In an effort to sensitize kids to rising energy costs and educate them on the benefits of energy savings, designer Mathieu Zastawny and his team used the iconic piggy bank as a visual reference, and created the electronic Power-Hog power consumption metering piggy bank.
The tail of the device is connected to the mains and the appliance which needs to be powered is connected into the snout. Insert a coin and the device lets you use electricity for 30 minutes.
The Power-Hog is designed to capture the interest of both parents and children alike through its association of power consumption with saving.
Kids can’t watch TV if they don’t have money to feed the piggy bank, so this is the perfect way to force them into playing outside for a change.
Energy Use Awareness Devices
Power-Hog Piggy Bank Sensitizes Kids to Electricity Costs
Trend Themes
1. Rising Energy Costs Awareness - The Power-Hog piggy bank educates children on the rising energy costs and the importance of energy savings.
2. Connected Energy Monitoring Devices - The Power-Hog piggy bank exemplifies the trend of electronically connected devices that monitor power consumption.
3. Gamified Energy Conservation - The Power-Hog piggy bank gamifies energy conservation by incentivizing kids to save electricity and play outside.
Industry Implications
1. Smart Home Technology - The Power-Hog piggy bank is a disruptive innovation opportunity within the smart home technology industry, allowing for better energy management.
2. Education Technology - The Power-Hog piggy bank presents an opportunity for the education technology industry to create interactive tools for teaching children about energy conservation.
3. Toy and Gaming Industry - The Power-Hog piggy bank creates a potential disruption within the toy and gaming industry by combining educational features with playfulness.