Hey everyone! I'm currently taking a long design and technology course in school where I get to create products based on a theme or design idea. This year, I have to design a product that helps around the house, but I'm totally stuck for ideas. I need something that's not just functional but also has a cool backstory. For example, a boring idea would be a simple storage solution for elderly people, but I want something much cooler! Any unique suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! ??
4 Answers
Consider making a smart mailbox that signals when the mail has arrived. You could mount a small sensor on the back to connect via WiFi or LoRa for longer range, and maybe even power it with solar energy! This would definitely help those who may have difficulty walking to check for mail every day. One user even shared how an old-school device using a tennis ball worked wonders in their neighborhood. It’s simple but effective!
How about designing a product called "Nocturn"? It's a smart object tracker made for night owls. The idea is to solve the problem of losing things in the dark—like glasses or water bottles—without waking anyone up with bright lights. You could create a low-profile nightstand tray that lights up gently when you reach for it, plus it could have built-in charging capabilities. It's a cool blend of tech that respects nighttime silence.
You could take a more educational route and build a Wimshurst machine complete with ten or more Leyden jars. This machine would demonstrate how lightning works in a fun and interactive way. It’s a great mix of creativity and science!
What if you created AR glasses that map your home? They could remember where things are, and when the lights go out, the glasses could project outlines of the furniture and items in your room, so you can navigate without turning on any lights. Another idea is an automatic window washer that cleans both sides of the glass as soon as it gets dirty—water and soap would run down without leaving a mess. How neat would that be?
That’s actually a great idea! I remember, in my old neighborhood, folks had a system with a tennis ball attached to a string to signal when the mail came. It was a super simple yet effective way to find out if mail had arrived without even getting up!