There are certain objects that convey upon us, when we first see them, the simultaneous feeling of a heartfelt hug from an old friend and a swift smack upside the head. We have a natural tendency to enjoy designs that are clever, or cheeky, or smart. As soon as something becomes too clever, though, we recognize the sheer simplicity of the design, and our reaction becomes, “I could have thought of that!” The truth, however, is that you didn’t, and you’re left with the realization of how hard it is to unearth that obvious design. Our only consolation is the residual warm fuzzies we still feel from enjoying something so clever in the first place. (LED clip by Sungho Lee, via Notcot and Designboom)