# Wall-Mounted Power Bars The Free Socket by East China Normal University is a Tech Hybrid By Meghan Young | Published 2012-11-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-socket References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/11/09/wanna-break-free/) & [ifdesign.de](http://www.ifdesign.de/) The Free Socket is a hybrid between a traditional wall-mounted outlet and a [power bar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-strips). It is installed into the wall where it rests until a person needs an outlet at another part of the room where there is easy no access to one. The Free Socket is removed from its base and is extended where needed. By marrying the two, the Free Socket allows people to always have a power extension on hand without the hassle of its getting in the way or becoming misplaced when not in use. Designed by [East China Normal University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shanghai-grand-opera-house), the Free Socket is not only equipped with an extension cord, it also is multi-tapped and boasts a [USB socket](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moonbase). It is a 2012 iF Design Talents entry. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Hybrid Power Solutions:** The combination of traditional outlets and power bars opens up possibilities for innovative hybrid power solutions. - **Convenient Access to Power:** The Free Socket design allows for easy access to power in areas where traditional outlets are not easily accessible. - **Multi-functional Power Outlets:** The inclusion of USB sockets and multiple outlets in the Free Socket showcases the trend towards more versatile and multi-functional power outlets. ### Who This Affects Most - **Home Improvement:** The Free Socket offers a convenient solution for homeowners looking to improve the accessibility and functionality of their power outlets. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can leverage the Free Socket to provide clients with innovative and aesthetically pleasing power solutions for their spaces. - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics companies can explore disruptive opportunities by incorporating hybrid power solutions like the Free Socket into their product offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Design-Conscious Power Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-strip-concept.md) - [Modular Power Strip Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nodes.md) - [Artfully Dynamic Power Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aunion.md) - [Modular Power Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-power-strip-1.md) - [Modular Self-Monitoring Power Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teak-smart-cube.md) - [Power Station Outlet Adapters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anker-powerextend-usbc-plug.md) - [Power Strip Illuminated Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightbox-power-strip.md) - [Pencil-Resembling Power Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pencil-multitap.md) - [U-Shaped Power Strip Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-strip-2.md)