VIA-12 Ethernet switch pulled out on a touring flight case rack, commercial product design by Creative Coefficient for Acuity Brands
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Pathway Connectivity - Acuity Brand

Via-12

Client

Pathway Connectivity - Acuity Brand

Market

Entertainment/Commercial

Ethernet switches for entertainment lighting networks

The VIA™ series is a family of Ethernet switches purpose-built for the demanding world of entertainment lighting, sound, and video signal distribution. Designed for live touring shows and theatre backstages, yet plug-and-play for fast deployment.

As a full-service product design studio, our team guided the project from early concept sketches through detailed prototyping and final production support. Along the way, we translated the client's vision into a durable product that meets rigorous standards while remaining simple to operate.

The thoughtful form factor, rugged construction, and straightforward interface demonstrate how hardware product development and industrial design services come together to support real people in real-world conditions, where clarity and reliability matter most.

VIA-12 switch stacked with a Pathport P8 and NetLinx NX-DMX in a touring rack, industrial design for live touring and theatre lighting

Behind the Design

Obstacles to Innovation

Not all rack mount products need to be ugly: Designing a slim, space-efficient form factor that fits seamlessly into crowded rack enclosures.

Thermal Performance: Ensuring reliable performance despite dense AV cabinet environments.

Intuitive Maintenance: Laying out ports, indicators for straightforward servicing.

Flexible System Compatibility: Ensuring the switch integrates easily with a range of control systems.

Clear Status Communication: Incorporating easily readable status indicators.

Our Role

Services Delivered

Industrial designProduct development strategyRapid prototypingDesign for manufacturingEngineering collaboration
VIA-12 rear ports close-up in a theatre rack, entertainment lighting network product designVIA-12 switch corner and branding detail, commercial lighting control industrial design for Acuity Brands
VIA-12 switch installed at a gallery lighting install, entertainment lighting hardware designVIA-12 shown with the Quattro gateway and Pathway base unit, live event lighting network switch design

See What We Can Build Together

25+ years of award-winning industrial design across every major industry. Let's talk about turning your product concept into a market-ready reality.

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