« design: December 2005 | Main | design: February 2006 »
January 28, 2006
DNA Portrait SplitScreen
I'm still saving up for my own DNA portrait but I just wanted to share the newest and coolest addition to dna 11. It's called SplitScreen, a perfect gift for upcoming Valentines Day.
SplitScreen is a two person DNA portrait. When you place your order, dna 11 sends you an easy saliva swab kit. You each send your saliva samples back in and a large gorgeous print of your DNA is shipped to you on high quality canvas with you and your spouse's DNA opposing each other. You can see where nature has you similar, and where you are unique individuals.
Posted by tranism at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
January 18, 2006
Nap time?
Posted by at 9:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
January 15, 2006
Ooh You Turn Me Inside Out
I have a collection of stuffed toys at work and one of them is a stuffed bear turned inside out. It looks frail and a bit disturbing and yet when I first saw it, I knew I had to have it.
Now I've found an artist that takes all kinds of stuffed toys and turns them inside out. His name is Kent Rogowski and his work is striking. Cute stuffed animals lose much of their "cuteness" when turned inside out as the grotesque seams seem to fight it away. Look closer and it's as if the cuteness just doesn't want to go away, its still there - only minimized, a hint of what it once was.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Power Of Dreams
That's Honda's tagline and in their latest commercial for the European spec Civic, it's a worthy one.
A choir of human voices used to not just express the sounds of cars but to mimic them. It's so real but yet off just enough for you to hear the distinct chorus of humans "singing".
I implore you go to this site and watch the video.
On another note, I am jealous that Europe gets a hatch a Civic while we here in the U.S. get a sedan and a coupe. A hatch Civic makes it so much more useful and I would think American have much more crap to haul around this vast landscape than the Euros do.
pictures of the Euro Honda Civic after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Snow Bag
True to form, we must ALWAYS find ways to enjoy our meals with minimal muss and fuss. Snow Bag unfolds turning into a bench while the interior pocket keeps your food nice and toasty. Sit on the snow and enjoy your meal without getting your booty wet and cold.
via Yanko Design
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Conversate Table
YES I know "conversate" is not a word but I use it and use it proudly. So ERIC, you can shut up about proper word and grammar usage! :)
The Conversation Table measures the social dynamics that takes place during a one-to-one conversation. Who dominates it?
As two people conversate (converse), LED's embedded along the center of the table are activated by the pattern of exchange. Microphones pick up the duration and the volume of the conversation at regular intervals, and trigger light animation from the end where one speaks towards the other. If both people speak, the lights crash and battle to get to the other end.
Finally, a visual way for me to let some people know they talk way too damn much. :)
Posted by tranism at 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
YOUMEHESHE
Two former Grimshaw architects have put the smack down on prefab design in London and their ambition to work on projects that improves people's lives and brings joy to their souls have yielded some interesting hopes. YOUMESHEHE is a business that is ethical in trade, ecology, and sustainability.
The above image is a prefab house in London. Pictures of other projects after the jump.
via treehugger
Posted by tranism at 9:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
The Design Encyclopedia
A great new resource for anyone interested in culture and design. The Design Encyclopedia is a growing collaborative resource that describes, tracks and explains culture, commerce, politics, media, sports, brands - everything possible thru design.
Currently in beta phase but tons of content there already. Make sure you check it out.
Posted by tranism at 12:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Packaging Rules
Admit it! You know there have been times where product packaging has swayed you to part with your hard earned money. Currently, one of the kings of packaging design is Apple Computer. This company's artful touch isn't just limited to their beautiful hardware, but it resonates right down to the styrofoam and cardboard that ships them.
Take for instance this t-shirt my friend sent to me from Apple in Japan. The shirt comes in a carefully folded origami box. If this shirt were to come from somewhere else, you know it would be some crinkly plastic sleeve. No other company makes me feel guilty about throwing away packaging like Apple does.
Posted by tranism at 12:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
January 10, 2006
Mazda RX-8 Fucks A Miata
"Daddy Daddy! The RX-8 fucked the Miata and look what they made!"
"Yes baby girl, that is a Kabura, a Mazda Kabura"
Before I go into specifics, lets discuss the origins of that word. Kabura is a Japanese term taken from KABURAYA which is an arrow that makes a howling sound when fired to signal the start of a major battle.
Okay, so should Mazda's competitors be shakin' in their boots? Is Mazda declaring war with this "arrow?" The short answer is no. Mazda says they have no plans to build this car as it is purely concept, but then again they said the same thing about the RX-8 and the recently announced CX-7. Based on their record, I would say they are OPEN to building it if the interest is high enough.
Size wise the Kabura fits right in between the larger RX-8 and the smaller Miata. This car is aimed towards a younger audience. A sporty ride with utility and part of that means changing the 2+2 layout almost all cars have adhered to. The Kabura is 3+1 meaning two seats in the front and only one in the rear. Mazda's justification is that people who drive smaller sport cars don't need a four seater. At most they need seats for 3 people and a lot of storage space. Most sport cars today attempt to cram in a back seat which couldn't seat anyone comfortably unless they were passed out. With just one seat in the rear, that passenger has much more leg and elbow room.
Other noteworthy features are the cockpit which is laid out to maximize space and turn all control over to the driver. The interior is also made of 100% recycled waste making it far more environmentally friendly without looking cheap or plasticky. With Mazda's latest hybrid and fuel cell showings, I wouldn't be surprised if they integrated that technology into the Kabura.
Everything about this car screams sex and science at me. The face, large wheel arches, large hatch, and unique interior layout make this a winner in my book. In a way, it looks like a distant cousin of the Lexus coupe in Minority Report.
Mazda BUILD IT!
more pics after the jump
Posted by tranism at 7:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
January 9, 2006
Teacups Not For Old Ladies
Noguchi Isamu's famous 1952 porcelain teacup and saucer are being reproduced by Vitra Design. The cup fits gently into its base balancing perfectly.
There are two styles to choose from; one with just the simple base and one with a saucer for a cookie. $80 and $90 respectively. Somebody buy one for me and one for plankton.
Posted by tranism at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
ThumbThing
So simple and yet it took someone this long to come up with it. The thumbthing allows you to effortlessly hold your book open with one hand. I just hope it comes in a color other than that fisher price blue.
Posted by tranism at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
January 3, 2006
Suzuki Goes Radebaugh On Us
One of the coolest concepts coming out of Japan is from little automaker Suzuki. Okay, they may be small fries here in America but they are number 3 in Japan.
This concept called the PX was unveiled this past October at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like the press in the west really got a chance with it. Suzuki decided to give journalists one more chance by releasing official photos and I must say, the vehicle is a statement on retro futuristic classic airstream design, so prevalent in the 30's and 40's. I will go so far as to say they must have been inspired by the works of Radebaugh.
Radebaugh was a commercial illustrator from the 30's - 60's but his most well known work is his "The Future We Were Promised" series of airbrush paintings. Radebaugh was the first to envision the future with sleek streamline designs that were both pragmatic and fantastical. He saw a future where science is so technically perfected, it becomes art.
If you look at this Radebaugh painting and look at the Suzuki PX, it's as if a vehicle from one of his paintings came to life.
The PX may look retro on the outside but its all futuristic on the inside. Powered by an eco-efficient four-cylinder engine, the PX offers high-class and comfort; chalk full of amenities reminiscent of the great airstream caravans of the past. The interior is defined by silver finishes, oversized train like leather seating, with an innovative approach to third row seating by having it fold out to become the second row, maximizing space for rear passengers when folded away. The exterior is impressive with large wheel arches accentuated by the look of smooth rivets across its body. The driver's display is a testament to what the auto industry has learned in the last 50 years with user interfaces but the PX takes it one step further with integrated LCD screens without making the console look too techie. What a gorgeous vehicle!
more pictures of the Suzuki PX and Radebaughs' work after the jump
Posted by tranism at 2:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Primitive Pixels
Random Screen is a dynamic display that simulates pixel blocks. The difference here is that there's no LCD or even electricity. This is all created thermodynamically with tea lights and beer cans.
Each of the 12 X 12 cm pixels are built as separate modules. A tea light candle controls each pixel. The rising heat turns a modified beer can cut to trap the hot air. Only one side of the can is cut out so it simulates the pixel turning off and on. The more heat, the faster the beer can turns.
check out the video
Posted by tranism at 2:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 2, 2006
Nature Already Evolved Beauty
Sure, your princess cut diamond ring is gorgeous. Yes the clarity is amazing, the stone is flawless and the cut - executed with the utmost precision. That's one definition of beauty in jewelry; so precise and perfect just the way nature intended, but only achievable thru the means of modern jewelry making.
If you asked jewelry designer Christine J. Brandt to define it, she'd probably have a totally opposite one. Christine believes in preserving what nature created because that's how it was intended. Her job as a jewelry designer and artist is to fashion it together. Her pieces are finished as natural as possible. The semiprecious stones and minerals found in her designs are all completely unique formations in their own matrix. They are not cut, polished or dyed. The settings are made of rich wood - never stained or varnished, but burnished and hand-rubbed with several coats of oil to bring out the grain and colors.
I first came across her work in a magazine ad. I was entranced by the organic form of the ring seemingly weighing down the woman's hand gracefully. It looked so natural that it seemed alien.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
SAMOROST
An amazing first and sequel to a series of flash games designed by Amanita Design in the Czech Republic. The art style is unlike anything I have ever seen in a game. Considering they are flash based, they are vibrant, saturated, and very responsive. In face, SAMOROST 2 the sequel, is so well made - they even sell it as a standalone game.
The games play out like something from the MYST series, logic puzzles and common sense will help you navigate from level to level. The ambient sounds and attention to details only add to the experience, not to mention you'll quickly grow fond of your little pilot guy - the protagonist and hero. Check it out.
Posted by tranism at 9:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)