Remember those Hypercolor T-shirts, that changed color according to your body temperature? Or how about mood rings? Well, now you can get a solid oak table and two-bench set that works along the same lines.
Created by designer Jay Watson, the set started out as a concept entitled Linger a Little Longer.
Both the table and the benches are coated in a thermochromic finish – this means that it changes color when heated, just like the shirts and rings. In this particular case, the finish changes from black to clear, allowing the wood grain below to show through when exposed to body heat. This results in nice woody images of the user’s butt, forearms, palms, or whatever other body parts they choose to press against the finish. Once the surface cools down, it returns to its usual black state – although other colors are available by request.
Warm things like coffee mugs also cause the coating to change color, mimicking the unwanted rings left on conventional tables when people don’t use coasters. This was actually part of Watson’s inspiration for the set, as he states that it’s a comment "on how ‘precious’ we can become about the functionality of furniture, or oblivious to our impact on our surroundings.”
If you want a Linger a Little Longer of your own, Jay will gladly make you one – for £1,850 (US$3,007) including VAT (value added tax). Should you find that a little pricey, and if you’re really only into bum-prints, you can get a single bench for £450 ($731).
He can also make you a set of pendant lamps from your old socks.
Source: Jay Watson Design via If It’s Hip, It’s Here
The technology might serve better for animal studies or intruder footprint analysis.