New Word of the Day: dataSTICKIES

YD’s resident Design Strategist Hideshi Hamaguchi, who also happens to be the innovator of the USB Stick will be pleasantly surprised to see his vision take on such a productive form. dataSTICKIES are the next generation of data portability. They are graphene-based flash drives that replace USB data drives.

dataSTICKIES can be carried like a stack of sticky-back notes; each of them can be simply peeled from the stack and stuck anywhere on the ODTS (Optical Data Transfer Surface), which is a panel that can be attached to the front surface of devices like computer screens, televisions, music systems, etc. The device uses a special conductive adhesive that sticks them to the ODTS and serves as the medium that transfers the data.

Specs:

  • The special low-tack, pressure-sensitive adhesive is capable of being reused without leaving marks like a repositionable note.
  • When the dataSTICKIES are being read by the device, their edges light up.
  • The dataSTICKIES come in various colors and patterns that make data segregation according to type and size easier.
  • They can be stacked and used together for increased capacity, which also enables carrying them together.
  • The top surface can be written on.
  • If a file needs to be given to someone, a single sticky can be handed out rather than an entire pen drive.
  • The dataSTICKIES are not easily lost because they can be stuck down on any object.

dataSTICKIES is a 2013 Red Dot Award: Design Concept winner.

Designers: Aditi Singh & Parag Anand

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Radhika Seth
Radhika Seth is a design and technology writer with over 18 years of experience covering products, innovation, and the ideas shaping design. She serves on the jury of international design competitions, including the iF Design Award, and hosts Yanko Design’s Design Mindset podcast. A former Ogilvy advertising professional, she has also taught Communication and Design Journalism, bringing together her experience across design, storytelling, brands, and media.