It’s a problem often encountered – two people walking down the street, carrying umbrellas. In the limited space of the sidewalk, how do you pass each other without clashing or getting wet?

JooYoun Paek has devised a brilliantly simple solution to this issue. With the pull of a cord attached to the handle, her Polite Umbrella shrinks and morphs its shape to reduce occupied space, and help users maneuver around others and protect themselves from wind.

[ignant via Design You Trust]