This slimmed-down mechanical seven-segment display is a perfect example of that downsizing trend. When we saw [IndoorGeek]’s first vision of an electromechanical display, it was pretty chunky.

seven-segment display (Image courtesy of LXD, Inc.) In their natural state, liquid crystals line up with the orientation "rubbed" into the front and rear glass panels. The rubbings are microscopic ...

We’re used to seeing all manner of seven-segment displays, be they mechanical, electronic, or something in between. But what all these displays have in common is that they’re, you know, displays.