Cool Leaf button-less flat input devices |
Cool Leaf is an input system that is both flat and mirrored. It comes from a Japanese company called Minebea who have demonstrated it with a keyboard, calculator, and remote control that are all completely free of keys.
Sure they look amazingly futuristic, but they also make a lot of sense. The devices would be easier to clean with no keys that will gather dust and crumbs. Minebea has done a great job. The devices have backlights, force sensors, and a film from a company called Toray Industries that is the world’s first “electrostatic capacity type touch panel and a load sensor.”
The grater is an essential kitchen tool. But there are so many essential kitchen tools, that putting them all away and keeping the kitchen neat can be hard. Graters have always been a problem. Their squarish form is great for food prep, but not for storage in the cabinet. 
Light bulbs are…well bulbous. They take up way too much room, are a pain to store due to their shape, etc. Those newer corkscrew deals are no better. It’s an old design for an old world. That’s why Joonhuyn Kim’s concept makes sense. Flat bulbs take up less space and make them easier to stack, store and transport. My only concern is that the odd shape would somehow make the light all weird on the wall. Great idea even if it is a bit late to the lighting arena.
