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Air Conditioner
Willis H. Carrier designs the first air conditioning system to control temperature and humidity inside the house. This meant that on hot summer days the family could be inside the home where is was cool. -
Domestic Vacuum
The domestic vacuum changed how homes would be cleaned.The vacuum simplified and quickened the cleaning process for the women of the family. -
Electric Mixer
Herbert Johnson created the electric mixer that would simplify mixing in the cooking process. This invention paved the way for many other electric appliances in the kitchen. -
Electric Pop Up Toaster
The first pop up toaster saved time and energy. The toast would pop up when it was done allowing time for multitasking in the kitchen and was less likely to be burned than the non-pop up toaster. -
Blender
Stephan Poplawski assisted in the simplification of cooking with his invention of the blender. Before, there was no easy way of creating fine pieces of food or a smooth consistency of food. This made preparing meals much easier. -
Standalone Refrigerator
The way food was kept changed when the first standalone refrigerator was made. It had more room than the original version and there for could store more food products. The life of food was lengthened and meals could be saved for days or prepared ahead of time. -
Frozen Food
Clarence Birdseye took the idea of freezing food and offered quick-frozen foods to the public. This gave families the ability to keep foods preserved and extend the life of them. It also gave women the ability to feed their family with out preparing a meal. -
Clothes Dryer
The invention of the dryer meant that clothes did not have to hang dry outside. This was helpful as more clothes could be washed because they dried faster. It greatly helped women with their household chores. -
Microwave Oven
With the microwave oven, food could be re heated quickly and with little effort. This changed the way foods would be prepared for the individual and the family. Quick meals could be heated and served right away. -
Polaroid Camera
Dr. Edwin H. Land’s polaroid camera allowed a picture to be taken and developed in sixty seconds. Families could capture a moment and have a physical copy of it in a minute. -
Credit Card
The credit card changed the way people spent and thought about money. Families could make more purchased that before they could not. It was very popular as it eliminated the need to carry paper money. -
Television
The television changed how families spent their time. The living room because a popular area for the family to gather and watch programs. It also changed how families would get their news and information. -
VCR
With the VCR, it became a possibility to watch movies and taped programs in the comfort of the home. Families could gather together to enjoy the entertainment. -
Home Radio
Much like the television, the home radio brought the family together. It could be moved to different rooms in the house to enjoy music or a news program anywhere. -
Minicomputer
Digital Equipment introduces the PDP-8. It was the relatively small and had a relatively low price tag. Those that could afford it could now do office work from the home which effected some of the family dynamic. -
Home Security System
Though this idea took a few years to become functioning it was the start of home protection. Families could feel safe leaving their homes and would be protected while inside their home. -
Smoke Detector
The smoke detector increased the safety of a family in their home. Its technology detects the smoke from a fire and sets off an alarm to notify the family. -
Electric Sewing Machine
The electric sewing machine made sewing a quick job. Instead of mending ripped or tater clothes by hand, which was done primarily by the wife or mother, this machine could fix them with little physical effort. -
PC
The PC or person computer redefined the way families worked and communicated with each other. More work could be done at home instead of in the office effecting the amount of time families spent together. -
Disposable Camera
It was an affordable way to capture moments on film. One would simply take the photos then get them developed later to enjoy. -
USB Flash Drive
The USB flash drive changed the way information was carried from one device to another. You could load a project to it and open it from a work or home computer. It made the process more efficient. It allowed more work to be taken home, effecting the family home life. -
DVR
DVR can record multiple shows from the television to watch later. This is helpful when members of the family all want to watch a different show that could be on at the same time. With DVR no one will miss their program due to someone else. -
Bluetooth Technology
Bluetooth technology lets wireless devices connect to other devices. This first creation started with hands free phone use with an earpiece, allowing people to multitask, and has moved to many things like playing music and using a mobile device as a remote. -
FireFox
This internet web browser gained popularity in the home as each member of the family could do their own individual things or work together. -
Self-Cleaning Windows
These windows were treated with a special product on the outside that could break down water residue and bird dropping with sun light. This would cut down on time spent cleaning windows and leave more time for other activities. -
Roomba Robot Vacuum Cleaner
The Roomba was the first robot vacuum or its kind. Its small shape let it move around the room picking up dirt while not causing a disturbance. It took away the need for a person to do the vacuuming allowing for other things to be done in that time, such as family activities. -
Skype
Skype helped keep the face to face connection a possibility. For people that lived in different cities, states, or even countries could see and speak to another person through their computer. It helped build and keep connections for those not in the same place especially families. -
Facebook
This social media platform made it easy to share your thoughts and pictures with family and friends. It has become one of the most connective sites, helping people to stay in touch with others they may not see often. -
Apple iPhone
This device changed the way individuals and families communicate. It was now easier than ever to have a conversation or discussion without being with the other person. -
Apple iPad
The Apple iPad let individuals do anything they would on a computer but on a hand held device. It can be used to do work and as a social device. For children, too young for a mobile phone it can allow them to be creative and join in on the fun.
