Design changes behavior

Let’s face it, routers and other home network equipment are rarely considered “showpieces.” You won’t find many displayed prominently in someone’s home or office. In fact, they’ll more likely be tucked away underneath a desk or out of sight on a shelf somewhere. For years, end users were OK with that. Networking hardware was supposed to be functional, not decorative. It had a job to do. And as long as it was doing its job, “out of sight, out of mind” worked for most people.

But what if hiding routers and other equipment away actually negatively impacted the quality of their performance? What if, in addition to the potential for furniture and walls to impede signals to and from the equipment, consumers realized that dirt, dust and pet hair could find their way into the equipment and damage them or otherwise affect performance? Instead, what if their routers were actually designed to be displayed in the open where they can not only function the way they’re supposed to, but they can also complement a room’s décor?

At AXON Networks, we’re firm believers that design changes behavior. If a router or other piece of networking equipment was designed to “look good” as well as to deliver outstanding technical performance, consumers would be more likely to place the equipment out in the open where it can perform to its maximum potential.

“It’s important to focus on the design and user experience of connected devices,” said award-winning designer Eskild Hansen. “People are more likely to put a beautiful, well-designed product in a prominent place in their homes, which is also better for the product’s performance.”

Eskild Hansen
eskildhansen.com

AXON and Eskild’s team have developed a line of routers that celebrate form as well as function. Featuring physical simplicity as well as ease of use, with rounded edges and subtle tones, our routers are designed to perfect the combination of performance and aesthetics. You’d never know there was so much highly complex and powerful technology hiding behind such an attractive exterior!

“Networking infrastructure has traditionally been seen as IT equipment, but that’s changing” said Eskild. “Networking and connectivity have become central to almost everything we do. Therefore, the ‘meaning’ of the products has changed. They’re now essential hubs – gateways – that are part of our daily lives and need to be seen in that context.”

It’s all about something called “design thinking” – designing a product that’s as much about meeting the end user’s needs and expectations for simplicity and ease of use as it is about delivering a powerful product. It’s a concept that’s been around for years but one that Steve Jobs and Apple really applied to the consumer technology sector. The designers at Eskild Hansen help brands apply innovative and creative concepts to industrial design, brand design, and UI/UX design. The results are products that perform their functions to the highest standards and look REALLY good doing it!

At AXON, we think the way users interact with our products and services is as important as the power and functionality they provide. To us, it sets our solutions apart from other providers. Eskild agrees.

“AXON works with providers who deliver a service to peoples’ homes. Their routers and other equipment are the only physical connection or touchpoint customers have with AXON which shapes their perception of the company. A sophisticated, well-designed product represents a company of innovation and newness.” 

Maybe it’s a Scandinavian thing, but we think it works!