Tag Archives: productivity

Top 10 Efficiency Boosting Gadgets You Need To Maximise Your Creativity & Work Potential

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Whether you’re working from home or in a commercial office, boosting your productivity is going to be something you’re always focused on. And one way to elevate your productivity is to fill your desk with clever gadgets and well-designed products that help you streamline your work routine, and keep your concentration to a maximum. Adding limited, quality, and innovative products to your desk setup can help you achieve your work and productivity goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and thoughtful gadgets to help you achieve peak productivity. Have a look, happy working!

1. Magic Bar for MacBook

Say hello to the Magic Bar, a portable Touch Bar that pairs up perfectly with any Apple peripheral. The notable device is sleek, seamless, and easy to carry, serving as a portable and functional gadget that is pretty similar to the Touch Bar in terms of form and functionality. The features of the Magic Bar are pretty similar to the Touch Bar as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

It also has a pretty recognizable design that aligns horizontally with your keyboard. You can pair up the Magic Bar with your iPhone, to create and use multiple smart home shortcuts.

What we like

  • Portable and easy-to-carry form

What we dislike

  • It is a concept, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a real product

2. Keychrone K2 HE

Called the Keychron K2 HE, this keyboard is designed for gamers, programmers, writers, and professionals. It offers a personalized and customizable typing experience. The keyboard features an ergonomic design, and supports versatile connectivity, setting it apart from other magnetic keyboards on the market. Its focus on personalization, magnetic switches, and robust quality make it an excellent addition to your workdesk.

Click Here to Buy Now: $125 $130 ($5 off). Hurry, only 82/400 left! Raised over $560,000.

Why is it noteworthy?

It merges aesthetics and functionality to create a sleek and seamless keyboard with a compact 75% layout. The keyboard allows you to maximize desk space while maintaining the important keys. The keyboard is also available in multiple editions, amped with aluminum frames and lovely wooden accents.

What we like

  • The different keyboards are meticulously crafted to offer a robust and visually appealing experience

What we dislike

  • Comes with a battery-operated version only

3. Rolling World Clock

Called the Rolling World Clock, this minimal and one-hand device is an excellent purchase if you work globally, and need to interact with different clients in different timezones. Besides being quite functional, the Rolling World Clock is also quite minimal and sleek, making it an aesthetically pleasing addition to your workdesk.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The Rolling World Clock lets you access different timezones using a simple one-handed movement. You can turn and move the clock until you get the city whose time you need to check, this enables the watch hand to adjust to the correct timezone automatically and with ease.

What we like

  • Eliminates the need to use a screen to check on multiple timezones
  • Makes time-telling a simple affair

What we dislike

  • The clock only features 12 set cities, so you will still need to calculate the time zones outside the clock’s interface

4. Snapmaker Artisan Premium

Designed by Snapmaker, the Artisan Premium is a top-notch creating tool. It is a 3-in-1 device that prints, engraves/etches, and CNC machines. It provides a big work area, while still saving up space since a whole bunch of functionalities are packed in one workstation. It has an all-metal design which facilitates factory-grade precision.

Why is it noteworthy?

The device includes an enclosure that holds the dust and provides protection to your eyes from laser damage. It also includes a control unit with a 7″ touchscreen, which lets you handle the machine with complete ease.

What we like

  • You can plug in any of Snapmaker’s various modules into the modular interface

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag which may not be okay with everyone

5. Time Gate

Designed by Divoom, the Time Gate is a desk clock that ensures all your preferred notifications and widgets are placed in one unified interface, helping you work better, and cutting down on distractions. The device includes five separate screen interfaces, and it unifies all your necessary widgets onto one clock interface.

Why is it noteworthy?

The interfaces have been pixelated, and the digital clock has been given an expanded sense of realism, allowing all your essential assistants and dials to be placed in your peripheral view. You can add different widgets like weather updates, calendars, reminders, social media followers, stock market updates, and more.

What we like

  • The clock interface can be customized via the companion app which allows you to create custom texts and animated graphics

What we dislike

  • The clock’s form is unique and users may take some time to adjust to it

6. GRAVITUBE

Say hello to GRAVITUBE – a minimal anti-gravity desk gadget. It is a stylish anti-stress gadget amped with a neodymium floating magnet. If you find it difficult to concentrate at work, then you will like this innovative fidget toy. It features an anodized finishing touch, and it helps users calm down, ensuring they concentrate better at work.

Why is it noteworthy?

Fidgeting with the GRAVITUBE helps users calm down, but so does the magnet. Since the magnet is in movement, the field changes, creating a mechanical force that resists and slows down the magnet itself. The flow of the magnet can be observed from the precise 10cm cutout.

What we like

  • It has a smooth surface and a high-quality body

What we dislike

  • There are limited color options to choose from

7. Loona

If you need a break from work, and get some rest to heighten your productivity, then we’ve found the perfect companion for your break time – Loona. Meet Loona – the most intelligent Petbot with ChatGPT. Loona is so playful that you may even forget she is a robot.

Why is it noteworthy?

Loona can do almost anything! She’ll welcome you when you come home, follow you around as you walk, and get super happy when you pet her. Loona can also have fun by herself – she scratches, roams your home easily, and even sneezes.

What we like

  • Gives you a much-need break and distraction from work

What we dislike

  • She seems a bit fragile, so you need to handle her with care, especially if you own actual pets

8. Yeslamp Evo Adjustable LED Desk Lamp

This is the Yeslamp Evo Adjustable LED Desk Lamp – a 6-axis adjustable large-range LED natural spectrum lamp that meets all your lighting requirements when you’re working on a desk. This innovative lamp provides the perfect light and brightness for all your essential desktop working requirements.

Why is it noteworthy?

What makes the Yeslamp Evo even more unique is that it uses special LED beads that have been integrated with a Color Rendering Index (CRI), which is above 95. It is equipped with a spectrum that is close to the natural daylight, serving as an eye-friendly source of light that lets you read, work, write, and see with ease.

What we like

  • Retains the authentic color of any object you’re working with
  • You can complete your tasks better with minimum eye effort

What we dislike

  • The black body of the lamp does not work for all desk setups.

9. PowerStudio

Called PowerStudio, and designed by AUKEY, this new portable power source was built by listening to the voices of customers who said, “I want a portable power source with a stylish design,” and “I wish there was a portable power source that even beginners can use and that can be used daily!”. Taking these needs into consideration, AUKEY created the PowerStudio.

Why is it noteworthy?

PowerStudio is designed to be compact and lightweight with an aesthetically pleasing and decorative form. It has a retro feel as well, which allows it to harmoniously merge with the different interiors and styles of different homes. It features a round shape and has a handle made from cowhide leather, so its character develops more as you use it.

What we like

  • Combines functionality and aesthetics to create a product that will look great anywhere in your home

What we dislike

  • The power capacity may be low for some users

10. Shakerbot

Called the ShakerBot, this fully programmable “Mouse Jiggler” assists you with time-based scheduling, web configuration, and OTA updates. The ShakerBot is designed to be flexible like a standard USB device while functioning as a secondary mouse or a pointing device. You can also use the USB port or an external Wall Wart for power, and connect to a Bluetooth mouse.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ShakerBot is designed to function as a real mouse and a keyboard. It can simulate mouse movements, and inject keyboard keystrokes to ensure your laptop, smartphone or tablet remains awake. You can also add mouse movements to log out, log in, or keep a particular application awake.

What we like

  • Allows you to inject keystrokes into your device
  • Supports OTA updates

What we dislike

  • The device is quite small and compact, so can be misplaced easily

The post Top 10 Efficiency Boosting Gadgets You Need To Maximise Your Creativity & Work Potential first appeared on Yanko Design.

Unique Modular Furniture Piece lets you work, lounge, read, and relax thanks to its plug-and-play form

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“Working lying down is seldom seen in office environments,” pointed out Timothy Widmer, a student at Lucerne School of Art and Design. Lying down is often associated with relaxing – the antithesis of productivity and professionalism – but if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we don’t need an ‘office chair’ or a ‘cubicle’ to work. You could work from a high-chair, a beanbag, a recliner, a sofa… so why not use that as a starting point to revisit how furniture can look and behave?

Designer: Timothy Widmer

Meet Gustav, a 4-piece modular furniture set that comes together in a variety of ways. Its odd shape strays away from any kind of traditional furniture – it looks nothing like a chair, a stool, a sofa, or a pouffe. Once put together, however, you get to understand the kind of freedom and flexibility it brings, and how it could possibly be used for a variety of activities.

The Gustav is position-agnostic. It allows you to use its shape in whatever way you choose. You can sit on it like a stool, recline backwards with your legs stretched out, or even folded in. The stool’s rear space (behind the recliner) lets you store books, EDC, chargers, cables… and the cuboid-shaped pouffe at the end doubles up as a side-table just in case you want one.

A cushion strapped to the recliner can be moved up or down, giving you the height-adjustment you need

“The multi-components allow different constellations to be created – from an individual workspace to a conversation pit,” says Widmer.

Ultimately, a lot of Gustav’s success depends on the upheaval of corporate work culture. Whether offices embrace relaxed working as a practice isn’t something the Gustav can control – but it does pose a very interesting schematic for coworking spaces, cafes, and even lounges at airports. And it asks a rather fundamental question too – if productivity is a state of mind, why does the way you’re seated matter SO much?

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This smart desk clock boosts productivity, curbing your phone addiction for good

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Distancing from your smartphone is not that easy when you are barraged with constant notifications from apps. Productivity takes a major hit as you lose focus and the best antidote I staying connected without constantly looking at smart devices. A smart desk clock is the way to go as it helps in time management without going off the course.

According to independent research, people prefer working on their desktops and if they have a utilitarian gadget that prevents unwanted distractions while keeping you updated with the needed notifications, there’s nothing better. The PAL Desk Clock with added features like a dedicated widget space for the most needed apps is what’s going to keep you interested.

Designer: Mohit Joshi

This nifty gadget concept wants to take the heat to the likes of the Amazon Echo Show 5, Google Nest Hub, Lenovo Smart Clock and Loftie Alarm Clock. There are five main functions – time keeping, focus sessions, music playback and wireless charging. In addition to these, the desk clock has a calendar and temperature sensor. With the wide display, you can customize the widgets like weather, music playback and calendar schedules as desired. The desk clock has a wireless charging pad intentionally positioned on the back where your smartphone is out of the peripheral view.

With the dedicated focus button and the accompanying app, the phone goes into DND mode, so that the task at hand can be completed. The design of the smart desk clock is such that it goes with any kind of setup or other desk accessories. When you need some relaxing time, the music app can play audio directly with all the interface elements you would find on a music player app. This prevents you from opening the phone and going down the rabbit hole of unproductive social media apps.

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Maximize Your Productivity with This Dual Touchscreen Display

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Multiple portable displays boost productivity by enabling multitasking and reducing the need to switch between applications. With extra screens, you can have reference materials, email, and active projects open simultaneously, streamlining your workflow and saving valuable time. This setup is especially beneficial for professionals, students, and anyone needing to stay productive while on the go. It allows for a more efficient use of time and resources, making it easier to keep up with the demands of today’s fast-paced work environments. The market for portable displays isn’t as saturated as other tech sectors, primarily due to the niche demand and the technical challenges associated with creating lightweight, durable, and high-performance screens that can easily integrate with a range of devices. Creating a product that balances portability with screen quality, battery life, and ease of use requires significant innovation and investment. Among the options available, the FlipGo from JSAUX stands out as a compelling solution for several reasons. Let’s dig in and explore how it addresses the core needs of power users.

Designer: The JSAUX Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $379 $559 (32% off). Hurry, only 239/300 left! Raised over $917,000.

First, the essential feature of the FlipGo is its portability without sacrificing display quality. It’s slim, light, and easy to carry with laptops, tablets, and smartphones so that you can create a multi-screen workstation anywhere. The magnetic attachment system securely connects to the Snap Stand or monitor arms, making the setup intuitive. This design allows the portable display to easily integrate with laptops, tablets, and certain smartphones, offering a simple user experience. The package includes four sets of magnets in FlipGo. The monitor can be magnetized to a monitor arm with various magnetic mounts like the Snap VESA adapter. This makes FlipGo a clear choice when you need to position it anywhere.

You can also use the Flex Folio, which serves as a stand and a case. This origami-like accessory provides protection and supports the display when necessary. Regardless of a portable external display’s portability, it’s not worthwhile if the quality is subpar. This is particularly true when considering screen size and resolution. You can choose between two dimensions: 13.5 inches and 16 inches. Both provide ample screen space without feeling cramped. The 13.5-inch model weighs 1.1 kg, while the 16-inch model is slightly heavier at 1.6 kg, underscoring its portability.

Magnetic Design

However, this display isn’t just notable for its size and weight. It also offers remarkable quality. The smaller model has a 2.2K resolution (2256×1504), and the larger model boasts a 2.5K resolution (2560×1600). Both feature a 100% sRGB color gamut for vivid, crisp visuals. A standard 60Hz refresh rate further improves the display’s smoothness.

FlipGo arranges desktop displays vertically for a more focused, productive experience. Its square-like aspect ratio minimizes head movement. The ultra-narrow bezel connects the screens, offering an uninterrupted view. It simplifies tasks like writing papers or handling multiple sources. It also supports split-screen browsing, making it easy to manage various desktop windows. As a day trader, this setup is particularly beneficial. It allows the stock charts for technical analysis to be on top while the trading software is at the bottom.

FlipGo powers up directly from your laptop’s USB-C port, using a single cable to light up two screens for One to Duo or UltraView mode. When connected to an external power supply, it also charges the laptop. Although FlipGo has two separate displays, it can be a single screen to present content. You can switch between these displays with just a click. FlipGo ensures that neither your productivity nor your perspective is ever limited. FlipGo’s neatest feature is undoubtedly its touch and gesture support for macOS and Windows. Not only does it function as a typical touchscreen, but it also serves as a secondary touchpad for your MacBook, enhancing your productivity.

Regarding productivity, the built-in hub varies slightly between the Pro, Touch Screen, and Standard models. The Pro model includes a display switch button, two USB-C 3.2 ports for Mac and Windows, a Mini HDMI (HD), an OTG USB-A 2.0, an OTG USB-C 2.0, a menu jog dial, and a power button. The latter model, however, has two HD inputs but lacks the Display Switch Button.

The FlipGo comes in two sizes and two tiers: Pro and Standard. Each provides different features. The Pro tier has UltraView mode with a single cable for dual-screen use and supports DisplayLink. The Standard tier does not include Pro features but can be upgraded for touchscreen capabilities, turning your FlipGo into a portable tablet. Regardless of tier, all FlipGos offer the same visual quality, resolution, 400 nits of brightness, and color accuracy. The 13.5-inch model costs $379, and the 16-inch model is $479. Both models include a 12-month warranty, lifetime support, and international shipping from May 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $379 $559 (32% off). Hurry, only 239/300 left! Raised over $917,000.

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This Dual Touchscreen Monitor is the biggest productivity upgrade your Laptop can get in 2024

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Everyone deserves the opportunity to multitask, but not everyone has $3500 for an Apple Vision Pro headset. The metaverse’s biggest feature-push has been its ability to let you host multiple screens in your virtual space, allowing you to work on simultaneous projects or even keep dedicated displays for work/entertainment/inspiration. However, an obvious alternative to strapping glasses to your face is to simply have multiple screens in the real world! You could opt for a bulky, non-portable monitor… or something as sleek as the FlipGo from JSAUX. Designed to look like a super-slim laptop, the FlipGo is, in fact, a dual-monitor setup that connects to your laptop or PC with a single cable. In mere seconds, it gives you three screens instead of one, with a variety of mounting/docking accessories like folio cases, stands, and VESA mounts, along with two screen sizes to choose from, depending on your needs and requirements. When you’re done, just shut the FlipGo like you would a laptop. It’s that simple… and frankly, it’s a lot better than having a massive VR block strapped to your head. And at $329, it’s a lot cheaper too.

Designer: The JSAUX Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $329 $559 (41% off). Hurry, only 50 left!

What stands out immediately with the FlipGo is its design, balancing the fine line between screen size, portability, and sheer sleekness. Available in two sizes (13.5 inches and 16 inches), it manages to provide ample screen space without feeling bulky. The 13.5-inch model weighs 1.1 kg, while the 16-inch variant is slightly heavier at 1.6 kg, underscoring its portability. But it’s not just about the size and weight; the display quality is a visual treat. With resolutions of 2256×1504 (2.2K) for the smaller model and 2560×1600 (2.5K) for the larger one, and a 100% sRGB color gamut, the FlipGo promises vibrant and crisp visuals. The 60Hz refresh rate, although standard, contributes to the smoothness of the display.

Magnetic Design

The FlipGo isn’t just versatile in its physical design; its functionality is equally adaptable. Switching between UltraView (dual-screen) and DuoViews (triple-screen) modes is effortless, which is a big plus for those who value productivity without technological complexity. The FlipGo is also accompanied by a variety of stands and mounting accessories, giving you everything from a portable folio case/stand to a much more comprehensive magnetic VESA Stand attachment that gives you full freedom to orient and use your dual-screen setup however you see fit… and even adapt between mounting styles depending on your needs. This allows the FlipGo to cater to a wide range of users – from professionals who need extra screen space for spreadsheets and presentations, to designers and coders who thrive with a broader canvas for their creative and technical work.

Connectivity is another area where the FlipGo shines. It’s equipped with an array of ports, including USB-C and Mini HDMI, catering to various devices and preferences. The inclusion of DisplayPort MST for Windows and DisplayLink for Macs, albeit requiring software installation for the latter, shows JSAUX’s commitment to versatility. The ergonomic design of the FlipGo also deserves mention, featuring multiple stand options like the Flex Folio, Snap Stand, Stand Holder, and Snap VESA Adapter, allowing users to easily magnetically snap on or off their dual-screen gadget onto a variety of stand options, allowing users to find their perfect viewing angle.

The two sizes are split across Pro and Standard tiers, offering a variety of features unique to each tier. The Pro variants offer the aforementioned UltraView mode (a single-cable dual-screen experience), along with DisplayLink support, whereas Standard tier users can skip on Pro features but even get an optional upgrade to include touchscreen input, turning your FlipGo into a portable tablet for your workstation! The visual clarity, resolution, and color reproduction remain standard across all tiers, regardless of whether you opt for Pro or Standard variants. The FlipGo starts at $329 for the 13.5-inch model, while the larger 16-inch model starts at $479. Both models come with a 12-month warranty, lifetime support, and international shipping beginning May 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $329 $559 (41% off). Hurry, only 50 left!

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This $149 gadget is a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ for livestreamers, gamers, and designers

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The Live S arrives as Loupedeck’s first product since its acquisition by Logitech. Designed to be the smallest of the company’s streaming consoles, the Loupedeck Live S is an affordable gadget for the on-the-go livestreamer or someone looking to dip their toe into streaming, content creation, or design. With 15 haptic display buttons, 4 RGB buttons, 2 rotary knobs, and a rather affordable $149 price tag, the customizable control center is perfect for multitaskers looking to boost their productivity, or streamers/podcasters who want everything right at their fingertips.

Designer: Loupedeck

Click Here to Buy Now

At its core, the Loupedeck Live S is a streamlined version of its predecessors, featuring two tactile analog knobs, four physical buttons, and 15 touch-sensitive LCD squares. These elements provide a tactile and responsive experience, allowing users to adjust settings like volume, switch scenes, and toggle functions with ease and precision. The touch-sensitive buttons, although lacking physical feedback, confirm every touch with haptic feedback, enhancing the user experience.

The device, slightly larger than a typical cellphone, is compact enough to fit comfortably on any desk. Its stand, snapping securely onto the back, props it up at a convenient angle for easy access. Buttons with individual displays dynamically light up to let you know which shortcut or application they’re assigned to. The display built into each button means easily being able to switch between applications, shortcuts, and environments and having the Loupedeck adapt to the moment.

Setting up the Live S is straightforward: plug in, install the software, and you’re ready to dive into its functionalities. The graphical user interface is simple yet powerful, allowing easy drag-and-drop customization. Users can set multiple profiles and workspaces, and the device seamlessly transitions between these based on the selected application. The Loupedeck Live S supports a plethora of native plugins for popular software like OBS, Twitch, Spotify, and a range of Adobe products. Beyond these, users can also create or import custom profiles and icons for virtually any application or game, making it a highly adaptable tool for a variety of tasks.

While its primary market is streamers and content creators, the Loupedeck Live S has proven its worth in other domains. It’s been lauded for its usefulness in enhancing productivity, especially in work-from-home setups, offering quick access to frequently used functions and applications. This versatility extends to gaming and other entertainment applications, with users able to tailor the device to their specific needs.

Click Here to Buy Now

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How to build self-control with this gamified digital coin concept device

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Humans, especially the latter generations, seem to be terrible at self-control. Modern culture and technologies have made impulse decisions even worse, thanks to encouraging instant gratification. Although not entirely impossible, it has become more difficult to build good habits when the world seems to be designed to work against you. Fortunately, those very same psychological tricks used to trick your mind into a rabbit hole of procrastination can also be used to help build up your self-control. Rather than punishing people for failing, this toy-like gadget encourages good behavior by rewarding the person in easy, quick, and bite-sized chunks, almost like earning a coin for a small good deed that can then go into buying candy or, in this case, playing your console or watching TV.

Designer: Seokoo Yeo for Samsung Design Membership

Rendered on KeyShot: Click Here to Download Your Free Trial Now!

With instant gratification, you immediately receive a reward for doing very little work, a behavior that gets our minds almost addicted to the happiness that the reward brings, regardless of its long-term impact. Although mostly associated with bad habits, this kind of impulsive reward system can also be used to build good behavior using the same addictive methods, giving people small rewards more frequently with less effort until the good habit becomes second nature. Willet, which is a portmanteau of “will” and “wallet,” is a device that utilizes that psychological strategy to help people build self-control in utilizing their leisure time more wisely.

The concept for the device revolves around an orange coin-like piece that has an LED display on its surface that indicates how much “leisure time” you have saved up. This “Cookie” is charged on a different device that’s basically like a time tracker. The idea is to let the Cookie sit on the lamp-like Charger while you work, filling it up with minutes you can later use to run your leisure devices, such as a console, a TV, or even a radio. Take the Cookie too soon, and you won’t have as much time to use up compared to when you let it sit there until it’s full.

This Cookie can later be placed on a Pusher that, as its name implies, pushes a button to turn on a device. In this scenario, the Cookie acts like a timer that counts down until its earned time is all used up. Once that happens, the Pusher activates again, this time turning the attached device off until a refueled Cookie is attached again. The idea is to let the Cookie coin earn time while doing some other work and then use that time for a limited period of leisure.

Willet is a creative solution to the problem of self-control, one that uses the same impulsive reward system to do good rather than harm. While the design of the product itself also turns the system into a fun game, it does have some shortcomings in implementation. The Pusher, for example, relies heavily on devices and appliances that have a physical button to turn it on or off, and it doesn’t take into account devices like smartphones and tablets. Admittedly, that can be solved by locking those devices inside some storage that requires a push of a button to unlock.

The post How to build self-control with this gamified digital coin concept device first appeared on Yanko Design.

Note-taking desk accessory puts a small twist to your productivity

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There is no shortage of productivity tools, systems, and apps to the point that they can be both overwhelming and even costly. That’s why many advocate going back to the basics of handwritten notes on paper or even sticky notes, but those carry the risk of being lost or forgotten. Smartphones can easily become their digital equivalent, at least until you run out of battery. These two systems don’t need to be mutually exclusive, especially when you’re at your desk and have a rather large space available to get your things together. This device concept does exactly that, combining the world of analog and digital together to produce something that lets you be fast and efficient while throwing in a bit of fun for good measure.

Designer: Harshit Sahu

Paper can be simple, and apps can be quick, but not everyone needs all the commitment that these two different note-taking methods sometimes require. There are those that just need to jot down quick notes or even draw a diagram that can be discarded before the day is over. Note, which is the most generic name ever, is pretty much a small desk whiteboard that lets you do that with efficiency, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve that a bit of spice and fun to your work.

For one, the “whiteboard” twists or rather flips over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down. One side can have a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other can be plain, or they can have the same design on both sides. As with any vertical slate, you can also place sticky notes on it, in case scribbling notes down on paper is quicker for you. The notes you write on the board are, of course, temporary, and a simple cloth can erase the contents to make room for the next notes.

What makes Note unique is the addition of a multi-purpose vertical screen to its left side. This allows you to also have a view of the time, the calendar, and your appointments which are synced from your phone. This could be a more efficient way to stay on top of your schedule compared to writing it down by hand and looking at your notebook every now and then. The screen also provides other functions, like a timer, a world clock, or a music player. But now, it doesn’t let you watch videos, which would be counterproductive.

Note is admittedly not a revolutionary new device, but it does creatively combine multiple ideas into a coherent whole. It isn’t a solution that will fit all needs, but because it is focused on a particular use case, it can optimize for that instead of spreading itself thin and overwhelming people with features. It’s simple and gets the job done without getting in the way of you getting your job done as well.

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E-Ink wall display and desk dial offer a fusion of digital and analog productivity

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Smartphones and computers have created ways for us to become more efficient at the things we do, and paper has probably never before been more popular, perhaps as a reaction to the former. Despite these developments, keeping on top of our tasks has never been more complicated, torn between these two conflicting and contradictory worlds. The physicality of pen and paper has a certain appeal and “stickiness” but lacks reliability and flexibility. Apps, on the other hand, offer plenty of customization and speed at the sacrifice of a more personal and tactile experience. There are many attempts to bring these two worlds together, and this device concept tries to add a bit of that direct physical engagement while still keeping your to-do list completely in the digital realm.

Designer: Chester Chen

To-do apps are a dime a dozen these days, and they exist on phones, computers, and everything in between. This allows people to make rapid changes that sync between devices, increasing their efficiency and productivity. Tapping or clicking on checkboxes, however, doesn’t exactly have the same satisfying feedback as checking it off from a list, and you might find yourself driving on autopilot, mindlessly tapping things even unintentionally. Fusion is a combination of hardware and software that tries to bring that active participation to your electronic to-do list without going back into pen-and-paper territory.

The concept is divided into two parts, with the first being the simpler and more straightforward half. This is an E-Ink display the size of a large, wide phone that displays your task list. This can be magnetically attached to a wall mount so that you can have an eye-level view of what’s on your plate. The e-Paper technology means that the screen won’t consume much power even while it’s on, making it more power-efficient and environment-friendly.

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Such a device isn’t that uncommon these days, but what really sets Fusion apart is the dial that comes with it. The tall dome-shaped device gives users a physical method of scrolling through the list, making the action more memorable and special. To mark a task as done, you press the top like a big button, and you get rewarded with a colorful light effect that changes the color, pattern, and intensity every time you “check off” an item. Not only does this visual cue serve as a reward, it also becomes a motivation to see what combination you will get next time.

Admittedly, such a system can be easily implemented using apps or computer software, but the addition of a physical, analog component creates a different and improved experience over simply clicking on virtual boxes. It gives our minds a physical action to associate with the behavior, making it more memorable and even a bit addictive. It’s a simple and almost trivial change that produces a significant impact, just like what good designs are supposed to do.

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Anker made the ultimate monitor stand with its own built-in multiport hub and wireless charging pad

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Elevating your monitor to the appropriate eye level is the least of what the Anker 675 is capable of. The slick stand also houses multiple USB-C ports (going all the way up to 100W output) and USB-A ports, along with a 4K HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and an SD card slot. If that wasn’t enough, the 12-in-1 monitor stand also has its own 10W wireless charging pad that lets you juice your phone while you’re working on your desktop or laptop. The stand comes with a crawl-space underneath it too – perfect for stashing your keyboard, notebooks, or just hiding cable clutter.

Designer: Anker

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Designed to be a multiport on legs, the Anker 675 cleverly achieves a bunch of things to make your workplace much more comfortable. For starters, it elevates your work setup – quite literally, if I might add. The monitor stand lifts your monitor up by a cool 3.54 inches, preventing you from needing to hunch over as you work. The stand’s about 21.2 inches long and 8.6 inches wide, fitting most regular desks pretty comfortably. If you’ve got a laptop or a multi-display setup, the 675 may pose some space constraints for smaller tables, although it makes up for that with a whole bunch of features, starting with that 12-in-1 multiport built right into its slick design.

The multiport features practically every single connector you’d need in a modern work setup. You’ve got three USB-C ports, including one ‘Connect to Host’ port that outputs a staggering 100W to let you directly power your laptop right from the Anker 675. A DC power input provides juice to both the stand as well as your primary machine. There’s no way for the monitor to draw power from the stand, which seems like its one real drawback, although a 4K@60Hz HDMI port lets you directly hook your monitor to your laptop via the stand. The Anker 675 also has three USB-A ports that work for both power and data delivery (including one USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 port), slots for SD and MicroSD cards, an Ethernet port capable of 1 Gbps speeds, and lastly, a 3.5mm audio jack.

All ports are cleverly located in places that make them easy to access while allowing you to neatly route cables from under the stand. The stand’s multiport system also reduces the need to have a power strip cluttering your table, along with a host of wires and cables. You’d ideally need just two plug points – one for the monitor, and another for the Anker 675, which powers all your other devices, from your laptop to your phone. Speaking of which, the monitor stand also has a 10W wireless charging zone on its side that lets you juice your smartphone or TWS earbuds whenever you want.

The Anker 675 comes with a reliably built aluminum chassis that sits on metal-finished plastic legs. The legs come with silicone-strips on the base that prevent the stand from accidentally shifting around while you work (and scuffing the table surface in the process). The entire device is designed to be compatible with both Windows and Mac-based machines (it works with the iMac too), working right out of the box without any setup required. The only setting up you’ll really need to do is physically placing the Anker 675 on your table and neatly routing all your wires and cables through its built-in cable management system located on the underside of the stand.

The Anker 675 ships with the 180W DC adapter and the AC power cord that plugs into your power socket. There’s also a USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 cable included along with the hardware, and the entire device is protected by an 18-month warranty and Anker’s promise for lifetime customer support.

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