The Quiet Genius of the Umbrella

As I took my umbrella out of my bag, opened and closed it, then placed it back inside, I paid close attention to every small detail of the experience. I repeated the process several times to understand it more clearly, reflecting on its overall portability and functionality.

The canopy is made of a polyester and the frames are of lightweight steel ensuring both sturdiness and easy to carry. It can withstand a fair rush of the wind, though not the extreme wind of the UK. Now, I understand why people here choose not to carry one at all. The smooth sliding and mechanism and the hook at the top of the opening feels effortless, a well thought design. When fully opened, mine is wide enough to cover at least two people.

And the folding mechanism is very satisfying. A quick press of the button right where the thumb lies while holding, the umbrella starts collapsing almost ready to be packed. The small strap with tie wrap popper secures everything neatly. The adjustable stem similar to that of a telescope is well thought of as the preferred height of the umbrella. I often wonder whether the telescope inspired the design of the umbrella, or if it was the umbrella that influenced the telescope. I like to think there’s some connection between the two. Again, very simple yet effective thought of design. The umbrella’s canopy is blue, while my sister's is red, so easily distinguished to settle the war of siblings. Perhaps the designer also had this in mind too, making it simple to tell whose umbrella is whose.

Rain or shine, an umbrella in a bag is of no harm.