Author Clock
I created the Author Clock as a piece of literary artwork that could be used to tell the time. Author transforms checking the time into a whimsical event, transporting you into key moments in literature and writing history. Containing thousands of quotes from a diverse range of authors, Author Clock is a creative and inspiring way to tell time.
In the first months after it’s announcements, Author raised seven figures in revenue, with over ten thousand units sold. Author has been featured by several publications, including the Washington Post, and the Associated Press.
Literary Clockwork
I chose to use Kickstarter as the launch platform for the Author because of the value around building a community around the product.
Besides helping to raise over $1M in funding, backers for the project have also submitted thousands of quotes that mention the time, resulting in an even better final product than we thought possible.
Author Clock was designed following the 10 Principles of Good Design as laid out by Dieter Rams. Dieter was the legendary Chief Design Officer at Braun, and one of the biggest influences in modern design, his principles are still followed by designers all over the world today.
“Technological development is always offering new opportunities for original designs.”
“Good design optimizes usefulness and ignores anything that doesn’t serve the purpose, or works against it.”
“Objects you use daily significantly shape your surroundings and your sense of well-being. Only something that is well-made can be beautiful.”
“It makes it easy to understand the structure of the product. Even more, it can make the product ‘talk.’ Ideally, it explains itself best.”
“Products that serve a purpose have the characteristics of a tool. Their design should be neutral and leave room for the user’s self-expression.”
“Honest means not trying to make a product look more innovative, powerful, or valuable than it really is.”
“In contrast to fashionable design, it lasts many years even in our current throwaway society.”
“Nothing should be arbitrary or left to chance. Thoroughness and precision are expressions of respect for the user.”
“Design makes an important contribution to preserving the environment. It conserves resources and minimizes physical and visual pollution.”
“Back to simplicity. Back to purity. Less, but better.” -Dieter Rams