Sand clocks have always been in use ever since the 8th century and are still used today but not so often. They can easily be substituted or even forgotten with today's advanced technology. We can revive the history of sand clocks through creating an interactive, mind teasing product which allows the user to control time.
MARVEL the magnetic sand clock, breaks the rules of the standard, passive sand clock both in terms of function and concept. Besides the usual sand found in sand clocks, Marvel also contains iron filings that can be controlled with the two magnets accompanying it. These additional elements will allow the user to control the sand clock. Placing the magnets in certain spots will marvel your eyes with the unpredictable effects it creates and the twist played on the concept of controlling time.
Designed by
Giulia Di Gregorio (Italian) , Linda Bowman (Italian), and Myself
Video: A sneak peak on what Marvel can do ...
Close Up: Logo
Inside Marvel: Iron Filings and Microfiber balls
The concept: The phenomenon of magnetism is "mediated" by the magnetic field. An electric current or magnetic dipole creates a magnetic field, and that field, in turn, imparts magnetic forces on other particles that are in the fields.
Marvel is a flattened to give a modern represention of a sand clock, but also for the user to have a flat surface to interact with the magnets. The choice of using plexi glass through out the product was to emphasis the contemporary feel of the sand clock. The size, bigger than usual in the case of Marvel was to allow more freedom in movement and magnify the effect of the attraction.
Material used: Made of only plexi glass, with out any screws or joints to maintain the transparency
Close up Magnets: The magents are dressed with plexi glass and covered with a cloth on one side to prevent the magnets from scratching Marvel.
Marvel will truly marvel you...
Marvel in action
Front & Back View [Rendering] of the packaging: Transparency used to show the effect with out having to say so much
Inside of Packaging: A mold holds Marvel with the two magents
Minimal packaging to give an emphasis on the simplicity of the idea; sand clock that allows you to manipulate time.
Snapshot from the web: Featured on DOMUS online magazine
