Cygnett Thumboost 5,000 mAh Power Bank

Cygnett’s challenge was to design an on-brand solution that explored the characteristics and needs of young, active target users; and build on the legacy of its longstanding “Boost” range. With portability, personality and affordability being critical characteristics, it would need flexible, no-hassle operation for active lifestyles, appeal as fashionable rather than a piece of tech, and be “about as big as a thumb” to fit in pockets and small bags. With a cost precedent clearly established in a competitive market, Cygnett needed to provide a unique and meaningful connection with users at a price point attractive to younger buyers.

ThumBoost considers younger active user’s need for autonomy and personal expression. Its ergonomic form is comfortable, stylish and compact for pocket, small bag or palm of the hand. Further appealing to active lifestyles, the colours are reminiscent of active lifestyle brands and emphasise movement, energy and vitality. The high-quality silicone cable is wholly integrated into the design while remaining removable and replaceable. With 2 USB-C PD charging ports cleverly positioned on the top face and a cable-tunnel engineered into the case, the cable remains neatly managed whilst doubling as a lanyard for secure charging on the go.

ThumBoost promotes long lifecycle use with high quality materials and construction and exceptional user experience. With careful attention to detail, it represents a thoroughly considered design which responds to the day-to-day needs of young active lifestyles and aims to create a personal connection with its user. Its cylindrical Lithium-Ion cell offers 500-1000 charging cycles, greater than the slim rectangular Lithium Polymer or Lithium Cobalt cells also found in ultra compact Power Banks. The cable is made from ultra flexible silicone for bending and looping and is replaceable, further maximising product lifespan.

ThumBoost’s assembly has been designed in such a way that it maintains durability while reducing the number of tooled parts. The cable tunnel is integrated into the left and right case components (a difficult tooling challenge to overcome) while the readout lens and button is combined into one part. The cable is replaceable and/or swappable, meaning that, unlike other integrated solutions, ThumBoost is still useable if the cable is damaged, and allows for charging with other specialty cables (Lightning or Micro-USB) without requiring additional SKUs. The semi-integrated cable design allows for attaching to bag loops and other accessories or for looping around one’s finger when charging on the move instead of trying to grip multiple devices all at once. The dual 20W USB-C ports allow for cable docking and storage, forming the lanyard loop, and facilitates charging a second device should a user’s friend need additional charge.