stress
Gadgets
Rationalizer Bracelet/Bowl Concept Knows When You’re Stressed
8:36AM Dan Nosowitz | This product, from the possibly-crazed minds at Philips, is weird enough—basically a stress-detecting bracelet and bowl—but the teaser for it has more tension than a thriller’s trailer. Just imagine: “One man. One bracelet. In a race against time.” More »
Gadgets
Relieve Stress With The Sound of Cracking Knuckles
10:00AM Sean Fallon | Like other Japanese “infinite toys”, this gadget simulates a mundane but strangely satisfying experience in order to relieve stress. Every time you bend it you are treated to the sound of cracking knuckles. More »
Robots
Modified Roomba Detects Stress, Runs Away When It Thinks You Might Abuse It
7:40AM Sean Fallon | The last thing you need when you get home is something making noise and hovering underfoot. This modified Roomba avoids users when it detects high levels of stress. More »
Gadgets
Japanese Accel Pedal ‘Vroom Vrooms’ So You Don’t Have To
6:00AM Sean Fallon | Stressed out at work? Slide one of these Accel Pedals under your desk and slam the pedal to the floor. The acceleration noises soothe frayed nerves—plus it makes you feel like a big man. More »
Peripherals
USB Stress Ball Allows You To Virtually Strangle Your Enemies
2:50AM Sean Fallon | There have been other USB devices designed to combat stress, but this version is the only one that allows you to virtually punch and strangle your enemies. More »
Science
Scientists Create ‘The World’s Most Relaxing Room’
3:45AM Sean Fallon | The credit crunch and the hectic pace of modern life has inspired Professor Richard Wiseman to create what he believes is “the world’s most relaxing room” at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, just north of London. His research led him to invite visitors to lie down on soft matting with lavender scented pillows in a darkened room lit only with “a calming glade-like green light.” A simulated blue sky is projected onto the ceiling above while a soundtrack specifically composed for the project by resident Professor of Music, Tim Blinko plays softly in the background.
Regulars
10 Stress Busting Gadgets That Help You Unwind From a Long Week at Work
6:00AM Sean Fallon | Feeling a little stressed out? Good thing it’s Friday–the weekend should offer ample opportunity to unwind. Unfortunately, some of you may be have so much going on that a couple of days off may not do the job. Not to worry, there are plenty of gadgets out there that can help you recover from the stress that a long week at work, a pile of unpaid bills, constant nagging about your “drinking problem” and a mysterious rash can cause.
Gadgets
New Sensor Means Future Clothing May know You’re Stressed
6:00AM Gizmodo US Edition | If German scientists have their way, your shirt may one day be able to pipe up with “I can see you’re really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over.” That’s because they’ve developed a new sensor that detects muscle excitation and thus detects stress. It’s flexible enough to be woven into clothing and survive washing. Why would you want to do that? For sports training, coaches may be able to tell if athletes are tired out or still have some reserves left, or you may slide on a special vest that lets you control your games console. Makes a Wiimote seem kinda wimpy doesn’t it? [Talk2MyShirt] More »
Design
Sweety is Colour-Changing, Squeezable Interactive Stress Gizmo
1:45AM Gizmodo US Edition | Designer Haishu Zhang has created the Sweety concept gadget to help soothe away people’s stresses. Apparently he’s designed to be your 24-hour listener, so I guess you just sound-off in his direction rather than at a real person. And Sweety reacts with graphic patterns and colour changes that, um, help you somehow. I’m a little confused how that bit’s supposed to work, but I do understand it’s interactive mode: when the rage hits you, you can just wrestle and pound the little bugger’s soft body. And that’s therapy. [Yanko design] More »
Gadgets
