Start Your Day Like a Director: The Conceptual ‘Slate’ Alarm Clock Blends Productivity with Design
Jul 28, 2025
The conceptual ‘Slate’ multifunctional alarm clock, designed by Hyunbin Yang, reimagines the way we start our day—infusing routine with a sense of purpose, creativity, and ritual.
At first glance, the Slate alarm clock is striking in its design. Drawing inspiration from the clapperboard used in film production, it transforms the simple act of waking up into a symbolic "scene one, take one" moment. Instead of just hitting a snooze button, users press down on the built-in arm to turn off the alarm—mimicking the start of a recording. It’s more than a functional gesture; it’s a mental cue to begin the day with intention and clarity.
Yang elaborates on the emotional depth behind the design:
“When the starting slate comes down, the actors act and shoot with a serious look… When the ending slate is down, they turn back to who they are. Likewise, Slate is designed with the intention of being an actor and actor in his world, faithfully doing and completing one’s goal.”
This metaphor of daily performance resonates strongly with anyone navigating the balancing act of professional and personal life. It encourages users to treat each day as a scene worth performing with energy and focus—then to release that role when the day is done.
A Design for the Modern Professional
The Slate is more than just an alarm clock—it belongs to a growing category of productivity-focused decor. These are items that not only blend seamlessly into our living spaces but also serve as powerful tools to shape our habits. As our homes increasingly double as workspaces, there’s a rising demand for objects that are both functional and aesthetically inspiring.
From an industry perspective, this opens up exciting opportunities:
Multifunctional Alarm Clocks: Devices like Slate demonstrate a growing appetite for innovation in everyday objects. Features like fitness tracking, weather updates, or app integrations could further enhance their value.
Home Decor with Purpose: The boundary between form and function continues to blur. Imagine filing cabinets disguised as planters, or bookshelves that offer ambient light or charging stations.
Film-Inspired Product Design: By drawing on cinematic elements, designers can infuse products with narrative and emotion—creating experiences, not just tools.
The Future of Waking Up
The conceptual Slate alarm clock is still a design prototype, but it reflects a broader shift in how we think about time, routine, and design. It’s a call to rethink the mundane moments in our day—to inject them with intention and creativity.
Whether you're a film lover, a remote worker, or someone striving to bring more meaning to your mornings, the Slate is a reminder: every day is a scene worth directing.
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