Polite Umbrella – Shrink it as you like

Do you respects people’s personal space in a public area?

Joo Paek does and he created a shrinkable umbrella that can be shaped to reduce occupied space in public places.

The user can adjust their umbrella by pulling a handle so that one can protect themselves from harsh winds or bumping into others. Additionally, graphic images printed on the umbrella have animated effects which create gestures of politeness such as bowing or hand gestures. Furthermore the umbrella has readable quotes related to good manners in order to initiate communications.

Joo Paek designed it in 2005 but still it is not in the market (at least I have not seen it). If it were available I would certainly buy one.