Long Live Technology!
Published in Vormberichten, September 2008 (BNO – Association of Dutch Designers)
The Dutch design publication Vormberichten featured Clock Delay, a conceptual clock designed by Bas van Leeuwen for Studio Bloomm.
Rediscovering Technology
The article addresses a growing tendency in modern society: we buy products, use them, and throw them away when they break.
As a result, fewer people repair objects themselves, and appreciation for technology is gradually disappearing.
Clock Delay was created as a response to this development.
Rather than hiding the mechanism behind a traditional clock face, the design reveals the inner workings of timekeeping and encourages people to engage with the technology behind everyday objects.
Clock Delay
The operation of time is made visible through a mechanical system consisting of three rotating wheels:
- One wheel for seconds
- One wheel for minutes
- One wheel for hours
When the three indicators nearly align, the current time can be read. Because the clock has no traditional hands or display, users must actively observe the mechanism and understand how it functions.
This transforms the clock from a simple utility object into an interactive design piece.
Design Philosophy
Clock Delay reflects Studio Bloomm’s interest in creating products that invite curiosity and encourage interaction.
By exposing rather than concealing technology, the design seeks to restore a sense of wonder for mechanical systems and the objects that surround us.
The clock demonstrates how functionality and storytelling can be combined into a single object.
Original Text (Translated)
“We buy products, use products, and when they break, we throw them away. We rarely repair anything anymore. As a result, we lose our interest in and appreciation for technology. With Clock Delay, Studio Bloomm aims to bring that feeling back.”
Product Information
Product: Clock Delay
Designer: Bas van Leeuwen
Studio: Studio Bloomm
Materials: Stainless steel and aluminum
Function: Mechanical time display
Year: 2008
Publication Details
Publication: Vormberichten
Publisher: BNO (Association of Dutch Designers)
Issue: September 2008
Featured designer: Bas van Leeuwen
Featured product: Clock Delay
Company: Studio Bloomm
