Skip to content
Panini101 充電器 by Wenxi Qi

Panini101 充電器 by Wenxi Qi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 銅賞 in 家電・電子機器デザイン Competition Category.


銅家電· 2026

Panini101 充電器

by Wenxi Qi

Client: PaniniClub

A' Design Award 銅賞 Winner in 家電 Category

16,160

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #182816

Colors

The Design

About Panini101 充電器

Panini101は、初期のコンピュータータワーをミニチュア化したような形状のデスクトップ用急速充電器です。透明なビューイングウィンドウが内部コンポーネントを露わにし、閉じた形態が主流である現代の電子機器とは対照的なあり方を示しています。マグネット式の扉と安定感のあるデスクトップフォルムが、手に取りたくなる感覚と好奇心を誘います。窒化ガリウム(GaN)による電源アーキテクチャと適応型充電プロトコルにより、最大100Wの出力と複数デバイスの同時充電を実現しました。筐体は難燃性PC/ABSの射出成形により製作されています。本作の意図は、人とテクノロジーの間にある情緒的なつながりを再構築することにあります。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅賞

Panini101 充電器は、創造性、独創性、鋭い洞察力で際立つ傑出したデザインに授与される、高い権威をもつ評価である A' Design Award 銅賞の受賞作品です。銅賞の受賞作品は、十分に巧みで印象的なほど創造的な工芸品であり、デザイナーの豊富な経験、想像力、機知を裏づけています。Panini101 充電器は、高く評価され、称賛され、愛される品であり、顕著にプロフェッショナルで革新的であることが期待されます。この A' Design Award 銅賞を受賞したデザインは、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術のベストプラクティスを取り入れており、細部への配慮に優れています。Panini101 充電器は、ニーズを見事に満たし、欲求に触れ、感情を魅了し、好奇心を引きつけます。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
The project transforms a desktop fast charger into a culturally meaningful desk object by referencing the form of early computer towers. A transparent viewing window reveals internal components, challenging the black-box nature of modern electronics. Details such as a magnetic door, stable desktop form, and visible structure create a product that is designed not only for function, but also for interaction, curiosity, and emotional attachment.
Dimensions & Packaging
Dimensions: Width 85 mm x Depth 60 mm x Height 55 mm.
Weight: approximately 240 g.
Output power up to 100 W GaN fast charging.
Supports USB C Power Delivery with adaptive charging protocols.
Enclosure made of injection molded PC ABS V0 flame retardant material.
Complies with FCC, UL, and CCC safety standards.
Tags
power adaptor, charger, consumer electronics, retro design, emotional design, collectible, industrial design
Production Technology
Panini101 integrates Gallium Nitride power architecture and adaptive charging protocols into a compact desktop charger capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously. The adaptive protocol system allows compatibility with evolving devices and charging standards, extending product lifespan and reducing replacement frequency. This approach supports sustainability through durability, long term usability, and emotional attachment rather than disposable electronics.
Design Challenge
The main challenge was translating the visual language of early personal computer towers into a compact high-performance charger while meeting thermal and safety requirements. The initial fully transparent enclosure conflicted with heat dissipation needs. The final design introduced a partial viewing window, balancing engineering constraints, visual expression, and design intent.
Research
The project explores how industrial design can reduce the psychological distance created by black-box technology. By combining cultural symbols, physical transparency, and everyday functionality, the design investigates whether making technology visually understandable and culturally familiar can increase user trust and emotional connection. The project proposes a design approach where consumer electronics function as cultural artifacts rather than invisible utilities.
Inspiration
Modern technology is becoming smaller, faster, and more invisible, but this invisibility also creates psychological distance between people and the technology they depend on. Early personal computers were visible and understandable machines that people could see and interact with. This project was inspired by the idea that cultural memory and physical transparency could be used as design tools to rebuild trust and emotional connection between humans and technology.
Project Duration
The project started in early 2023 in Dallas, United States, and was completed in October 2024 with mass production. The project included industrial design, engineering development, prototyping, and manufacturing preparation. The product was later presented at international technology and cultural events including CES and ComplexCon.
Operation Flow
Panini101 is designed as a stable desktop charging object rather than a hidden adapter. Users connect devices via the charging port, while the system automatically adapts power delivery through protocol negotiation. The compact form keeps cables organized and enables one-handed interaction, reinforcing usability. Its physical presence transforms charging from a passive task into a visible and tactile routine, integrating the object into the workspace environment.
Patents
Patent Pending. Design Patent Application. PaniniClub LLC. 2025. United States.
Copyrights belong to PaniniClub LLC, 2024.
Trademark (2025) PaniniClub.
Trademark (2025) Panini101.
Image Credits
Image #1: Photographer Justin Doherty (Photographer) Justin Doherty, Panini101 Product Photography, 2026.
Image #2: Creator Hengbo Zhang (Industrial Designer) Hengbo Zhang, Panini101 Product Visualization, 2026.
Image #3: Creator Yanhui Ban (Industrial Designer) Yanhui Ban, Panini101 Product Visualization, 2025.
Image #4: Creator Hengbo Zhang (Industrial Designer) Hengbo Zhang, Panini101 Product Visualization, 2025.
Image #5: Creator Yanhui Ban (Industrial Designer) Yanhui Ban, Panini101 Product Visualization, 2024.

Video Credits: Hengbo Zhang and Yanhui Ban, Panini101 Product Video, 2026.

Sponsored

Explore Beyond Designers.org

Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

The A' Design Award is an international, juried accolade for good design. Take part in the A' Design Award to get an opportunity to earn meritocratic recognition, gain fame, prestige and publicity for your work. Nominate your work for the A' Design Award and compete for the coveted A' Design Prize.

Nominate