Re-Office Clock by Botelho & Gouveia

The designers succeeded admirably in producing an exciting new product by cleverly using a number of used up markers which would otherwise end up in the trash. There is a particular economy and elegance of means at work here. The markers are re-used without any disassembly or modification. Their application makes the most of one of their most attractive qualities, still present even when the ink is dry : the colour of the cap. This aspect is exploited to the maximum, even allowing the user to vary the look of the clock by changing the colours. The simplicity of the constructive elements that make up this concept also allows for a great number of design variants. These are ideally suited to the production of parts with Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology and will undoubtedly be explored in the development process that will now be undertaken. Even RP’s limited range of material colourings is taken into account. A monochrome housing will not detract from the brightly coloured marker caps.

While necessitating the production of a clock mechanism and Rapid Prototyped housing to retain the markers, this concept shows how even such a mundane, ostensibly disposable product such as a marker, can be put to a new use and play a role in the confection of a new product.

Children’s Game by StephG

Several proposals involved the re-use of a VHS cassette and this one made particularly clever use of the double spools and windows that characterize the product. The idea is both creative in itself as well as offering a creative outlet for young children. One imagines being able to make custom disks and thus increase the play value almost indefinitely. The idea was also thought to offer the potential of demonstrating simple mechanical systems through the use of add-on cranks, belts and gearwheels.

Jump at Light Speed by Botelho and Gouveia

This is Metacycling in its purest form. Taking advantage of a the flashlight’s formal qualities making it well suited to use as a handle, the suggested transformation requires a minimal amount of added material: a length of cord. In most cases, the proposal can be realized without any tools although some models of flashlight would require drilling a hole through a non-removable lens.

Video Tape Dispenser by Botelho and Gouveia

This was a popular idea, not only with the judges but with contest participants as well : three proposals were received for transforming a VHS cassette into a tape dispenser. Although these differed in the way the tape was to be drawn and cut, the basic intent was the same, Botelho and Gouveia’s proposal being the first posted. The idea is a clever way to make new use of an obsolete object, requiring only a moderate level of do-it-yourself skills to be carried out at home.

VHS Shelf by Jean-Sébastien Day

This could be qualified as a Metacycling adaptation of the age-old concept of bricks and boards shelving. VHS cassettes are clipped together to form a straightforward storage system for CDs and DVDs. What the judges found admirable in this proposal was the ecological efficiency of the concept, an effective way to make use of the whole cassette (no disassembly required) by producing a system of very small joining pieces. A very good application of Rapid Prototyping technology for ecological purposes.

Brush-You by Bueno&Muller

The jury could not help but be impressed not only with the creative re-use of old toothbrush handles, but by the elegant presentation of the idea. Cutting the plastic handles up and making them into jewellery beads completely rids them of any ties to their initial function while capitalizing on the colourful, snappy nature of the material they are made of. This could turn into the next big fad!

Sinkmate by venkat

While recognizing that this concept requires the production of a sizeable handle, the judges were impressed by its potential for creating a multi-purpose “brushing system” capable of re-using a large number of toothbrushes. “This is a Metacycling Machine” said one of the judges, referring to the fact that ‘new’ used brushes could be added as needed to replace those that became totally used up.

Air Fresh Hook by Dino

While several proposals were posted for re-using broken hockey sticks, this one was judged as the most likely to succeed since it served a purpose very closely related to the source of the material. Hockey players break their sticks on a regular basis and these same players need to dry their equipment. The re-use cycle therefore becomes very obvious, the distance between supply and demand being reduced to a minimum.

Kaleidoscope by octraine

The project of a kaleidoscope from an old flashlight seems like it would be more fun to do than to use, but if it keeps products from the trash bin, then it’s worthwhile. Moreover, most of the material needed for the project could probably be found around the home (more Metacycling). A nice way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Marker-Pencil Holder by CarlosU

The judges thought this idea had the potential of becoming a classic Metacycling idea. It re-uses a large number of markers, makes use of their colourful nature in a way that is totally coherent with their original use and necessitates the production of relatively small new parts. The proposal was also very open-ended, having the potential to be expanded into a whole range of home or office products. More products offered, more used up markers are going to be re-used.

Sander by mbishop

Turning a computer mouse into a hand sander seems like such a natural transition. The smooth, rounded shape of the mouse is purpose made to fit the hand. And although sanding requires considerably more energy than steering a mouse, raising the housing off the sanding surface allows grasping the underside of the mouse and increasing the grip force. It was also appreciated by the judges that the inner components of the mouse were left in place rather than gutted and thrown away.