There’s a ton of stuff we use every day that we’re just so used to we hardly think about. These items don’t often change or have new features, probably ’cause they’re already spot on or there’s not a lot left to tweak. But actually, that’s not true—there are many cool ways to enhance their designs without messing with how they work.
User experience is less about features and more about how we connect with a product. Sometimes just revamping the user interface while keeping the same functionality can drastically change our experience, in a good or bad way. By shifting a product’s visuals, we can tell a new story, making it feel more relatable, like the designs of these everyday tools that humorously highlight their quirky traits.
Designer: Changhwi Kim
Even though the bread toaster was a game-changer back in the early 1900s, most people don’t think of it as anything special today. You only remember it’s there when it surprises you with a ding or the bread suddenly jumping out. It’s like a little time bomb, just waiting to go off when the timer runs out.
The ed!t Time Bomb Toaster really takes that irritating aspect into account, turning the timer into a big part of the design. Instead of simply pushing a lever down, you rotate a dial like you would on an oven or microwave. Then, you get to excitedly watch the dial turn until you hear the satisfying ding, letting you know your toast is ready. It makes the whole experience feel much more fun and a little less robotic, which is a nice way to start your day.
Not everyone needs a hair dryer, but for some, it’s a must-have in their daily life. Some are so used to it that they might even carry a portable power source just so they can use it while on the go. It turns into a partner in crime, a daily reminder that they have to dry their hair before heading to the next task.
The Watchman Dryer is designed to be a literal reminder of this routine with its folded shape that resembles an old-school cop car’s red siren. It sits atop your dresser or bedside table, signaling to you about your daily routine, and you can even set an alarm that reminds you when it’s time for that all-important hair drying moment.
With wireless charging, it’s just so easy to set your phone down and pick it up repeatedly. Some days, you can even charge while standing, which means you can get distracted easily. If we can’t help but grab our phones sometimes, wouldn’t it be easier if the phones were a bit out of reach?
The Hide and Seek Charger plays right into this concept, but in a sorta funny way. It’s got a conical design that rolls away with your phone after a set time when you want some peace and quiet. How this actually works? Who knows! But it creates a funny image of a phone charging accessory that wants to help you, even if that means hiding your phone from view.
