Description:

This project brief was to design and develop a modern switchgear range offering a clean, simple aesthetic defined by its full cover plate, rounded corners, beveled edge, and flawless matt surface finish. Its aesthetic needed to fit comfortably into the modern interior and its performance and reliability to last a lifetime.

However, beyond this it also had to consider and meet the requirements of an aging and less-able population to achieve a better switch solution for their needs. The design had to provide a larger switch actuator, which is easier to see and identify as a switch, operate smoothly with a low level of force, and provide positive audible feedback of its function.

The challenge was to build this new product range around the structure of existing switch mechanisms, building on from their tested and proven reliability. These existing mechanisms had to be assembled into a new module design giving them a new life, shape, function, and aesthetic to achieve the demands of this new range.

Increasing the size of the switch actuator changes the dynamics of the switch and how this interacts with the components within the existing mechanism. Many variations and combinations of actuator shape were developed, reviewed, and tested to achieve the balance of function, ergonomics, and aesthetics in the final range.

Along with the demands of the user, the requirements of the installers, modern building and electrical practices also had to be considered as part of the development. Like any new range of switches, it has to offer switch options and modularity to achieve a modern wiring solution within the size constraints of a standard NZ electrical flush box.

The design solution allows switch modules to be clipped out of the mounting sub-plate, interchanged, and swapped to achieve different functions and layouts, and includes a simple adaptor plate to fit any standard sized mechanism achieving even greater function, i.e., dimming, motion sensing or USB charging.

The process of designing the combined system of the mounting sub-plate and enlarged switch modules while maintaining the slim-line aesthetic required extensive development, prototyping, and testing to ensure it could meet the demands of the users, modern interiors, and electrical industry.

The final product outcome is a simple and elegant looking switch range which quietly hides the complex design and engineering required to achieve its flawless function.