Man vs Time

At any given time, there are about 18 million elevators operating around the world. They form the backbone of the modern city and have quite literally shaped the world we live in. But have you ever given any thought to just how much time they are actually saving you? Or maybe, deep down, they make you lose some, right?

Since the beginning of time, humanity has been on a quest to go further and get there faster. Over time, roads have evolved from footpaths to high-speed highways. Today, we take them for granted, but have you ever wondered if they are really saving us time?

Many of us spend hours, days, weeks and even months in these air-conditioned paradises where everything is under one roof. Shopping malls have not only changed the way we shop, they have also changed the way we think about shopping. And of course, they changed the way we spend our time… for better and for worse.

The invention of the airtight plastic container in 1946 changed the way we shop for food, the way we cook and the way we eat. They allow us to eat on the go, prepare meals in advance, and reduce food waste. But somewhere along the way, did they also contribute to an expectation of hyper-productivity?

Discovered by accident in 1946, the microwave oven revolutionized kitchens and is now one of the most ubiquitous household appliances in the world. But the technology behind it is about so much more than popping corn. In fact, it just might just be the greatest time saver of all time.

Originally invented to save lives, the disposable cup has become an essential accessory for busy people. But is it all an illusion? Do these single-use cups actually save us time? Or is it just a way to meet our need for immediacy?