A minimal approach to everyday power solutions.

Technology has become more and more integrated into our homes and lives. On the whole this is generally a good thing (instant shopping to free up time, information at your fingertips) with some definite downsides (doomscrolling, predatory tech firms in the attention economy). But when I look around, I always want to ask why do so many electronic products still look so out of place?

Charging for our devices seems to be a specifically a tangle of cords and black plastic we've all agreed to tolerate. We've normalized clutter in the one place we're supposed to relax.

We all have one of those rat's nests. That knot of cables behind the couch, in the drawer, snaking across the nightstand. Chargers, blocks of plastic, frayed iphone cords, blinking lights. Made not by rats — by us.

So here are a few thoughts for a rethink

What we are aiming for with a Manufaktory product is give you something more human, a product ridiculously designed with honest materials. We want to make charging solutions that actually belongs in the space you love, rather than a blinking LED light or a buzz on your nightstand at 2AM. 

For that better approach to charging, we want to have one object that does the job simply and will last. That means two things. First, we look to get away from the cords with wireless Qi2 chargers. Declutter the space and you can breath easier. Second, we integrate that charger into a product that has minimalism and clean materials as the main point. One object, done beautifully. You have an item that will age gracefully, and always look beautiful in your home or office. 

It seems like that would be enough for a product these days. Looks good, well designed, does the job wonderfully and fits into your home. Check. But from the start, we are designing with modularity and a circular waste stream in mind. It's not another slab of black plastic destined for the landfill. It's a move away from the insane disposable culture we have with technology. Every part designed for clear recyclability (as much as we can) and replacement. A base that can last for decades, swapping out charging components as necessary. Repair options that don't mean you have to pay again the full unit cost. 

And certainly not the "planned obsolescence" that is part of so much product design!

Chargers are an afterthought to the phone makers. Race to the bottom on cost, plastic, whatever's cheapest to bundle in the box.  So if you want that, please go to Amazon right now to get yours.

Charging shouldn't look like it wandered in from some tech firm's office or from the bargain listing on Temu. It should sit on your entryway table like a nice bowl or a good lamp. Like it or not, it's part of your home. It sure as hell should help be part of a space you actually love being in.

Ditching the wires and the plastic. Certainly ditching the shoddy stuff that you would need to buy all over again in 2 years.

Electronics that fit into your life, rather than nudge into your attention and space.