What is Unplggd?  When did Unplggd launch?

Gregory Han: Unplggd officially launched in December of 2007 as an extension of Apartment Therapy, a network of home design and decor sites, focusing upon the realm of home technology products that bridge the gap between innovation and an aesthetic quality compatible with home decor. Basically Unplggd is a depository of tech ideas that can be described both as functional technology and a harmonious aesthetic presence within the home, particularly aimed at those of us who live in small spaces. Posts revolve just as much around DIY solutions and incorporation of technology as the tech items themselves.

Why should people read Unplggd?

I’ve always believed Unplggd offers a unique experience because it’s curated with a particular perspective specifically addressing the desire to incorporate electronics and appliances into the home with equal parts geek aspirations and decor sensibility. Simple, elegant and beautiful are characteristics we’re looking for foremost in any of our posts, mixed in with affordability and the occasional delight in tech ideas that evoke a sense of humour and/or wonder. People will find not only tech eye candy regularly on the site, but also practical solutions that result in a more beautiful home such as how to hide and manage components and accessories, automation/integration of tech appliances with the rest of the home, and home tech tours from our own readers that embody the ideals of the site. Unlike most tech/gadget sites, Unplggd strongly relies upon readers’ own contributions, questions and insights to steer the site topically, and that makes the site unpredictably challenging and fun.

As your focus is tech and design for the modern home, what gadgets or designs exemplify what Unplggd means to its readers?

The iPhone embodies many of the ideals we hope to promote on Unplggd (sans the horrible 3G network aspect). The simplicity and elegance of an item that evokes an emotional response and allows for incorporation into several different aspects of life inside and outside the home is where many solutions are converging. The iPhone’s appeal is rooted in a careful (if still flawed) balance of technology, aesthetics, an understanding of the tactile experience between user and product, and most importantly a simplicity in use that supersedes the technology itself. Well designed tech should be invisible…until you turn it on…when it then should bring a satisfaction with each use.

What do you love most about writing for Unplggd?

The fact that I’m writing about and discussing a topic I already did on my own personal blog with semi-regularity makes the job an easy and helluva enjoyable one. In many ways, writing for Unplggd is not so much about the writing itself but the community of sharing solutions, whether they be from personal experience or gleaned from outside sources. For me, sharing information via online has always had a strange appeal, and each day allows me to learn a little more about realms of tech that I didn’t know about the day before…and then share it with thousands of others! There’s something satisfying (or perhaps narcissistic) about being an informational conduit.

What are your favorite websites and why?

One of my favourite sites has just recently gone the way of the dodo (with prayers of a phoenix-like return): The Proceedings of the Athanasius Kircher Society, a site dedicated to the curiosity cabinet set of esoteric lore that probably taps into my hermit-like tendencies. Essentially an ancient days Gizmodo.

Image collective FFFFound! I don’t know how many times I’ve seen something on that site that inspired posts for Unplggd, especially due to their propensity to post vintage era technologies and designs. Beautiful images occasionally result in beautiful ideas.

And of course, not a day goes by without reading the behemoth known as Digg. It’s both an asset and a productivity killer because of the scope of range of topics that often results in online meander-itis. Plus I’d rather admit to being a reader of Digg than revealing my love of celeb-tastic, The Superficial…oops!

What gadgets/technology can you not live without?

Photo manipulation software is both a necessity of my occupation and the source of many of my recreational Photochopping activities (as most every one of my friends can attest). I love technology that allows that sort of open ended discovery, so I guess I’d have to say my Mac is the closest thing to a gadget I cannot live without.

Many find it amusing although I write for a tech site and have a reputation as a first adopter, I’m mostly a proponent for living with less technology, not more. I don’t own a cell phone because I don’t need one. Years ago I reduced my surround system to a single integrated virtual surround solution due to our small apartment. I’m in the process of ridding myself of all my gaming systems. If it wasn’t for my NBA-loving girlfriend, I might have gotten rid of our digital satellite system and flat panel by now. So in my heart, I don’t believe in being beholden to any particular technology unless it adds quantifiable utility and joy to my life. Own your technology, don’t let it own you.

If you could have lunch with any personality in tech/gadget design/development, who would it be and why?

I’d love to meet John Lasseter and Brad Bird over at Pixar, as they’re glowing examples of creators/designers who use technology as a means, not an end. Although they do not design “gadgets” per se, in many ways their creations exhibit the same characteristics evident in successful products like the Nintendo Wii or the iPhone: fun, simple, intuitive and immediately engaging. The beauty in their work is how seamlessly the technology disappears into the background while experience arises to the front.

As an owner of a vintage Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 4004 Record Deck (purchased from a retiring Playboy mag executive, no less!), I’d certainly wouldn’t pass up the chance to break bread with Jacob Jensen. The man designed over 500 product designs, many in the realm of home electronics, most every one  timeless in quality and exhibiting sublime everyday utility instead of gimmick-appeal that too often permeates throughout the tech/gadget realm.

List a few of your personal favorite Unplggd posts in recent memory.

DIY Stealth Swan Security System
This has to be one of my all-time favourite posts we’ve done on Unplggd because it hits all the marks. Peter is our resident DIY mad scientist-designer, and he took what was supposed to be a run of the mill product review into a humorous but effective home security solution.

Home Tech Tour: Hong Kong Condo
Some of our best content comes directly from readers, and home tech tours of small space solutions are always very popular.  The incorporation of multi-use areas for appliances and tech items in the cozy 500 sq. ft. space is practically a showroom for great tech ideas.

How to Stream Video to Your PS3
Occasionally just posting informational directions that extend the use of an existing product is extremely valuable, as was the case with this Playstation 3/TVersity post.

DIY Arcade Cabinet
This is actual a series of posts all interrelated, documenting a couple home arcade cabinet projects that really exhibit a level of commitment that inspires others to take those steps forward toward solutions that aren’t necessarily off the shelf.

Unplggd Final Frame
Each day we end with an image labeled Final Frame, and these are often my own favourite posts since they’re a little more free association than the rest of the content. Contributors are simply asked to post images from the past or present that embody the site’s goals to cover all beautiful things tech.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Gregory.  GearCravers, be sure to check out Unplggd.com for your daily dose of Home Tech.  If you love GearCrave, you’re sure to enjoy Unplggd as well!