Random Object Generator
- abacus
The random object generator draws from 40 physical objects picked for having a distinctive, drawable silhouette. Sextant, metronome, kaleidoscope, watering can. Abstract nouns and generic items are excluded, because neither gives you anything to work with as a prompt.
How it works
Two filters produced the list. Every entry must be a physical object you could hold or stand next to, and it must have a shape you could recognise in silhouette.
- Instruments and measures: barometer, compass, protractor, sextant, sundial, metronome, spirit level.
- Tools: anvil, crowbar, trowel, wrench, whisk, stapler, corkscrew.
- Optical: binoculars, kaleidoscope, monocle, periscope, telescope.
- Household: candlestick, doorknob, hourglass, lantern, thimble, umbrella.
Examples
A drawing prompt
How many
1
Result
sextant
A single object with a distinctive shape. That is the whole requirement for a drawing prompt, and it is why generic items like "box" are absent.
Three objects for a story prompt
How many
5
Result
gramophone, thimble, periscope, anvil, hourglass
Five unrelated objects force a connection, which is the standard constrained-writing exercise. The lack of a common theme is the point.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the random word generator?
The random word generator draws nouns, adjectives and verbs from a general vocabulary. This one draws only physical objects with distinctive shapes, which is what you want for drawing prompts and object-based writing exercises. There is no overlap between the two lists.
Why are there so many antique objects on the list?
Because they have more distinctive silhouettes. A gramophone, sextant or hourglass is instantly recognisable in outline; most modern equivalents are rectangles with screens.
Can I use these for a scavenger hunt?
Some, but check the draw first. A sextant and an anvil are not household items. The tool has no notion of how easy an object is to find.