Invented by RISD student Jake Zien and brought to life through Quirky’s collaborative platform, Pivot Power solved a universal issue: bulky power adapters that don’t fit on traditional power strips. The flexible design sparked a product line—and a category—centered on adaptable, user-driven design.
Created at Quirky, NYC
FLEXIBLE BY DESIGN
Pivot Power was Quirky’s first product to connect directly to a wall outlet, presenting new engineering challenges. The result: a flexible strip that adjusted to fit plugs of all shapes and sizes—and a runaway hit.
Jake first described Pivot Power as a solution that would allow large power bricks to fit on a power strip.
PACKAGING & LAUNCH
Each Pivot Power package celebrated its community origins, with hand-drawn concept sketches and bold storytelling. The product launched at Bed Bath & Beyond alongside campaigns inviting everyday people to submit their own invention ideas.
A CATEGORY OF ITS OWN
Pivot Power expanded into multiple variations—from rugged workshop versions to smart, app-connected models. By 2012, it had become its own business unit within Quirky, generating over $22M in sales and $2.7M in royalties to contributing community members.
Pivot Power was featured in WIRED magazine as a “product they wish they had thought of.”
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Designers
Quirky in-house Design team
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Photography + Videos
Quirky in-house team & Marshall Troy
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Inventor
Jake Zein