Adjustable

The basic umbrella design is one that has stood the test of time. And why not, it’s simple and it keeps you dry. But once the wind picks up, the limitations of the design quickly become apparent. Fighting to keep the canopy facing into the wind to prevent it turning inside out by gripping the shaft as high up as possible is the standard approach, but keeping a firm hold on the thin shaft can be a pain. That’s why Dan O’Donnell invented the sliding handle-equipped GRIP2 Umbrella.  Read More

It's a positive thing that we're all different; that humanity isn't made up of automatons who all have the same wants, needs, and desires. Unfortunately while each of us can furnish our homes in whichever way we see fit, the same isn't true of our places of work. Those who work in offices generally have to make do with whatever furniture is provided, even if it doesn't suit their individual needs. Providing options is therefore a good strategy, and XTable from Holmris offers nothing but options.  Read More

Named after an ancient symbol representing constant re-creation, the Ouroboros gaming mouse from Razer is all about customization and choice. The device features a fully adjustable body and symmetrical, ambidextrous design, with adjustable arched palm rest and back, and two interchangeable side panels. This means that the length, tilt angle and side configuration are all adjustable, giving the user significant room for personal customization.  Read More

Much of today's modern workforce has been touched by the helping hand of ergonomic science. In a former professional life, I remember colleagues regularly disappearing on day trips to specialist furniture suppliers arranged by the Health and Safety department to be measured and fitted for a new office chair. Professional musicians, on the other hand, are often required to make do with whatever seating is provided by the concert hall or theater, as if all instruments and players had exactly the same requirements. After spending 18 months studying the needs of various players, David Brothers has now designed an adjustable three-legged seating solution to help promote good playing posture and correct breathing techniques.  Read More

Ahh kids. They grow up so fast - much to the consternation of parents faced with continually having to buy larger shoes and clothes. As much as any kid loves their first bike, they quickly outgrow these as well. But what if there was a way to save the hip-pocket nerve for a couple more birthdays without having the little dears look like they should be riding around with the clowns on miniature bikes at the circus? Well, there is and it comes from Spanish bike manufacturer Orbea, which has come up with its line of Grow bikes that - as the name suggests - grow along with your child.  Read More

It’s one of those dilemmas you probably never even realized existed... short scissors are better for fiddly cutting, and for cutting through tough materials, while longer scissors are faster on light materials, and better at cutting in a straight line. What are you gonna do, buy two pairs of scissors? Designer Jie Weng has what is apparently a better idea: scalable scissors. Just set the blades to the length you need and start cutting.  Read More

If you wear bifocal or even trifocal eyeglasses, then you will know what a hassle it can be having to tilt your head up to see things that are nearby. The areas of image softness or distortion can also be distracting, and even cause nausea or headaches in some users. Using multiple pairs of single-vision glasses gets you around these problems, but introduces the problem of... well, of carrying around and using multiple pairs of glasses. TruFocals, however, allow users to wear one pair of glasses for near-, far- and mid-vision, without having different focal areas within the same lens at the same time. Instead, users actually focus the glasses by hand, not unlike a pair of binoculars.  Read More

The upright bicycle riding position offered by the familiar diamond-shape frame has been completely abandoned by designer Nick Foley in favor of a semi-recumbent driving pose. His Etta 3-speed prototype is claimed to offer users a more comfortable, natural ride whilst also providing better all-round visibility and a built-in storage compartment. Gizmag's Paul Ridden takes a closer look.  Read More

Traveling with children is never an easy task. Balancing a kid on one hip while dragging around your carry-on luggage can be a tiring backbreaking chore. Sure, you could opt for a trunki if your kids are tired, but what if your kids are tired AND hungry? The Ride On Carry On addresses this problem by attaching to a rolling suitcase to form a chair where your pride and joy can not only be safely carried as you traverse the seemingly endless miles of airport, it also provides a place to sit and play while enduring the long waits that have become standard for airline passengers.  Read More