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By Designing a System Rather Than a Product, Solgaard Kills it on Kickstarter With the HomeBase Ecosystem

By Rain Noe - July 29, 2020

in Object Culture

Gear developer Solgaard recently launched an ambitious campaign on Kickstarter. Rather than designing a singular product that would solve a simple user need--in this case, wireless charging--the company looked at other needs that same user might have, then designed a system to meet them.

The end result is their HomeBase Ecosystem. The backbone of the system is the HomeBase, a simple, minimalist floating shelf that can wirelessly charge multiple devices:

The Juicepack is a wireless powerbank that can be charged from the HomeBase, as well as via its built-in solar panels. It can then be used to charge other devices, either wirelessly or via USB/USB-C cables:

The Boombox is a wireless speaker that, like the Juicepack, can be charged from the HomeBase and/or its built-in solar panels. It can also wirelessly charge up other devices placed on top of it. And when placed on the HomeBase, its sound is amplified through built-in channels built into the HomeBase itself:

Here's how the system is meant to work together:

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Solgaard's system-based approach to design paid off handsomely here. They'd been seeking $25,000 in funding, but at press time over $350,000 had poured in, with two days left to pledge.

It's not difficult to imagine this project starting out with a brief to merely design a better wireless charging pad. But by pushing to see what other user needs they could meet, Solgaard's design team drove themselves into crowdfunding smash territory. Kudos to the team.

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David Beck

4 years ago

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Their photoshop removal of the shelf's power cord is a turn off.

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- Adam Brackney
  
  David Beck
  
  4 years ago
  
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  Literally shows the power cord hanging down in the first image. How is it being hidden? Also, you could easily hardwire this into a wall. I've seen you comment on tons of posts here...ALL negative and snarky.
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  - David Beck
    
    Adam Brackney
    
    4 years ago
    
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    Hi Adam. No. First image shows a faded power cord, and barely any of it. No other image shows the cord including the eye-catching animation. It is just a fact I pointed out and I don't like the deception. Why are you so upset about it?
    
    And moving power in a wall is easy? Really? That's your story? (there's your negative and snarky)
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- Adam Brackney
  
  David Beck
  
  4 years ago
  
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  No need to move the power in the wall, just hardwire in place of an existing outlet. I can see you are unable to be reasoned with....must be very difficult to work with you. I guess those who can't design, delegate tho right?
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    Adam Brackney
    
    4 years ago
    
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    Existing outlet 12" off the floor? That also needs to be recessed? You seem awfully angry and defensive for some more schlock destined for the landfill. Why's that?
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- Adam Brackney
  
  David Beck
  
  4 years ago
  
  Z
  
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  so every outlet in your home is 12" off the floor? You have no other countertop height outlets...like say in a kitchen or bathroom? Just like I mentioned before...you are so negative and dismissive. I urge you to go back and read through your old comments and discussions with people. I've been a hands-on industrial and graphic designer for 15 years and I have worked with people EXACTLY like you. "know-it-alls". It's frustrating to say the least.
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