Technology Connections
2 HN recommenders · recommended in 3 months, 2022–2024
11:02 · 851K views · May 30, 2020
Technology Connections praises a 1940s-50s Sunbeam toaster and explains what makes a toaster well designed, drawing on a vintage Sunbeam video.
Recommended as a passionate take on good appliance design and cited in toaster threads.
4 comments from Hacker News
One of the YouTube channels that I watch from time to time is a guy who is ranting/passionate about technology. The Antique Toaster that's Better than Yours - [LINK] and How to design an actually good toaster with lessons from the 1940's - this video It's not a fridge... but similar design thoughts. There is a recent video about a fridge... This goofy fridge has a really clever design. It's also kinda terrible. - [LINK]
Indeed, and in some cases the experiences have gotten worse. There's a Youtube channel named Technology Connections and he has several videos on this topic that I recommend. This one about Sunbeam toasters from 50+ years ago is particularly great: this video
Try doing a Kickstarter. Over the years, I've spent way more money than I should have on Kickstarter projects that are highly specific and non-refundable. Both of these characteristics will likely be important to leverage as you are starting out this venture. Kickstarter targeted advertising through Facebook and Instagram seem to be very good at getting your product in front of people willing to buy it - even if it's an expensive American-made toaster. Once you have a prototype, you may want to consider getting a review by Technology Connections. He's done multiple on toaster design novelty: [LINK] [LINK] [LINK] this video
i am just going to drop this here: How to design an actually good toaster with lessons from the 1940's From Technology Connections: this video