Top 10 New Tech Inventions

By Kate Pruitt (from Design Sponge) on April 19, 2011

Inventors are a fascinating lot-- they tinker with objects, perform strange experiments, and take huge risks in the hopes that their idea might change the world, or at the very least improve it a bit. Today we're lucky to have an inside glimpse into the world of inventors on the internet. With websites like Kickstarter, an online funding platform for creative projects, we now have the ability to get behind inventors working in all fields, and see the benefits of their hard work and our financial support pay off. Browsing Kickstarter is endlessly fun, not only because you get to experience vicariously the excitement of the creators as they attempt to sell their idea to the public, but also because it gives you a sneak peek at some of the innovative and useful products that could soon hit the market. I've rounded up ten of my favorite new inventions that have hit their funding goals (and then some), and should be coming to us all shortly. Ranging from consumer electronics to tech accessories, educational tools, and fun gadgets, these successful Kickstarter projects should provide inspiration to the dreamers out there, and get you excited for what's to come. Here's to innovation!

I'd love to hear from all you creative thinkers and inventors out there-- what great inventions would you want to see brought to reality?

Urbio Urban Vertical Garden

These garden pots are made of eco-plastic and can be wall mounted or joined to each other using the uniquely designed pucks that come with each pot. This project has already exceeded its goal, but there are still 22 days for you to donate and receive one of the urbio gardens when the project becomes reality.

Icons for iPhone apps

Jason Wain made a splash previously on Kickstarter with Glyphish, a project to create cool icons for developers. With the money he raised for this project, he plans to release the whole set in vector format for use in apps, posters, clothing, etc. Stay tuned to see when you can get your hands on Jason's cool icons for your own gadget needs.

Olopede educational electronic kits

I wish I could be a kid again, especially if I could have a chance to tinker with electronic kits like these. Olopede is starting their production with four basic kits that introduce programming to anyone--young or old--who's interested in learning the basics.

LetterMPress

Designers, printers, and typographers take note: this virtual letterpress app for iPads looks super fun and highly addictive. Using a drag and drop function, you can place your type, and spacers, lock the bed, ink the type, and virtually run the "press" to see the results. The project is still open until for a couple days, so dedicated type fans can still pledge!

SketchChair

We may not all be designers and engineers (yet), but I would bet that everyone has plenty of feedback to share on the look and feel of a good chair. With this open source software tool, anyone can design and build a digitally fabricated piece of furniture, bringing out the designer in all of us. With almost an entire month left to go, this project is sure to gain more attention and support, and if you donate at the $25 or more level, you receive a miniature version of one of their SketchChair models-- pretty cool.

PadPivot

Some Kickstarter projects trend towards the fun side, as opposed to the more practical end of the spectrum. Not so with the PadPivot, a nifty little gadget I wish I could be trying out right now. Its curved design allows you to rest your tablet or e-reader comfortably on your thigh while in a seated or reclined position, but is also appropriate for desktop use as well. Having successfully raised over ten times their goal, I imagine the folks at PadPivot will be bringing this useful product to market very shortly.

OneLessDrop

This project speaks to me personally, as I have a constant issue with my power cords dropping off the desk. It's highly irritating, but I refuse to add a messy pile of cords to my workspace as a viable solution. The OneLessDrop is a simple, elegant solution, made from recycled aluminum with grooves to prevent any slipping or movement of your power cords. It was successfully funded on March 2nd with production immediately to follow, so keep your eye on this one.

The Flow

These paintbrushes for your iPad should appeal to everyone, regardless of their artistic skills. Designed with real bristles, these brushes allow you to give your finger a rest when sketching or painting virtually, and they provide the great tactile experience of a real paintbrush. With 25 days to go, you can still donate to this project and receive anywhere from one to eight Flow brushes depending on the amount you give.

Gameduino: an Arduino game adapter

If you love playing or making video games, then keep your eye on this project's development. Gameduino connects your Arduino to a monitor and speakers, so you can easily create new games. This project was successfully funded on April 1st, so be sure to check back to see when the product becomes available.

The Cosmonaut

This neat little invention with a cool name has made a big splash on Kickstarter, raising twice its funding goal and finding thousands of backers. It's a simple, modest project, but with a great purpose-- to provide a comfortable, functional stylus that speaks to the way users actually operate touch screen devices. This project just ended its run, so I plan to keep a close eye on the Cosmonaut and snatch one up as soon as it becomes available.

Online Tools to Decorate Your Home

iPhone Cases and Custom Options for Under $100

Escape the Home Office with iPhone Apps

See all articles from Grace Bonney

See all articles from Kate Pruitt

===================================================================

Design*Sponge is a daily website dedicated to home and product design run by Brooklyn-based writer, Grace Bonney. Launched in August of 2004, Design*Sponge features store and product reviews, sale and contest announcements, new designer profiles, trend forecasting and store/studio tours. In addition, Design*Sponge features a unique section dedicated to covering student design, national and international design shows. The site is updated constantly throughout the day (with an average of 6-10 posts a day), and attracts a core group of devoted readers. Design*Sponge currently has over 60,000 daily readers. As a Contributing Editor at Design Sponge, artist Kate Pruitt shares DIY projects each Wednesday. Kate lives in Oakland, California and has a background in art/art history and recently left her job creating window displays to pursue her own work full time. Growing up in New Hampshire, Kate spent a lot of time building machines out of paper and scotch tape, and thus discovered her first DIY impulses.

0 Comments