Socket outlets featuring integrated 2xUSB chargers (2.1A or 3.1A rated) offer a convenient solution for charging electronic devices in various segments, including hotels, airports, and residential homes. These devices eliminate the need for bulky adapters, allowing users to simultaneously charge up to two devices - while leaving the traditional plug socket available for other appliances.
The USB chargers features a dynamic device recognition chipset, that allows charging devices at optimal speed. They also include over-voltage and over-heating protection to ensure users' and devices safety.
Research, customer insights
Conducted market/user research to identify customer needs, translating insights into features and influencing broader product strategy.
Product vision and concept
Developed wireframes to easily visualise the "product vision" and requirements, facilitating the estimations and development team alignment.
Project execution, testing and launch
Drove the project execution: secured funding, defined/prioritized requirements (MoSCoW), reviewed prototypes, oversaw testing (field test), co-created launch materials, and trained marketing teams for market introduction.
Integrating complex USB charging technology into wall sockets posed significant hurdles due to limited space, heat management, and strict electrical regulations.
This inherent complexity was reflected in the 18+ month development time for the initial product.
Furthermore, the project demanded developing 19 distinct products for the portfolio under tight deadlines, aiming for a 'first-to-market' launch in 2017 while ensuring compliance with new standards in 2018.
To navigate these technical, scope & timeline challenges, I prioritized the essential developments/requirements and implemented a phased delivery strategy.
Customer Insights
Based on my personal experience living in London previously, I first believed that USB integrated sockets could have a significant potential in this market. Later on, my market/user research validated this intuition, uncovering customer pain points and identifying key users benefits.
Housing characteristics:
- A majority (approximately 94%) of houses in the UK were constructed before 1995.
- These older homes usually have limited socket outlets, present large and solid walls.
Customers pain points:
With the original USB charging adapter supplied with a new phone:
- Frequently loss.
- Could break.
- Limitation to charging only a single device at a time. Most users require charging multiple devices simultaneously.
- Cannot charge devices from a brand at the optimal speed, as they are "hard-wired".
New economic benefits (for vendors)
- Socket outlets with integrated USB command typically from 2x to 7x higher price than standard socket outlets.
- The shorter lifetime of USB chargers compared to socket outlet (more frequent replacements, increase revenue streams).
