e
"Magnetic Switch Cover" by Jake Frey Is an Attractive Design Indeed
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.
-
oFavorite This
-
Q6Comment
Directory Company Profiles
Core77
Industrial Design
Resources
Industrial Design
Resources
-
Core77 Directory
Find the Best Industrial Design CompaniesGo -
Shark DesignShark Design is a full service product development company with offices in Hong Kong, Shenzhen (Chin...
-
Curve ID
Curve ID is a New York City based studio, offering a complete industrial design consultancy service....
-
SGW Designworks
We create hardware that endures. SGW Designworks is focused on the engineering and design of ...
-
DesignStein Studios, LLC
We are a team of industrial designers focused on developing products that are intended for tooling a...
-
219 Design
219 Design is an interdisciplinary product engineering firm based in Silicon Valley. Our team of mec...
-
Sprout Studios
Sprout Studios is an award-winning, concept-to-launch design studio deeply rooted in technology and ...
-
Bluemap Design
BlueMap design is a multi-disciplinary product development firm. Founded by Simon Yan in 2001, the f...
K
{Welcome
Create a Core77 Account
Already have an account? Sign In
By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use
K
Reset Password
Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.
Comments
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
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.
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)