The BRCK was designed and prototyped in Nairobi, Kenya. We wanted a connectivity device that fit our needs, where electricity and internet connections are problematic both in urban and rural areas. As we laid out what such a device would look like – physically robust, able to connect to multiple networks, a hub for all local devices, enough backup power to survive a blackout – we realized that the way the entire world is connecting to the web is changing. We no longer only get online via desktops in our office with an ethernet connection, we have multiple devices, and mobile connectivity is crucial. Most routers and modems are built for New York and London, whereas most of the people connected to the internet today live in places like Nairobi or New Delhi. The BRCK was designed to work in more harsh environments, where the infrastructure isn’t robust. The rugged design of the BRCK allows for drops, dust and weather resistance, and dirty voltage charging.