# Intentionally Ugly Power Strips Standby Surge Protector By Alex Covert | Published 2008-03-26 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giant-gumby-power-strip-standby-surge-protector References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2008/03/worlds_largest.php?p=0#more) What's red, long, bendy, and shockingly useful? The Standby [surge protector](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-plug-outlet-extender)! This [utility strip](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-strips) wasn't made to tidy up your [peripheral cords](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cords) or hide the mass of wires behind your home stereo system. No, this guy was designed by the Climatised Objects Project to be right out in the open - reminding you and everyone else in the room that you are using electricity. **Implications** - The eco-movement has swept across a large section of niche demographics. These consumers care deeply about planetary well-being and seek to reduce and minimize their impact whenever they can. Companies that offer products that cause their customers to think about waste and efficiency will be poised for success. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Intentional Ugliness:** Designing intentionally unattractive products can pique consumer interest and promote environmental awareness. - **Eco-conscious Products:** The eco-movement presents an opportunity for companies to create products that encourage consumers to reduce energy waste and promote sustainability. - **Visible Reminders of Energy Use:** Creating products that make energy usage visible can help consumers be more mindful of their impact on the environment. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Home Electronics:** Companies in the home electronics industry can capitalize on the trend of eco-consciousness by creating products that promote energy efficiency. - **Electrical Supplies:** The trend of intentionally unattractive products can present a potential opportunity for companies selling electrical supplies to provide products that promote sustainability in a unique way. - **Smart Home Technology:** The trend of creating products that make energy usage visible presents an opportunity for companies in smart home technology to encourage consumers to be more mindful of their energy consumption. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Design-Conscious Power Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-strip-concept.md) - [U-Shaped Power Strip Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-strip-2.md) - [Power Strip Illuminated Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightbox-power-strip.md) - [Design-Conscious Extension Cords](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/willow-power-supply.md) - [Artfully Dynamic Power Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aunion.md) - [Nature-Inspired Puffy Power Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cloud-air.md) - [Natural Rock-Imitating Extension Cords](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-gem.md) - [Artful Power Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nomad-collection-2.md) - [Chic Technology Power Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/360-electrical-powercurve77.md)