Have you ever heard the phrase “less is more?”
In design we have a phrase we like to use a lot around the same lines called “K.I.S.S” or “Keep it simple, stupid.” Essentially, when I look at some of the inventions and new products that come out sometimes I think to myself “wow, that’s pretty complicated” and I’m really impressed by the levels of technical prowess or user interface intricacies. In my opinion, nothing compares to an invention that is so simple and flawless, you have to begrudgingly tout “why didn’t I think of that!?” I came across a few designs that I was impressed with that I wanted to share with you!
Onion cutter
I LOVE to cook. So much so, that my spice cabinet looks more like an alchemist laboratory. Onions are a mainstay in a lot of recipes and dicing them is one of the more cumbersome of tasks to get right. Unless you have years of practice, getting the lines straight is a hassle without positioning your hands in the line of danger. I would absolutely adore having this product, simple, and useful, as a good product should be.
Re-usable Candles
Why aren’t these everywhere?! It makes complete sense to have a lower compartment to catch used wax as a way to continue the wick. I have a bunch of large candles riddled throughout my apartment, but I’m usually too weary to use them for a couple reasons. For beginners, candles are expensive as all hell. The large, white candles that are supposed to make your home look like it was cut out of a pottery barn magazine are devious money pits. Secondly, this eliminates a need to have somewhere for the wax to go. I don’t want to ruin the look of my place with dripped wax everywhere!
Toothpaste tube
Maybe I need to get out more, but I was just thinking the other day how there is no real way to store your toothpaste without it being awkward. Lying down in a basket next to my sink, I often have thoughts of dollar signs leaving my pocket as I throw away the last of my toothpaste after practically bruising my fingers trying to get the last bit out. This would solve not one problem but two. I’m a fan!
Swivel Outlets
If I saw this at a store, and they were reasonably priced, I would pick these up in an instant! I typically use larger plugs for various chargers, and it’s always SUPER annoying to have to re-arrange them or play Tetris with my collection of plugs. This would work great for underneath computers, or a large media room set up. A simple solution to an annoying problem = GENIUS!
Rotating Dry Bench
Outdoor public spaces can be a challenge to design for. These simple hand-cranked benches are great for someone who is young, elderly, or just looking for a dry spot to have their lunch. You just turn the crank and a new dry spot is revealed. I love this idea, and would love to see the idea implemented in more home-centered furniture. I’m a filthy smoker with very limited overhead coverage outside, so when it rains, I either forget the chair is wet and soak my ass, or I stand like the desperate nicotine addict I’ve become. I feel like this would give me slightly more dignity if I had this.
What are some genius simple designs you’ve come across? Comment them below, I’m starting my Christmas shopping early this year!
