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December 20, 2006
Ruby Cube
Based on the original Rubik's Cube, these sidetables consist of single color acrylic plates that shift color when viewed from different angles, thus giving the illusion of multicolored panels. They can shift from grey to green to pomegranate to purple.
About 14 inches squared so they're a little compact but beautiful nonetheless. Only $399.00. Somebody buy me one!
via notcot
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 19, 2006
The Wiijects
YOU, yes you! Your stomach turned when the wiimote was unveiled. You ran thru the house screaming when you heard the "Revolution" was actually a Wii. You may even be the person that himed and hawed when the DS was announced. In general, every time Nintendo opened its mouth, you - like a dumbfounded catholic school girl lost in an all boys dormitory, asked yourself, "what the frack?"
My friend, this may send you over the edge. Nikkei Business Magazine (sorta like the Times of Japan) recently published some nostalgic and some bizarre Wii controller prototypes. Yes these Wiijects show the various directions Nintendo experimented with before settling with the ubiquitous wiimote design. The rotating controller on the upper right is kind of interesting. The amorphic gamcube-like blob looks a little big and uncomfortable, but lets get to the real question. WHAT THE FRACK is that giant orange controller in the middle?!?! Is someone at Nintendo R&D snorting fairy dust or something? Although we may never know exactly how the controller works, I like to pretend smashing down on that big ass star button activates an "I WIN" mode at which point a seizure inducing, rainbow casting, strobe light dancing aurora surrounds my body allowing me to execute everything in x10's speed.
You know what tho, it's nice to see a 30 billion company still willing to think so outside the box; not afraid to at least "try". I think that's the Nintendo magic, the spirit that speaks to those who believe anything is possible.
Posted by tranism at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 17, 2006
The Blind Reader
As technology advances, we often forget innovation can sometimes leave specific people behind. For years, the blind could only read using braille and with the help of screen-readers. Togo design has taken it upon themselves to create a device that could potentially revolutionize the way blind people read.
The Blind Reader Bridge looks like a wand you hold and pass over text. The device scans and translates the text into braille onto the screen using a series of electromagnetic stitches. The information can even be stored to be read later.
via yankodesign
Posted by tranism at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 14, 2006
Insect Lab
Insect Lab is an artist studio that specializes in customizing real insects with antique watch parts and electronic components. This is true science fiction come to life. Every single creation is startling. I found myself looking closely at the beetles because you can really see all the tiny gears and switches. It's masterfully crafted and beautiful. I'm almost tempted to buy one myself.
Each insect comes in a shadow box or glass bell jars perfect for displaying. They've got spiders, butterflies, beetles, bees and more ranging from $200 - $300.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Kazakhstan's Massive Tent
Despite what Borat's movie might have you believe, Kazakhstan is not a broke down poor country completely lost in the sea of western and industrialized nations. They have a strong democracy and its capital Astana, is quickly becoming one of the most spectacular urban centers in central Eurasia.
The city's latest endeavor is the Khan Shantyry Entertainment Centre. The structure is a vast tent and cabling system soaring high into the air encompassing 100,000 square meters! The concept came from the people's need for a safe environment during the harsh winters and summers. The structure will become that venue housing a park, entertainment, landscaping, wave pools and retail space. 200 meters above the base will be terrace offering dramatic views of the park, city and sky.
Posted by tranism at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Hodge's Hawk
Speaking as someone whom has to brave the commutes in Los Angeles, I know for a fact most people here travel alone. I believe the right single occupancy vehicle can create a new niche market for traffic jammed cities like L.A. As of now, you're only option is a motorcycle which by all counts and reasons - are not as safe as a car, not to mention having to obtain a separate license just to drive one.
That's why I like Product Designer Alex Hodge's concept dubbed the "Hawk". It's small, lightweight, fast and good looking too. A Honda 999cc motorcycle engine provides you the power while remaining efficient. The body is made of fiberglass and metal alloys. Although Alex designs it to be a sporty racer, I see real efficiency and economy here. Alex, I want one.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 10, 2006
Sheer Kitchen
The most gorgeous use of design and space for a kitchen I've ever seen. It seems as people get older, they want bigger rooms for everything - the kitchen is no exception. I see beautiful kitchen showrooms all the time but in reality, the space in my home and many others is limited. The Sheer Kitchen addresses those issues by becoming the centerpiece, the light source and the utilitarian work top all in one.
When closed, the Sheer Kitchen is a sphere made of carbon fiber which functions as a lamp illuminating the room with a soft glow. When opened, the upper half ascends into the ceiling providing spot lighting and aspiration for the cook and work top below. Don't let the size fool you, the lower half houses a full kitchen cook top - double sink, 4 burners, coolers and multiple tables.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 2:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 9, 2006
Ikepod Horizon
Ikepod relaunches with one of the most beautiful watches I've seen in a long while. Renowned Industrial Designer Marc Newson does it again creating simplicity out of complexity. The Horizon watch is GORGEOUS and this is coming from someone who thinks watches are an archaic piece of technology when we have time displays on phones.
The unique circular hexagonal honeycomb creates an optical illusion making it appear convex, hence its namesake - the horizon. In reality, the face is completely flat. The illusion is created using a mathematical formula in the spacing and size of each honeycomb cell. Even the back is beautiful with its smooth metal surface and a tiny porthole so you can watch the inner magic that occurs inside all timepieces. I have no idea how much it costs but it comes in three different colors for both men and women.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 5, 2006
The First Caress
Pupa is the world's first lamp that you have to caress to turn on and off. That's right, no switch whatsoever. All you have to do is master the art of rubbing (pun intended).
Pupa is part of a family of 5 other interactive lamps designed by progetto25zeroi exhibited at the salone satellite 2005 in Milan, Italy. The technology is based of static.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 2:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)