18
utorak
studeni
2025
Small Moments, Everyday Screens, and a Little Journey Into Round TFT LCDs
Life recently has been moving a little faster than usual. Ive been splitting my time between work,
walking around the city, exploring cafs, and reading random articles that somehow pull me into
deep technical rabbit holes. I dont know whether its the colder weather or simply the rhythm of
this part of the year, but Ive been paying more attention to small details around me especially
the screens that quietly exist everywhere.
Screens are in places we barely notice: the ticket machine I use for the bus, a tiny display on a coffee
grinder in a local shop, the circular interface on a portable speaker, the smart thermostat on my wall,
and even the interface at the laundromat. It feels almost funny that we all interact with displays
hundreds of times per day, yet most people never think about what type of display technology they are using.
A few days ago, while waiting for my coffee, I noticed the caf had installed a new grinder with a
small round display. It was stylish and clean, and somehow it made the entire device feel more
modern. That little display pulled me into reading more about why round TFT LCDs have become so
common in 20242025. It reminded me of the projects I worked on not long ago, where industrial
designers strongly preferred non-rectangle displays because modern products need a distinctive,
friendly look.
This small moment made me revisit an article I saved earlier, which explains the topic much better
than I can summarize here. It helped me organize my thoughts about how these displays are used in
different devices, especially in industrial and consumer applications. Here is the article I found
useful:
Round TFT LCD Displays: Technology, Use Cases, and Practical Guide 2025
What I found interesting while re-reading it is how many real-world devices now rely on round or
custom-shaped TFT displays. Smart home devices, vending interfaces, medical instruments, wearables,
and even modern car dashboard meters use them. They are no longer just cute design choices.
They have become functional components that enable simpler UI layouts, clearer interaction design,
and better use of limited surface area.
I also started thinking about all the little design decisions that product teams make. For example,
a circular UI forces the developer to rethink information hierarchy. You cant simply copy a rectangular UI
and paste it into a circle. It requires clarity and simplicity. Maybe that is why these screens feel
more modern they push designers to remove clutter.
Beyond aesthetics, the technology behind them has improved dramatically. Contrast, viewing angles,
brightness, and touch responsiveness are so much better compared to older modules. The price gap
between rectangular TFT modules and round versions has also become much smaller, which is probably
why cafs, gyms, beauty salons, and smart-home brands started adopting them rapidly.
On my way home that day, I looked around more intentionally. I saw a round interface on a public
bicycle rental station, a circular display on a smart lock, and another one on an interactive signboard.
It felt like I was discovering a pattern hidden in plain sight everyday screens becoming better and
more diverse as display technology evolves.
Maybe this is why I enjoy writing these casual notes. They help me connect everyday life with the
technology behind the scenes. And sometimes, a small circular screen on a coffee machine is all it
takes to open an unexpectedly deep technical curiosity.
If you are also curious about this trend, I recommend checking the article linked earlier. It explains
the engineering side clearly without being overly technical. As someone who enjoys both technology
and small everyday observations, it was surprisingly enjoyable to read.
