Barium

Global plug solution

The Barium travel charger is a modular and customizable solution for international travel. Travelers who travel internationally will appreciate this innovative charger's compatibility with plugs from all over the world.

In addition to offering a variety of output combinations, Barium is capable of catering to a variety of electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Additionally, users can customize their Barium charger by selecting the color of their choice - adding a touch of personalization to an otherwise mundane item.

The product's attention to detail both in terms of functionality and aesthetic appeal makes it not only practical but also visually appealing.

YEAR

2014

CLIENT

BARIUM

EXPERTISE

Industrial Design
Electronic Design
Prototyping
Certifications
Testing & Qualification
Mass Production

The Challenge

When we examined the global charger market, one thing became clear: users faced too many choices. Different housings, plug types, and power outputs meant every region had its own set of rules and accessories. Both travelers and manufacturers found the landscape fragmented and complicated.

We recognized an opportunity to combine these varied forms into one unified solution. However, this required tackling a larger issue: the different safety and performance regulations in America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Each region had its own standards, mandatory requirements, and technical limits. To create a truly global charger, we needed a way to integrate all of this without compromising quality.

Our Approach

Our first step was to review and compile all relevant electrical and safety regulations across major global markets. By mathematically identifying the common mandatory elements among these certifications, we built a regulatory foundation that could support various configurations while meeting worldwide standards.

This groundwork influenced the product's design. It led us to create an optimized housing that could fit many plug options and output scenarios without unnecessary bulk. Simultaneously, market research revealed that consumers wanted different power levels and the ability to charge various devices—from smartphones to laptops—using one reliable unit.

To fulfill this need, we streamlined the internal electronics, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness while providing a wide power range from 1.0A to 3.2A. We then included a flexible, modular output system that allowed us to offer 56 unique output configurations, each designed to meet specific customer needs. This gave manufacturers and distributors greater freedom while maintaining a consistent core design.

The Result

The outcome is Barium, named after the element with atomic number 56—a deliberate reference to the product’s 56 output variations. Barium is a global charging solution designed from the inside out for regulatory compliance, safety, efficiency, and flexibility.

It may be the only charger capable of meeting strict worldwide certifications while still offering extensive configuration options for various markets and devices. Along with its streamlined housing and customizable look, Barium changes a typically mundane travel accessory into a thoughtfully designed, globally capable tool.

Barium doesn’t just work globally; it was built for it.