The best ideas are often the simplest, and this theory is proved by the Eko Traffic Light. Just by looking at the image above you can probably tell what it does and how to read it.

Just in case you haven’t worked it out the “ecological & economic traffic light concept” informs drivers how much time is remaining before the red light turns to green, through the use of a simple clockwise countdown system. In theory, this allows motorists to anticipate the change of lights so they can move away with better fuel efficiency. Ideally, people could turn their engines off thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions.

Pretty cool, huh. Apparently so, as the judges from the Red Dot Design Awards gave the Eko a rubber stamp in their 2009 round of back patting.

As with most good plans, though, the theory doesn’t always marry with practice. Sadly, anticipation and even basic awareness are characteristics missing by many drivers. Then, well, there’s the obvious isn’t there. It must have been the elephant in the room at Eko HQ.

Was the Eko Traffic Light really designed by someone who cares about reducing emissions and stress. Or was it just designed by a hoon who likes to zoom away at traffic lights grands prix?