'Melvin the Machine' is Elaborate and Wonderfully Inefficient
Josh Triantafilou — May 1, 2012 — Pop Culture
References: mini.melvinthemachine & thisiscolossal
Most designers value efficiency, but as evidenced by a recent creation 'Melvin The Machine,' Dutch design studio HEYHEYHEY opt for creativity over speed.
Melvin's purpose is to stamp letters. However, the appeal of the contraption is not what it does, but how it does it.
As anyone familiar with any Rube Golberg machine knows, the devices are not designed to efficiently carry out a task. Quite the opposite, they are meant to perform whatever function they are assigned in the most round about, elaborate way possible.
Viewing the video featured here will demonstrate just how wonderfully inefficient HEYHEYHEY's creation is. In order to stamp a single postcard the machine goes through a number of needlessly intricate processes. The mechanisms are spread out across two suitcases; initially a ball rolls down a slide, and is then flicked across to the other suitcase by a catapult where it ignites a series of similarly byzantine mechanical processes. The end result is a single stamped post-card.
Melvin's purpose is to stamp letters. However, the appeal of the contraption is not what it does, but how it does it.
As anyone familiar with any Rube Golberg machine knows, the devices are not designed to efficiently carry out a task. Quite the opposite, they are meant to perform whatever function they are assigned in the most round about, elaborate way possible.
Viewing the video featured here will demonstrate just how wonderfully inefficient HEYHEYHEY's creation is. In order to stamp a single postcard the machine goes through a number of needlessly intricate processes. The mechanisms are spread out across two suitcases; initially a ball rolls down a slide, and is then flicked across to the other suitcase by a catapult where it ignites a series of similarly byzantine mechanical processes. The end result is a single stamped post-card.
Trend Themes
1. Inefficient Machines - Designing machines that prioritize creativity and inefficient but entertaining processes over efficiency can be a disruptive innovation opportunity in the design industry.
2. Rube Goldberg Machines - Experimenting with and creating Rube Goldberg machines that aim to carry out a task in the most roundabout and elaborate way possible can be a unique way to create delightful consumer experiences within the tech industry.
3. Mechanical Contraptions - Developing excessively complex mechanical contraptions that entertain and surprise consumers can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the entertainment and events industry.
Industry Implications
1. Design - The design industry can leverage the inefficiency trend and create innovative products that prioritize creativity and aesthetic appeal over efficiency.
2. Tech - The tech industry can incorporate the Rube Goldberg trend to design playful and entertaining solutions that deliver value beyond functionality.
3. Entertainment and Events - The entertainment and events industry can capitalize on the popularity of excessively complex and entertaining contraptions as a way to add an element of surprise and wonder to their events.
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