A home and kitchen design fair in Russia has showcased what might be the future of the tap. One of the highlights of the LG Simplicity event was an interactive electronic system which could revolutionise the way consumers use their taps in yeas to come. In the design, the taps have no physical handles or controls. Instead, at the side the sink is a touch-activated control unit which doubles as an information display. At the touch of a fingertip, the tap can be turned on or off, the temperature adjusted or the rate of flow altered. The most ingenious part of the design is the units feedback capabilities as well as a visual indicator of whether the tap is flowing hot or cold, the unit itself is fitted with an element which either raises or lowers its own temperature to reflect that of the water, giving sensory feedback to the user. While the practical implications of this system to visually-impaired users is obvious, this technology could well appeal to a huge range of households who would benefit from this next step in the innovation of the kitchen sink and tap systems. Companies such as Franke, Perrin Rowe and Gessi are renowned for their inventive and forward-looking tap and sink manufacture, which feature the latest designs, materials, features and finishes.