You might take plugs and outlets for granted, but they literally help power the world—from construction sites and mines to the food industry and industry applications alike. We redesigned ABB’s Easy & Safe portfolio of IP 44 and IP 67 industrial plugs, connectors, socket outlets and inlets. The new design won the Red Dot Award in 2017.
ABB needed to upgrade and redesign its Easy & Safe product range to create modern, functional design that would be consistent with the company’s brand identity values of market leadership, innovation, reliability, efficiency and sustainability. They also needed the new product range to meet IP 67 water and dust tightness classification requirements.
In most installations, industrial plugs and sockets are visible, so we wanted to give the products an attractive design. The outcome is a complete family of products with a robust, reliable, simple and efficient design that enhances ABB’s brand identity.
We applied ABB’s unique product design language to the new family of products to set them apart from the masses. The ABB logo is visible on every product and cleverly serves to guide the user to connect the plugs correctly. We used the ABB pattern on the grip areas to link the new products to the ABB brand. A line seamlessly connects the individual parts when they are joined together.
The new designs promote the brand’s reputation for reliability and trust, as well as minimize the risk of accidents, injuries and equipment damage. The grip we designed enhances functionality. Its ergonomic and intuitive design means that the user will use it correctly and more safely. The products’ IP 67 classification guarantees water and dust tightness, while the water and dust protection of contacts prevents overheating and burning.
We helped ABB to enter the market for charging electric cars. A new product category for ABB and an emerging market in general, we started with an extensive research to understand the challenge ahead: What would installation require? How would the charging units be a part of the urban landscape? How should the user experience and interactions with the unit be?
We then created a modular system for the charging units for public spaces and for domestic use. The domestic collection is made from injection mold plastic, while the line for public use is made from vandal-proof materials, with a form language that further discourages graffiti. Our CMF lab also explored possibilities for personalization, so different car producers can serve their clients with personalized charging units.
We created a new and identifiable design language for ABB’s portfolio of consumer units for domestic and industrial markets. The category previously included a range of products without one coherent style. We unified the design, gave all of the products the same look and feel and implemented a new color coding, including a petrol blue shade that ABB owns, to create a unified portfolio and a range of products that is recognizably ABB.
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