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In 1995, Japanese inventor Kenji Kawakami coined the term Chindōgu (literally, “unusual tool”), to describe the practice of inventing oddball solutions to everyday problems. These inventions are often described as “unuseless”, as they solve legitimate household problems, but do so in such an awkward and embarrassing way that few consumers would actually use them. Chindōgu Read More...
You know him, you love him, and if you don’t, you probably know his inventions. His name is Marc Zech and he’s dreamed up more Quirky products than any other inventor, from the classic Scratch-n-Scroll to the ultra-versatile Bandits. We couldn’t verify this, but we’re pretty sure his brain is made of solid gold. However, Read More...
If the Wink: Instantly Connected product line wasn’t evidence enough, programming and product design are growing ever more intertwined. While analog products are certainly sticking around, digital connectivity has become a core part of the 21st-century product ecosystem, and for the everyday inventor, the ability to understand and play in that space represents a powerful advantage. Read More...
In his new book, Hidden in Plain Sight, legendary design researcher Jan Chipchase discusses his own intensive process for cultural research, going beyond simple concepts like problems and solutions to delve into the lifestyles of his target demographic, and recognize their unmet needs. It’s a daunting task, even for an expert, but his approach demonstrates Read More...
Behind every great inventor lies a great teacher. Whether it’s a parent, educator, or even a supportive friend, every great mind needs someone to guide them; to show them how to brainstorm and problem-solve; to tell them that there’s no reason they can’t make their ideas a reality. That was the thought behind the Invention Read More...
Since the first Maker Faire in 2006, the maker movement has churned out some truly incredible stuff, from futuristic taser swords to 3D-printed vinyls. However, in light of all that’s happened, it’s encouraging to still encounter hacks that sincerely amaze and astound us. One such project comes from Brooklyn technologist Matt Richardson, who designed the Dynamic Read More...
In 1995, Japanese inventor Kenji Kawakami coined the term Chindōgu (literally, “unusual tool”), to describe the practice of inventing oddball solutions to everyday problems. These inventions are often described as “unuseless”, as they solve legitimate household problems, but do so in such an awkward and embarrassing way that few consumers would actually use them. Chindōgu Read More...
You know him, you love him, and if you don’t, you probably know his inventions. His name is Marc Zech and he’s dreamed up more Quirky products than any other inventor, from the classic Scratch-n-Scroll to the ultra-versatile Bandits. We couldn’t verify this, but we’re pretty sure his brain is made of solid gold. However, Read More...
If the Wink: Instantly Connected product line wasn’t evidence enough, programming and product design are growing ever more intertwined. While analog products are certainly sticking around, digital connectivity has become a core part of the 21st-century product ecosystem, and for the everyday inventor, the ability to understand and play in that space represents a powerful advantage. Read More...
In his new book, Hidden in Plain Sight, legendary design researcher Jan Chipchase discusses his own intensive process for cultural research, going beyond simple concepts like problems and solutions to delve into the lifestyles of his target demographic, and recognize their unmet needs. It’s a daunting task, even for an expert, but his approach demonstrates Read More...
As digital interface tech has developed, the gap between 2D and 3D has grown more and more pronounced. Touch screens have cornered the market on 2D interaction, but most 3D interfaces take a very different approach, emphasizing hands-on manipulation and the use of empty space. However, a team at MIT’s Media Lab is trying to Read More...
Though we take great pride in our technological achievements as a species, mankind will always be second to the oldest and greatest engineer of all: nature itself. As we struggle to design color-changing materials, tiny flying machines, and underwater vessels, nature has long since perfected all three, and it will be a long time before Read More...
Behind every great inventor lies a great teacher. Whether it’s a parent, educator, or even a supportive friend, every great mind needs someone to guide them; to show them how to brainstorm and problem-solve; to tell them that there’s no reason they can’t make their ideas a reality. That was the thought behind the Invention Read More...
Maybe it’s just us, but trying to maintain a household garden can often feel like plugging leaks in a screen door. Luckily, the team at Click & Grow has seemingly solved this problem with the Smart Herb Garden, an electronic planter that grows a wide variety of flora with minimal human maintenance, supplying plants with Read More...
For most independent inventors, the product design process is largely an internal one. Ideas are developed based on individual experience and research, before being pitched to a wide variety of companies and firms. In this way, Quirky inventors are set apart: unlike most designers, they know their target brand before they even begin to brainstorm. Read More...
We’ve said it before, and we’ll said it again: nothing sells an invention concept better than a bona fide prototype. Whether it’s crafted from brushed aluminum or rough-cut plywood, a prototype brings an otherwise imaginary concept into the physical world, quashing viability concerns, and helping viewers envision your design as a real, purchasable product. However, Read More...
Since the first Maker Faire in 2006, the maker movement has churned out some truly incredible stuff, from futuristic taser swords to 3D-printed vinyls. However, in light of all that’s happened, it’s encouraging to still encounter hacks that sincerely amaze and astound us. One such project comes from Brooklyn technologist Matt Richardson, who designed the Dynamic Read More...
When drafting the first sketches for a product concept, many inventors choose a pencil as the natural tool for the job. After all, you’re unlikely to strike gold with your very first sketch, so the ability to go back and make changes may seem like a strong advantage. However, while the ability to erase may Read More...