Image via Complex Original
Since its launch in 2009, Kickstarter, the world's largest crowdfunding platform, has been helping people with awesome creative projects attain the funding they need to bring their innovative ideas to millions. Despite the success of numerous companies and individuals, there are many more who unfortunately don't reach their funding goals on Kickstarter. But that doesn't mean they didn't have great ideas.
Some came close to meeting their target amount, while others were far from their ultimate objective. At the same time, many Kickstarter projects introduced a remarkably unique and creative technology that would have definitely taken the world by storm if they could have amassed enough funding. Check out our list of Design Kickstarters That Didn't Reach Their Goal But Should Have. And keep this list in mind the next time you're on the fence about funding a Kickstarter project.
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Halved
Created by: Fajar Kurnia, Jeremy Chia, Jo Djauhari
Goal: $7,538 ($3,019 pledged)
Looking for an easy way to diet and eat less? Halved offers consumers a strategic yet simple way to lose weight with a set of ceramic dinnerware that encourages healthier portion sizes through its innovative designs of halved plates, mugs, and bowls.
GoPlug
Created by: Josh Cross
Goal: $65,000 ($40,760 pledged)
GoPlug Power Bags provide a solution for those annoying times when your phone dies and you can't find an outlet. GoPlug Power Bags are sleek, lightweight, and water-resistant bags that are each equipped with a rechargeable built-in 12 volt Lithium Polymer battery, a grounded three prong standard outlet, and two USB ports. Available in both backpack and carry-on roller bag styles, the bags are capable of charging a smartphone up to six times, or a tablet or laptop computer twice, so that you never run out of power.
True-View
Created by: Peter Brennan & The Pratley Co.
Goal: $209,400 ($14,020 pledged)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to direct a 3D film? True-View, a device designed by the Pratley Company, makes you both the photographer and director of your own 3D content. Although the device shows some resemblance to the classic Fisher-Price View-Master toy, there's no comparison in functionality. The True-View allows you to take photos and videos in 3D and then view them later by downloading the True-View app and inserting your smartphone into the device's slot.
Morello
Created by: Andrew Tan
Goal: $58,632 ($3,417 pledged)
The one thing you can always count on to interfere with your daily commute is the weather. Although you have no control over what Mother Nature decides to dish out everyday, Morella makes it a little bit easier to combat rainy days while carrying a morning cup of Joe. The device is a cup holder that attaches to the handle of your umbrella, allowing you to trudge through inclement weather while sipping your favorite drink like a boss.
CODE Case
Created by: CODE Fluidics
Goal: $55,000 ($7,701 pledged)
Designed by Color Fluidics, CODE Case is a color-changing case for the iPhone 5 and 5S that allows consumers to change the color of their iPhone as often as they like. The design operates on a microfluid technology specially developed by Color Fluidics. Users send a tinted fluid into the back panel to change the case's color. The company's ultimate goal was to provide consumers with several different products that they can color customize, including, hats, sunglasses, and sneakers.
iThrone
Created by: Unicorn Design Studio
Goal: $25,000 ($1,965 pledged)
Many of us would not be able to function without our iPhones. Amaya Gutierrez and Kenji Huang of Unicorn Design Studios knew this when they came up with the design for their iPhone dock and sound amplifier, developed to resemble a royal throne. Available in both black and white, the device is not only aesthetically appealing, it is also functional. iThrone is cast in porcelain, a material which allows the dock to act as a speaker without any electronic components. If the developers had reached their funding goal, the iThrone would have undoubtedly been the iPhone accessory with the most personality.
LifePrint
Created by: LifePrint
Goal: $200,000 ($98,610 pledged)
LifePrint is a portable wireless photo printer for iPhones and Android devices. In a time when people across the world are simply snapping photos with their smartphones and uploading them to Instagram, the possession and disbursement of printed photographs is slowly becoming a thing of the past. LifePrint allows photo lovers everywhere to capture life's greatest moments without having to sacrifice the immediacy of today's technology.
Etcher
Created by: Ari Krupnik
Goal: $75,000 ($23,538 pledged)
The Etcher is an attempted throwback. Place it on an iPad, and it's the beloved toy of the '60s. With technology built by designers who worked on the Flip camera, The Etcher looks and works exactly like an Etch-A-Sketch. The creator, Ari Krupnik, even got an official license to use the Etch-A-Sketch trademark. You turn the knobs to draw and shake it to erase. The design even lets you share your creations online.
Phlite
Created by: Enlight Photo
Goal: $41,880 goal ($14,919 pledged)
Phlite allows you to both furnish and recycle. The removable lamp piece attaches to old photography gear, cameras, and tripods alike, transforming expensive useless items into home decor. The lampshades come in various designs, like "World-Map," and are a classic cylinder shape.
Opus
Created by: Innovation Factory
Goal: $10,000 ($2,769 pledged)
Innovation Factory may have invented the most convenient Apple accessory. Opus, the portable iPad and iPhone stand, doubles as an acoustic loudspeaker. Made of literal hunks of plastic, the Opus structural design allows for internal speakers without electricity and battery power. It works anywhere. It's light and suited for travel. Why didn't this reach its goal again?
Cella
Created by: Ecoid
Goal: $50,000 ($18,526 pledged)
Cella's low maintenance approach makes owning plants that much more appealing. The fresh, modern design of the microclimate pods allows for mosses and plug plants to flourish on what seems to be any surface. Stick Cella on your window, bathroom wall, or nightstand, and you have an instant indoor jungle.
2013 Richmond Mural Project
Created by: Art Whino Gallery
Goal: $36,000 ($4,338 pledged)
Art Whino Gallery wanted to curate 10 muralists to create 20 murals throughout Richmond, Virginia. The 2013 Richmond Mural Project was supposed to be the sequel to the gallery's first successful mural project, and a step in their larger plan to establish the city as a premier "landmark destination" for mural art in the U.S. We'd like to seem more projects like this get off the ground.
SK8FACE Film
Created by: Matt Bass
Goal: $180,000 ($10,784 pledged)
SK8FACE is a comprehensive documentary following Dogtown Cross' innovative designs and today's skateboard culture. With a sport so heavily ruled by style and aesthetics, graphics played an important part in skate history. Over 60 legendary skateboard artists, including Vernon Courtlandt Johnson, were interviewed for SK8FACE, but unfortunately Matt Bass was unable to raise enough money to make the film. We hope to one day see this masterpiece come together.
Doggie Cone
Created by: Trent Pettry
Goal: $18,000 ($12,864 pledged)
The concept behind Trent Pettry's Doggie Cone was simple and adorable as hell. The plastic mold allows pet owners to concoct frozen dog treats filled with their foods of choice. The Doggie Cone is designed to be a fun and interactive way for man's best friend to stay cool during warm weather. Dogs everywhere will never know this kind of joy.
Miclip
Created by: Daniel Travis
Goal: $6,000 ($2,082 pledged)
There are few things more annoying than tangled headphone wires. Miclip creator Daniel Travis created a simple, easy, and (still) much needed solution. The thin, plastic clip allows for quick chord coiling and is light enough to leave intact during headphone use. The Miclip works for headphones with or without mics, and comes in a variety of eight colors. Fingers crossed for next time, Travis.