Power-Hog is a piggybank that monitors power usage by thriftiness learning.

Detailed Description:
Power-Hog is a power consumption metering piggy bank designed to sensitize kids to energy cost associated with running electronics devices. Plug the tail into a switch and the snout into a device, feed a coin to meter usage based on the appliance power consumption. By plopping a coin in the Power-Hog the electricity activates, so kids can use their allowance to turn on the TV or video games by feeding the Power-Hog with loose change.

Known drawbacks of design:
Kids can easily just unplug the Power-Hog and carry on with their gaming.

Website:
http://www.core77.com/greenergadgets/entry.php?projectid=50

Designed in:
2009

Status of realization:
Other

Challenge(s):
education, energy, environment, knowledge, leisure

Form
The pig is made out of Xenoy iQ1103-U grade resin from Sabic. Their up cycling process using recycling PET allows good performance at a cost similar to less friendly materials. It is 100% recyclable and its packaging has been developed following the sustainable coalition packaging guidelines. The feed is made of silicon and is lime green in color. The cord is PVC free and is in the same lime green color as the feed. The cord comes from the pig’s tail and goes into a regular switch giving the pig power. The switch on the pig’s nose is also in the lime green color and is meant for the sought device. The pig’s body is white. The pig carries a dollar symbol on its chest. This glows green upon connection and when out of credit it glows red. The dollar sign turns off as long as there is sufficient credit. As the Power-Hog runs out of credit, the dollar sign starts blinking faster and faster as time runs out.

Impact
The Power-Hog monitor power usages and introduce kids to energy efficiency and general thriftiness by piggybacking upon the familiar format of the piggy bank. This creates awareness about power usage and teaches kids to use in a more responsible manner.

Context
The Power-Hog is designed to capture the interest of parents and kids alike and serve the wider environmental cause. Kids can use their allowance to turn the TV or video game by feeding the Power-Hog with loose change. The Power-Hog meters consumption and blinks red when time is running out. It also helps parents meter the amount of time spent watching the tube.

Is the design protected by patent or ip registration?
not known

How has the development of the design been financed hereunto?
Not known

Is there a plan for future investments?
Not known

Is there in-house competencies to secure market roll out of the design, with regards to investment, distribution, sales, etc.?
Not known

Designed by:
Mathieu ZASTAWNY

Title/Role:
Co-designer

Website:
http://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_details.asp?individual_id=57469

Professional status of designer:
Senior Industrial Designer

Nationality:
United States of America

City/Country of residence:
Philadelphia, PA

Designed by:
Mansour Ourasanah

Title/Role:
Co-designer

Professional status of designer:
Industrial design student

Nationality:
United States of America

City/Country of residence:
Philadelphia, PA

Designed by:
Tom Dooley

Title/Role:
Co-designer

Professional status of designer:
Not known

Nationality:
United States of America

City/Country of residence:
Philadelphia, PA

Designed by:
Peter Byar

Title/Role:
Co-designer

Website:
http://www.bresslergroup.com/about/staff_byar.asp

Professional status of designer:
Senior Designer

Nationality:
United States of America

City/Country of residence:
Philadelphia, PA

Name of company:
Bresslergroup

Designed by:
Elysa Soffer

Title/Role:
Co-designer

Professional status of designer:
Service Design

Nationality:
United States of America

City/Country of residence:
Philadelphia, PA

Designed by:
Mathieu Turpault

Title/Role:
Co-designer

Website:
http://www.bresslergroup.com/about/staff_turpault.asp

Professional status of designer:
Senior Designer

Nationality:
United States of America

City/Country of residence:
Philadelphia, PA

Name of company:
Bresslergroup