The UberReview » Concept

Sheet Clock Lets You Tell The Time With Your Eyes Shut

C. S. Magor — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:38:23 +0000

Twenty-five years of unhealthily heavy computer use have seen to my being exceptionally short-sighted, so much so that without glasses or lenses, I would struggle to make out the digits on a nearby clock. My solution to this has been to keep my cellphone within reach, but the idea of this sheet/clock has me hoping that one day I may no longer need to. Think about it, a clock incorporated into a mattress that would let you feel the time.

How does it work? The sheet has a special pocket that holds the clock, which is largely constructed of silicone. The heavy lifting comes via slats of EPS “(electroactive polymer, used for artificial muscles).” When zapped with electricity the relevant slats expand to show the time.

[Yanko via CG, Unpluggd]

Map-Holes Turn Manhole Covers Into a Street Level Navigation System

C. S. Magor — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:55:28 +0000

Here’s a cool concept, turning manhole covers into a street-level navigation system that can direct visitors around a new city.

I must admit, when I first saw the shots of the Map Hole concept I thought it was a cute idea but one that would probably never happen. The issue is one of convenience and cost, man holes come in a uniform shape and size for a very good reason, it makes them easy to place and if need be, replace.

However, when advertising is incorporated into the plan, which it has been, it becomes possible to not only make the manhole covers pay for themselves, but also turn a profit. Nice, as long as your manholes aren’t out in the middle of the street.

[Yanko Design]

Desktop Calculators Modeled After the On-screen Variety

C. S. Magor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:37:23 +0000

Looking at the OSX and Windows takes on the calculator I realize two things: I have never actually opened my OSX calculator and that it looks a thousand times better than the Windows version.

These concept models are the work of the designers at MintPass. [BBG]

Recyclable Paper Laptop, A Cleaner Concept

C. S. Magor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:17:35 +0000

Considering the relatively short period that most people keep their computers for, it makes sense to make them as recyclable as possible – which is what designer Je Sung Park has done with this concept.

It is built from pulp and reprocessed materials and can be broken down prior to disposal. [DVICE]

Raking Machine Might Save a Few Backs

C. S. Magor — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:58:24 +0000

The folks over at Yanko have designed an automatic raking machine; a simple concept really. Raking doesn’t really take a whole lot out of a person, it is more of an inconvenience than a backbreaking chore. If we are designing, why not come up with a robotic version; one that would give frustrated parents everywhere the chance to introduce their children to cold, hard, economic rationalism.

Your fired Johnny, a Robot took your job.

We can but dream. [Yanko Design]