Tangible User Interfaces - Fall 2011

Here are some examples of design solutions that I have either created myself, purchased, or have seen in use that have probably evolved from thoughtless acts but then became the basis for a solution.

1) Hanging Device for Air Drying Shoes

After washing a pair of slippers in the washing machine, I needed a way to hang them up to dry so that they wouldn't leave a wet mess and they would be near a window. I rigged this clothes hanger with some bag clips from my kitchen to clip on to the shoes so that they could hang from the shower rod.  After searching online I realized that this is actually very similar to a real product made by several companies, so I'm thinking this solution may have already been stored in the back of my mind somehow: http://www.amazon.com/Better-Houseware-882-Hanging-Stainless/dp/B0013AMPXG

2) Compostable Bags and Ice Container for Storing Compost in the Freezer 

When we first started composting in our small apartment we found that the bucket would often create a smell and attract fruit flies. However, we didn't have a separate room or garage where we could store the compost, so we needed a way to remedy this. My girlfriend heard about some people storing their compost in old yogurt containers in the freezer as a way to avoid these problems.  However, after trying this we found that it got kind of messy melting the frozen yogurt containers enough to get the frozen compost to slide out, and then we had to find a way to transport the compost 5 floors down to our apartment's garbage room without it melting through a paper bag, etc. So instead we found these compostable bags at Target, and we re-purposed an ice container box designed to fit in the freezer to hold our compost--it works great!  (We still use the plastic containers like the one in the door, however, to hold hot coffee grounds and water from the French press.)

3. Urban Plastic Bag-Holding Garbage Can

Living in downtown San Francisco, we often shop at small convenience stores that still use small plastic "Thank You" bags. In an attempt to re-use them, we used to have a small garbage can where we could put these bags inside and flip them over the edge of the container to secure them.  One day we discovered this garbage can that was specially designed to accommodate this behavior--it has little handles that perfectly fit the handles of the plastic "Thank You" bags, so you can use more of the space within the bag for garbage. Sweet!

4. Tennis Balls for Walker Traction

I have often seen people who use a walker with tennis balls attached to the bottom of the legs--apparently they are helpful for providing shock absorption and additional traction.  This is an interesting and creative solution to a problem with these devices. Apparently it is such a great solution that instead of improving the design of standard walker legs, companies are actually manufacturing screw-on tennis ball shock absorbers exclusively for this purpose: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Drive-Medical-10121-Deluxe-Walker-Rear-Tennis-Ball-Glides/15423430