This wireless surge protector switch takes the chore out of conserving energy. Simply assign your electronic devices to the ‘always on’ or ‘can be powered down’ ports of this surge protector. Then, the next time you leave home, all you have to do is use the wireless switch that you mount next to your light switch to save on your electric bill. Simply brilliant!
This earphone concept, Y I Sound Invention, features a zipping action to keep ear bud cords from tangling up when not in use. This ingenious design includes a volume control and brightly colored zipper teeth to help form follow function. When users are finished listening to their sound device, they simply zip up and put it away. Smart design for sure!
What a novel idea to have the drying feature built into the design of this dinner plate. Reminding me so much of a clothesline, this plate drip dries after you hang it to dry, leaving no water droplets behind. There needs to be a line of silverware and bowls using this same air-dry feature.
Oobject has compiled a top 10 list of folding bicycles, complete with odd, ugly and functional designs for your viewing pleasure. In some of these concept designs, the designer has forgotten to consider the ”form follows function” theory. Creating a folding bicycle is no small feat, so there is not much room for criticism. I will say, however; I personally would prefer not to look like a bear on a bicycle when riding; the size of the wheel seems to be of great importance for ease of pedaling, and the suitcase-style contraptions seem very 1960’s. It was amusing to peruse this roster of fantasy bicycles, though.
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.
A friend of mine shared this story with me, and I couldn’t resist posting it. As it turns out, everything around us does not need to be so complicated in design.
A designer from Oxford designed a pair of glasses that conceals two pockets that are filled with water to create a lens. As the injected water builds pressure in the pouch that is the lens, vision is optimized one drop at a time. Once vision is ideal, the lens is closed and the syringe goes into the other side of the frame to customize the view for the other eye.
Third World countries are benefiting from this low-cost design that is making perfect vision a right, not a luxury. Good design should change lives, and I believe this design does that.
In a time long, long ago, I had to make mix tapes. I would spend hours mixing albums and shuffling songs from all of my CD’s, then buy a pack of cassettes to begin recording. Once complete, I would cut up stickers and personalize my cassette so it could go everywhere I went; my car, my Walkman, my boom box. But times have changed. Now everything is digital, play lists take minutes to create and people aren’t caught dead with a cassette player in their hand. Until now.
This player lets you fast-forward or rewind a song manually by rotating the spools with your finger, then play by sliding the play button. Outta battery juice? Just rotate the spools; rotating the second hole of the tape charges it with kinetic energy. An LED indicates the power status showing green for fully charged, amber for half-charged and red for nearly dead. Available in 45/60/90 minute varieties, this device also hides a USB plug.
It’s actually an overall cool design. Now I’m just waiting for some Etsy seller to make a cool carrying case, maybe a little cassette case for storing all of your play lists in a library.
Oh yeah! Check out this illuminated MPH vest for cyclists. Yes, it is only in the concept stages, but the design is still cooler than cool. The link takes you to where you can read about the invention and how it is envisioned as an all-around sports vest to help spectators monitor the speed of their favorite athletes in action. But I think it is just fine as a cyclist safety vest.
This innovative design for a bike lane that goes wherever you go is brilliant! This is one of those great inventions I always end up finding and saying to myself, “how clever, I should have thought of that!” If they could only project shadows for daylight use, they’re golden!
I can never resist the temptation of a cleverly designed umbrella. Whoever invented this wine bottle umbrella design did a good job concealing the contents. This would make a great gift for that wine connoisseur who lives under a constant cloud.
