Interview about 20000 mAh Superbank Power Bank, winner of the A' Digital and Electronic Device Design Award 2025
Superbank is a compact, 130W 20,000mAh power bank optimized for travel and sustainability. The team reengineered the circuit board and battery layout, arranging components from high to low to maximize space efficiency. The aluminum body enhances heat dissipation and charging. With only four screws, it's eco-friendly, easy to assemble, and repairable. The hook design protects the charging port, while the universal design reduces material waste and costs.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsInspired by Elon Musk’s First Principles and the Bauhaus philosophy of "less is more," I reimagined the traditional power bank design. Most power banks are boxy, with components arranged in a conventional grid. I challenged this norm by experimenting with battery placement. After testing various configurations with four 21700 batteries, I discovered that arranging them in a diamond pattern significantly reduced wasted space. This layout not only saved volume but also aligned with ergonomic principles, similar to the diamond-shaped grip of an archery bow, making the power bank more comfortable to hold. Interestingly, I later learned that Tesla’s electric vehicle battery packs use a similar diamond arrangement, reinforcing the efficiency of this approach.For the circuit board, I noticed that traditional single-board designs consumed excessive space. To optimize, I split the board into two layers, stacking them vertically to reduce the footprint. Additionally, I arranged the board components by height, placing taller parts strategically to minimize volume. This approach not only made the power bank more compact but also reduced material usage, aligning with my belief that good design is inherently sustainable—using fewer resources while ensuring durability.
Most power banks use plastic, which is a poor thermal conductor. In contrast, aluminum alloy is an excellent heat conductor, a choice I also implemented in my previous A' Design Award-winning power bank, MagSafer 2.0. By using aluminum, the Superbank efficiently dissipates heat generated during charging, lowering internal temperatures and extending battery lifespan. This durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing waste. Unlike plastic shells that trap heat and accelerate battery degradation, aluminum ensures the power bank remains functional for years, supporting my vision of sustainable electronics that prioritize longevity and resource efficiency over disposable designs.
As a small company with limited resources, I faced challenges navigating global tariff policies. To make the Superbank accessible worldwide while avoiding high tariffs, I designed it for local assembly. By simplifying the assembly process to just four screws, I ensured that the power bank could be easily put together in various regions. This approach not only reduces shipping costs and tariff barriers but also creates local job opportunities. The minimalist assembly design reflects my commitment to practical, scalable solutions that benefit both the business and global communities.
The hook design emerged from a practical need I encountered as a YouTuber and product photographer. While shooting promotional content for the Superbank, I often used tripods to charge cameras and lighting equipment. Most power banks lack a way to attach to tripods, forcing me to use cable ties, which were cumbersome and required tools to remove. To address this, I integrated a hook into the Superbank’s design, allowing it to hang securely on tripods or other setups. During testing, I discovered an added benefit: the hook also protects the charging port from damage if the power bank is dropped. This accidental feature enhanced the product’s durability, making it both practical and robust.
High charging speeds and heat management are interconnected. High temperatures increase electrical resistance, slowing charging performance. Plastic power banks trap heat, causing them to throttle charging speeds as they warm up. To overcome this, I used an aluminum alloy shell for the Superbank, which rapidly dissipates heat, keeping internal temperatures low. This ensures consistent 130W performance without thermal throttling. By prioritizing heat dissipation, I addressed the technical challenge of maintaining high charging speeds while enhancing the user experience and extending the device’s lifespan.
My design philosophy focuses on eliminating unnecessary features to reduce waste and costs while meeting user needs. Instead of adding multiple port types or flashy elements like LCD screens, I streamlined the Superbank’s design. For example, I excluded USB-A ports, which are outdated and rarely used for fast charging, opting for two USB-C PD ports that meet modern standards. I also removed the LCD screen, as devices already display charging information, rendering such screens redundant. By focusing on essential functionality—compact size, high performance, and a practical hook—I created a lean, sustainable product that minimizes material use and production costs while delivering what users truly need.
To achieve a compact yet high-performing design, I rethought component arrangement. I arranged the four 1700mAh batteries in a diamond pattern to minimize wasted space and split the circuit board into two stacked layers, reducing its footprint. I also organized board components by height to further optimize volume. To maintain 130W performance, I used an aluminum alloy shell, which efficiently dissipates heat, reducing internal temperatures and electrical resistance. These choices ensured a small form factor without compromising safety or charging efficiency, delivering a powerful, portable solution.
In markets like Hong Kong, power banks are often treated as disposable due to high repair costs. This leads to significant waste, as functional components are discarded along with faulty ones. My design philosophy counters this by prioritizing repairability. The Superbank’s four-screw assembly allows easy disassembly, enabling technicians to replace specific parts, such as a faulty circuit board, without discarding the entire unit. This approach, also used in my previous award-winning MagSafer 2.0, extends product lifespan and reduces waste. I envision a consumer electronics industry that values durability and repairability, encouraging designs that minimize environmental impact by enabling products to last for years, not months.
Winning the Bronze A' Design Award is a significant affirmation of my work, given the award’s credibility and prestige. It motivates me to continue designing sustainable, impactful products that address real user needs while minimizing environmental harm. The recognition reinforces my commitment to creating electronics that prioritize efficiency, repairability, and longevity. Moving forward, I aim to push the boundaries of sustainable design, inspiring positive change in the industry through innovative, eco-conscious solutions.
While thermal adhesive isn’t new, integrating it effectively into the Superbank required careful design. I used thermal silicone gel to transfer heat from internal components to the aluminum shell. To maximize efficiency, I designed the assembly process to compress the gel during construction, ensuring it spreads evenly and contacts the aluminum shell. This allows heat to transfer directly to the shell, which dissipates it rapidly. The result is lower internal temperatures, reduced electrical resistance, and improved charging performance. This solution enhances user experience and extends the power bank’s lifespan, aligning with my goal of combining existing technologies in innovative ways for sustainable outcomes.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
