switch mouse

featured in the november issue of metropolis magazine, this unassuming mouse is more than meets the eye. designed by manuel saez of humanscale, the switch mouse is the model of ergonomic efficiency. some of the more notable design developments include the following: the scrolling wheel was replaced by a pad that allows the user to scroll around the page without the hurtful repetitive motion previously required. also, the mouse can expand in the middle so as to fit up to 95% of hand sizes. finally, included are removable “stabilizer blades” that keep the mouse titled at a 45 degree angle so as to keep your hand in a more natural position while using the mouse (seen below).

additionally, the mouse was made to be ambidextrous, meaning either lefties or righties can use the mouse equally successfully. finally, the mouse was designed of recycled plastic and conforms to european standards for the amount of hazardous substances in electronics. my favorite part, however, is the elegant design of the mouse itself. mr. saez has done just the right amount of contouring and tailoring the lines of the mouse to update the outdated yet familiar design. the sleek and vibrant black and white coloring seems to add to the bold aesthetic of the design. available in january 2008, i can’t wait to see and use this in person.

the happiness of architects

the latest issue of time magazine has a great piece called “america by the numbers.”  one of the more interesting sections is about americans’ happiness on the job, or rather, with their jobs.  according to time’s numbers architects are happier with their jobs more than almost every other profession with 53.5% of respondents saying they are, “very happy.”  only six other professions rank more highly than architecture does (with clergy at the top of the list).  in fact, only around ten professions posted “very happy” ratings over 50%.  i’d have to say this seem about right, despite the narcissistic, egotistical, masochistic approach we take to our profession i think it’s fair to say most love what they do (seems like a bit of a peripeteia, i know).  way to go architecture!