So it turns out that all it takes to make it easier to share the time on your watch with someone is a simple 90 degree turn of its face. And that’s basically what’s been done with design studio Maezm’s Sharing Watch, which makes it extremely easy to show someone standing beside you what time it is, without inconveniencing the wearer too much. Unfortunately though, while the watch was designed to promote sharing, it seems Maezm doesn’t practice what they preach since the Sharing Watch is only a concept and isn’t available for sale.
Anyone who’s ever connected a couple of paper cups with a piece of string will probably find Duncan Wilson’s Cup Communicator reminiscent of a time when cups weren’t known for their part in a terrible internet meme. It’s basically a set of walkie talkies designed to look like a paper cup telephone, but thanks to modern electronics it manages to cut the physical cord. Or as Duncan describes it:
The design of the Cup Communicator is focused on the gesture of use and the relationship between the users and object. I aim to explore the potential of the product as a medium for interaction and reassess the way we use technology.
The form and function of the Cup Communicator refer to the ‘two-cans and string’ children’s toy and the physical factors involved with that device. This typology and its associations remind us of the magic and playfulness of our first communication devices.
Want to seriously stress out your co-workers? Be ‘that creepy guy’ in accounting who just hung up a photo that looks and sounds just like a ticking time bomb. But, upon closer examination they’ll find that the timer mechanism is an actual clock that isn’t counting down to any time in particular. Though something tells me security will still come a-knockin’ no matter how innocuous this really is. ~$34 from RED5.
I’m going to assume this ethanol fueled rolling fireplace from Conmoto isn’t actually designed to be rolled while there’s a roaring fire inside. But even if someone does get the bright idea to send it sailing across a room while there’s a fire burning, a set of glass panels on either side will prevent the worst from happening should it topple over.
Typography is most definitely an art, but instead of having to wade through various settings in clumsy software interfaces to find the perfect layout, the LAIKA font was designed be dynamic and interactive and can adjust itself based on everything from weight to motion to the behavior of the stock market. But to be honest, I’d just love to have the console interface seen at the start of this video included with the next version of Photoshop or Illustrator.
Designed by Alyce Santoro and Julio Cesar, these rather dapper Sonic Fabric Neckties are made from 50% colored thread and 50% recorded audio cassette tape which means you can sacrifice an old Walkman to make a ’sonic fabric reader’ (see the video below) allowing you to hear remnants of what was originally on the tapes.
The Sonic Fabric Neckties are available from Supermarket in black, dark brown and grey for $90 a pop, plus the cost of a Walkman if your curiosity gets the best of you.
Though it will arrive at your home packed completely flat, this appropriately named Flat Lamp has no affiliation with a certain Swedish furniture and accessories store. Made of stainless steel and veneer polypropylene, the lamp can be converted from 2D to 3D in minutes, and the only thing you’ll need to add is electricity and a light bulb. It’s available in dark veneer, light veneer, red and white finishes from gSelect for $72.
Even though the installation will probably require quite a bit of renovation to your bathroom, including the re-routing of water pipes, this ceiling mounted faucet from Signorini is certainly a conversation piece. It’s part of the company’s Bilo line, and also features a stylish single lever hot/cold water mixer. And as for the price, well I’m going to assume it’s one of those ‘if you have to ask, it’s probably not in your budget’ items.
As long as your nightclub/hotspot of choice has plenty of black lighting installed you can now wear your glowsticks with the ‘Flash For Fun’ clothing from Diesel. Everything in the new line, which includes denim, tees, underwear and sneakers, is specially coated so that it will glow with unique patterns and illustrations when exposed to a black light. And the glowing designs are completely invisible in regular light, allowing you to wear them during the day without looking like a complete and utter tool. Men’s jeans seem to run around $150(100 Euros) while tees are about $38(25 Euros) but this time you’re paying for more than just a name.