luxury technology: how small cable clutter becomes fine

Comments

Top 10 categories

Go to

Comments

Galaxus Deal of the day