Design Matters

I realize that I have created a great deal of discussion and speculation regarding the ThinkPad Reserve website link I posted. Although I really can’t say a lot about what this offering is, I thought it would be useful to at least tell what it is not. I hope this helps.

The ThinkPad Reserve Edition is not:

• Yoga
• Just hardware
• Endorsed by Ricardo Montalban
• Glued on patches of leather
• Pleather
• For everyone

David Hill

I thought I would share this link with my Design Matters friends. I wish I could write more, but for now this will have to suffice. Enjoy.

http://www.thinkpadreserve.com/

David Hill

The “design for babies” world is ripe for meaningful innovation. Unfortunately way too much effort is spent on cute and not enough on function. I for one had to suffer through strollers with ridiculously small wheels that got snagged in every sidewalk crack, diaper bags with a million compartments that were never right, and frilly things that just got way too dirty to be useful. Every once in a while you found something that broke through the ordinary to a very special place. For me the classic Tommee Tippee cup fits that definition. I literally grew up with this classic, my Mom still has mine tucked away in her basement. It may be a bit worse for wear, but it still works.

If you aren’t familiar with it, the idea is really derived by combining the fundamental principles of geometry with gravity. The bottom of the cup is is a fully spherical form with a nice embedded weight. Combining this innovation with a familiar sipper lid, and you have it. If accidently tipped over it automatically rights itself without spilling a drop. Very hard to beat this one for simplicity that just works. Still in production for over 50 years and going strong, it personifies the ” gee I wish I had thought of it category”.

David Hill

The results of the embedded number pad poll are in. It is pretty clear most people don’t use it on a regular basis, but luckily there weren’t many who were unaware of its presence. I appreciate the feedback everyone gave, it will come in quite handy.

David Hill

I recently bought a great new book called Humble Masterpieces, Everyday Marvels of Design. It was written by Paola Antonelli the curator of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The book is a beautifully designed salute to the everyday things in our lives that unfortunately often get overlooked. The book includes such things as the paperclip, pushpin, bottle cap, lead pencil, and many many more. The photographs are richly crafted to make even the most mundane object appear captivating. This is the first time I’ve ever seen a picture of a flip-flop that looked so compelling. The book really is appealing to me as it truly celebrates the extraordinary of the ordinary. Kudos to Paola for creating such a delightful tribute.

David Hill