Skymill: a kinetic sculpture that turns weather forecasts into aesthetic pleasure (video)
Weather forecasts have never looked so elegant. Instead of the usual push notifications on your smartphone and dry numbers in the app, Skymill offers a poetry of movement and light. This is a gadget in the form of a kinetic sculpture that brings atmospheric data to life through the choreography of metal icons.
The Swedish designer Gustav Rosén and the famous Scandinavian brand KLONG have created a device that combines retro aesthetics and modern engineering. The result is a unique object that turns invisible atmospheric processes into a tangible and beautiful experience. When the sun rises outside the window, the sun symbol on Skymill moves upwards. When it is raining, a mechanical cloud embraces the rain icon in a gentle dance.
Animation of the Skymill robot. Illustration: Kickstarter
Inside this surprisingly calm case is a whole mechanical world: The 10 icons move thanks to their own motors, belts, and gears. The movements are precise and smooth, and the bearing-based system ensures quiet operation. With the manual knob, the user can scroll through the forecast 24 hours in advance in 3-hour increments, and a double-tap will reveal the temperature and humidity inside the house.
Exploded view of the Skymill design. Illustration: Kickstarter
Skymill displays more than 35 weather scenarios using 9 symbols - from sun and rain to wind and even air quality. The latter is shown by an indicator bird, reminiscent of the days when canaries saved miners from dangerous gases.
The materials of the device are selected with a love of detail: warm copper, shiny brass and noble steel create tactile and visual harmony. The design emphasises durability - there are no adhesives, only screws and pins, so that the device can be easily maintained and repaired.
All Skymill weatherproofing options. Illustration: Kickstarter
Skymill can also be turned into a night light: the gentle light of the top light is switched on with a light touch. The idea behind the product is to remind us that nature is always around, even if we have stopped looking at the sky. "We have made the weather tangible again, not just a number on a screen," says Gustav Rosen.
Skymill has already raised almost $200,000 on Kickstarter and is available for $363 instead of $539 (30% off). Less than 300 of the 400 copies are left.
Source: Yanko Design with a link to Kickstarter