September 16, 2009
Innovators & Creators, Product Innovation, Upcoming Inventions


This design is an award winner from Japan’s Ryoji Takahashi that offers a new look and feel to shredding. The tube-like paper shredder can be held over a waste basket and is less obtrusive than the traditional rectangular electric paper shredder. Seems to be a desk-friendly redesign; now we have to wait until it comes to the States.
March 9, 2009
General Design, Upcoming Inventions

This cup holder is ingenious – the textured grip, vivid color and universal size opening. Intended for work stations with tight space, it actually uses a cantilever for extending space for your beverage. I can see many applications for this idea of squeeze-clipping an extension to table tops. Once again, as my readers already know, this is an example of simple design that uses stylizing to accentuate the pure function of its use.
March 6, 2009
General Design, Product Design, Upcoming Inventions

Note to self: “remember to write a note to self.” Do you find it harder and harder to remember what it is you need to do, then find a place to write it down? We have now gone full circle, starting with simply jotting a note on a pad of paper, to typing to-do lists on mobile devices, and now writing notes on glasses. This surface-writable glass and mug are available for note taking and are easy to wash when you complete that list of reminders (or finish your drink). Ideal for writing out things like “two heaping spoonfuls of sugar,” or “fill to here with ice.” It’s about a 4 on the cool-o-meter.