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"Magnetic Switch Cover" by Jake Frey Is an Attractive Design Indeed
By Ray Hu - Jul 25, 2011
Recent ID gradCurrent ID student Jake Frey earns the nominal honor of designing the best 'combination-light-switch-plate-and-keyholder' with his simple magnetic switch cover, ousting a couple of hook-based contenders that we've recently come across (after the jump; three's a trend?).It is a standard size switch cover plate with a high power magnet incorporated in the back, so the user can drop their keys when they turn the lights on and come into a room.
If there's not much to describe, suffice it to say that the design speaks for itself... though I wonder if a "high-power magnet" might affect (or be affected by) the electric current controlled by the switch. In fact, I'm curious if it would be possible to make a magnetic keyholder that activates the lights only when the keys are present (as in some hotel rooms).
Incidentally, it was designed for the Urban Outfitters (they're based in Philly, where Jake will complete his degree next year)... but the simple two-tone design—a subtle nod to the classic horseshoe magnet—says "hipster" more in a whisper than a shout.Switchhooks (below), for their part, actually offer a magnetic version in addition to hook-based designs, but the minimal design was lost among a handful of other, more elaborate designs that were a bit too craft-like for my taste (I like bamboo as much as the next guy, but it evokes a balsa model vibe here).
Meanwhile, the ill-fated Wallplates struck me as just a little too dorm-friendly... again, a matter of taste.
And, of course, let's not forget the throwback appeal of a good, old-fashioned keyhook... apparently one of the more popular crafts on Etsy, where you can also find a variety of novelty light switch covers to boot.
Ray Hu
Formerly an editor and currently a contributor to Core77 (among other publications), Ray relocated from New York City to the Netherlands in September 2015 to pursue a Master’s in Curating & Writing at the Design Academy Eindhoven. Insatiably curious, he brings a broad interest in popular culture, media, and technology — alongside an abiding passion for art, music, and cycling — to his practice as a journalist and critic.
6 Comments
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Ordered, can't wait!!Report as spam
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Justin, No problem, glad to start a dialogue. In fact, I was interested to learn that you worked at Target briefly, because I considered drawing an analogy about Wallplates being Target's answer to Jake's Urban Outfitters design. And we've actually been meaning to get that contributors page fixed for some time now... Anyway, keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing what you have in the pipeline. -Ray!Report as spam
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Hey Ray, Thanks for the clarity. I tend to hold design critics/editors to a higher standard, I think its a position that comes along with a certain amount of design responsibility. So, thanks again. ...and sorry for the quotes, when I hit the Ray link it takes me to top of editors pg, where Carl comes up first - thought it was just a handle - I'll try scrolling next time.!Report as spam
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Hi Justin, Thank you for your comment. Apologies for the confusion; I do my best to provide more constructive feedback but clearly this isn't always the case. As a matter of fact, I did agonize over the word choice for describing why I (personally) opted not to post the Wallplate design when you originally sent the link. I hope it didn't come across as too curt or dismissive; I simply meant that it reminded me of space-saving solutions from my college days, i.e. not being allowed to drill holes in walls (more so than the other designs, which obviously address the same problem). I hope this doesn't discourage you from submitting future projects for our consideration-- for what it's worth, I actually like your furniture design work. -Ray (it's my real name, no need for the quotes)!Report as spam
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Jake Frey, keep up the good work. "Ray", I hope your editorial writing isn't a reflection of the direction this site is heading: "...too dorm friendly" could quite possibly be the most meaningless combination of words I've ever heard. - Justin 'Wallplates designer'!Report as spam
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Bamboo Switchhooks are made in the USA. Pat Pend 2011!Report as spam
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