Email Attachments

PROBLEM:


I noticed this problem most recently as I was trying to apply for internships and such.  So often I would email someone and tell them I had attached my resume, and once I finished the email I would immediately send the email.  The next day, embarrassingly, I'd get an email letting me know that there was nothing attached to the email I had sent.  I had simply forgotten to include the intended attachment after finishing typing the email.  It's natural to sign an email and send it without a second thought, but in the instance when you were planning on attaching something upon finishing the typed email, this natural thought process can generate unnecessary and embarrassing mistakes.

SOLUTION:

A simple solution to this problem would be for an email provider to include an algorithm that searched the email text for indicators that an attachment should be included, and upon noticing one of these indicators and realizing that nothing is attached, it could prompt the user to confirm that he/she intended to send the email without an attachment.  Such an indicator could be the word attachment or attached used in the text.  Even if the algorithm triggers this prompt more than is necessary, it is worth the slight inconvenience to save an eventual embarrassment.  I've heard that something like this is actually used, but I've never seen it. Hopefully something of the sort is on its way to mainstream email.  

Apple Computer Charger

WHY IS THIS A GOOD DESIGN?


The most common point of failure for a computer charger is the connection between charger and laptop.  This connection failure not only risks damaging the charger but also the expensive laptop.  All too often a computer is plugged in and someone accidentally trips on the cord.  This could rip the plug out and break it, or it could jerk a computer off a table causing it to break upon impact with the ground.  Apple has come up with a clever way to deal with this problem.

This charger has a magnetic end that seals it to the computer, allowing a firm connection but not so firm that it can jerk the computer off a table.  If someone were to trip over this cord, it would safely disconnect from the laptop without causing damage.  Because of the magnetic seal, the charger doesn't have to penetrate very deeply into the body of the laptop, thus reducing the major source of error.

Car Keys

PROBLEM:


Today I locked my keys in the car.  It was unbelievably inconvenient, and I was very lucky I had a spare back in my room.  I realized that this problem happens far too often.  I don't have a remote transmitter that locks the door, so I have to use the button on the inside of the door to lock my car door.  This method is an error waiting to happen.  It is too easy for me to jump out of the car, lock the door, and then realize too late that my keys are still in the car.  This time I even left the keys sitting in the ignition.

SOLUTION:


With the technology of today's car keys, this problem shouldn't be hard to deal with.  Modern cars can usually detect whether or not a key is inside the car.  Some cars use this technology to allow drivers to start the car with a button as long as the key is inside.  Using this same technology, a car's locking mechanism could be activated only if the key is far enough away from the car.  A car could even do this automatically.  As the driver walks away, and the key gets out of the range of the car's sensors (maybe 4 or 5 feet), the doors could lock until the driver is back within range.  This system would take the human error out of the system and automate the simple process of locking and unlocking car doors.

Camera Lens Cap

PROBLEM:


The picture here is meant to highlight the lens cap and how it is completely disconnected from the camera when removed.  Protecting the camera's lens is vital to picture quality, so this lens cap is a very important piece of equipment, especially considering how expensive a camera lens is to replace.  Every time the camera is to be used it has to be removed from the camera.  The user then has to keep track of the lens cap while using the camera so that it can be put back when finished.  This is putting to much room for error in the user's hands and greatly reduces the effectiveness of the device.


SOLUTION:


The solution to this problem is overwhelmingly simple, which begs the question: why is it not utilized more often?  All that is need is a small slot on the outside of the lens cap to which a nylon string can be attached.  This string can secure the lens cap to the same point that the neck strap uses.  This will makes sure that the lens cap stays connected to the camera even when it is taken off of the lens.  This simple correction keeps the user from losing the cap and therefore greatly increases its effectiveness.

Pub Basket Disposal

PROBLEM:  

Back at the Pub, this is the trash can out on the porch.  The Pub serves it's entrees in little baskets that can easily fit through the opening, and students very frequently throw their baskets away with the trash.  The other problem with this design is that the easiest way to get the lid open is by pushing it open with the tray (no on likes to touch a public trash can with their hand) and from there it is all too easy to just drop the tray in.

SOLUTION:


The first and easiest way to combat this problem is to put a sign up that says "DO NOT THROW AWAY BASKET!"  It shouldn't take too much to remind someone that the basket shouldn't go in the trash.  With this sign there should be something placed on top of the trash can that allows students to easily stack up their empty baskets.  As it stands, you have to go far out of your way to go inside the restaurant and return your basket to the proper location.  It would be very easy to screw on a small shelf with a sign that said "STACK BASKETS HERE."  This would give students an easy way to return the basket.  This solution is the cheapest and easiest as it doesn't involve in redesign of the trash can.

Another more effective, although more intensive, solution would be to redesign the trash can all together.  The opening first should be placed on the top so that trash can be easily dumped in without having to put a hand or the basket inside the trash can.  The opening should also be made as a small circle that is just small enough to let trash in but not the basket.  It should be a circle because that will allow maximum opening area without letting there be an angle to fit the basket through the opening. This design can be found at a very select few restaurants.

"Remote" Control Car

PROBLEM:


Pictured here is a "remote" "control" car.  The reason I use quotes is that the car's controller is connected to the car with a 5-foot-long wire.  This design eliminates the remote nature of the controller and therefore much of the mobility.  The user has to run alongside the car for it to really go anywhere.  Where is the fun in that?  I also put quotes around control because control for this car is a possibility of two different inputs.  The user can push the red lever forward or pull it backwards.  The car then can only go straight forward or straight backwards.  Again what fun is that?  The design of this car, although it makes for a cheap product, doesn't factor in the user or the use case.  The satisfaction provided by this toy is unbelievably limited considering the design doesn't even allow for its intended use.


SOLUTION:


The solution for this problem is relatively simple.  Wireless technology is very common in this day in age, and a wireless transmitter could be installed very cheaply.  The transmitter could have a range as small as 10 feet and still accomplish its desired result.  This system needs to be able to send and receive four simple user inputs.  Forward, backward, left, and right.  This could be done simply by adding another lever to control turning the wheels left and right.  With these two very simple changes, this system could be a true remote control car and the satisfaction it brought to the user would be greatly increased.