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Star Trek Clock
This would be a wall clock or a desktop clock. I honestly wouldn’t know how to make this functional besides being a full LCD display. It’s those arrow indicators that might prove to be problematic in a mechanical clock.
For those who don’t know this is based on the medical panel from the original Star Trek series. It’s actually a pretty big monitor on the wall that towers over every patient. I wouldn’t want to replicate its size for this clock.
This reminds me of the Back To The Future alarm clock I designed from a few years back.
If you like this gadget you can bug Thinkgeek here. They absolutely love it when people bug them about me.
Hand Scanner Gadget
I was making something for another post that featured a hand scanner, when I decided to see what was currently on the market for hand scanners – even just decorative ones. And much to my surprise, there is nothing out there. I just assumed something like this door chime you can hang outside the door to give others the impression you are a Bond Villain, but nope, nothing available.
Now this wouldn’t be a functioning security device (it could be, but would cost a ton of money), but something that you hang on the wall by the door as a decorative piece. It could have a few operative functions such as beeps and lights when you press your hand against it, but it’s just a cosmetic gadget. You place it outside a door, or for a laugh on the fridge.
It could also double as: a night light, a wi-fi hotspot, a mini solar panel, a clock (add a time display), a thermostat, and a light switch to name a few.
If you like this check out this video game key idea, a steampunk door, a reversible door handle, and dummy-proof train doors.
Thinkgeek Remix Part 3: Electronic Goldfish In A Bowl
Now we take a look at the “Electronic Goldfish in a Bowl” item from Thinkgeek (above left), which much like the electronic firefly in a jar, features a fake fish tethered to the lid of a goldfish bowl. The fish swims around in the water repetitively, mimicking the movements of an actual goldfish. With this product you never have to worry about the goldfish keeling-over and being transferred to the toilet bowl.
Thinkgeek carries a ton of Star Trek items, so it would seem natural that they convert this item into a wall-mounted aquarium, much like the one seen in Jean Luc Picard’s office in Star Trek: TNG.
There are already a few Picard-like fish tanks available on the market. One goes for over $1,000, and the other for about $40. They both do the job, but require actual living fish.
However I prefer the $40 model (above middle), because it can be hung on the wall, and features an interchangeable background image. In combination with Thinkgeek’s electronic fish (which features LED lighting), you’d have the perfect decoration for any geek’s office or study.
If I were to design one, it would be about the size of clock (10-12″ in diameter), and would have the shape of a contact lens as it doesn’t need all that much depth. The background images would have a “fish eye” effect applied to them, making the bowl seem much deeper. I’d also make this as light as possible, requiring only a small cavity for water. A few LED lights and it’s done. I suppose you could do a fancy stand like the $1,000 model, but I prefer the simplicity of a wall ornament. This would also need to be easy to turn on and off, so a push-button mechanic like one of these lights should do the trick.
The best part is Thinkgeek (or the manufacturers of the electronic goldfish) don’t need a license from Paramount to produce this item. However with Thinkgeek being Trek licensees they may have to ask “Hey bro is it cool if we like, make this?”
If IKEA Made Geeky Furniture Part 17: Star Trek Lamp
This is an item I had trouble narrowing down to one application. The warp core from Star Trek (Next Generation version depicted), can be turned into many things. A floor lamp, desk lamp, lantern, USB hub, power switch, wireless router, and a universal recharger just to name a few. I think it’s really iconic and I’m a bit surprised no one has turned it into a gadget for geeks.
My favorite application would be a combination of a desk lamp and USB hub/universal charger. It would look like your source of power! And much like how it was seen in the show, it works in the background, and is not too distracting.
Here is a desktop version that features a USB Hub:
I added a case so the two conduits at the rear can attach to something. I think it would look cool on the desk.
I wouldn't mind having it encased in glass (left), or on a simple base (right).
My second favorite use would be a floor lamp (depicted top left). You know those tall paper lamps IKEA has? I think this could be done in a similar fashion.
Like this? Check out this Borg charging station, Holosuite wallpaper, Star Trek jewelry, and LCD TV’s with built-in view screen lights.
Interior Design Idea: Star Trek Holodeck Wallpaper
While many people can’t wait for the holodecks/holosuites from Star Trek to become a reality, who is to say you can’t have a room that looks like one? By using Wallpaper (or a lot of paint and tape), the holodeck grid could be plastered all over the walls. All you need is a dark light.
Not only is this undeniably geeky, but it would look like all your furniture and belongings were commissioned by some virtual program.
To complete the look, the rug would need to be black. Two sides of the room would bevel into the ceiling and floor. The pièce de résistance: the door would look similar to the holodeck door (though the sliding door mechanic would be tough to execute).
Other posts you might like: Star Trek earrings, Bugs Bunny lawn decoration idea, and any of the IKEA designs.
Geek Bling Part 2: Star Trek
This is a more humorous entry in the Geek Bling series – a pair of earrings based on those vile Ceti Eels from Star Trek II The Wrath Of Khan. You know – those alien creatures that burrow into the ear and set up shop in the brain stem? Quaint little parasites.
I think the lady Trekkers out there can appreciate this design. And maybe those who like insect-based jewelry.
I was hoping to post the clip from Star Trek that featured these horrific creatures, but none can be found. So much for traumatizing people who are not in the know.
