Fire and (what looks like) ice together is an irresistible combo, with a reminder of the work we still have to do.

Samir S. Patel Deputy Editor

A picture frame that uses an optical illusion to make objects—in this case, two feathers—appear to move in graceful slow motion.

The gravity-defying Story Clock must be seen to be believed. This successful 2017 Kickstarter project features a levitating chrome sphere that orbits a wooden base at the time interval—minutes, hours, or years—of your choice.

This clock uses an ingenious system of geometrical masking to convert the sun’s angle into a digital read-out of the time. Though the math for this sundial was worked out in the 1990s, it took the more recent advent of high-resolution 3D-printers to bring this magical device into being.

Joshua Foer Co-Founder

A wall clock pared down to the essentials. Hang it as-is in your minimalist living room, our surround it with family photos for a different looks entirely.

Every passing minute on this clever clock delivers a slight pattern variation to stop and contemplate.