Inspiration is all around us. We walk by it every day or use it on our devices and appliances. If we only bother to look, the ordinary can be extraordinary and a source of inspiration for new designs.
Thus, I'm collecting images of things I see: buttons, dials, knobs, tools, sliders, appliances, utensils, icons, latches, animations--anything that is interesting and could be reused or be the basis for another design.
I hope you find it inspirational as well.
Color coded in both F and C.
The "find handset" button is clever. The designers realized that the phone part often gets lost and is annoying.
Love the giant A, Z, and Call buttons here.
Multiple locks?
Look at the minimalist four lights display. Interesting patina on the larger display dials too.
Probably a lot can be discovered and utilized from the multiple buttons and levers of a typical motorcycle's hand controls. Imagine a mouse as functional.
Not sure how this works. I'm guessing the bottom is an electronic key, and the top for an actual key? Interesting that the icon is still a key although I bet that the actual electronic key looks nothing like a key.
Note the USPS Bar Code label at the bottom.
Check out the info table on the right. Tufte would be proud.
Not sure how/why some of the bulbs burned through the plastic buttons...
Don Norman would not approve.
via Cameron Moll
An original, unmodified call box. Missing the glass though.
A modified (and defaced) version of the call box. You can still see the instructions through the plexiglass.
via Gino Zahnd
I'm not even sure what this is, but it looks interesting. It was at the top of a thick pipe coming out of the ground. Gas? Ventilation? Anyone know?
Only visible by opening the dishwasher.
These icons are pretty incomprehensible to me, but then I don't drink coffee. (Apologies for the lousy photo.)
Yes, that's me in the reflection. Sigh.
I'm interested in the stark cuts here. The black screen to the bright blue. The single black bird flying across.
The cuts here--the fades to white and to black--are really stunning. Also noteworthy: the quick juxtapositions between wide angle shots to focus in on details, like the hand on the shoulder.
This is all about the languid movement, from space to under the water.
These controls are for someone outside the elevator to control it, not the person inside. Thus the key is necessary to enable this.
People don't appreciate taking pictures of equipment in airports, I've found.
"What I wanted to bring your attention to is that the numbers are duplicated - there’s a number on the actual button and then a raised number above the button.
Why?
My guess is that due to the nature of the intended use of the raised number - that is, to be read through touch - that if the raised letter were on the button then a person may accidentally trigger the button whilst attempting to read the button and figure out what the button will do once pressed."
How, though, does a visually-impared user know if the label is above or below the button they want to push?
Input is an internal microphone. When the played note is on pitch, the light is green.
Interesting the diagram is on the side of the joystick, not in front, where one would think it map a lot more effectively and be read easier. But perhaps not from the driver's/controller's seat.
I really like the clarity of the controls diagram.
Is this really necessary?
No Ideas But In Things is a library of controls, animations, layouts, and displays that might be a source of inspiration for interaction designers. Dan Saffer is the curator.
The title comes from a William Carlos Williams poem.
This page contains all entries posted to No Ideas But In Things in October 2006. They are listed from oldest to newest.
November 2006 is the next archive.
Many more can be found on the home page or by looking through the archives.
