In feb 2009 the messy transition to digital tv will begin. It’s going to be a bloodbath. Millions of americans who have denied the soul sucking force that is cable TV and still grab their programming through the airwaves will be left staring at a static snow storm.

The US government has formed a special team to help field questions about this transition. They have spent millions in marketing to raise awareness. You can find most of their info for FREE on the official DTV Transition site. That still doesn’t stop people from trying to capitalize on the situation. Enter the book I noticed at Barnes and Noble the other day entitled: Switching to Digital TV: Everything You Need to Know.

Now, I realize that stating the information is freely available on the internet may not be a viable argument for those who are still grabbing TV over the air via an antenna. It may be a stretch to say that they will have access to the internet. It still seems a bit opportunistic. Granted, the book is only $6, so it’s not outrageous. Just remember, there will be lots of bored Best Buy and Radioshack clerks standing around in January after the holiday shopping blitz that will be glad to answer your questions for free. Or you can just e-mail info*a-t*designkloud*dot*com - All I ask in return is that you click around on some of our sponsored ads…time is money and these posts aren’t going to write themselves…

Pack Expo is the world’s largest exhibition of packaging materials, equipment, and service providers. Every couple of years it swings through the McCormick Place here in Chicago, but this was the first year I was able to attend…and I was blown away. I could do an exclusive series of posts on the cool stuff on display for the next 2 months, but I’ll just give you a few little tidbits that are in the spirit of the DK way of thinking.

First up is the the x-ray inspection system by Thermo Scientific Automation Systems. Talk about an unknown element of the design of your Vitamin water bottle. It has to be made of a polymer that is easily x-ray transparent so that the fluid air interface can be measured to ensure proper fill level.

I’ve never stopped to think about how many things are packaged in these handy little packets. Sure salt, pepper, but Romano Cheese, malted vinegar and Fiesta Fries Seasoning? What else comes in a packet that I’m not even aware of? What would you put in a single serving packet if you had the chance?

Ever wonder how sticky products are weighed? This contraption is your answer. Makes you wonder how many other finicky products are out there that require specialized equipment like this. Light weight products? Powdery products that can be blown away in the wind? Oddly shaped products that might now fit in a tidy little bin? The opportunities are endless and engineers have either solved the problem or are probably working on it now. Rube Goldberg would be proud.

It’s shows like this that make me realize how big the world of design is. For every slickly designed product with its flawless branding and packaging, there are countless designers and engineers working behind the scenes to help turn those blue-skies pieces of vaporware in to reality. It’s always worthwhile to head to shows like this for inspiration to see if your idea is possible, or to find out other technologies you never knew existed.

Recently picked up some prototyping parts from McMaster-Carr when I noticed this small plate in the sidewalk outside the will-call entrance. Delta-Therm manufactures various types of radiant heating products, such as this handy sidewalk thawing system. Why would McMaster go to the trouble and expense of installing such a system? Is it to make things easier for people lugging boxes away from the will-call office in the dead of winter? Would that make customers unconsciously enjoy the experience a little bit more and thus more likely to return? Or is this simply a measure to reduce the potential liability risk of someone slipping and falling while traversing this section of sidewalk? I didn’t snoop around the remainder of the campus, but I wonder if they have these systems installed in all the sidewalks that the common employees have to navigate daily?

NOTE: McMaster-Carr is an awesome resource for designers - They stock everything from raw materials to hardware to measurement equipment and beyond. They are sometimes a bit more expensive than Enco or Grainger, but to me the speed and sheer volume of available items from one supplier makes it well worth it. Your items generally ship the same day and they get to me in Chicago the next day. Pinch pennies when you’re going in to production - inspiration shouldn’t have to wait 3-7 business days.

Recently we debuted another new category here on DesignKloud called KloudSpy. Today I’m proud to report that we’ve already got our first submission and it’s exactly in the spirit of the category!

From reader Erica in Chicago comes the Original Oball by Rhino Toys. Erica gives the following run down of the product and its design:

This is my latest craze - the Oball.  It is the best designed baby toy [our son] has.  It is extremely light, easy to grab, (which surprisingly most baby toys are not, even if that is what they are made for) and he can chew on it.  Score.

That’s a good looking toy and with some solid design features to boot, small enough features to grasp, yet they are a closed net so there’s no risk for choking. Nice find Erica! Thanks for submitting! Remember, if you’ve got a design you want to share, hit up the submission page and let us hear it!