The Evolution of Weather Sensing Instruments: From the Barometer to Contemporary Models
Before weather forecasts became easily accessible via radio broadcasts or the internet, barometers—devices that measure atmospheric pressure—were an essential part of homes. They were particularly common among the middle and upper classes. These instruments were not merely scientific tools. They also represented a keen interest in the surrounding environment and an attempt to understand it.
The Shift in Weather Interaction
Over time, particularly in the era of open data, modern digital alternatives to traditional barometers began to emerge. These alternatives rely on publicly available weather information. They provide real-time updates, either through smartphone applications or via digital screens and devices placed inside homes.
Combining Sensory Experience and Technology in Weather Reading
Despite the abundance of contemporary digital devices, there have been attempts to revive the sensory connection with the weather. However, this is done with a modern perspective. Among these efforts, a model stands out. It blends the traditional analog character with modern digital capabilities. This offers users a visual and tactile experience that is completely different from merely looking at a screen.
In terms of design, the device takes on a simple form resembling a jelly mold and is usually placed on a desktop. It is topped with a number of small metal symbols representing various weather phenomena, such as rain, thunder, clouds, snow, sun, and others. These elements are not merely decorative, but move to reflect the weather condition in an artistic and deliberate manner.
Dynamic Interaction with Weather and Time
The device’s concept relies on the movement of metal arms representing weather symbols. These arms move up and down along external grids that cover the device’s metallic structure. Consequently, this movement continuously reflects weather changes. It provides the user with a vivid and direct perception of what is happening in the external environment.
In addition to displaying the current weather, the device shows the position of the sun and moon. This adds a visual dimension that reflects the day and night cycle.
Moreover, the device includes a physical button that allows the user to access future weather forecasts. By rearranging the arms, expected conditions over the upcoming periods of 3, 6, 9, or 24 hours are illustrated. This feature combines aesthetic and functional aspects, enhancing the tangible experience of interacting with the weather.
The Importance of Air Quality and Its Impact on Our Daily Lives
Gustav Rossin points out that humans spend most of their time indoors, where the air we breathe directly affects our health, sleep, and ability to concentrate. Therefore, the quality of air inside these spaces is a vital factor that cannot be ignored.
Although ventilating poor air quality is simple, it requires awareness of the problem itself. That is, understanding the extent to which indoor air pollution impacts our daily lives.
This is where designing devices like Skymill become important. They aim to make invisible factors, such as air quality and weather, tangible and visible. Consequently, they constantly remind users how these two elements shape their daily environment.
Integrating Traditional Mechanics with Digital Technology
The design of Skymill is partly inspired by the intricate mechanical mechanisms found in cuckoo clocks and automata. These are renowned for their precise and orderly movements. This blend of the physical and digital worlds represents an attempt to present information in a tangible and sensory way. It moves beyond mere numbers on screens.
In this context, the device receives weather data through a companion app. The app can be set to display weather conditions for any location worldwide, giving it flexibility beyond the physical constraints of the device.
Additionally, the device features a segmented LED display showing temperatures. It has a smart integration within the body, which presents both indoor and outdoor temperatures together. Thus, it provides the user with a comprehensive view of their surrounding environment.
Nostalgia for the Tangible in a Digital World
Rossin points out that the increasing digital nature of our daily lives awakens a desire to return to a more tangible and sensory experience. Over time, humans have not only created practical tools but also invented complex mechanical devices for entertainment and artistic purposes. Examples include cuckoo clocks, musical instruments, and barometers.
From this perspective, the design of Skymill aims to revive that traditional connection with the weather. Therefore, it is not reduced to cold numbers on a screen but rather offers the user an opportunity for sensory and emotional interaction with weather changes. Just as we used to experience by observing the sky with our own eyes.
Multiple Functions Combining Design and Technology
The Skymill device operates via a USB-C port and performs multiple functions beyond merely displaying the weather. It also serves as a mood lamp and contains a sensor to measure indoor air quality. The “bird in a cage” icon is used as an indicator of poor air quality, highlighting the importance of monitoring the indoor environment where we spend most of our time.
Integrating Environmental Awareness and Design Innovation
Skymill exemplifies a collaboration between sophisticated design and environmental consciousness. The project creators emphasize their commitment to delivering products that care for both humans and nature. They encourage designers to freely express their ideas without being confined to prevailing trends.
