DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
: Power Banks and mobile accessories in general are products at the end of their life cycle and typically in their life extension phase. Within this time usually product design looks to other fields to inspire new shapes and functions. In this case we designed the entire series of products with an eye to cosmetics and fashion, abandoning the usual "white" look of electronic appliances. The products have met inserts, recessed Led lights, touchy and warm materials.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
: This serie of Power Banks are based on the newest technology of Li-Ion batteries, with power between 3000 and 4000 mAh, led light and battery indicator. They come in different colours and finishes: plastic, rubber and eco-leather. With their lighted hole for carrying they are easy to find in a bag.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
: This Power Bank will be declined in many different shapes and power, maintaining its characteristics like the hole and the metal ring.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
: The project has started in August 2015 in Italy and China and will be on the market in March 2016
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
: This design is fruit of a need of the client that wanted to have a unique design in a market with standard products.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
: The design is produced and exclusive for Maikii.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
: We are always inspired by Dieter Rams and by his design for Braun, our lines and our shapes always try to be primitive and archetipic.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
: The target is both retail and promotional, in fact Maikii has many licence like Star Wars, Simpsons, Marvel, Hello Kitty, Games of Thrones, Minions and others that will be applied to this product.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
: For sure the possibility to hang it or to put a band inside the hole is the main feature of this design. The hole is also an excuse for the led light.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
: Draco Xia and Aaron Huang where involved, they are part of the product design team at Tobia Repossi & Partners
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
: One of the most difficult test to pass for this type of product is the shock test in which the Power Bank is thrown from a 1.5 mt height. Making a hole in the shell was a challenging decision for that reason.