When I was young, I always thought there was something sinister about standby lights. Now that I'm older I'm sure of it.
The International Energy Agency estimate that between 5 and 15% of the world's domestic electricity is wasted by gadgets left on standby. Scary, eh? Standby Monsters are packs of small, sticky-backed lenses with a reflective internal surface. They are designed to be stuck over the standby lights on gadgets at home - turning them into little pairs of glowing red eyes.
These little monster eyes tap into our uneasiness about things that go bump in the night. They give us a little extra emotional nudge to remind us to turn our gadgets off properly - especially when we head off to bed.
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(oops I got cut off mid-comment on last post) Perhaps the greenest thing about the comp is that it creates the opportunity to sense-check projects with other designers while they are still virtual!
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Was designed with the best of intentions: to resensitise people to standby mode
no. no more manufactured "landfill" stuff nagging me to use less electricity / water / whatever. isn't that the media and elitists job is? give me effective products that add value to my life and sustain my planet.
Interesting, "eye catching", but I fear that with a little time passing, and the novelty wears off, they would become invisible again, and we are back to looking for another gadget to remind us to not waste more energy. Maybe someone could market something that you wrap around your finger, and when you ask why it is there, you are reminded to turn off your monitors, etc. Oh wait, I think some string would work.....
I agree entirely with Amanda.
While I like the thought behind these, I think pushing them as a product is a mistake. They raise awareness, but are really just more junk saturating the market. BUT, I would love to see these as a guerilla art installation -- make a bunch, put them on display appliances in major retailers, put an informational pamphlet under the product, and tip off the press
Great for nothing but using natural resources. Another great green gadget. ;)
I'll never look at the standby light in the same way!!
I love the simplicity. Using these low-cost little monsters as prompts for everyone (led by the kids) to turn off appliances on standby would have a great cost/benefit ratio for households and for the planet - family fun and educational!
It's "first impression design". After 30 sec. you start asking questions e,g. 1. Would I put it on my brand new high glossy (or whatever) surface of DVD, tuner etc.? 2. What's the point in making standby lights more appealing to children than they are now? To keep devices switched on?
Wow ~~ I like your idea.
As a follow up to my previous statement, regarding 4 yr old boys who might like watching the eyes . . . For people who like "monster eyes", perhaps you can sell them a set of happy faces, or an oil well, or other characters (i.e. George W Bush icon)
Very cute. Several people work on green energy have told me that the biggest things people can do are the littlest, least sexy thing, like better discipline in turning off TVs and such. Sure, you could spend a few $$$s installing solar panels, or you
What??? Sorry but that is not a gadget, it is a gimmick! Standby lights are environmentally bad and and in this day and age how about inventing something that turns the standby light off......Not worthy of a semi final in my opinion
Scarily creative - great idea! Got my vote!
Sweet little eco prompt, gets the message across without lecturing people.
Very clever!
Excellent work, simple yet amazing. You earned my vote, hope you can get to the top 10 finalist.
Wow this is amazing Rachel! i hope it encourages people to save electricity! best of luck!
Cute. But is this a gadget?
Two eyes are better than one. Undoubtedly. Brilliant!
wow... such a great idea... very original.. realli like it :P
thats such a great idea! very original :)
I like the way this concept changes our perception of something that we take for granted.
Inspired, what a fantastic idea What a great way to get kids and adults alike to be more aware of their energy usage
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