A New Garfield Spin Off February 28, 2008
Posted by goodmind in Subtraction.add a comment
This blog titled “Garfield minus Garfield” speaks for itself as an instance of Subtraction, but here’s a description from the site anyway;
“Who would have guessed that when you remove Garfield from the Garfield comic strips, the result is an even better comic about schizophrenia, bipolor disorder, and the empty desperation of modern life? Friends, meet Jon Arbuckle. Let’s laugh and learn with him on a journey deep into the tortured mind of an isolated young everyman as he fights a losing battle against lonliness and methamphetamine addiction in a quiet American suburb.”
While Jon doesn’t come off so well without Garfield, the reader benefits from the Subtraction by gaining a new perspective on a beloved comic strip.
We’ve Been Framed February 26, 2008
Posted by goodmind in Task Unification.add a comment
Feeling cornered? Ever been framed? Angled Corner Picture Frames from German company details are ideal for returning the favor. Available in both “inner” and “outer” designs, these frames can fit into just about any decor, and any corner.
An Inventive Calling Plan February 14, 2008
Posted by goodmind in Multiplication.add a comment
A SIM card “street hack” popular in Accra, Ghana demonstrates the power of Multiplication. To reduce communication costs, many residents have adopted the practice of switching SIM cards, based on the operator of the person on the other end. By combining two SIM cards into one, users can minimize cost, while maximizing convenience as the hack eliminates the need to reboot the phone after switching cards. Talk about saving minutes.
Jan Chipchase of Future Blog also points out that
“in countries with a high proportion of pre-paid phones, a significant number of highly price sensitive consumers and an evolved mobile phone repair culture…enabling a regular phone to support multiple phone numbers on one phone. Imagine having AT&T + T-Mobile on one device.
In many parts of the world the mobile phone number functions as an increasing important form of identity, a single device may be shared amongst a family, friends or even village and the device is the enabler for activities ranging from banking and money transfers to capturing and sharing experiences.”
Not even Verizon’s family share plan can beat that.
Make the Volume Bigger January 28, 2008
Posted by goodmind in Uncategorized.add a comment
Desktop earbuds are probably the most appropriate (and obvious) third party Apple add-on, yet aren’t part of the ever-expanding iPod ecosystem. If the 500XL mock up from Fred & Friends wasn’t so clearly photoshopped, we might seriously consider adding Magnification as a sixth pattern for inventive thinking. Even though the concept works as a tongue in cheek instance of Attribute Dependency, we firmly believe “bigger IS really better, especially when it comes to sound,” and earbuds.
Plus, there’s already substantial evidence that it works for logos…
Simple As Possible, But Not Simplistic January 23, 2008
Posted by goodmind in Subtraction.add a comment
The Eazzzy USB Camera was invented with this blog in mind, as evidenced by Gizmodo’s post on the design;
“What do you get when you develop a digital camera that lacks one of the most important benefits that digital cameras provide? This EazzzY USB camera concept from designer Sungwoo Park that’s what. The device is stripped down to its bare functions—only one button, a pinhole sized viewfinder, and USB connectivity.”
Apparently this camera is intended for the consumer nostalgic for the mystery and suspense afforded by a traditional film camera, and the time consuming photo development process. Seeing as it comes standard with a built in USB port, the “thrill” of not knowing how your shots came out is subject to the same effects of Subtraction as the design and functionality.
Subtracting the LCD display from the digital camera restores some of the guesswork to traditional photography, and simultaneously refines the process of transferring digital data from one device to another. We also think the Happy Meal aesthetic of the Eazzzy USB camera makes it the perfect accessory for the OLPC Laptop (One Laptop Per Child).
An Apple TV Remote? January 22, 2008
Posted by goodmind in Attribute Dependency, Subtraction, Task Unification.add a comment
Universal remote controls were a nice idea in theory, but proved to be less than practical as an all-in-one device management system. It’s a shame really, as entertainment components and peripherals have continued to multiply at an alarming rate. The cynics among us might interpret the commercial failure of the Universal Remote as defining the limits of Inventive Thinking. We say, wanna make a bet?
Just because Task Unification didn’t take, doesn’t mean the conventional remote control is immune to creative design that will benefit the consumer. Combining poker’s persisting popularity with a hint of Wiimote functionality and an iPod inspired interface, produces a winning example of Subtraction through Attribute Dependency;
“The Game Card remote enables you to control volume and change channels all via card playing like gestures. Sliding your thumb up and down in the center raises/lowers volume. Sliding the top card over a tad changes channel. Sliding it all the way takes you on a wild channel surf.” (via Yanko Design)
The Universal Remote tried to get away with an age old accounting shortcut; “subtracting” the number of necessary peripherals by transferring the remaining balance of buttons to a single device. The Game Card subtracts buttons from the equation altogether, indirectly addressing the original problem of “where is the %*#@ remote?”
Thus, we consider the Game Card remote a welcome addition to an already extensive collection of “clickers,” because its unorthodox design will no doubt make it easy to find. Well, assuming you don’t get it mixed up with your iPod…
Addicted to Attribute Dependency January 21, 2008
Posted by goodmind in Attribute Dependency.add a comment
We really hope that the testimony and evidence that went into compiling the Mitchell Report is backed up on one of these “data injection” storage drives from dialog05. 
It’s an Attribute Dependency change for a different kind of dependency.
Investing in the other kind of Mitts January 10, 2008
Posted by goodmind in Task Unification.add a comment
Nothing screams kitsch quite like a novelty apron, but the Oven Mitt Apron might just be an exception to the rule. SwissMiss correctly points out that the problem of the M.I.A. mitt is solved through a bit of handy Task Unification.
However, we’ll go for the more obvious benefit of attaching oven mitts to an apron. This stylish garment eliminates any excuse for eschewing hand protection altogether for those among us who take the expression “If you can’t stand the heat” to heart. The Oven Mitt Apron creatively prevents the user from suffering third degree burns, and the ignominy of a “Kiss the Cook” apron.
We rank this one right up there with the mittens on a string concept.
Free Air January 9, 2008
Posted by goodmind in Subtraction.add a comment
If you’ve already ponied up the cash for a subscription to satellite radio, this advertisement for a local terrestrial radio station will make you reconsider your commercial free ways. Posing as the standard giveaway contest, 96.3 Rock Radio uses Subtraction to make passerby take pause and ponder the connection between broadcast airwaves and air guitar. Both are free, with no peripherals required.
(via ad goodness)
An Ashtray That Kicks Butt December 20, 2007
Posted by goodmind in Attribute Dependency.add a comment
There are already plenty of incentives to quit smoking, but The Lung Ashtray from Finding Cheska is a refreshing illustration of both smoking’s ill effects, and Attribute Dependency.
“[The] design group’s take on the smoke disposal vessel is a clever and direct correlation of what we do to our real lungs when we inhale those nasty cancer sticks. And a clean Lung Ashtray signifies the path to respiratory health, unless, of course, you’ve decided to just use one of your other motivational ashtrays.” (via Core 77)
If you’ve tried the patch, the gum, and even cold turkey with no success, try a motivational ashtray. Repurposing an accessory to the habit can help you quit, because showing is inevitably more effective than telling. We’re looking at you, Mr. Surgeon General…
The Inventive Thinking Project 
