Description:

Society is currently undergoing a clean energy revolution; decarbonising and electrification of
our energy sources in order to meet our sustainability goals. This transition comes with unique challenges such as turbulent energy generation, and large scale energy storage and transfer. Alongside this, there is growing concern for our energy access and security. Recent geopolitical events have caused electricity and fuel to inflate, adding onto the rising cost of living.
S_orb, is a reimagination of the home energy experience; a modular system that enables
natural energy collection and consumption. It strives to challenge the existing mental models of
electricity usage, and proposes a future alternative to home energy.
The system is centered around orbs that can store energy that is passively harvested, or actively earned, through an expandable system of charging products. These charging products are chosen to fit into a particular user's lifestyle. For example, some users may live in windy environments making turbine chargers an efficient choice. Alternatively, an individual may cycle to work, so a kinetic charger will enable energy to be earned through no extra effort.

The energy collected in these orbs can be used on chosen household appliances via a set of
adaptors. Through this system, s_orb helps offset electricity costs and offers a clean alternative,
at a lower investment and with more flexibility. Users are not required to own a home, and pay
for expensive home infrastructure installations. As the system is decoupled from home infrastructure, it can follow the user as they move around in life; to different homes and environments, where charging or consuming units can be added on or swapped out to match these changes.

S_orb also improves the relationship between a user and their energy usage. The physical and
tangible interactions of the product prompt conscious, intentional decisions on a user's own
energy collection and consumption. The orbs' soft glow pulse, acting as a visual indicator of how
much power is being drawn from the connected appliances. For example, an orb powering a
heater will pulse faster than one connected to a television. A user inherently builds a deeper
understanding on the value of energy through these tangible and visual interactions.

The physical form and materials were chosen to be soft and warm reinforcing the idea of tangible energy. The orb, the main touchpoint, is plastic overmoulded with silicone, so it's soft to touch and diffuses the light. The adaptors blend seamlessly into the home and the natural wood finish alludes to the natural energy collection.

Lastly, the system was named s_orb, as an interpretation of “solar orb”, “soft orb” or “(ab)sorb”.

The underscore intentionally puts a technological futuristic feel to the product. This detail was
carried throughout the individual products and each item is named 1_orb, 2_home, and 3_solar.
The numbering system alluding to the modular, expandable system of products and its endless
possibilities.