ME-1
ME-1 Power Management System: When Function Empowers U
challenge every furniture company faces: How do you integrate power management into premium workspace tables without compromising the clean aesthetics that define luxury office environments?
Our solution: We created the ME-1 as an integrated magnetic power system for Herman Miller's MT-Series tables (MT-1 and MT-2). The U-shaped design works seamlessly with the tables' metal plates, transforming power access from visual clutter into elegant workspace functionality.
The result: Red Dot Award 2020 recognition and a power management solution that enhances rather than detracts from premium office design, proving that even utilitarian systems can embody Herman Miller's design excellence.
Integrated by design. Built to disappear when you want it, appear when you need it.
Client
HMI Concept
Services
Industrial Design
CMF Strategy
Prototyping
Awards
Red Dot Award (2020)
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The Full Story
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The Problem: Power strips are the necessary evil of modern workspaces. While everyone focuses on beautiful desks, ergonomic chairs, and sophisticated lighting, power distribution remains stubbornly utilitarian—a tangle of cords, awkward mounting solutions, and visual chaos that undermines the carefully designed environments they're meant to serve.
The Reality Check: Premium office furniture companies spend millions perfecting every detail of workspace aesthetics, then force users to compromise with power strips that look like they belong in a garage. The result? Cable management nightmares, inaccessible outlets, and visual clutter that degrades the entire workspace experience.
The Herman Miller Integration Challenge: As part of developing the MT-Series tables (MT-1 and MT-2), we needed to create a power management system that worked seamlessly with the tables' design language and metal plate integration points, rather than forcing users to compromise with generic solutions.
The Market Gap: While cable management solutions existed, no one had solved the core issue—power strips themselves were inherently problematic in form and function. Users needed access that was both elegant and effortless. -
Instead of fighting the traditional power strip format, we completely reimagined what power access could be. The magnetic U-shaped design emerged from studying how people actually work—they need power to come to them, not the other way around.
Why the Magnetic U-Shape + Metal Plate Integration Works: The form creates natural cable organization while the magnetic connection to the tables' integrated metal plates makes positioning effortless and repositioning instant. Users can optimize power access exactly where they need it along the table structure.
The Design Philosophy: Transform power access from something you tolerate into something you appreciate. Every interaction should feel intentional and refined, worthy of the Herman Miller standard.
Strategic Material Approach: The clean, minimal aesthetic ensures the ME-1 enhances rather than competes with existing workspace design. It becomes part of the solution, not part of the problem. -
Manufacturing Revolution: No inventory, no waste, no compromise. Each Dollight is 3D-printed in our San Diego workshop only after purchase, using premium bio-based materials from corn and sugarcane. I personally oversee every piece from digital file to finished lamp.
Customization Without Complexity: Over 100 combinations through 16 food-inspired colors and multiple textures, but the selection process feels intuitive rather than overwhelming. Customers create something uniquely theirs without needing design expertise.
Family Stories Made Universal: Each design (Sweet, Bright, Smooth, Rich, Savory) captures the personality of a family member, but translates into lighting that works in any home.
Community Impact Integration: The Sweetest Slice Program means every color choice supports local causes—education, healthcare, conservation, food security. Beautiful lighting becomes beautiful impact.Personal Connection at Scale: Every customer receives a personal note, 30-day returns with no restocking fees, and ongoing support through our Diffuser Replacement Program. Technology enables personal attention, not elimination of it.
New Manufacturing Model: Dolop proves that designers can stay personally involved while making their work accessible. We're not just selling lighting—we're demonstrating the future of American manufacturing where creativity, technology, and community impact converge.