Herman Miller blog: Lifework » cables

Unplggd: Clever Cable Solutions

Cerentha Harris — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:01:03 +0000

We spend a lot of time trying to hide cables and cords away, out of sight. But what are you supposed to do when there’s just no way to avoid having them visible? We say, embrace them! Check out these examples and get some ideas below.

Design Star season 5′s Michael Moeller adorned a gray wall with a contrasting red-orange cord for maximum color pop.

The shape of this cool arrangement by XBMC, via Lifehacker, draws attention to and complements the techy style of the mounted TV and Playstation 3.

When you’re dealing with a visible cable that you can’t move, draw inspiration from this simple and minimal DIY design.

Would you embrace visible cables using one of these solutions? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

By Laura E. Hall

This story appears in partnership with Unplggd, a site for people who embrace technology and design in their home.

Unplggd: How to Hide those Pesky Cords

Cerentha Harris — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:30:33 +0000

“Ideally, we’d see ourselves being able to completely unplug from our desks whenever we pleased, and our desks used as multi-functional stations that alter between work and everyday living. Our biggest problem with desks these days, however, remains the same – too many cords and cables that detract from the functionality of an actual “daily table.” It’s time to make a change to all that… time to make them invisible (or close-to, at least).

UNDER THE TABLE: A great example of this done properly is one of our favorite running examples; the “under-the-table” wiring management system. Above, Blupics demonstrates how it’s done by incorporating grommets, screws, zip-ties, and cable management systems.

A CORD BOX: Another great recent example was the DeskTop by Yummyguide studios, where they custom built a table from scratch with all of the cord management in mind. Using their logo as the grommet holes, they strung their iMac power cables under the table to a Blue Lounge cable box. There’s also a convenient docking slot below the desk to house laptops when needed.

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY: As for the case of tech, we’re big on Bluetooth, as long as they’re utilizing rechargeable batteries and contribute to a cleaner desktop system. Having things on Bluetooth also allow it to be tucked into small drawers (if your desk/table has them), making room for other tasks in your everyday work flow.

Need more invisible cord control inspiration? Check out our complete roundup of cord control solutions. And even more wire-wrangling solutions over here.

By Anthony”

This story appears in partnership with Unplggd, a site for people who embrace technology and design in their home.

Wireless Synching? We Hope So…

Cerentha Harris — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:35:58 +0000

“If there’s one thing that drives us crazy it’s trying to find a particular syncing cable in our bag o’ USB cords. There have been numerous occasions we’ve cursed our missing iPod Touch cable and cursed Apple for not having a wireless sync option. One developer has coded a solution, but it’s up in the air whether or not Steve Jobs and company will approve its sale in the iTunes App Store.

The app uses your existing WiFi network to sync your iPhone, iPod, or iPad with your computer. U.K.-based developer Greg Hughes has even engineered a Windows version.

According to Rick Broida of Cnet, “In an e-mail I received from Hughes, he says he plans to submit Wi-Fi Sync at the end of this week. Chances are we’ll be waiting at least another week after that to find out if the application makes it through. If it does, it’ll cost you $4.99–a perfectly reasonable price for such a desirable capability, IMHO.” We fully agree, but we fear Broida may be right in predicting that the folks at Apple won’t approve this useful app. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.

By Sonia Zjawinski”

This story appears in partnership with Unplggd, a site for people who embrace technology and design in their home.