The manufacturer Guy Dupont has taken the concept of skeuomorphism to its probably illogical conclusion and developed a tester for 9-V batteries that replicates the classic tongue tingle test – with its very own synthetic tongue.

“Are you tired of testing 9V batteries with your own tongue?” asks Dupont in support of his latest, somewhat unusual but undeniably useful electronic creation. “Ouch! It is my honor and privilege to present to you my latest product,” and what this “product” is requires a little explanation.

The “tingle test” is a classic way to check the remaining charge of a 9V battery. The positive and negative terminals are next to each other on the top: press the terminals against your tongue. The moist surface of your tongue completes the circuit and if the battery is charged, you will feel anything from a slight tingle to a surprising shock, depending on the remaining charge. If the battery is empty, you will feel nothing.

Skeuomorphism, on the other hand, is a sadly somewhat forgotten design practice that involves creating modernized objects with nods to their predecessors. This practice can be seen in everything from molded plastic objects that mimic rivets and screws to classic computer organization software that mimics a paper Filofax, complete with pages that can be “ripped out” and thrown in the trash.

In Dupont’s case, the battery tester’s skeuomorphic design is clearly visible: it’s a tongue, complete with lips and teeth. Embedded in the imitation rubber are a pair of sewing needles, which are connected directly to a vibration motor recycled from a broken Microsoft Xbox 360 controller. When the battery completes the circuit, 9V is fed into the motor – and the “tongue” apparently wiggles in response to the “tingle test.”

For more information about the project, including reactions ranging from fascinated to disgusted, see in Dupont’s Mastodon thread.