The first wireless charger that “sits” on the telephone

Mr. Charger is not your usual smartphone charger, and he has a mission, which is to get us to put our smartphones down.

Useful, practical, innovative and - let’s face it - ugly. The majority of wireless chargers share this particular aspect, failing to combine aesthetics with convenience. However, one designer is working on changing all that, abandoning classic forms in favour of a figurative and much welcome idea. Mr. Charger, by Ki-Beom Hwang, is a charger that looks like a cute little person. Placed on the telephone, he looks like a little square character just waiting for someone to come by. His face can show the time, other information regarding the charging process, or funny expressions.

The position he takes has not been chosen by chance. In order to fully appreciate his fun aspect, Mr. Charger, who is currently only a concept, has to “sit” on the telephone, which in turn has to be placed face-down on a flat surface. The designer’s intention is to make a point, inviting us to detach ourselves from our smartphones at least while they are charging, at the same time giving ourselves the opportunity to “recharge” our energy. However, seeing as good design should always serve the user, Mr. Charger can change. He can be turned around and set on all fours, thus becoming a stand which continues to charge the battery, but with the screen facing us. However, in this position, all the charm is lost.

  • Mr. Charger
  • Wireless charger
  • Yanko Design
  • 2019