At first glance, I thought this alarm clock looked fantastic, with a funky, green floral graphic on a clear cylinder encasing what looks like an hourglass. Upon reading about it, I'm astounded that it is also environmentally friendly and promises to get the user out of bed with a good groove.
The Minute Glass was created by United States inventor, Colin Roberts, who says the goal of invention "is to put you in a good mood and thinking green the minute you wake." It was no batteries or AC current. RAther, when the alarm clock goes off, blaring tune from your favourite radio station, the user must shake the Minute Glass to turn it off. There is no other way, there is no snooze button.
There's no set amount of time it needs to be shaken, instead, it's based on the amount of energy that is exerted by the motion. That required amount is enough to get it charged back up for use the next day. Another use for the energy created is that the Minute Glass doubles as a LED flashlight for that late night tinkle or trip to grab a glass of water.
The Minute Glass was entered in the Greener Gadgets Design Competition 2008.
Shake & Wake to Music Alarm
The Minute Glass
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2. Energy-generating Gadgets - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create gadgets that harness user energy to power their functionality, reducing the need for traditional power sources.
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Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Rethink alarm clocks and other consumer electronics to incorporate sustainable and user-engaging features.
2. Clean Energy - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new ways to generate and utilize clean energy through innovative gadgets and devices.
3. Home Decor - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Merge functionality with aesthetics to create unique home decor items that enhance users' daily routines.