Solar Power Banks: Research Process

solar power banks: research process introduction secondary research primary research visual audit personas conclusion

john colon sdes704 - applied theory in design winter 2018

introduction:

A major trend I’ve uncovered that seems to be influencing the industry of mobile devices is convenient charging of batteries. As most of us have probably noticed, wireless charging is quickly growing in popularity for its efficiency, cost, and safety advantages. It is also one of Apple’s most recent innovations. But as technology evolves, green energy has become a trend that creative entrepreneurs are exploring to deliver sophisticated, futuristic, solar-powered gadgets to everyday homes and offices. An innovation worth researching is a solar USB charger, which attaches to a window to gain solar power for charging mobile devices through a USB port. It’s also good to note that window attachment is entirely optional which allows the user some creativity. How Stuff Works explains, “An electrical current is created by the movement of free electrons, which carry a negative charge … One particle of energy that does a fine job of knocking electrons loose from atoms is the photon. This is the subatomic energy packet that forms the basis for light. Photons from sunlight carry enough energy to jar electrons from their orbit in the element silicon, which is the material used in most solar cells. The photon’s ability to disentangle electrons is called the photoelectric effect.” The advantage of these solar chargers is that one can charge his/her mobile devices without having a power socket.

secondary research: summary

According to an analysis done by Capacity Range, “The power bank market was valued at $7.77 Billion in 2016 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 21.2% between 2017 and 2022. The base year considered for study is 2016 and the forecast period is between 2017 and 2022” (Markets and Markets). Stephen Baker, vice president for industry analysis at NPD Group, which tracks consumer behavior, said, “In general, the market for aftermarket batteries has not been great, because until now, for the most part, battery life has been getting a little bit better” (NY Times). It seems as though some believe the solar power market hasn’t been so great either, causing them to shift into mobile consumer electronics, which they believe is a great risk. But these products can benefit those who are travelling or affected by emergencies, especially in rural areas. On the other hand, at night or cloudy days, they face low efficiency. Moreover, they face competition from existing electrically charged power banks (Transparency Market Research). According to an analysis done by Transparency Market Research, “Manufacturers need to focus on overcoming these major challenges to gain competitive advantage over the existing and new manufacturers entering the market in coming years to explore the untapped opportunities in solar power bank market.”

major factors & trends: • Solar power banks are designed with different capacity ranges: o 500 mAh to 3499 mAh, 3500 mAh to 6499 mAh, 6500 mAh to 9499 mAh, 9500 mAh to 12499 mAh, 12500 mAh to 15499 mAh and above 15500 mAh • “Key companies operating in solar power bank market include Anker., Advantage Computers (I) Pvt. Ltd., LG Chem Ltd, China BAK Battery, Inc., Mophie Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, OnePlus, Sony Corporation, Samsung SDI Co. Ltd., UNU ELECTRONICS INC., Xiaomi Technology Co., Ltd, and Shenzhen Topband Co. Ltd” (Transparency Market Research) • Increase in the number of the applications in smartphones has led to issue of battery draining among customers. Moreover, increase in demand for digital and electronics devices is one of the major drivers of the global power bank market in the future (Allied Market Research).

• According to the CXOs of leading companies, increasing power consumption of gadgets and plummeting cost of power bank are the key drivers of the market (Allied Market Research).

preliminary topics for primary research:

1. Green Energy 2. Travelling 3. Battery Life

preliminary questions for primary research:

1. Which is more important to you, solar or electrical energy?

2. Do you own a power bank?

3. Do you travel often?

4. How is the battery life on your mobile devices?

5. Do you know how solar energy works?

primary research: introduction

While my primary research predominantly took place at three retailers, my focus has been on one, where an abundance of resources and information levitated my knowledge and interest to another level. Walmart, Target, and Micro Center are all stores in my area which include the sales of electronics. Two of these stores were visited in one day, particularly a less busy hour during the week, and one store, Micro Center, was visited during a much busier hour during the weekend. In each retailer, 1-3 sales staff were willing to converse with me about their knowledge on the consumerism of power banks.

In total, at least 4 consumers were also interviewed in a casual manner, with a focus on their experience and knowledge of power banks.

The following reflection focuses on collected data from interviews and plenty observations within the Micro Center of Paterson, NJ as well as combined data from the other two retailers.

primary research: experience

Mirco Center, a computer and electronics store, opened my eyes on the popularity of my chosen research topic.

As soon as I entered the store, a stand of exclusively wireless charging pods, all one brand, stood to the left - almost immediately catching my attention. I naturally walked straight into the general supplies area, where the biggest mass of products sat, and focused on aisle categories. Many products seemed to be strategically grouped together for both the tech savvy and the general consumer, while some groups were questionable.

Closer to the back of the store was Aisle 12, “Batteries, UPS Systems, Surge Suppressors, and Power Adaptors.� An employee, already in the aisle, directed me to the power bank section, and began his own brief sales pitch. Interestingly enough, while Walmart had a solar option adjacent to the other standard power banks, Micro Center only had their solar option as a sort of bonus item within check-out stations.

Target held no solar power banks, online or in-store

primary research: drawbacks

A main drawback consumers are facing with solar power banks is the length of time to fully charge their device.

In fact, it seems that slow charging is a general problem brands of all types as well as owners of portable devices are attempting to solve. Many factors may influence the amount of time, like bad cables or adaptors, weak power sources, outdated devices, bad device batteries, damaged USB ports, or too much usage of device. Another problem is capacity - I was told a story of a customer who bought a power bank that even when fully charged, did not contain enough power to fully charge her device. Another story included a customer who bought a power bank with just enough power, but had to recharge the bank after every use, taking away from its convenience. Lastly, some customers bought power banks with the assumption that any type of device compatible with USB can be charged, causing technical malfunctions when connecting unknown devices.

primary research: benefits

The convenience of solar power banks is a main benefit that is attracting multi-tasking-millennials and increasingly gaining popularity in the general public. It’s pretty obvious that standard power banks are significantly more common, but I learned of one purpose most consumers of solar power banks have in common: travel.

One of the main factors they are looking for when purchasing these products is durability. In fact, one of the most popular solar power banks on sale is marketed as “superb for hiking.� This includes waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof features as well as a rugged build, safety features, and add-on functionality (like a flashlight, multiple USB ports, or hook for backpack attachment). Some consumers seek power banks that can be charged through both cable and sunlight solely because the issue of slow solar charging compared to cable charging. In the end, all is really needed is sunlight and one can have an energy source that is 100% free.

competitive visual audit: solar power banks

roamproof | a teryei | b anker | c

a. roamproof: web media

This SOS20k is the only solar power bank RoamProof carries. Their advertising paints the picture of a consumer who uses the product as a constant companion during various activities, whether it’s a social gathering (BBQ or camp out), a water sport like kayaking (with its handy water-proof design), or hiking the trails (in rain or shine). It’s main selling points seem to be durability and dependability, lasting for a long time. With four USB ports, its perfect consumer never falls short on space for their multiple gadgets.

While this product holds enough power, its advertising doesn’t mention its short-length charging cables, which could possibly take away options for positioning devices on/around the product while charging. It may also need separate buttons to control the LED flashlight and power, for remembering the button sequence/timing to turn the battery on and off vs. the LED’s can be a hindrance. source: “SOS 20K.”RoamProof, www.roamproof.com/shop/sos20k.

source: “Teryei Portable Solar Power.” Amazon, www.amazon. com/gp/product/B074SD9SFF/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_ tl?ie=UTF8.

With significantly more solar power than the last, this is a high capacity charger (its main selling point), with 15000mAh. Consumers should be able to charge their smartphone at least 4 times.

The manufacturer claims that this solar charging bank can be charged in 6-8 hours when charged with cable meaning solar charging will take much longer. However, they should get enough of power for their daily smartphone needs, of course, if they’re using it only for few texts and calls. For those who want to bring their solar power bank outdoors, this pick features a robust and durable build. It’s also waterproof but dustproof, and added benefit. Consumers also get features such as a compass, metal hook to hang it on your backpack as well as LED Flashlight with four light modes.

b. teryei: web media

c. anker: web media

With no internal battery, this product has a greater focus on solar energy, limiting the consumer but giving them a greater sense of purpose.

If the consumer is using this for backpacking, or any other situation where the panel won’t be sitting in direct sunlight for an extended period of time, an external battery should be recommended, rather than using it to charge a phone (or other device) directly. The picture of the charger strapped to the back of a backpack may be deceiving since movement can sometime take away from the correct angle for efficiency (its main selling point). Obviously, many factors depend on where and what time of year of usage. source: “PowerPort Solar Lite 2 Ports.” Anker, www.anker.com/store/PowerPort-SolarLite-2-Ports/A2422011.

visual audit: conclusion

Many of these companies’ images focus on technical innovation. It seems that because of this, there is an ever evolving, fast-paced, brand identity. Not all users are able to understand the correlation between changing brands and technological advancement. There isn’t much effort in these examples to evoke emotion, except for the use of a scenic image and statement. A common design focus of solar power banks is function over form, and is very similar to the typical bulky, heavyduty phone cases marketed for durability and protection.

Moreover, there is a clear correlation between quality and price. The quality of these focus on power and speed, which based on my research, is what users do seek in standard power banks.

Based on these examples of solar power banks, I’ve realized that portable solar panels rarely come without a cable for electric charging. This adds a whole other function to the power bank, and contradicts the point of solar energy. This is a problem because it limits the audience, for there is no guarantee on the use of the solar panel option, which most users know generates less power than electricity. It seems as though there is one solid use for the solar power option and that is outdoor survival. Based on my research, I’ve realized I can work toward a solution for indoor power generation through solar energy. This may result in the every day use from the every day user of standard power banks.

personas: backpacker, environmentalist & techie

madelyn: backpacker

personality:

introvert

extrovert

analytical

creative

loyal passive

fickle active

motivation:

style

personalization convenience low cost

goals: • Complete bucket list • Live in Africa • Complete 100th mountain • Win 3rd race • Become school principal

frustrations: age: 25 work: school teacher status: engaged location: california

• Boredom • Job insecurity • Lack of communication • Bugs • Rapid weather change

bio:

Madelyn a keen traveler and a dreamer at the same time. For years she had dreamt of travelling around Asia. Getting through Harvard and getting a job cost her a lot and she’s not talking about money. But there was no way she could give up on her successful life. To live to the fullest you should get out of your comfort zone and explore the world.

brands/influencers:

• Patagonia • The North Face • Marmot • Edelrid • Black Diamond

preferred channels:

traditional ads

online & social media referral events

valerie: environmentalist

personality:

introvert

extrovert

analytical

creative

loyal passive

fickle active

motivation:

style

personalization convenience low cost

goals: • Use less energy • Live in tiny home • Use less water • Create better hospital recycling • Grow bigger garden

frustrations: age: 31 work: nurse status: married location: new jersey

• Lack of communication • Lazy activists • Litter • Plastic bags • Oil drilling

bio:

Valerie was born to a farmer’s family from Colorado. Since she was brought up on a ranch, where she came to love nature and everything that comes with it. Shortly after graduating, she met her fiancée and his dog.

She makes contributions to her community like urging their local school to use only fresh food for the meals.

brands/influencers: • Hasbro • Ecolab • Biogen • NVIDIA Corp • Rockwell Automation

preferred channels:

traditional ads

online & social media referral events

jack: techie

personality: introvert

extrovert

analytical

creative

loyal passive

fickle active

motivation: style

personalization convenience low cost

goals: • Develop successful app • Educate general public • Win 1st competition • Intern at Google • Develop tech start-up

frustrations: age: 20 work: ux design student status: single location: massachusetts

• Generation X • Confusing UX • Slowing computers • Spam • Printer jams

bio:

As an only child, Jack’s main source of entertainment as a child was taking things apart then back together. He has been working in his schools technology support desk for a couple months, is very tech savvy, and loves to help others. Where there is a problem, he prefers to deal with clients personally. He wants the system to be easy and intuitive so he can find solutions easily.

brands/influencers: • Google • Apple • IBM • Accenture • SAP

preferred channels: traditional ads

online & social media referral events

conclusion: thank you

Of the three above, the most challenging persona will be the Techie -- “a student, enthusiast, or specialist in a particular technical field or subject, especially electronics” (Dictionary.com).

Physical and outdoor activity isn’t common in his lifestyle.

Because of this, solar energy may seem secondary. He can recall a time a client asked for information on the purpose of solar power banks and he quickly shut down the idea because he and the client prefer the fastest charging technology possible, with or without cables. He can’t see the solar power bank industry attracting consumers outside of the environmentalist/ backpacker areas. john colon sdes704 - applied theory in design winter 2018