Stepping into the homebuilder and design worlds as a custom integrator can often seem intimidating for one simple reason: You’re not sure how to talk with them or get your message across to them in the most effective way. Legrand put on a masterclass during the recent Design & Construction Week events in Orlando, showing how a technology manufacturer can tailor their message and their offering in a single space to both communities.Â
From new launches to the overall delivery of their brand story, the electrical and digital infrastructure firm detailed both design-forward and builder-ready solutions in a cohesive and coordinated package. In addition to the new Matter-ready radiant Smart Lighting solutions that launched over the summer and reconfigured kitchen countertop outlets that were new this Fall, Legrand had a number of new home technology solutions with them in Orlando.
Here’s a quick recap of it all, tailored—just as they did—to the channel they’re intended to resonate with.
For Builders
Included in Legrand’s lineup of USB Type-C power delivery outlets was their brand new 65W outlet in their adorne Collection. The live demo area allowed attendees see that there really is a difference in how those 65 watts are distributed in a particular outlet box. Whereas some dual-receptacle outlets would split the wattage between two USB Type-C ports, degrading charging quality and efficiency, the new Legrand product is able deliver full charging speeds.
“A problem we’re really facing here as a manufacturer is education around the USB charging space,” Rachel Rich, senior product manager at Legrand, told us during the booth tour. “Education is definitely required in this area. Most people are proud of themselves for understanding the difference between Type-A and Type-C, and that’s where their understanding stops.”
By moving an Anker power bank from a 15W port up to the true 65W port, we were able to see the charging times get cut to from nearly a full day to just over an hour.
A nice touch with the new outlets is the light indicator integrated into the device that will remain yellow while charging and turn green when the plugged-in device reaches full-charge. It’s a minor detail that creates a clever and convenient feature.
For Designers
One of my favorite things to check out at each show Legrand has a presence at is their ever-expanding collection of wall plate finishes. Now totaling over 40 different options, the lineup includes enough colorways and combinations that a designer and consumer can feel confident that they’ll be able to match the aesthetic their looking for.
New at the show, Legrand previewed four new options, including a concrete finish, a black and white glass insert with a bronze wrap, and a wood wall plate that can be stained to match the wood in a particular space.
What was more exciting at this show, however, was a new and still-in-the-works software platform that streamlines any project that calls for Legrand product. The adorne & radiant Design Studio visualization tool was purpose-built for the design community, allowing them to plan, specify, and visualize wiring devices within a particular space. Users of the platform (including consumers) can wade through that laundry list of finishes, layouts, and device combinations while organizing their project needs. And, once finalized, the designer can export their work and receive a simplified bill of materials for their design.
The tool, which is still in development, looks like it will be a resource for consumers and their design partners to ideate, and then ultimately execute a particular project from. The platform allows for customization if you happen to be working with a certain wallpaper, for example. Or, if you’re still exploring colorways, you can get various recommendations based on the colors and finishes you plan to use.
Looked at holistically, the Legrand space was the perfect microcosm of how brands in the technology and integration channel can find ways to adapt their message in order to better resonate with a particular audience.
