# Retro Number Crunchers These Photos by Kevin Twomey Capture the Origin of Modern Gadgets By Andrew Robertson | Published 2012-03-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mechanical-calculators-by-kevin-twomey References: [trendsnow.net](http://www.trendsnow.net/2012/03/mechanical-calculators-by-kevin-twomey.html) & [kevintwomey](http://www.kevintwomey.com/) These pictures by San Francisco-based photographer Kevin Twomey capture the intricate designs and complexities behind [retro number crunchers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ca500webf). According to the artist, the goal for photographing these objects was to visually tell "a story about the history of calculators, starting with the abacus, all the way up to the modern day calculator." Kevin Twomey has a knack for displaying his objects in a fashion that articulates both their intricacies and aesthetic prowess. Compared to the relative ease and simplicity of using a modern-day calculator, it's interesting to look at the mechanics that used to work out simple mathematical equations. Contained in a [vintage casing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vintageinspired-technology-tech-brand-kickbacks-discman-is-nostalgic) and displaying an intricate maze of gears and levers, these photographs by Kevin Twomey allude to an overwhelming sense of digitization when we reflect upon the time span between these devices and our [modern gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minitoo-retro-pc-style) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Retro Gadgets:** Disruptive innovation opportunities could arise for businesses looking to reinvent vintage gadgets with modern functionality. - **Mechanical Design:** This trend highlights the potential for businesses to innovate by focusing on the mechanical and aesthetic design of modern devices. - **History of Tech:** As seen in these photos, there is a growing interest in the history of technology and how that can shape the future of tech innovation. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Electronics:** Innovative companies in the consumer electronics industry can tap into the nostalgia trend by bringing back previously discontinued gadgets with modern upgrades. - **Industrial Design:** These photos draw attention to the importance of mechanical and aesthetic design in the technology industry and thus call for businesses to invest more in industrial design. - **Museum & Archives:** Museums and archives can leverage this trend towards the history of technology by displaying old gadgets and highlighting the transformative nature of technological development. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Powered Calculators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calculator-concept.md) - [Calculator Software Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calculator-drawer.md) - [Translucent Pocket Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clearcam.md) - [Slick Design-Forward Calculator Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/design-calculators.md) - [Retro Pastel Flip Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimalist-flip-clock.md) - [AI-Generated Retrofuturistic Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrofuturistic-objects.md) - [Retro-Styled Pocket Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macintosh-pocket.md) - [80s-Inspired 16-Bit Display Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/16bit-display.md) - [Repurposed Vintage Apple Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/repurposed-vintage-apple-computers.md)