Coolest Gadgets and Gizmos

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-27T11:11:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Paper Cut
More Than Signals
Independent Wheelchair Assistant
The Smoothest iPod Dock
Light Metamorphosis

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 05:05 AM PST

Möwe – Dream Paper Concept looks at the possibility of having intelligent paper that prints, auto cuts and folds 3-D paper projects. A lot of folks indulge in 3-D scale models and it is an interesting hobby. Mac takes the idea a step further by suggesting that what if we could control "where and how far to fold and also when to fold via Bluetooth or WiFi, it means you could move paper as you like without touching it. (It's like embedding Javascript in paper!)" Building models from Google 3D Warehouse would be child's play even for the non-devout! Awesome!

Designer: Mac Funamizu

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(Paper Cut was originally posted on Yanko Design)

More Than Signals

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 04:43 AM PST

The Sólo is a modular traffic signal that can be easily disassembled and used for other purposes. A good example is the event of a road mishap, and how the lights can be intelligently used to create a detour for oncoming traffic. Even for road repairs; if the street is closed, may as well use the lights for marking out the hazard space! Clever use of LED lights ensure eco-sense and the modular format give the lights the versatility to be used in numerous circumstances.

MODULE: H: 300mm; W: 290mm; L: 168mm | weight: MODULE: 2.3 kg

Designers: Matheus de Luca, Moreira Pinto & Porto Alegre

Independent Wheelchair Assistant

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

Inspired by his grandfather who has been in a wheelchair since the age of 20, designer Oscar Fernandez created the electric Independent Wheelchair Assistant to help users independently access their local communities in a safe and easy way. The design utilizes the user’s own wheelchair, acting as a true assistant and eliminating the need to constantly transfer between other devices like scooters or power chairs. Hit the jump to check out its unique functionality.

The user attaches to the device from the rear via a small bracket that must be attached to the wheelchair. The bracket slides into the back of the IWA, lifting the two front castor wheels of the wheelchair off the ground. The bracket locks into place, securing the chair and transferring the weight evenly across the four large wheels of both the IWA and the users’ wheelchair. Equally simple controls allow the connection to be made or released with the press of a single button. There’s even a headlight for night riding!

Designer: Oscar Fernandez

The Smoothest iPod Dock

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

The slim and stylish Glide is a minimal yet elegant take on the iPod docking station that will look great in contemporary and classic settings alike. Speakers located on the tips of its solid wood wings create an aesthetic of lightness and balance in contrast with its powerful and crisp sound quality.

Designer: Matthew Hicks

Light Metamorphosis

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

Using a polyjet printer allowed designers at Voxel Studio to use a variety of materials with unique properties and textures to create the Cocoon lamp. The lamp’s organic form is truly a representation of its unique construction- similar to the way caterpillars use fast hardening liquid from their spinnerets to build their cocoon shells, the polyjet applies liquid photopolymer through nozzles which then hardens in UV light.

Designer: Voxel Studio

Daily designer news

2012-01-27T05:20:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

Guimaraes Jazz 2011 posters

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 09:47 PM PST

Some cool posters for a jazz festival by Atelier Martino&Jaña.

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-26T11:08:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Kinetic Leaf
A Day in the Life of … Steve Jobs?
Modular Maestro
Find Tranquility in Furniture
Space Saving Cable Clip

Kinetic Leaf

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 05:31 AM PST

Leaf Wireless Mouse scores big time on looks and has a decent enough direction as far as tech aspects go. The one thing that we do with our mouse the most is to move it around. Based on this, the designers have created a concept that uses its motion to self-power the mouse. It sounds like a whiff of air for now, but imagine if we could have a wireless mouse that did not tank up on so many batteries every month? Because I use it so much, I tend to replace my Magic Mouse battery every 7-8 days. I say go for Leaf right now!

Designers: Lu Hairong and Zhang Xuehui

A Day in the Life of … Steve Jobs?

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 04:08 AM PST

After reading the book, we all know what Job's day was like … no power points, long walks to trash out problems, ritual lunch with Jony Ive, inspiring sessions with A-level executives, zero tolerance for bozos and shit products, rounded off with a vegan meal. But that was Steve … what about you? YD is curious to know what is your typical day like? Better still show it to us! Send us a video of a day in your life. Grab your iPhone or music player or digicam; just any recorder and capture how you deal with creative blocks, inspirational moments, eating lunch or hanging out with your friends; any theme will do.

General Guidelines

Record a video of what your typical day is like
The video has to be no more than 3 minutes long
Just have fun and basically give us an idea of how you like to spend your day
The good, the bad, the ugly… any approach will do as long as it is authentic

Suggested Themes

Dealing with creative blocks
Inspirations
Rituals that you follow
Stuff that ticks you off
Fun Day
A day with you!

The Booty

The best submissions will be featured on YD as an exclusive showcase. This is your moment to shine and show to the world how fun and creative you can be.

Submission Procedure

You can upload your video on Youtube or Vimeo and send the link to videos@yankodesign.com
Alternatively you can email us the file at videos@yankodesign.com

Last date for submission: 8th February 2012, midnight PST

Modular Maestro

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

Blu is a modern musical instrument that draws inspiration from the keyboard, re-imagining keys in a modular and flexible way. Much in the same way a child learns to build structures from toy blocks, they can learn to understand tonality and song composition simply by changing the position of the modular keys around the central unit to control pitch and timing of the notes. Its smart, colorful user interface makes learning music an exciting and memorable experience.

Designer: Eric Pautz

Find Tranquility in Furniture

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

Alain Gilles’ designs, the BuzziHood and BuzziBooth for Buzzispaces, (thats a whole lotta Buzzi!) are all about personal space, privacy, and intimacy. The wall-mounted BuzziHood pictured here offers a quick escape from the surrounding cacophony of distractions so you can have a moment of peace for a phone call or just a quick breather. The BuzziBooth provides a private and comfy setting for intimate conversation in public spaces. Each is made of 100% recyclable, sound-absorbing fabric.

Designer: Alain Gilles for Buzzispaces

Space Saving Cable Clip

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

The ISI clip provides a straightforward and super easy way of managing computer and power cables. The simple, flexible steel clamp can be placed on the edge of any standard size desk or leg to keep cords in order and out of the user’s way.

Designer: Devraj Bhadra

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-25T11:38:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Rozetkcus Trilogy Continues
Sublime Form of Ovum
iBaby
Fanboy Table
Accessible Appliance
Equestrian Inspired EV

Rozetkcus Trilogy Continues

Posted: 25 Jan 2012 01:11 AM PST

The Rozetkcus trilogy continues with this innovative wall socket iteration. A grid of 9 socket points allow you to configure how you plug in the devices based on the plug shape. Kinda like plug-art! Is it a clever solution to the multi-tap? Maybe…what do you think?

Designer: Art Lebedev Studio

Sublime Form of Ovum

Posted: 25 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

The boxy classic form of washing machines has rarely seen any refreshing innovations. Yes, the tech aspects have seen performance shoot up; we get cleaner whites, brighter colors and drier washes. To step up the game and break into fluid aesthetics, we have here the Ovum Concept. Inspired by the natural form of a pebble, the Ovum hope to evoke a more sophisticated stature for this humble appliance. If you have the space, then surely go for it!

Designer: Adrian Larripa

iBaby

Posted: 25 Jan 2012 12:03 AM PST

This design truly pushes the iPhone’s capability to the next level! The Home Ultrasound Device aims to enhance the pregnancy experience directly from your phone. Connected to the iPhone, the device can capture ultrasound images of an unborn baby and allows rapid sharing with doctors, family members and friends within seconds over wifi or its built in printer. On top of all that, the device also doubles as a baby monitor after the little one comes home!

Designer: Jung Jun Hwang

Fanboy Table

Posted: 25 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

Here’s an iDesk for your iDevices! Designed specifically for Apple products, this table by designer Sebastian Lara features a cleft, angled indention that supports and charges your iPod, iPhone or iPad. At the center there is also a built-in, hideaway platform that will hold your tablet at an ergonomic angle for working or reading.

Designer: Sebastian Lara

Accessible Appliance

Posted: 25 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

Prometheus is a multifunctional kitchen appliance aimed at giving handicapped users the experience of cooking safely at home. The unit uses magnetic induction that allows the user to change temperatures simply by repositioning metal pots. The electric current is induced in a closed circuit when the magnetic flux through the surface bounded by the conductor changes. Visual and audio cues as well as braille and embossed instructions also provide added safety and ease of use for various types of impairment.

Designer: Luiz Otávio Abreu

Equestrian Inspired EV

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 02:57 PM PST

The Fayton, inspired by the natural (horse) and human (carriage) components of the phaeton horse-drawn buggy of the 19th century, is a project aimed at providing comfortable transportation with a minimal carbon footprint. The EV’s most noticeable features are its transparent body and large glass canopy that provides a 360 degree view outside. The sunroof is made of four glass pieces that, when open, fold back and resemble a horses mane.

Designer: Utkan Kiziltug

Daily designer news

2012-01-25T05:20:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

Background Artworks

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 07:04 PM PST

The art of blending into the background by Peruvian artist Cecilia Paredes.

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-24T11:19:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Riot Slower Downer

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

With widespread protesting and rioting on the rise, it’s no wonder that concepts like this have become a more popular design subject. Disperse is a system of transportable triangular units that can be arranged in combination to create a series of honeycomb paths that rioters must weave through to reach the destination on the other side. Like the name suggests, the aim is to disperse the mass of people into manageable numbers that law enforcement can safely contend with.

Designer Hsu Sean also hopes that the system would also calm rioters progressively as they worked their way to the other side. It might be wishful thinking, but it’s an interesting concept nonetheless!

Designer: Hsu Sean

Plants Love Your Leftovers

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

To many, the idea of starting a compost pile seems like a daunting task. Few of us have large enough outdoor areas or the time and patience to manage. The Nepenthes planter provides a smaller, cleaner way of recycling organics and growing your own food. Simply place your leftovers down the hatch and let the bacteria do the rest. Nutrients will be released back into the soil where they can be used by plants. No need to worry about the smell, a built in carbon filter ensures the planter stays smelling fresh.Kinda looks like a carnivorous pitcher plant!

Designer: Khitrova Anna

Daily designer news

2012-01-24T05:06:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

Featured illustrator: Yuko Shimizu

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 06:56 PM PST

Japanese artist Yuko Shimizu’s world is totally amazing. Discover more of her illustrative work on her website, make sure you also don’t miss her blog.

Get your installation of WordPress for free

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 06:42 PM PST

We are glad to share our latest website: Setup WP. The service gives you a free WordPress setup if you get your hosting from one of the site’s partners.

The free service includes the installation of WordPress core, a package of must-have plugins and a package of themes. If you are looking to create your portfolio or blog with WordPress, this is the perfect solution for non-technical designers.

Are you planning to start a blog or a portfolio soon? Don’t wait and order your free WordPress installation

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-23T11:09:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Moto-inspired Beemer
Display Your Magazines
Digital Skin
Connections are Everything
Wheelchair for Air Travel

Moto-inspired Beemer

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 09:19 AM PST

Simone Madella’s BMW Tandem is the latest in a trend of concept autos that take inspiration from motorcycles, mixing some of the advantages of both to create a futuristic, adrenaline pumping, and unique vehicle. The Tandem is powered by the same 193 HP engine found in the BMW S1000rr motorcycle. The moto-inspiration can also be seen in its sporty yet light exterior styling and, of course, the tandem seating in the cockpit.

Designer: Simone Madella

Display Your Magazines

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 09:00 AM PST

What to do with all those magazines? For starters, throw them out or give them away. Minimize your life. If you can’t, then pay attention to my finger. It’s pointing at you while the word “hoarder” flies out of my mouth. So if you have to keep them, check out the Magazine Globe. It’s designed for reception areas but anyone can use it really. Comes flat packed for easy shipping too. My only issue is once you fill it up to capacity, it’ll be kind of hard to skim covers.

Designer: Niels Kjeldsen

Digital Skin

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 02:46 AM PST

As intuitive as touchscreen tablets maybe, I think there are certain situations where you wish you could add on the keyboard for a more comfortable laptop experience. PC Digital Skin addresses this need in a very clever way. It is the combination of a tablet, a mobile phone and a lizard-skin cover, which doubles up as a Bluetooth keyboard. All three used together, give you the perfect laptop experience and yet retain their individuality.

The trinity sync via Bluetooth and the natural texture of lizard skin conceal the keyboard seamlessly. Very clever indeed!

Designer: Sono Mocci

Connections are Everything

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

The conceptual Opportune smartphone app tracks a user’s interests based on keywords from their Facebook updates, web searches, and frequented sites and gives them real-time geolocated “connections” that might be able to help them with something they’ve been searching for. For example, someone in the market for a house could walk in to a coffee shop and see that a real estate agent is at the same coffee shop. With a simple click of a button the two can link up and talk business within minutes!

Designer: Itai Miller

Wheelchair for Air Travel

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

For those confined to a wheelchair, getting around onboard an aircraft can be quite challenging & usually requires assistance from one of the flight crew. Adding this element to the already frustrating flying experience can discourage users from travlling altogether. This is where the Skycare Chair wins- utilizing wheels placed under the seat rather than at the sides & a hand-operated lever system to move forward or backward. It offers independence when moving to & from the lavatory or from chair to gate.

Designer: Brian Liang

Daily designer news

2012-01-23T05:14:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

DC Comics logo re-design

Posted: 22 Jan 2012 07:34 PM PST

The recent re-design of the DC Comics’ logo was received with a lot of hate. I don’t really understand the reasons for hating it, as I find it quite successful. I like the simple version of the logo, but it the branding applications that are really awesome.

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-20T11:14:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Not a Pamphlet, It’s a Smartphone
Time for a 3 D Phone
Sublime Shelving
Big Bold Lamp
Retro-Futuristic Yacht

Not a Pamphlet, It’s a Smartphone

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 07:51 AM PST

Clutch your pearls because I’m about to say something amazing – nanoparticles! Yes these tiny, near invisible objects can revolutionize the bio medical, optical and electronic fields so designer Ilshat Garipov put pen to paper and came up with the Smartphone Booklet – a disposable phone as thin as a cardboard made possible by switching from traditional silicon to nanoparticles.

The Booklet unfolds like a pamphlet with each side representing a commonly used application or function. Manufacturers can cut it to any size and once it’s worn out, just recycle it. Don’t worry about private information because everything is served from a cloud. Power is supplied by, SURPRISE, the sun thanks to energy absorbing nanoparticles.

How close is this to reality? Unfortunately not close enough but scientists are working feverishly to find a breakthrough in this field of study so in the meantime hold on to your iPhones, Droids, Galaxies, and Luminas.

Designer: Ilshat Garipov

Time for a 3 D Phone

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 03:36 AM PST

The Floating Phone gives us an idea of how 3 D cellphones will look and feel like. The fantasy is about the experience and how we can a flat touchscreen intuitively rises to your finger touch and makes dialing or texting a whole new adventure. The added functionality of doubling up as a Braille phone just goes to so the versatile applications we can have to this kinda phone. Imagine what a PSP Phone like this will be….thrills unlimited!

Designers: Messizon Li, Yang Fan, Linghan Liu, Li Ke, Pengcheng An, Yunlong Zhu & Zhangxia Ruan

Sublime Shelving

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 12:03 AM PST

I want this and I want it BAD! Smartsquare is a simple, beautiful and customizable shelving solution made of bent plywood (and pure genius) that takes modularity to the next level. Each square module can be connected through side-slits that allow the creation of unique compositions that can be adapted to any size space or style.

Designer: Pietro Russomanno

Big Bold Lamp

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

Raising Lanterns take the form of stacked cylindrical shapes reminiscent of classic lamp shades only without the base. The interchangeable cylinders come in both floor and pendant lamp designs and can be rearranged in a number of combinations to suit the user’s taste. Don’t be deceived by its size and volume though, this design is actually flat-pack ready!

Designer: Studio Lawrence

Retro-Futuristic Yacht

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

The striking Gran Marlin 46 is characterized by strong, clean lines inspired by contemporary architecture & the sporty aesthetic of classic Fisher-man boats. Though the exterior is futuristic, the interior spaces are more traditional & utilizes every inch of space to maximize comfort, privacy & overall livability at sea. Like any great yacht, the Marlin has a countless number of modern features like a tender garage, high-tech acoustic insulation, & a separate living area with direct access to a sea-level platform.

Designer: KEYFRAMEstudio

Daily designer news

2012-01-20T05:17:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

Double dish

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 06:23 PM PST

Finally a solution to collecting your snacks left-overs. Found on The Spoon Sisters.

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-19T11:21:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Written Messages
Life-Size Tetris!
WiFi Fireplace, Seriously!
Hanging Hangers

Written Messages

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 02:06 AM PST

Rediscover the art of writing to your friends rather than typing on cold keyboards. Get it done with 'Handwriting', a digital tool fashioned as a pen that replicates this long forgotten art! Photoelectric sensors on the tip record your messages and transfer to your chat-friends via the Internet. Your friend's chat appears on the side screen of the pen. Friends online and available for tête à tête are indicated via flashy lights and I think its kinda cool.

Designer: REN Fangying

Life-Size Tetris!

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 12:04 AM PST

The blocky styling of the To Gather series of furniture is more than just a little reminiscent of the famous puzzle video game Tetris! The modular sofa engages the user with individual elements that can be pieced together to form countless seating combinations that will never get old. A convertible loveseat/sofa, chairs available with or without arms, and a variety of colors offer even more personal customization.

Designer: Studio Lawrence

WiFi Fireplace, Seriously!

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 12:03 AM PST

Designed with intelligent mobility in mind, fireplace manufacturer Escea’s handsome new line of gas fireplaces give users the ability to control all aspects of the fireplace directly from their iPhone or Android smart phone. Simply download the app and in a jiffy you can control the temperature, flame, and manage the timer. Like the ultra wide, see-through DX1500 model featured here, the line is not only smart but incredibly stylish!

Designer: Escea

Hanging Hangers

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

Gotta love this clever design by designer Jo Jae-Min. From afar the Dual Hanger looks like a stylish yet fairly standard coat rack, but take a closer look and you’ll notice that its removable “hooks” actually double as coat hangers!

Designer: Jo Jae-Min

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-18T14:11:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Teaness
Shopping Assistant for the Blind
Tablet Phone or Phone Tablet – You Decide
Inner Beauty
Wheelchair GT

Teaness

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 08:29 AM PST

I consider myself to be an amateur tea connoisseur, not so much about actual tea leaves. More so on the entire experience of making tea. Electric kettles, teapots, cups, etc. I have a whole cupboard filled with various tea sets and I’m so ready to throw down some cash to obtain TeaForTwo by designer David Pickett. They’re modern, handmade, 100% ceramic with a simple, functional yet elegant design. The main teapot with the exaggerated spout is genius. Love it. Fits me to a “tea”. Designer: David Pickett Tea

Shopping Assistant for the Blind

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 08:23 AM PST

The See assistive technology concept aims to alleviate some of the difficulties in the process of product consumption that affect so many people with visual impairments. The ingenious bracelet-to-headphone system allows the user to scan bar-codes directly from their wrist and receive real-time audio information about the product at hand. Using the tool, visually impaired users can now compare prices of similar items, understand technical data, and easily find the desired color of a product they are seeking.

Designer: Dinard José da Mata Filho

Tablet Phone or Phone Tablet – You Decide

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 05:03 AM PST

Mobikoma is a concept phone based on modules that fasten on to each other via micro locks. Each module has its own power supply and computing processor making it a powerful individual. However the purpose is to use them collectively as a phone and if you're in the mood for it, a mini tablet. There are two specific elements dedicated to the SIM storage with phone memory and microphone. These elements are distinguished with their fancy etchings on the back.

Proposed Specs

From two of these concept elements you can design mini cell phone sized 22mm x 44mm x 6mm.
On the key elements there are programmed buttons.
Other elements are without buttons.
On the lateral surfaces in the middle of the fixing tape there are apertures.
The locks of elements become apart after pushing by pin or similar subject in these apertures.
You can design a new needed form from these elements.
The touch screen needs thermal and kinetic operator energy for charging with the help of special adapter.
This tablet has all kinds of wireless communication (wi-fi).
Maximal size can be 1.5m x 2m.
54 elements – the tablet computer
2 elements – little cell phone
18 elements – cell phone – backside

Designer: Kamil Izrailov

Inner Beauty

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

Plenty of lighting designs utilize reflective plates to maximize their output and direction, but none do it quite like the Eclipitic Lamp. A metal cone delicately descends inside an acrylic passage, reflecting the beam from above outwards. The intensity of the the light increases or decreases depending on the position of the reflective cone which changes in clear view of the user through its clear tubular casing.

Designer: James McNab

Wheelchair GT

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

As you might have guessed by the name, the Ultra Long Distance Wheelchair was designed to extend the thrill of long distance touring to cyclists with disabilities. Inspired by the principles of GT automobiles, the trike was designed with an emphasis on comfort and high speed over straight-out performance, though it’s certainly not lacking. It’s one ultra-stylish ultra-tourer!

Designer: Andrew Mitchell

Daily designer news

2012-01-18T05:37:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

A new website for Milton Glaser

Posted: 17 Jan 2012 07:18 PM PST

New York graphic designer Milton Glaser has recently updated his website. With a very clean layout, you can browse his work and buy stuff from his store. Make sure you don’t miss the most interesting part of the site, the case studies.

Saul Bass title sequences

Posted: 17 Jan 2012 06:49 PM PST

Saul Bass fans rejoice, a website has compiled every title sequences created by the iconic designer. Check it out there.

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-17T12:19:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Opel Experimental Vehicle
Cooking on Time
Clever ID Tag
Breaking Grounds with Brick
Trike Chair
Modern Phototherapy for Newborns

Opel Experimental Vehicle

Posted: 17 Jan 2012 09:46 AM PST

This futuristic EV is Opel’s premier aim at delivering electric mobility that’s affordable for everyone. The Rak e (pronounced rack-ee) is made entirely of recyclable, synthetic material and weighs only a third the weight of a modern car. The Rak E offers zero-emission driving and can travel 61 miles on a single 3 hour charge. The “inside-out” design approach dictated the unique form which features exposed rear wheels and a fighter plane-like cockpit fit with information displays and infotainment.

Designer: KISKA in cooperation with Opel

Cooking on Time

Posted: 17 Jan 2012 07:49 AM PST

Well here’s a novel idea; an integrated timer on a pot lid called Time Me. Set exactly how long something is to simmer, boil, blanche and whatever else cookbooks tell you to do. This idea seems so obvious. If you’ve seen something similar, shoot me a link otherwise I’m going to have to call Captain Oblivious because this is most certainly a job for him. There’s no mention of what kind of “ding” the timer will make, because you know – that ding is very important. Zojirushi rice cookers hum a little diddy when they’ve completed their cook cycle. This needs something similar.

Designers: Wu Yi-chen , Wan Ru-yi, Liu Xiaoming, Xie Yan-cong & Zhou Zhou

Clever ID Tag

Posted: 17 Jan 2012 03:34 AM PST

Braille Electric Plug Tags are Velcro fastening labels that identify a plug using Braille, embossed icon and English abbreviation of products. The concept is backed by the research that many independent visually impaired folks find it difficult to identify their appliance/gadget plugs, especially when many of them are hooked on a multi-socket power board. Clever and easily reusable, the concept is good for regular folks too.

Braille Electric Plug Tags is a 2011 red dot design concept winner.

Designer: Shuwen Chen

Breaking Grounds with Brick

Posted: 17 Jan 2012 03:03 AM PST

Brick is a sleek personal computer with a transparent display that kinda reminds you of concepts that Mac likes to work on. The concept here uses technology to the max by packing in features like magnifier, text translation, video and still photography, projector and much more. Working on the maxim that "a PC is no longer a PC anymore," the designer duo want to convey that accessible networks and true mobility are the key ingredients of futurist products…even if it's a PC!

Designers: Shaocheng Huang & Yuyin Huang

Trike Chair

Posted: 17 Jan 2012 12:05 AM PST

This interesting design aims to fulfill two very distinct functions: recreational biking and seating! At first glance, the C-Bike is just a chair on wheels, but attach it’s front-mounted 3rd wheel and you’ve got a fixed gear trike for trips to the park or around the neighborhood. A stabilizer on the inside of each wheel ensures you won’t roll away when your seated.

Designer: Reza Rachmat Sumirat

Modern Phototherapy for Newborns

Posted: 17 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

The Firefly is the first low-cost phototherapy device trusted by Southeast Asian clinicians to be used for treating newborn jaundice in the same room with mothers in rural hospitals, optimizing the cycle of phototherapy and feeding for rapid and effective treatment. Its combination top & bottom phototherapy, table-top size, easily cleanable bassinet, intuitiveness, and high-tech aesthetic make it an ideal (and affordable) device for low-resource, remote settings like Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Designer: Design that Matters

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-16T11:31:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Mercedes’ 125th Anniversary
Well Configured Life
Ironing with a Twist
Relaxation Pod
Living Lotus

Mercedes’ 125th Anniversary

Posted: 16 Jan 2012 08:52 AM PST

Mercedes Benz celebrated its 125th anniversary last year. There aren’t many motor companies that can lay claim to lasting longer than a centennial. It seems a creative light switch was turned on in Stuttgart because that A Class concept they released last year was absolutely stunning. Excuse me, my mind is still blown. On a completely related yet unrelated note (read: not an official Benz concept), designer Peter Verdai created this concept to celebrate 125 years of 3-pointed star awesomeness.

Fluidity, speed, dynamic and streamlined. That’s what I see. There’s a heavy influence from aircraft design. The wheels contain a 3-spoke/star assemblage because we all know how much bigger Benz’ logo has grown over the years. Quite garish but clever. The overall design is definitely polarizing but that’s why I’m posting this. I want to see more ideas like this. Like Peter’s idea and Mercedes Benz’ A Class concept, I want to see creative ideas that will have half the people screaming blooding sacrilege.

Designer: Peter Vardai

Well Configured Life

Posted: 16 Jan 2012 01:09 AM PST

Steve Jobs once said that people don’t know what they until you show it to them. This is probably why we have independent gadgets now vying for integration with features of mainstream products. Can your tablet take good pictures; is your cellphone smart like a computer; can your MP3 player shoot videos? Not only are we duplicating applications, we are also diluting the individuality of a device. I'm not going to judge on the technology wastage here, instead I'll update you on concepts like the Lifebook. An idea that integrates a tablet, camera, phone and music player to collectively form the hardware for a laptop! They all work independently to support their unique identity and yet unify to create a magical device.

The proposed Lifebook is a laptop computer concept based on the principle of "shared hardware". Currently a lot of hardware is wasted when we use separate devices, as there is often a lot of "repeat" of data stored and features. For example if I have my songs on my music player, why do I have to block the same amount of storage on my laptop? Similarly, if I have a processor sitting in my tablet, why can it not also run/assist my laptop? If I have a fully functional camera with its own memory and image processing power, why do I need to have it repeated in my laptop?

Designer: Prashant Chandra

Ironing with a Twist

Posted: 16 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

The 360 Iron is the result of an exploration into the evolution of the common iron and a representation of key improvements made to an appliance that has otherwise experienced minimal change over the years. The design revolves around a flexible, ergonomic joint that transfers twisting of the wrist to the iron itself thereby reducing hand-strain. A touch-screen display replaces complex dials and buttons adding to its intuitiveness and overall easy of use.

Designer: Bernardo Bajana

360 iron from Bernardo Bajana on Vimeo.

Relaxation Pod

Posted: 16 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

A response to increasingly urbanized environments, the SleepBox is a contemporary piece of furniture designed to be resting spot in semi-public spaces like airports and offices. To withstand constant use, the solid shell is composed of hardwearing, durable HIMACS that also makes the seamless appearance possible. It’s as visually captivating as it is tonal for catching up on a little R&R.

Designer: Caspar Lohner

Living Lotus

Posted: 16 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

This delicate-looking, floral inspired design by Hyun-Seok Kim at first looks like a sculptural floating egg, but when the petal-like sides come down the interior is revealed as a cabin fit with an underwater panoramic view, convertible sofa-bed, and water level deck. The Fiorella isn’t so much a yacht as it is a maneuverable floating picnic spot, but it is just as entertaining!

Fiorella has a water jet engine and eight nozzles are attached with water jet control valves. These eight nozzles control direction as well as act as a stabilizing system. Acceleration sensors adjust the nozzles and 16 petals in tandem to control its balance perfectly.

Designer: Hyun-Seok Kim

Daily designer news

2012-01-16T05:06:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

Fast food: ads vs reality

Posted: 15 Jan 2012 05:45 PM PST

A cool side project by a photographer to expose the false promises of fast food advertisements. The project says a lot about advertisement, and maybe even more about fast food. Now I’ll wait for someone to go pick up models out of studios to take un-Photoshopped pictures of them.

Daily designer news

2012-01-15T05:27:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

Stem spray

Posted: 14 Jan 2012 05:56 PM PST

In industrial design, simple ideas are often the best. This little gadget makes getting lemon juice, or any other, much easier. The product isn’t commercialized yet, but you can help it on Quirky.

Daily designer news

2012-01-14T05:25:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

Illustrations by Duane Hosein

Posted: 13 Jan 2012 06:44 PM PST

Duane Hosein creates some wonderful illustrations, check it out on his portfolio.

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-13T11:57:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Magic Pen
Funky Shoe Style
Minimalist Nano Wristband
Furnishings on Fire
Get Sticky!

Magic Pen

Posted: 13 Jan 2012 03:07 AM PST

Recorder is this magic pen that converts your written notes into electronic files and then transfers it to your phone and computer via Bluetooth. I think it's a great idea and can actually encourage us writers to take to the book and pen more often. I bet authors and illustrators will love it too! My only wish – it auto spellchecks the files.

Designers: Xia Xiaoqian, Renming Jun, Han Ricoeur, Liu Peng, Meng Bao, Weicheng Jie & Yang Xiao

Funky Shoe Style

Posted: 13 Jan 2012 02:51 AM PST

As the name suggests Topless Shoes have no upper constrictions or bindings. It's like sinking your foot into a warm cushy hole and expecting it to 'walk' with you at every step. The elastic layer called 'muscle' parts under the foot and encloses it in a firm yet comfortable grip. Ideal for folks who find wearing shoes a huge task, and I'd sure like to give them a try.

Topless Shoes is a 2011 red dot concept design winner.

Designers: Zhao Xiaoliang, Han Like, Liu Peng, Meng Qingbao, Ren Mingjun, Yang Xiao, Chen Xuan, Lin Lin

Minimalist Nano Wristband

Posted: 13 Jan 2012 12:03 AM PST

Though there are hundreds of iPod Nano watch band designs on the market now, few are as minimal and simple as Curve Creative’s NANOLET. The lightweight, flexible band is 3D printed as one single component that simply wraps around your wrist for a quick and easy way to carry your Nano. Perfect for users on the run! Own it here.

Designer: Curve Creative

Furnishings on Fire

Posted: 13 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

While LED light is energy efficient and long lasting, it can also be hard to look at! With this in mind, Estudi Arola's BlancoWhite series of table-top bookcases, shelving and wall lamps feature hidden strips of LED that are focused toward the center of each piece, creating a warm, indirect glow that won't blind the viewer. It’s a versatile collection that’s as beautiful in the dark as it is in the light.

Pieces in the series consist of thin metal casings, 1 cm thick, that house sheets of methacrylate on two sides to accommodate the LED light strips. The internal surface of each sheet is woven with micro incisions by laser that are more subtle on the edges and deeper toward the center to achieve a plane with a certain concavity that is lit evenly.

Designer: Estudi Arola

Get Sticky!

Posted: 13 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

Gotta love these uber-cute stickers! Gecko Stickers are decorations that glow in the dark. From a nighttime cityscape to peering eyeballs, all 10 designs are sure to be a conversation starter that’s fun for the whole family. Get ‘em here!

Designer: Gecko

Daily designer news

2012-01-13T05:20:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

Fjarill drawer by Jakob Jorgensen

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 07:51 PM PST

The Fjarill drawer expands rhythmically and during this movement changes itself from a simple box into a functional sculpture. Designed by Jakob Jorgensen.

Chinese Paintings Photography

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 06:48 PM PST

Don Hong-Oai was a chinese photographer who died in 2004. He used to create wonderful photos that emulated the style of traditional chinese paintings.

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-12T11:23:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

The Best IDEA Wins! 2012 Registrations are now Open!
Packaging Perfectionism
Split Digital Delight
Where Art Thou Alfa Romeo?
CalenClock
Smart Bench

The Best IDEA Wins! 2012 Registrations are now Open!

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 03:30 AM PST

It has been an eventful year for Yanko Design, partnering with IDSA for their IDEA Awards. We showcased some really innovative ideas and hope that our readers are inspired to participate in the 2012 competition. Davin Stowell says that "Great design begins and ends with a deep understanding of people's innermost needs and desires with a responsibility to society." We agree and we certainly look forward to some exceptional projects being presented right here on YD. All the best!

Helpful Links:

Regular Entries Deadline: February 10, 2012; 11:59 PT

Packaging Perfectionism

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 01:49 AM PST

Does it really matter how you tape your boxes shut? Not really, unless you add some cool hinges to the design, or go off-center like how I usually do. But if you are perfectionism personified, then you must really crave for neatness while sealing stuff. So how about the Center Tape? I know you'll really dig it!

Center Tape is a 2011 red dot design concept winner.

Designers: Hwang Youn Ha & Han Seung Bum

Split Digital Delight

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 01:38 AM PST

eXcanvas is for those who like taking self portraits and have to depend upon strangers to do them the favor of taking pictures. The camera can be separated into a tripod and sub camera and features a timer function too. I love the sleek way you can strap the camera on your wrist and click pictures; very convenient!

Designer: Junyoung Jang

Where Art Thou Alfa Romeo?

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 12:03 AM PST

I have always found the look of Alfa Romeos to be odd… not bad, but very recognizable! This concept by designer Vincent Montreuil stays true to its inspiration, the 1965 Alfa Giulia GTA, & maintains the same quirky styling. The primary objective of the design was lightness, & the vehicles weighs in at only 1760lbs despite its 200hp output (a better power/weight ratio than a BMW Z4M). The lightness is reflected in front & rear openings that give the impression that air passes directly through the car.

Designer: Vincent Montreuil

CalenClock

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

Now here’s a calendar with a little attitude. Inspired by the relationship between calendar dates and hourly time, the Calenclock combines both into a clever all-in-one desktop solution. Hour and minute hands hover over split-page days that each present a unique message ranging from “No Public Holidays, Work Hard!” to “Trick or Treat!”

Designer: Ken Lo

Smart Bench

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

Voda Design’s Solar Bench is a multifunctional streetlight/bench combination that harnesses solar energy to power its overhead LED lamp. Solar panels built into the bench case make it possible to place the unit in any location independent of a local power supply. Integrated outlets can also be used by the public as a daytime charging station for laptops, cell-phones, or other electronic devices. This super-convient design is a great solution for minimizizing wasted space while reducing our carbon footprint.

Designer: Voda Design

Daily designer news

2012-01-12T05:09:00.001-08:00

Daily designer news

A look at dieting and weightloss ads

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 06:18 PM PST

In western societies, losing weight has become an obsession for some, a necessity for others, and a juicy market for an entire industry. It is interesting to take a look at how companies chose to communicate for these products. Most images in the following article have been found on the excellent Ads of the World website.

For slimming sanctuary

For weight watchers

Two ads that look pretty much alike, I do not know who copied who, but I think that the WeightWatchers one is probably more efficient. The “Entrance” – “Exit” signs are more easily readable and the whole idea more obvious.

WeightWatchers bus

On this ambiant, WeightWatchers use an optical illusion to make it look like the bus has a fat person making it go sideways.

World obesity day

A day dedicated to inform people about the dangers of obesity. Advertising is often inspired by art, and this is an excellent example with this Da Vinci painting. The perfect man’s proportions are turned into a fat man’s proportions.

Sedentary people can’t run away from diseases. Exercise.

A campaign by the Ministry of Health of Portugal to encourage people to exercise more. Great visual illustration of one of the main reasons for obesity.

Diet Whiskey ad for McDowell’s

At least this ambiant ad taught me one thing, there is such a thing as diet Whiskey. While I would not drink diet Whiskey, I do find this ad well done and the idea not bad.

Fit Light Dairy

The idea of using an iconic image was pretty good in the beginning, but I find the end result not so tasteful. First, the message “Men’s preferences will never change” doesn’t make much sense, the original picture of Marilyn Monroe is a fine example of the changes in men’s taste. I also find that this ad is a bit insulting to the people that are supposed to use this product. Last but not least, the placement of the yoghourt is not good and the black thing in the spoon looks a little gross.

Del Mar medical spa, expert weight loss programs

Another example of poor taste in an ad for weight loss programs. Seriously, what went in the creative director’s head for him to think that it’s perfectly acceptable to portray overweight women as cows?

Xtra Slim

The idea is not bad, although not too creative, but a bit too complicated too quickly understand. Overall a not so efficient ad.

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

2012-01-11T11:07:00.001-08:00

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Dude Where’s the Car?
A Wave of Lights
This One’s for Mr. Rams
Tripod Bike
Ecotourism in 3s
Baby Beauty Sleep

Dude Where’s the Car?

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 03:26 AM PST

I resonate with the need for the Car Compass because I have been in this situation once. A friend had parked his hired car in the public car park and he forgot which floor it was on. We literally had to go to each floor of the 10 floors to figure out where the car was. Now if we had something like this Car Compass key then it would have guided us to the exact location of the car, using arrows and pointers on it's display. Sometimes beeps and flashing lights are just not effective enough!

Designers: AHHAPROJECT

A Wave of Lights

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 02:57 AM PST

Love this concept of Flowall Lights, where it can be used as an elegant bed head or artwork in the living room. A swathe of vertically oriented modules glide up and down to create an illuminating effect with varying intensities. The more you push the module up, the brighter the illumination. Needless to say LEDs are used to create the mesmerizing effect. Really neat!

Flowall is a 2011 red dot design concept winner.

Designer: Jiel Park aka Songjae Park

This One’s for Mr. Rams

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 02:39 AM PST

For reasons best known to them Braun hasn't yet re-entered the entertainment segment. For the moment it's just appliances, grooming & healthcare products and design competitions from their end. So if they were to venture into the entertainment market, how do you think their speakers or an iPod docking station be? Tim Wieland has a fair view of how he'd like them to shape their speakers + dock and I think it's very Dieter Rams.

Designer: Tim Wieland

Tripod Bike

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 12:02 AM PST

Inspired by the camera tripod, the T-Bike provided a unique solution for custom fitting a bike to individual users. Three sliding mechanisms located on the front fork, center frame, and rear wheel bar can be adjusted and locked to the rider’s preference. As an added bonus (and a nod to its inspiration), the bike also features a camera mount located between the handle bars!

Designer: Reza Rachmat Sumirat

Ecotourism in 3s

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

Three Stacks is a group of ecotourism structures proposed for ethnic locations throughout the Ukrainian region. Two of the 4 level structures contain sleeping accommodations for guests, and the third is a restaurant. The buildings are composed of wood, cane, clay and grass, and are linked through modern energy-efficient lighting in combination with landscape elements also native to the region.

Designer: Levko Davydyuk

Baby Beauty Sleep

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 12:01 AM PST

A response to the growing problem of pollution and the threat it poses to little ones, the Cocoon pillow aims to reduce exposure to both polluted air and chronic noise. The device uses state-of-the-art noise canceling technology, a HEPA air filtration system, and an air particle ioniser to protect babies from loud sounds, germs, and contaminated air particles, ensuring they get a peaceful and healthy sleep. I definitely see potential for an adult version!

Designer: Elodie Delassus