Revolutionizing Time Perception: The Mob-Clock

Innovative Desk Clock Inspired by the Mobius Strip

The Mob-Clock stands out with its unique properties. It is a desk clock made up of a graded Mobius strip as the main body on a stand, and a ball as a pointer. Unlike traditional clocks that have two repeating loops for each day, AM and PM, the Mob-Clock's pointer moves in only one direction on one boundary of Mobius to pass 24 hours without any repeating and switching side and boundary. This design helps the user to have a natural feeling about time, reflecting the continuity of daily life.

The Mob-Clock is made from injected molded PC+ABS for the main body and blended steel for the legs, available in silver, copper, or gold. The small black ball, acting as the time indicator, contains an electro-motor converting the rotary to linear motion to move on the Mobius strip. The clock also features silicon parts under the legs to prevent slipping on the desk.

The design process of the Mob-Clock began in December 2019 in Tehran and concluded in March 2020. The project's research was based on the hypothesis that analog clocks had not changed from the beginning of their design except for formal redesigns. The team conducted extensive studies on the mathematical and geometric concept of time, which led to the selection of the Mobius strip as the closest form to the concept of time.

The Mob-Clock is not just a timepiece but also an interactive object. It engages with the user on three emotional levels, as identified by Don Norman. At first sight, the organic form of the Mob-clock attracts the user as a sculptural object. On closer inspection, the function is realized when the user sees the numbers and the ball moving gently along the edge. The mysterious geometry of the Mobius strip remains in the user's mind, creating a lasting impression.

The Mob-Clock has been recognized for its innovation and design excellence. It was awarded Silver in A' Furniture Design Award in 2021, a prestigious award given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The Mob-Clock, with its unique design and concept, truly embodies these qualities.