SWICH: The Elegant Wireless Charger

A Sculptural Form for Convenient Charging

SWICH stands out from other wireless chargers with its unique properties and strengths. Crafted from wood and ceramics, it features two layers of micro-suction surface for a stable grip. The 45-degree angle offers a comfortable view of the screen, allowing users to work seamlessly with their phone during charging. The upper pad can also be shifted in both directions, changing the phone screen layout from vertical to horizontal.

Realizing the SWICH design required a combination of fine handcrafted ceramics and wood, resulting in a single, authentic form. This attention to detail makes each SWICH a unique piece of design. To ensure a firm grip on all flat and smooth surfaces, two layers of high-tech micro-suction material were added. The combination of natural materials and technological parts required meticulous design efforts to assemble all components correctly.

SWICH has specific technical specifications that make it a standout wireless charger. With dimensions of 136 x 74 x 134 mm and a weight of 360g, it is compact and portable. The package includes a power adapter with a micro USB connector, providing 5V and 2A. SWICH follows the Qi wireless charging standard, allowing energy to be transmitted without cables. It is also certified with CE, FCC, and RoHS. The packaging is designed to present the product in the best way possible while ensuring its protection during transport.

SWICH operates by following the Qi wireless standard technology. Simply rest your smartphone on the stand, and it will start gaining power wirelessly. The product works with all Qi standard integrated devices, whether they run on Android, iOS, or Windows. If your mobile phone does not support the wireless standard, you can adapt by connecting a correct type Qi wireless receiver. This wireless charging ability can be integrated into any smartphone brand or type.

The SWICH design project began in March 2014 and was presented on the Kickstarter platform in July 2014. Production started in November 2014 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with online sales commencing in March 2015. The design was driven by the studio's research for a product with fine materials, sophisticated design, and technological features. The ergonomic analysis revealed the importance of the 45-degree angle for a comfortable view of the screen.

Overcoming creative, technical, and research challenges, LUTMAN Design Studio successfully combined wood and ceramic to create a producible shape that provides quality, price, and performance. The certification process was also a challenge, both organizationally and financially. However, the result is SWICH, an elegant wireless charger that combines aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

SWICH has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Home Appliances Design category in 2016. This award acknowledges designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements. SWICH's incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology makes it a standout product that enhances the user experience.