The WindUp Chair is an adorable seat that does more than put smiles on people's faces. The bright red crank on the back of the chair is not just there for looks. Instead, people can use it to charge their cellphones. Essentially, all they need to do is plug their phone into the WindUp Chair, turn the crank and take a seat to relax while their device gets juiced up.
Designed by Pega D&E, a firm based in Taiwan, the WindUp Chair recently debuted at the 2013 Milan Furniture Fair. Inspired by clockwork, the WindUp Chair uses physical exertion (however minor) to power an electronic device. The look of the seat is finished with red-capped legs.
Cartoonish Cell-Charging Chairs
The WindUp Chair by Pega D&E Harness Physical Exertion for Energy
Trend Themes
1. Physical Exertion-powered Devices - Designing devices that can be powered by physical exertion, such as cranking, is a potential area for disruptive innovation.
2. Functional Fun Furniture - Creating functional furniture with an aesthetic appeal, like the WindUp Chair, has the potential to tap into a market of consumers looking for unique and playful pieces.
3. Green Technology-infused Design - Incorporating green technology, like physical energy generation, into creative designs is a trend that can lead to innovative and eco-friendly products.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture - Integrating physical exertion-powered technology into furniture could create a new subsector for green furniture manufacturers.
2. Consumer Electronics - Exploring alternative methods of charging devices, like physical energy generation, could be a disruptive opportunity in the consumer electronics industry.
3. Industrial Design - The trend of green technology-infused design offers opportunities for industrial designers to create functional yet playful products like the WindUp Chair.