Industrial designer Kenji Takeuchi curated "Walking Sticks & Canes," a research exhibition currently running at the Triennale Milano. Takeuchi asked 17 fellow designers to re-imagine the titular object, considering the following:

"[The first walking stick] must have been one of those primitive objects that people made on the spot as needed. As time passed, it evolved in step with social changes and cultural developments, naturally taking on different purposes and meanings. At some point, it became a symbol of power and authority or religious status and later an icon of fashion and wealth."

"Today, it is commonly associated with older adults, who tend to be viewed with pity. However, some have found novel and fascinating ways to express their personalities and stories through their canes, making them a source of pleasure and pride. Some people have canes that are almost self-caricatures, some completely customise them to suit their needs, and others go to great lengths to find a perfect match for their taste. It is a universal yet understated subject with limitless potential for exploration."

You can see all 18 canes (Takeuchi himself designed one) here, but only five jumped out at me for having attempted—with varying degrees of success—to increase their functionality.

Cestino, by Portugese designer Hugo Passos, features a small integrated basket for gathering things in the garden.

Milanese, by Italian architect and designer Maddalena Casadei, perhaps takes inspiration from tablecloth clamps. The design provides a secure way to hang the cane at a table.

Gianni, by Italian architect Marialaura Irvine, playfully uses the material to hold a newspaper.

Off-Road, by Swiss industrial designer Michel Charlot, provides a wider base that doubles as a way to retrieve the cane if dropped. (Care would be required—I can see stepping on this thing too quickly and whacking myself.)

And finally Up, by Takeuchi himself, adds a paper cord wrap to the midsection of the cane. This provides purchase to the user when they are transitioning from seated to standing.

The exhibition was sponsored by Karimoku furniture, which prototyped the Up design.