Designer Hampus Edstrom created The Budget Tool, a device that measures a person’s financial status using 3-dimensional cubes. It works by inputting data on the PDA screen that calculates and transmits to the corresponding box whose cubes form solid, physical graphs indicating income minus expenditures.
The design is very minimalistic (which is characteristic of Scandinavian design) with no colors, no text – just rising and falling bars.
Functionality and Design
By being an actual object, you are more easily reminded when to save up and when you can splurge. Consider it a more interactive alternative to sterile two-dimensional colored charts. It’s small too. Maybe so you can hide it better in case you’re in the red and don’t want your loved ones to know.
The Budget Tool’s minimalistic design is not just for aesthetics; it serves a functional purpose. The absence of colors and text ensures that the user focuses solely on the financial data represented by the rising and falling bars. This simplicity can help reduce the cognitive load on the user, making it easier to understand their financial status at a glance. The tactile nature of the cubes also adds a physical dimension to financial management, which can be more engaging than digital charts.
Practical Considerations
One thing you need to remember when using The Budget Tool though; don’t forget to input the data or it’s going to be of no use to anyone. This is a crucial aspect because the accuracy of the financial representation depends entirely on the data input. If you neglect to update your expenditures or income, the tool will not provide a true reflection of your financial status.
Moreover, the device could serve as a conversation starter about financial literacy. For instance, parents could use it to teach their children about budgeting and the importance of saving. The visual and physical representation of finances can make abstract concepts more concrete, aiding in better understanding.
However, I wonder though, if you are already underwater, would you spend another nickel on something like this? This is a valid concern. For individuals who are already struggling financially, the cost of The Budget Tool might seem like an unnecessary expense. On the other hand, for those who can afford it, the tool could serve as a valuable investment in better financial management.
Additionally, the device could be integrated with other financial tools and apps for a more comprehensive financial management system. For example, linking it with a budgeting app could automate the data input process, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring that the financial data is always up-to-date.
In conclusion, The Budget Tool by Hampus Edstrom offers a unique and interactive way to manage finances. Its minimalistic design and physical representation of financial data make it a standout tool in the realm of financial management. While it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those already in financial distress, it offers a novel approach to budgeting that could be beneficial for many.
via Yanko Design
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