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March 29, 2007
And Now We're Rolling
Lets examine this for a moment. You have a unique frame made from steel and wood timber. It's fully segmented so it can unroll across a pass and easily be transported by rolling back up via hydraulic rams.
I have one suggestion. Make the walkway move. It's 2007 and we don't have moving sidewalks yet. The Jetsons were a total sham!
Oh and before you ask, yes the bridge is real. Designed by U.K. based Heatherwick Studio. If someone is nearby, please take a picture on it. It's located in the Paddington Basin in London. You know, anything for me to vicariously live my dreams.
via Neatorama
Posted by tranism at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 27, 2007
WTF Bridge
No seriously, it's a WTF bridge. I swear to GOD it's a WTF bridge; a Wind Tunnel Footbridge.
The bridge is the brainchild of Michael Jantzen. He envisions them built at various types of public venues as an architectural attraction, but what exactly does it do?
The wind activated bridge is made of steel and aluminum. As the wind blows, five wind turbine wheels spin as YOU walk across the bridge. As you pass thru, you'll be able to hear different sounds from the wind encircling you. They can even be attached to generators to store electrical energy.
No word on the remote possibility of people getting caught in that vortex. It looks scary but I would soooo be the first person to walk across if they build it.
via The Presurfer
More pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 3:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
March 26, 2007
Cook Your Food With Sunlight
If you've ever fried an egg or more viciously burned an ant using nothing but sunlight, then you know how powerful the sun's rays can be when focused onto a target. The Sunflower Solar Cooker by designer Koo Ho Shin takes that very principle and applies it to a very usable cook top. As long as you have clear skies and sunlight, you're good to go.
The Sunflower Solar Cooker is surrounded by a series of overlapping blades that reflect the sun's light into the center focal point. The focal point is where your food sits. The blades can even close up over the focal point essentially steaming the food once the desired temperature is reached.
The design is a great alternative for quick cook foods, but I wonder what kind of output I could get if a model 5x's larger were made. Hmm . . .
via Yanko Design
Another picture after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Ellsworth Ride
Leonardo Da Vinci thought of the NuVinci hub in 1490, a new type of transmission we called CVT (continuously variable planetary transmission) designed for bikes and small vehicles. The system uses a set of rotating spheres to vary the speed ratio much smoother than the standard chain and gear system.
Mountain biking company Ellsworth plans to release the world's first CVT bike this year. "The Ride" as it's called is made of ultra lightweight aluminum, has dual adjusting handle bars and a unique open frame design for stability.
They're taking pre-orders now for 2 different models ($2995 - $3995). Their web site is a bit broken tho so Safari users beware. However, I would be more than willing to do a trade; new web site for a new Ride.
via Cool Hunting
Posted by tranism at 2:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 25, 2007
Beat Blocks
It's a digital rhythm sequencer manipulated by an analog interface designed by Jeff Hoefs, Stijn Schiffenleers and Greg Zifcak. Beat Blocks allow the user to create and change a 4 track drum loop on the fly by physically rearranging blocks within its 4x4 matrix. Each block is marked with its own patterning scheme. This allows the user to quickly identify the beat and change it, much faster that one could using a mouse and computer. Beat Blocks can also directly integrate and synchronize with other midi hardware and communicate with a computer.
Although the current 4x4 matrix version is just a prototype, The final version will come in two flavors, one for performance, the other for installation. Both will use an 8x8 matrix utilizing an even more compact design.
Posted by tranism at 9:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Buddha Bowl
A bowl, fork and spoon. That's all I need. I don't really cook anything that requires knives or even plates to eat. I also have the tendency to pick up my bowl to eat, a habit I can't shake since my parents have always told me bringing your face down to the table makes you look like a dog. DAMN PARENTS!
I digress, the Buddha Bowl looks like it was designed for my type of persons. The handcrafted bowl lets you easily rest it in your hand. The hard ceramic is microwavable and dishwasher save. The best part is it's affordable, only $18. Bad news is since they're handmade, it takes up to 3 weeks to make and deliver.
Buy hey, that's better than the 6-8 weeks informercials used to make you wait back in the 80's.
via bltd
Posted by tranism at 5:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
A Sonic Bathtub
I have a decent portable speaker system I leave in my bathroom. The music wakes me up in the morning and relaxes me when I'm home from work. Unfortunately it's very difficult to hear music over the sound of water crashing. Solution? Get a Stereo H20 bathtub.
Designed to work with the entire range of MTI Whirpools, the Stereo H20 seamlessly blends into the tub surround using transducers to transform the entire tub into a sound board. Science already knows sound travels better and further in water than air, so when filled with water, the tub becomes a speaker providing a very deep resonance that rivals a stereo system. Your audio source can come from anything with a headphone jack, be it an iPod or CD player.
Truly, this is an experience that lets you both hear and feel the music.
via Trendir
Posted by tranism at 5:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 22, 2007
The Garden Escape by Working From Home
I've worked from home before and quite frankly I miss it. Not only was I allowed to set my own schedule but I actually performed better. You know what it is? It's because having that much freedom means more pressure to work well and do it right. You don't want to lose that privilege so your work ethic automatically switches into overdrive to maintain that autonomy. Since then I've been working in office for the past 2 years so when I saw the Garden Escape, I found myself longing for the option to work from home again.
Think of the Garden Escape as a home away from home, albeit a much smaller home, but cozy nonetheless. The space can also double as a guest house, HOME OFFICE or garden room. Each Garden Escape is built from natural wood and can be customized to your needs; everything from a full bathroom to a fireplace.
So this brings me back to my original point. Working from home is great but when I work from home, it's usually out of my bedroom. If I had a Garden Escape, I think my productivity would increase 3-fold. What about you? What would you use your Garden Escape for?
via Square-mag
More pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
March 20, 2007
Feels Like Autumn In My Living Room
I'm usually not a fan of textured rugs and carpets but something about the Little Field of Flowers rug entices me. Although they describe it as a bed of flowers, it looks more like leaves to me.
Each rug is handmade using a loom. Although it looks sharp from this distance, it's actually made from felt intricately woven together. The surface is full of movement and moves with you as you roll around. I'd want a whole lot of them covering my spare bedroom so I can enjoy an autumn romp (not what it sounds like) after a hard day's work.
Okay, ready for this? It's $4,465 for the smaller rug and $6,555 for the larger one. Ouch right? Well at least it comes in 3 colors; purple, red and green. Feel better? No? Me neither.
via bltd
Another picture after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 4:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 19, 2007
I'm Talkin' But I'm So Sleepy
That's because I've never had it so easy. Look, it's the perCushion bluetooth enabled pillow by Urban Tool. How many of you have stayed up late yappin' away only to be stopped by the ache in your hand holding the phone or the awkwardness of laying down with a headset wrapped around your ear? The perCushion makes it easier for us bedtime yappers to conversate (I know it's not a word, so sue me) totally handsfree.
Inside this tempurpedic-like (oh my god, trademark!) foam cushion are a bevy of electronics that take pillow-talk into the 21st century. You've got your bluetooth module for pairing to your bluetooth enabled phone. You've got your lithium ion battery for easy recharging. You've got your integrated talk/answer buttons and status LEDs sewn in. Most important you've got a built-in speaker/microphone for a real handsfree experience - be it friendly, loving or dirty.
Of course I must remind you people it's quite rude to fall asleep on the phone and the perCushion looks like it'll be easier than ever to do so.
Here comes the bad news, it's concept only. I know some manufacturers that read this blog so get in contact with these people and get-ta-mass producin' dammit. I expect to see perCushions of all color persuasion at Sharper Image, Discovery stores and Brookstone by year's end.
via NextLust
More pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 12:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 18, 2007
Redesigning The Alphabet
In 1950, Bradbury Thompson proposed a redesigned alphabet called Alphabet 26 that unified the characters in favor of uppercase forms with large and small variations to be used as capitals are. He argued having some letters look completely different in their upper and lowercase forms was confusing. For example, a capital "A" looks nothing like a lowercase "a", yet they're supposed to mean the same thing. Correcting this design flaw, the alphabet can be reduced to just 26 characters that look identical in both upper and lowercase forms. By doing so, reading can be learned much easier and faster. Do you agree?
Posted by tranism at 4:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 13, 2007
OMG It's A New Mickey Phone
Yesterday I gushed over the Nokia N95. Consider this another gushing. The Mickey Kuso may look like another ordinary phone but its got Mouse House branding dammit! Sold by Omnipotence, Asia's equivalent of Vertu, the phone aims to satisfy people whom have an affinity for all things Mickey. To make gushing matters worse, the phone is designed by BMW! Yes you heard right and like BMW, it rolls in style with its carbon fiber and metal finish, packaged in a gorgeous perforated leather box.
The Mickey Kuso is SLIM, 10mm thin. The phone specs are a little sub-par tho, just a 1.3 megapixel camera but it does support bluetooth 2, a micro SD slot for expansion and dedicated feather-touch audio/video controls. In keeping with Mouse House branding, the phone's UI is studded in bright colors and cute icons with a slew of Disney wallpapers.
Hardcore phonies may be left wanting more but most luxury phones like his often sacrifice features for style. Tie it in with an international brand like Disney, limit its quantity to just 130, throw in a certificate of authenticity by one of the premier auto companies in the world - you've got yourself one lusted after phone.
via Phone Daily
UPDATE: Some people have been emailing me about the authenticity of this phone. Just who is Omnipotence and why would a co-branded Disney/BWM phone misspell "Micky"? Although this isn't the first Disney collectable phone (see Dmobo M900), it is quite telling if they can't even spell Mickey's name correctly.
More pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
March 12, 2007
Designed For The Aquabahn
With its striking design by Porsche and the engineering by Fearless Yachts, I'm lusting to see more of these great looking yachts. There are five models in the works ranging from 28 to 150 feet. Only the 28 and 44 feet models are actually produced and ready to be sold at this time, both of which were revealed during a boat show in Florida a few weeks ago.
The above model is the Fearless 28, the number equivalent to its length and its name perhaps a warning to its competitors such as Cigarette and Donzi. With its max power of 550 hp, 80+ mph, sleek design, and countless details crafted by hand, it's truly among the top in its class.
I really like the velocity shape of its stern (rear); truly has the feel of a Porsche.
More photos of both models after the jump.
Posted by diverseawareness at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 9, 2007
iPhone Shoulda Been
Let me preface by saying I'm ecstatic about the iPhone. Everything from its hardware design to tight software integration. However, screen tech is where I felt Apple could have really leapfrogged its competition. Not that this technology is unexplored by other manufacturers. It's just that Apple could have been the one to find mass market success with it.
Although the multi-touch screen is a marvelous gem, why LCD instead of OLED? Organic light emitting diode screens are far more saturated, perfect for viewing movies and photos. Power consumption/savings compared to LCDs mean longer battery life. I refuse to believe Apple engineers didn't consider it. Was there some technical stumbling block with multi-touch not being compatible with OLEDs? I mean here you have a device purported to be THE mobile gadget to use when watching movies on the go, yet its screen tech is anemic.
Of course the real reason could be costs. OLED is still expensive but com'on, $500 - $600 a brick should be more than enough to subsidize the costs. I remember Sony's last PDA used a brilliant OLED screen loved by everyone who glanced at it. Surely OLED prices have dropped since then. That was almost 3 years ago.
Just like the beautiful BLANK concept designed by Chris Kujawski, the iPhone should have been a sleek multi-touch OLED screen with a customizable interface. It should have had a replaceable battery powering a 3G antenna and at least a 3 megapixel camera. His BLANK concept goes a step further by allowing one to download static or even kinetic skins to adorn the OLED screen to really express one's personality. His concept was the closest to what I hoped the iPhone should have been.
another picture of Chris Kujawaski's BLANK concept after the jump
via the most awesomest blog in the blogsphere Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 1:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
March 8, 2007
Weeble Wobble Scratching Post
The Leo Scratching Post designed by James Owen not only serves a purpose but also looks better than most of the things in my living room. Lucky ass cats! The post can be had with a rounded base gently curved to produce a slight rocking motion whenever kitty feels the urge to scratch up the beautiful zebra-wood.
You won't find this post in any stores but I like to imagine a cat furiously scratching away only to get knocked back as the post weeble wobbles.
another picture after the jump
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 1:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Bendy Wood
Matthias Pliessnig is one designer that embraces the inherent qualities of wood rather than twisting, shaping and molding it into unnatural forms like most of his peers. His resultant lounge chairs exploit the natural elasticity found in wood, creating unique modern furniture that look delicate yet are quite strong. The design is modern without being overly derivative, easily fitting into swanky restaurants or an Ewok village.
more pictures after the jump
via Core77
Posted by tranism at 12:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 7, 2007
Living On Rooftops, Like Didden Village
Crazy Dutch architects MVRDV have found a way to build new homes without the need of more land in Rotterdam by building on the rooftops of pre-existing buildings. (Wow, total run-on sentence!)
The Didden Village (name of the house) project opened its doors last month to visitors and hosted an open discussion about who knows what. Sorry my Dutch is pretty limited, although it does remind me of my quest of owning a Clever Homes prefab. Sure the prefabs are cheap but land and zoning are expensive. I wouldn't mind living atop say, a Krispy Kreme. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!
Actually I heard it thru MOCOLOCO
Posted by tranism at 6:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
March 5, 2007
Button Up
It's time to bust out those buttons from the 80's and wear them proudly again, though instead of smiley faces and favorite bands, wear your own art.
Sign up at Prickie and set up your own branded shop page. You the artist provide artwork and Prickie handles the rest. Its free to sign up and you make a commission of $.75 per button. It wont pay your bills, but I say it's a pretty neat simple way to promote and sell your art without the hassles of overhead and management.
Posted by diverseawareness at 7:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 4, 2007
Simple Is As Simple Does: Toblo
A group of video game design students from Digipen got together and created a fast-paced capture the flag game called Toblo. Their main goal was to demonstrate the basics of game design (when done right) is all that's needed to make a really fun game.
On the surface, Toblo seems like an ordinary capture the flag game but it's simplicity is what makes it fun. You have no weapons and the environments are completely destructible. You know what that means right? Tear down the environments and use them as weapons! Okay, already sounds pretty fun. Next is graphic design. No need for hyper-realistic graphics here. Stylized and a sense of humor is the way to go. The bright colors and simple geometry go well with the humor anyone from any culture could understand. Teams are divided up into two groups; devils (avatars with horns) and angels (avatars with halos). Animating real walk cycles is hard so instead, they ride around on little clouds.
Toblo is up for the Audience Awards at the 2007 Independent Games Festival. That means YOU need to vote but before you do, download the game and try it out!
Posted by tranism at 4:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)