Revolutionizing Home Automation: Niko's Touchswitch

Winner of the Golden A' Building Materials and Construction Components Design Award in 2019

The touchswitch stands out in the realm of home automation with its unique properties. Traditional light switches, while functional, can clutter the wall and cause confusion with their numerous functions. The touchswitch, however, solves this problem by compactly fitting up to 12 different functions into the space of a single light switch. Its touchscreen with an adjustable user interface makes it user-friendly and efficient. Furthermore, the touchswitch is designed to go into sleep mode when not in use, waking up automatically as you approach it, adding to its smart features.

The Niko Design Team utilized a range of materials and technologies to bring the touchswitch to life. The device consists of a polycarbonate backhousing, a stamped metal mounting bracket, a polycarbonate fronthousing, and a glass display. It can be powered with either 24V or 230V, depending on the product version. The touchswitch also houses a variety of sensors, including a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and a proximity sensor, enhancing its functionality.

Despite its compact size, the touchswitch packs a punch with its technical specifications. The device measures 83 mm in height and width, with a total thickness of 445 mm. Its touch display boasts a resolution of 1024 x 768 px, ensuring clear, crisp visuals for users. The touchswitch is not just a digital switch, but a comprehensive room controller.

The touchswitch's design and functionality are the result of a collaborative effort by the Niko Design Team, including members Arne Desmet, Niels Verhaeghe, Johan Tas, Frederick De Pauw, Victor Popov, Peter De Brabander, and Dimitri De Nil. The team faced challenges in incorporating all the requested technology into a small package while maintaining acceptable operating temperature and power consumption. They also strived to keep the interaction with the device as 'lightweight' as possible, ensuring it is as fast and easy to operate as a regular switch.

The touchswitch project began in early 2018 in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, and concluded in mid-2019. The device's innovative design and functionality have earned it the prestigious Golden A' Building Materials and Construction Components Design Award in 2019. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, Niko's touchswitch is a testament to the power of innovative design in transforming everyday objects into smart, user-friendly devices. Its unique features, coupled with its award-winning design, make it a game-changer in the realm of home automation.