benjamin hubert launches trove, a secure and wearable cryptocurrency wallet

benjamin hubert, of experience design agency layer, has launched ‘trove’, a digital wallet made in collaboration with the fintech start-up of the same name. currently in its prototype stage, the invention is a form of unhackable, unloseable cryptocurrency storage accompanied by a smartphone app, and has been in development for the past year.

hubert’s trove coin pairs with ‘safe’, a discreet personal home bank protected by ECG verification. while coin stores currency for daily use, safe holds your decentralized personal wealth at home. it is designed to look like a wall tile that can be easily installed, so it is hiding in plain sight. like the coin, safe is an offline cryptocurrency wallet, which only goes online when biometrically authorized to transfer funds. hence: protection from hackers and password loss.

the coin stores cryptocurrency offline on the hardware – rather than online – meaning it is less susceptible to hackers

the trove app makes interacting with cryptocurrencies easier and more approachable — the interface design is simple and engaging, making use of clear text, graph elements and soft pastel colors. the application functions as a wallet for your various cryptocurrencies and makes it easy to buy and sell cryptocurrencies and pay for everyday purchases.

the trove necklace is a unisex cord necklace with an adjustable metal loop and a minimal pendant onto which the coin magnetically attaches

users can easily see their spending history and how the value of the currency has changed over time, and also compare the performance of various cryptocurrencies, for example, bitcoin compared to ethereum. there is also a tracking function, that enables users to know the exact location of their coin at all times, and an AI financial advisor.

the trove coin is a 3mm x 20mmaluminumm wearable device that, like a regular wallet, is a way to store currency for daily use spending and trading

‘researchers speculate that 35% of all bitcoins have been lost due to irrecoverable passwords,’ explains the designer. ‘as the security of bitcoin is based on complex private keys that allow the transfer of funds, once the private key is lost, it is extremely improbable that lost coins can be recovered.’ trove uses a biometric authentication system to send and receive cryptocurrency, making it effectively impossible to lose access. 

the device is stored in keep, a tactile volcanic rock and polycarbonate container – which is powered by a USB-C port and inductively charges the coin

coin is available in two materials – black aerated aluminum and silver anodised aluminium

users unlock the coin using their ECG signature – a biometric method of verification that recognises a user’s unique heartbeat pattern – by touching the contact zone on the front

the bluetooth communicates with the user’s smartphone and allows funds to be accessed

unlike other cryptocurrency wallets, which rely on complex password systems, it is impossible to lose or forget the authentication for coin

the trove coin magnetically attaches to three different accessories – wristband, neck pendant, or brooch

the user has the option to openly display the coin as a fashion accessory, or wear it in a more discreet manner

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom