More lessons in counterintuitive time and energy efficiency
My recent case study on the effects of a rotational, multi-towel drying system was such a smash success that I have decided to present a follow-up. I will once again buck the norms of society and highlight an error of traditional ways. This time, I present my soon-to-be-patented design for the ultimate, hyperefficient "flatware organizational box of the future" (as drawn in MS paint):
And a picture of my own utensil drawer:
If you're a conservative masquerading as an aesthete, like my good friend Matt, your reaction to the above photo might be visceral, negative, and largely unfounded.
But I do believe my idea, admittedly begot from laziness, has justification. If I organize my silverware as I put it away, I spend a given amount of time per piece to put it in the right place. But, I contend that this time is not recouped upon retrieval. When I need a utensil, I know which utensil I want and I have eyes, so even in a box of mixed wares I can select my desired instrument with ease.
Either you expend energy to organize the system from the onset (and expend a bit more to navigate your organizational system when you pick an item), or you can just toss a handful of silverware into a box (very satisfying) and expend a little energy at the end when you extract your utensil from the disorganization.
The aesthetic argument is the strongest one, though. There's almost nothing with less class than box full of loose cutlery. But like the stigma associated with jogging across campus to your next class, this is just a case of the status quo interfering with the otherwise practical and sensible.
And a picture of my own utensil drawer:
(Note that this photo was taken when I was still using a tray with designated spaces for each type of utensil—my newest silverware tray has a design similar to the prototype above, and is even more efficient).
If you're a conservative masquerading as an aesthete, like my good friend Matt, your reaction to the above photo might be visceral, negative, and largely unfounded.
But I do believe my idea, admittedly begot from laziness, has justification. If I organize my silverware as I put it away, I spend a given amount of time per piece to put it in the right place. But, I contend that this time is not recouped upon retrieval. When I need a utensil, I know which utensil I want and I have eyes, so even in a box of mixed wares I can select my desired instrument with ease.
Either you expend energy to organize the system from the onset (and expend a bit more to navigate your organizational system when you pick an item), or you can just toss a handful of silverware into a box (very satisfying) and expend a little energy at the end when you extract your utensil from the disorganization.
The aesthetic argument is the strongest one, though. There's almost nothing with less class than box full of loose cutlery. But like the stigma associated with jogging across campus to your next class, this is just a case of the status quo interfering with the otherwise practical and sensible.
posted by Peter at
5:55 PM
3 Comments:
I'm a big fan of "loose cutlery" as a label. If I had some easy way to post pictures online (sans FB), I'd show you that my cutlery is loosely strewn about a box similar to your soon-to-be-patented design.
You know what I hate? How this comment box doesn't allow you to double-space after periods.
I agree with everything in that comment.
i feel like this 'box' is a great way to get fork tongs under your fingernails as you try to get the last spoon from under a pile of non-spoons. metal > flesh every day of the week. enjoy your bloody cuticles.
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