Katelyn M. Thompson’s Blog

First off, I didn’t realize that you could print magnets, but then again I shouldn’t be surprised, you can print just about anything these days.

Over at Konigi, they have come up with the idea of printing UI features onto magnets, allowing them to brainstorm the best layout for a page. Could be useful, but also very fun, just like those fridge word magnets.

—–
via @sociallypixl8d

The wheelchair is something that hasn’t really changed that much in the last few years. These designs from Jake Eadie show that a wheelchair can be versatile and have two positions, one of sitting and another of standing.

—–
via core77

One thing that I’ve always been fascinated in is how we can integrate technology into our homes to make doing things around the house easier. One thing I’ve always thought about is having a sound system with speakers in every room. Going beyond that to the future you have devices that monitor things you do in the home and the status of different things. For instance, a device that knows what is in your refrigerator to help you with your grocery shopping, or as this video of the Smart Home shows, a recipe suggester.

Ever since the movie Smart House was shown on The Disney Channel, these technologies have really fascinated me. Although the things in this video are not the most high tech, they do seem feasible at this point. I also like how a lot of the technology is designed for the elderly or disabled, allowing people to live more independently.

Smart Home video

One thing I’m passionate about is technology. Another is drawing attention domestic violence and working to end it. This advertisement for Amnesty International does both.

I’ve been looking for a way to organize all these cords once I have a desk. Here’s a cool solution from FredFlare.com

—–
via SwissMiss

I need to get me some pins, but also the resume t-shirt. That way no matter where I am, I’m always ready with my resume!

—–
via SwissMiss

I thought that this was really cool. Obviously power strips are a problem. The cords and such, they just get all tangled. While although The Node doesn’t solve all the problems, it seems like a fun alternative.

—–
via core77

A classic test of awareness, used to promote a campaign to raise awareness for cyclists in the UK.  The original:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4]

And they have also made others similar to this. This one was my favorite:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubNF9QNEQLA]

I love it when designers use something to their advantage that most people ignore.

—–
via Gizmodo

VueZone.com claims to be “the easiest and simplest way to remotely view your family, your home, your business…virtually anything, from anywhere, at anytime.” It works on web browsers and mobile devices. I think it is a really good idea, especially for people traveling a lot or vacation homes. The cameras aren’t for sale yet, they claim coming this summer. The two camera package starts at $299 and additional cameras coming in at $99. It’s not a bad investment for some people. Their UI seems pretty simplistic and easy to use at first glance. I think it’s a good option to be able to share with your “friends”. I’m thinking it would be helpful for my parents to be able to have access to my grandparent’s or aunt’s house while they’re on vacation.

—–
via Gadgetell