Alta is an Australian battery company developing rechargeable systems for mining, rail, heavy industry, and consumer applications. Their engineering was sophisticated, but the products were initially unrefined and prototypical. As the company prepared to enter Western markets, it needed a sample battery that could make a strong first impression of the brand. Spatial Dynamics was brought in to develop that product, and I led the industrial design from research to manufacturability.

Three visual directions, Clean & Modern, Performance, and Rugged & Durable.

The direction that won was all about capturing the idea of energy. The vertical ribs fade out as they go up the body, making the form look energized. We also made a color lineup going from light grey to navy and black, and they went with the light grey since it felt the most like the brand.

The form had two major constraints: the battery internals had to fit, and the housing would be sonic welded shut.

The battery never went into production, but they really liked it, and it showed what Alta could look like as a company.