Modular kitchen, aesthetic light meter, 20% Wheelchair
Although it’s been over 20 years since I came to the U.S., I still find myself getting a little nervous when I go through a drive-thru. Haha! Even as I confidently recite my order, there's always a part of me that worries the person on the other end will ask something unexpected, and I can’t help but laugh at myself when I feel this way. It's in those moments that my hidden anxieties seem to surface.
That’s why I think the recently introduced kiosk systems have been getting such positive feedback here in the U.S. With kiosks, you can add or remove items from your order without revealing your indecisiveness to the world! When my coworkers and I go out for lunch once a week, it often takes us 30 minutes to an hour just to settle on a menu. And honestly, we only pick something new or different about 20% of the time.
Looking at my Gen Z daughters, I realize they’re not all that different. I often watch them stress for 30 minutes over a text conversation that could’ve been solved with a one-minute phone call. One of them even has a friend who, despite completing their homework, is too afraid of criticism to turn it in. Why have we become like this?
I believe part of the reason is anxiety. Our parents, who witnessed rapid socio-economic growth after the war, invested everything into their children’s success. They raised us to thrive in an increasingly competitive world focused on prestigious universities and large companies, with the hope that we’d be perfect. And we, in turn, passed that same anxiety down to our own children. Back in the day, we might have walked 30 minutes to school, but now, whether it’s walking to school or playing at the park, parents keep a close watch. This is true even in parts of the U.S. like California, where public transportation isn’t as developed. Kids don’t roam around the neighborhood with friends like we used to. Instead, they're closely monitored, and with fewer opportunities to gain life experience, both my children and I have grown up expecting perfection in every aspect of life. Even something as simple as placing an order can trigger anxiety, which we often deal with through avoidance or delay.
When I saw my daughter again, 50 days after she had left home, I noticed a change. The girl who used to instinctively say, "Mom, can you do it for me?" was no longer there. She had shed her high school shyness and was now confidently greeting adults, making eye contact, and naturally ending conversations with "Yes, Ma’am" or "Yes, Sir." Seeing this made me realize that just like my parents passed their anxieties onto me, I had unintentionally done the same to her. I’ve often pressured her out of fear that she wouldn’t live up to expectations, creating a world of psychological tension. But now, in the words of Hermann Hesse from Demian, “The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must destroy a world.” My daughter was proudly breaking free from the world I had created for her.
From now on, I’ll take a step back and work harder to support and encourage my children, so they can build the resilience they need to navigate life.
|
|
|
Somer’s Innovative Approach: Durable Modular Kitchens
With platforms like HGTV and Pinterest inspiring more people to remodel their kitchens every five years, a growing amount of furniture ends up discarded each year. However, Somer Furniture is pushing back against this disposable culture by emphasizing durability and sustainability.
Somer’s kitchen furniture is designed for long-term use, crafted from sturdy materials and offered in a modular format with four styles: Planar, Inset, Ovo, and Overlay. This modular design allows for easy repairs, adjustments, or reconfigurations to meet the user’s changing needs. When the furniture reaches the end of its lifespan, Somer offers a buyback program, ensuring that pieces can be resold as refurbished or recycled, helping reduce waste and create a positive environmental impact.
|
|
|
Jenna's Insight
I’m someone who absolutely hates subscribing to unnecessary YouTube channels, so my subscription list is pretty short. However, there’s one channel I watch without fail (and no, I have no connection to the creator). It’s called "National Homemaking Showcase", a channel brimming with 80s nostalgia. The stars of this channel are homemakers with anywhere from 5 to 30 years of experience, sharing their wisdom and practical tips.
What makes this channel stand out is its focus on practical, efficient homemaking—not the flashy concepts of minimalism or perfectly organized spaces. These homemakers steer clear of showy organizing or fancy storage solutions. Instead, they prioritize maximizing resources, reducing unnecessary movement, and creating peace of mind in the home. Ultimately, they embody the "survival mode" of homemaking, where the goal is to make things work efficiently while accepting that no one is perfect. I’ll admit, early in my marriage, I bought a lot of what I now call "cute junk." But looking back, I’ve definitely learned my lesson!
|
|
|
Much like Somer’s approach, homemakers place great value on maximizing and managing resources, giving items new life through recycling or refurbishing. Somer’s durable modular kitchen provides consumers with solutions that encourage them to create their own personalized systems of efficiency.
A slightly different take on this idea reminds me of the Nest by Orbitkey, released about a year ago. This product offers a rectangular box with movable dividers, allowing users to organize everyday items like a game of Tetris. Its flexible design means it can be customized in countless ways, depending on the individual’s belongings and needs. |
|
|
Imagine a KonMari-style console box. While designers could certainly make it sleeker and more modern, from a user’s perspective, having movable dividers would be incredibly practical. For those interested, the newly released Nest 2 offers a more refined version, addressing previous shortcomings with added features and an edgier design. |
|
|
Aesthetic Light Meter - LIT DUO1 by LIT Systems
Before the rise of digital imagery, when photography reigned supreme, light meters were essential tools. While modern cameras now come equipped with accurate exposure measurement features, dedicated light meters like the LIT DUO1 still hold significant value. The LIT DUO1 is said to offer near-perfect readings of exposure, light intensity, and color. With the current trend towards video content, the importance of lighting has grown, making light meters more crucial than ever.
|
|
|
The LIT DUO1 offers all the essential functions of a traditional light meter with precision and an added touch of style. Its compact design fits comfortably in one hand, making it easy to control without even looking. You can also wear it around your neck for convenience. What truly sets it apart is its ability to connect via Bluetooth to an iPhone, enhancing its usability. You no longer need to carry the meter around for every measurement—simply place it in a fixed location and check the readings remotely, reducing the hassle of constant movement. With its sleek design and advanced features, the LIT DUO1 truly feels like the light meter of the future. |
|
|
Wheelchair Powered by 20% Effort – SmartDrive MX2+
The SmartDrive MX2+ is a power assist device that attaches to the rear of a manual wheelchair, offering users more freedom and mobility. Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to transport and can be quickly mounted on the back of a wheelchair. Once attached, it can replace up to 80% of the user’s effort. A control button can be installed on the left side of the wheelchair, allowing the user to easily receive assistance while maneuvering, even when going uphill.
With its intuitive and simple design, anyone can easily operate the device using the button, and it seamlessly integrates with the wheelchair. Paired with the wristband-style PushTracker, users can effortlessly control and adjust their speed. The device responds to wrist movements, helping users increase or decrease the wheelchair’s speed with ease.
|
|
|
A Phone Cover So Unique Even AI Struggles to Keep Up: CMF Phone Cover MOD
If you have some time, I highly recommend checking out the Nothing Tech website—it’s full of visually captivating products. The name itself is intriguing, but what really stands out are accessories like their CMF Phone Cover, which is truly one-of-a-kind. Nothing Tech focuses on enhancing user experience through cutting-edge technology while showcasing a strong brand identity in both smartphones and accessories. Their minimalist yet sleek designs have gained widespread popularity, and recently, they’ve introduced custom options through 3D printing. From LEGO-style cases to quirky options like a phone cover that functions as a Nerf gun, they never fail to surprise.
|
|
|
The newly released 3D-printed case goes beyond being just a phone protector—it’s truly a game changer. It features a basic plate that provides space for essential items like a comb, bottle opener, stylus, coin holder, and SD card slot, all easily accessible with the slide of a button. This innovative design hints at a level of creativity that’s hard to overlook.
With the ability to conveniently store multiple tools, this case essentially becomes a mini toolbox, showcasing limitless potential for the future. No longer will you need to dig through pockets or bags to find what you need; everything you require could be at your fingertips with just one smartphone case. (Check out the video for more ideas...) |
|
|
The mornings and evenings have become quite chilly, and Christmas is just around the corner. Lately, I’ve noticed a surge of interest in hobbies. I’m thinking that by next year, I might choose one to dive into, such as:
- Leather crafting (perhaps refurbishing a Bible cover?)
- Starting pickleball
- Food tours
- Creating Reels (maybe inspired by popular YouTubers?)
What hobbies are you planning to start in the new year? If you have any great hobby ideas, please share!
|
|
|
Kia Design America / By Jenna Chwee / Jchwee@hatci.com
101 Peters Canyon Rd. Irvine, CA 92606
|
|
|
|
