⍚ October 19, 2011

Previously:

Issues with my current clock, Various Clocks Discussed.

This is what I’d like in a clock.

Functionality

Auto-set

The clock should set itself by default, and never need setting except in the rarest of cases.

Relaxing Sound

Instead of a dream shattering buzzer to start the day, a more pleasing chime that slowly increases in loudness over a minute.

Soothing Large Blue LED Display

A cooler color than the harsh warning-like red so common in these devices, with a continuos (rather than discrete) setting for brightness.

Better Feedback

The current time, displayed in 12 hour + am/pm, along with a smaller secondary display of the alarm time to its left in 12 hour with am/pm. When the alarm is off, the alarm time is not displayed, and instead an indication the alarm is off.

Controls That Make Sense

Controls on the side of the device, so you can see the results of your changes on the front of the clock, rather than the back.

On the top of the device: a large snooze button covering most of the device, and a switch to turn the alarm on and off.

On the left of the device:

• a switch between automatic and manual time setting.
• a dial below that to adjust the time manually. One full rotation changes the clock’s time by 12 hours
• a vertical slider to change the brightness

On the right of the device: * to the side a dial to adjust the alarm time. One rotation changes the alarm time by 12 hours

Aesthetics and Design

I have some ideas around that too, but I’m more concerned about the controls.

Critic vs Creator

Over the past year I’ve made an attempt to focus on creation rather than critique, but I think criticism is necessary for better creation.

The point is: this is on the list of things to try and make happen.

If you are interested let us know or follow us on Twitter for updates.

⍚ October 19, 2011 tweet
tagged: clock essay

⍚ October 18, 2011

PREVIOUSLY: I complained about my alarm clock.

Here is a sampling of clock designs recommended by readers and from the web that have interesting characteristics.

Giant LED Clock

While I don’t use an alarm clock, we do have a clock in our bedroom that I absolutely love simply because I don’t think about it much.

— Andre Torrez, http://notes.torrez.org/2011/10/clocks.html

Love the huge display.

Sony Dual Alarm Clock

it’s not beautiful, which matters, but it’s a pleasure to use which arguably matters more when you’re half-awake…

— via @sudama

Sony ICFC180 AM/FM Clock Radio Amazon and more on CoolTools.

Sadly, it appears that Sony no longer makes any clock that features on screen persistent display of alarms and dials.

The ICF707 seems closest, but from the reviews and a quick look at the controls seems like it has usability problems.

Sony ICF707, ~$37 on Amazon

Braun Travel Alarm Clock

http://www.braun-clocks.com/clock/travel_alarm_clock

An iconic modern design, and eminently functional.

$32 on Amazon

$42 for the voice controlled variant

Zen Alarm Clock

The Zen Alarm Clock’s long-resonating Tibetan bell-like chime makes waking up a beautiful experience — its progressive chimes begin your day with grace.

— http://www.now-zen.com/Zen_Alarm_Clock.html

Now And Zen offers a number of clocks that focus on more natural sounds and designs.

Click Clock

This simple, easy-to-use alarm clock features large number displays, a backlight, snooze function, and 24-hour setting. When the alarm is set, large numbers display both the current time and the alarm time. The clock’s AM and PM indicators are visually distinct, and a lock on top prevents inadvertent changes in settings. Made of ABS plastic, glass, and steel; takes two AAA batteries (not included).

— MOMA Store

Note the feedback: by making the state of the clock and alarm visible and explicit there’s much less room for error.

$55 on Amazon

Zeo Sleep Manager

Zeo is designed to help you analyze your sleep and improve it, so you can be your best every day. It’s composed of a lightweight wireless headband, a bedside display, a set of online analytical tools, and an email-based personalized coaching program.

— http://www.myzeo.com/sleep/shop/featured-products/zeo-sleep-manager-bedside.html

Recommended by a friend of mine.

Menu system is easy to navigate, morning sounds are pleasing, buttons have different lines and ridges so you can change stuff in the dark… all buttons are on top and huge.

Next generation: Zeo Mobile Sleep Manager

$149 on Amazon

Philips Hf3470/60 Wake-up Light

A more natural approach to waking with a simulated sunrise.

$89 on Amazon

Bose Wave Radio II

The Wave® radio II is our latest version of the radio that changed people’s idea of a time-honored medium. Digital electronics and updated speaker technology allow this innovative table top radio to deliver more accurate audio with deeper lows. And its uncluttered design makes it welcome in almost any room.

The remote provides a control mechanism that can be reasonably labeled.

— http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/wave_systems/wave_radio_ii/index.jsp

$349 on Amazon

More?

Think we’re missing something? Let us know: adam@decommodify.com or @decommodify

⍚ October 18, 2011 tweet
tagged: alarm clock

⍚ October 17, 2011

This clock has bothered me for years, but I’ve yet to replace it.

A Giant Digital Display

I bought my current clock many years ago because of the large digital readout. I wanted something I could easily read at night without my glasses.

Like most clocks, it doesn’t set itself.

This wouldn’t be so bad if setting it weren’t so terrible.

Control Problems

The snooze button is on top, which is about the only control that makes sense on the clock.

In order to set the time there is a switch in the back that must be moved. This switch is right next to the dimmer switch. They feel exactly the same, so can’t be distinguished by touch, so you have to turn the clock around.

But now you can’t see the time, so you have to awkwardly find the switches and buttons then have your hands behind the clock while you’re setting it to see what you’re doing, as opposed to controls on the side or top.

There are two buttons used to set the time or alarm, one for minutes and one for hours. These both only advance time, so if you go too far, or want to set an alarm or time earlier, you have to cycle all the way around again.

Which happens all the time.

One button for forward and another for reverse, or better a dial or knob, would be better.

There is a facility to record a message instead of using the buzzer to wake up. I have owned this clock for more than a decade and I have never figured out how to do it, or why I would want to.

Feedback

There is a switch on the side to cycle the alarm between off, buzzer, and “message” but the feedback as to whether the alarm is on or off is a dot to the left of the time.

This might be ok, except that there is another dot the left of the time to indicate PM.

To look at the clock and know if the alarm is on one has to realize: no dots means no alarm. Two dots means the alarm is on. One dot means the alarm is on, but only if it’s morning. If it’s evening, one dot means the alarm is not on.

Too much to think about.

To see what time the alarm is set for, you have to find the tiny switch in the back and switch it to set alarm, then switch it back, all without hitting any other buttons which would change the time. Common in clocks, but annoying — a second display that just shows the alarm time would solve lots of the problems.

Aesthetics

Beyond the lack of pleasing aesthetics, I really don’t need to be reminded every morning I bought a clock from Timex a decade ago.

And it’s just not a pleasing object.

Alarm!

The standard electronic alarm buzz we all know is present.

Why don’t I wake up to something more pleasant sounding?

Why is it we’ve decided the best way to wake up in the morning is with an awful noise?

You Probably Hate Your Clock Too

Complaining about products probably doesn’t do much to calm myself

While this may not have seemed constructive, it is helpful to think of these things to inform how we choose better things.

I’ll continue with analysis of potentially better clocks, an idealized design for the clock I want, and (perhaps) about trying to get it built.

If you have an alarm clock you love, or hate, or think we should look at, contact us via email or twitter.

⍚ October 17, 2011 tweet
tagged: clock alarm essay roundup