Power strips and extension cords are everywhere, right? Seems like the design of buildings hasn’t quite kept up with the need for more power outlets, leaving many without easy access. Sometimes, businesses also limit these outlets to keep customers moving and not hanging around too long, which can affect their bottom line.
Despite being so common, power strip designs haven’t really evolved much over the years. We see a few with individual switches and fuses, but mostly they remain the same ho-hum white box that just doesn’t spark joy. This concept design aims to change that by transforming the power strip into something simple yet visually appealing that makes each interaction feel lively and engaging.
Designer: PTPC
Nowadays, there’re tons of so-called “modern” designs trying to breathe life into gadgets by tacking on AI or high-tech displays. While these additions certainly enhance functionality, they’re not the only route to a more engaging design. In fact, there are many other tricks to make a design pop, often just through clever plays of light and shadow.
The Lightbox Power Strip, as its name suggests, merges a three-socket power strip with a tiny lightbox. It’s a straightforward idea: the box not only provides power but also offers a visual treat that counters the usual tangle of cords sprouting from its top. The fun part comes from light streaming through translucent panels, breathing life into what is generally a dull object.
The translucent panel has prints and stickers that can be slid in and out from the body, hiding behind a textured plastic surface that adds visual appeal. A knob on top adjusts the light’s color and brightness, giving users the ability to mix and match images and colors as they like. Such a simple, low-tech innovation can really liven up a boring device that we often forget we use every day.
Sure, it only has three sockets, which could feel a lil limiting, even with some USB ports thrown in. Plus, its bulkiness makes it a pain to carry around, confining it mainly to home use or fixed spots. Still, it could definitely catch the eye and pique interest, fueling the ongoing battle for power outlet access.
