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.
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.
"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.
"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 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.
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.
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike 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