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April 30, 2007
A Giant Insect Robot Could Save Your Life
The Elios RescueBot by Industrial Designer Marcos Nolan solves an interesting challenge. How do we rescue people trapped in in-traversable areas or war zones? Where humans can't go, the Elios can.
The damage resistant armor protects the robot as it walks to its target. A bevy of optical and biometric sensors keep the robot on course dynamically calculating new routes as needed. The main feature are the 10 lifting arms concealed beneath the robot. When it reaches its target, the arms open and descend carefully lifting people into safety. The robot then makes a swift return out of harms way and transports the rescued victims to the nearest hospital.
I realize insect and arachnid physiology are ideal for applications that require great maneuverability but some how the friendly markings on Nolan's rescue bot don't temper its menacing appearance. Although I think it's super cool, I can't help but thing of the Fuchikomas and as I recall, they had limited artificial intelligence that could easily be hacked.
Posted by tranism at 5:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
If PUMA Made A Video Game Console
I had fun exploring the portfolio of Industrial Designer Berdan Cercioglu (his last name is awesome) this weekend and I must say, he's got spunk and A LOT of talent.
Take for example his PUMA Gaming Console called the Drive360, sound familiar? There's a reason for the name which I'll get to later. The project is more practice than practicality. He wants to know what a PUMA designed video game console would look like and for that he studied all things PUMA.
It was pretty cool going thru his slides. He understands PUMA'S culture and design sensibility. His numerous sketches led him to a design that would feel right at home amongst a shelf of expensive PUMA shoes. He envisages a console with generous curves like a cat with linear cable management mimicking the lines of a PUMA running shoe. He sees color and customizable skins representative of the youth and energy in PUMA design. The bottom of the console even has a tread-like foot to prevent slipping. Lastly he envisions a forward kinetic design almost leaping in its stance like the iconic PUMA logo.
He's not a technical engineer but he proposes an interesting slot loading CD/DVD mechanism. The drive can rotate 360ยบ in a full circle able to accept discs from any direction, thus the name Drive360. The purpose of this feature allows the gamer to set the console down in any direction. It may be minor but it's interesting since the console was designed to be as beautiful as it is technical.
More pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 4:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
A Wrist-top Cellphone Watch
We all know how popular hip-tops are. It seems everyone between the ages of 10 - 18 has a T-Mobile Sidekick. Say what you will about it but the turnstile flip-screen is pretty cool. Isn't there something like that for us adults?
According to designer Jimmy Zhu, yes - yes there is. He doesn't name his concept but from what I can tell the entire watch face is actually a module. Interchangeable wrist strips let you express your style and with just a flick of the finger, the screen rotates up to reveal your standard numeric and softkey buttons.
No specs are listed so it's total fantasy HOWEVER, technology does exist to support his design. The screen could probably be OLED or AMOLED based. A lithium ion battery could power the thing for days. Throw in a bluetooth module to support handsfree use and you have yourself a winner. All in all, I like it!
via Gearfuse
Posted by tranism at 3:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Lunar Resonant Streetlights Are The Future
The winner of the fourth annual Next Generation Design Competition went to a trio of San Francisco based designers for their Lunar Resonant Streetlights project. The contest challenges designers to create solutions to problems of their choosing that speak to one of 6 disciplines; architecture, urban planning, landscape design, interiors, product design and graphic design.
Streetlights account for 38% of all electricity used in the U.S. and that produces an estimated 300 million tons of carbon emissions per year. The Lunar Resonant Streetlights project proposes a way for cities to conserve up to 95% of that energy by simply looking at the moon. The moon goes thru different phases and reflects varying amounts of light on Earth. LED bulbs with built-in photo sensitive sensors could replace current bulbs in streetlights. These sensors detect which phase the moon is in and adjusts illumination accordingly. By working in tandem with the natural cycle of moonlight, we create far more energy efficient cities. No major infrastructure changes are needed since it's all in the bulb.
Congratulations to the three designers, Anton Willis, Kate Lydon and Christina Seely on their $10,000 prize.
via ArchNewsNow
More pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 3:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
April 28, 2007
Another Sony Ericsson Concept
Probably one of the better Sony Ericsson concepts floating around, this unknown design comes from China's interwebs so unfortunately not much is known. Based on my very basic grasp of Chinese, it's a Walkman phone with a gesture based touchscreen.
The designer seems to have been inspired by the current crop of Sony's dedicated MP3 players borrowing their OED display technology. Look closer and it seems the text floats on the screen, or so that's what Sony claims OED is. Overall, the design is clean, undisturbed by hard creases and seams - perfect for a mobile phone.
The other design feature is the gesture based touchscreen. Menu navigation is achieved by drawing paths with your fingertips right on the screen. For example sliding your finger from left to right takes you to the next screen over. Drawing a right arrow indicates "play". Simple right?
The phone interface looks like your standard numeric keypad. The translation indicates the keypad can switch to alphanumerics for texting. Again, accessing the softkeys or dialing a number takes a series of taps and finger gestures.
Of course carrying the Walkman logo means heavy emphasis on music. This concept lifts most of those features from current SE mobile phones. Playlists, song ratings and workout biometrics have all found their way into this concept.
There's no mention of a camera or video playback. Even so, this concept would make for a great entry level Walkman phone. The design seems feasible and within Sony's language. Regardless of what you think of the design, I do agree with the emphasis on Sony's slick OED technology. Anytime you see an embedded screen that appears to float on the surface, you instantly think Sony. It's something the company should use more often to further set their handsets apart, especially from the upcoming barrage of iPhone and clones.
via JAMPB
Lots more pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 6:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 27, 2007
Conserve Energy Or This Tree Gets It!
That's the concept behind Ben Arent's Energy Tree. We're accustomed to energy and power on demand. Anytime we need it, as much as we need, it's there. The Energy Tree is supposed to change how we perceive energy use, more importantly how we should conserve it.
The Energy Tree monitors your home and habits. Every bit of energy usage is noted and anytime the system feels you're wasting energy, it does something morbid. It feeds the real live tree growing out of it with poison! The incentive here is be a good "green" go-getter and the tree gets water and nutrients. Be careless and wasteful and the tree slowly dies. Of course it might be hard to judge how well you're doing without any actual data so the Energy Tree outputs all that info on a display. Now ask yourself how much energy is this Energy Tree using to do all this? It uses A LOT but all that energy comes from its built-in solar panel.
I find the whole idea intriguing if not morbid. Any system designed to encourage certain behaviors and habits should do so thru positive reinforcement. We can learn new tricks but just like dogs, treats and praise are the keys to success.
via Yanko Design
Another picture after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
April 26, 2007
2008 Olympic Torch Designed By PC Manufacturer Lenovo
There you have it, the most GORGEOUS Olympic Torch I have ever seen. Granted I haven't seen every single Olympic Torch but I have seen the last 4. This by far is the most beautiful.
Funny thing is, a PC manufacturer designed the torch. Lenovo is best known for its Thinkpads which used to be IBM's computer business. If you recall, Thinkpad designs aren't anything to write home about so it comes as a surprise their torch beat out 300 others.
Lenovo designers took 10 months to design the torch. They wanted it to symbolize the design language inherent to China. It resembles a rolled up scroll and when looked on from top down, appears to be the very familiar stylized cloud design seen in Chinese art. To top it off, the torch is red lacquer with gold accents, colors that have traditionally symbolized luck and royalty. They've named the torch "The Cloud of Promise". Lenovo says they wanted to create a modern design, streamlining it making it one of the lightest Olympic Torches ever created at only 2 lb.
It's gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I'm sure the Athletes chosen to run the torch will be happy to know it's incredibly light.
Posted by tranism at 4:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Wake Up To A Glowing Pillow
That's the gist of it. Here are the details. Instead of waking up to a loud repetitive sound, the glo Pillow simulates a natural sunrise by using a series of LEDs and cloth substrate developed by Phillips. The time is displayed in an embedded LED grid. Approximately 45 minutes before your designated wake-up, the light intensity from the pillow gradually increases all the way to 250 lux which is how bright a sunrise is. Using light to wake the body calmly reactivates the system instead of jolting it which sends a shot of adrenaline. What's really cool is the battery induction technology that recharges the pillow wirelessly. Just place the induction pad underneath the pillow. As long as the pillow stays somewhere near the pad, it'll be charged. The pillow itself is made from 5 layers of cotton, batting and visco-elastic memory foam or more commonly known as tempurpedic.
Unfortunately it's concept only designed by Eoin McNally and Ian Walton.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
April 25, 2007
Dandelight By Drift
Kinda ironic that a design studio name Drift would create a delightful device based off a plant who's livelyhood depends on drifting. The Dandelight is an LED adorned with phosphorus bronze seeds. I have always thought Dandelions to be pretty even tho they're technically weeds. It's such a shame something so delicate could be so easily disturbed. No worries of being blown away here. It illuminates with a soft glow powered by a 9 volt battery.
I want a field of them. I wouldn't run thru it barefoot but it would definitely seal my image as the weird faerie-like guy among the neighborhood kiddies.
via core77
Posted by tranism at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Flat Packed Arm Cast
Designer Yoon Bahk wants an emergency alternative for people who break their arm. The Emergency Cast is a flat pack sling with an inflatable lining to hold the arm in place while the wearer seeks medical attention.
I think it's a great idea and provides a much easier surface area to write on.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 1:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 23, 2007
I Think I Want A Twizzler
I'm what they call a futurist so my taste in design doesn't always mesh with the happenings of today. Take for example the Chicago Spire designed by Architect Santiago Calatrava. He's currently lobbying to have it built and it looks like it's getting close to approval. If approved, the 2,000 ft. building will become North America's tallest skyscraper.
Although Calatrava's design has gone thru numerous revisions to appeal to its critics, I still find it difficult to believe such an esoteric design would ever be built in America. We don't exactly have cutting edge skyscapers here anymore. That era has long passed and now belongs to the Chinese with their monolithic towers and massive sprawling glass communities. No folks, what we have here is just practice and it's making me crave a twizzler.
via Chicago Business
Posted by tranism at 4:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Sexy Enough To Make Me Wanna Try Surfing
Plankton and I don't often agree on our idea's of fun. One activity he enjoys that I don't is surfing. I like water just fine (I'm a Cancer) but I never got into surfing. Maybe because surfing is more about being in a natural state - to be one with the water sort of speak. Technology has no place there so it never appealed to me. The Light Wave Surfboard may be the ticket to get me back in the water.
Designed for surfers who prefer to ride in the early mornings, the Light Wave Surfboard features headlights, rail lights and fin lights. The lights are activated by pressure sensitive dimmer switches and by tilting the nose up above the water to light the way. The entire system is powered by two replaceable batteries.
Meh, now that I've written this, my excitement has subsided. Maybe when they find a way to integrate wings so I can fly across the surface like a stingray.
via Cool Hunting
Posted by tranism at 3:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
April 19, 2007
One High Tech Locket
If I could travel back in time, I'd go back to when Mark Twain were alive. I'd tell him of our future without giving him any visual reference. I'd then ask him to design what he thinks our future looks like. He'd might come up with something like the Kodak 1881, a digital camera concealed in a locket. The design harkens to an era where anything of value was an heirloom.
The lens is cleverly integrated into the front looking like an expensive piece of onyx. The controls are all hidden along the edges. Opening the locket reveals LCD screens for photo viewing. The Kodak 1881 is just a concept by Lindsey Pickett but I suspect Mark Twain would totally approve.
Another picture after the jump.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 3:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
April 18, 2007
You Go Boy!
That's what I would be saying to my dog but my dog doesn't hump. I'm beginning to think he's asexual because he's sooo not into it. As for other dogs, I know they go on hump freenzies. Believe me, I have many plush toys that could attest.
The Hotdoll is a sex doll for your dog. It's sorta shaped like a dog and has curves in all the right places to get fido going. Hump, hump, humping away until he collapses and lights up a cigarette. I have only one question. Is it dishwasher safe because I refuse to scrub anything raped by a dog.
Oh and THERE'S A HOLE. Hit the jump to see it. You know you want to.
via Gizmodo
Posted by tranism at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Who Controls The Remote In Your House?
It's an inevitable fact. Once you move in with your significant other, control over the remote will be one of the first issues to come up. That's why I whole heartedly endorse Didier and Nickolas' Cushion Control pillows. Volume, channel and power buttons are split up between 3 pillows. The designers aim to provoke users to argue over "who has the remote", ultimately resulting in a pillow fight.
That is so 'effin HOT.
via core77
Posted by tranism at 3:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Mechanical Sculptures By Christopher Conte
The works of Christopher Conte enamor me. Something about them makes me smile. Perhaps it's the technical wizardry involved in making ordinary objects come alive or it could be his life story and how he got into art.
Christopher actually studied human anatomy and went on to design and build prosthetic limbs for amputees. He always had a love for science and art and one day his work and hobby collided. Good thing it did too, otherwise we wouldn't have some of the most amazing micro sculptures I've ever seen. My favorite is the Singer insect, made from old Singer sewing machine bits.
via Notcot
Posted by tranism at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
A Little Hot Piggy
I wasn't quite sure what to make of it when I first saw it but it has grown on me. I do eat a lot of noodles and dang if them noodles don't get hot! The rubber lid looks like a pig tried to escape from the hands of a butcher but just didn't quite make it. Reminds me of many cartoons.
Anywho, it's cute and the nose is supposed to act as a handle since the pressure from hot air trying to escape forms a seal along the edge. That way you can hold your bowl without scalding your hands.
via Nexus404
Posted by tranism at 2:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 16, 2007
Dot Kite Lab Snello
My boy Thomas Mylonas is at it again. This time a table with a unique folding mechanism called the Snello. The design is modern yet elegant enough to fit in almost any decor be it home or office.
"When neat design and flexibility are paramount, the Snello table system is an excellent solution. The simple and elegant aesthetic of the table allows for compatibility with other furniture styles. Its space-saving attributes makes it ideal for different environments such as modern living rooms, hotel lobbies, lounges, bars and living applications."
I love it Thomas, so when am I gonna get one? :)
Another picture after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 7:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 13, 2007
The Voltron Of Mobile Phones
WillCOM (a Japanese Mobile manufacturer) believes the future of mobile phones will be in hardware customization. In their WP004 concept, each mobile component - camera, keypad, GPS, fingerprint sensor, extended batteries, etc. can modularly connect to each other and form VOLTRON! I'm kidding.
The WP004 phone only comes with a SIM module. Then it's like Build-A-Bear. Choose from over a dozen components and make your dream phone.
How cool is that? God it seems like we'll never catch up to them. Even so, it would have been cooler still if it really could form VOLTRON!
via Ubergizmo
Posted by tranism at 8:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Intruders Concept Phone
Looking like an alien spacecraft or a high tech powder compact, Dennis Hopkin's (no relation) Intruders concept makes UFOs a chic muse for mobile phone design.
The compact, errrr I mean the phone is only 1/3 of an inch thick when closed and opens up to reveal a 220 x 176 pixel display. The numerics and softkeys are arranged in a circular pattern because we all know how well that works in real life (insert smirk). The cool thing is it glows blue when it rings.
Throw in a tractor beam, transporter and digital frisbee functionality and I'll be the first buyer.
via Gizmodo
Posted by tranism at 8:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 9, 2007
Oooh A Giant Ass Tea Cup!
Didn't you ever watch Alice in Wonderland and think, "I want a giant tea cup". If you didn't then stop reading and just hit the jump to see more of the cat. For those who did, now you can have one.
Gitta Gschwendtner's Plant Cup planter is big enough to hold a gallon of English breakfast tea or a nice bed of daisies. Made from white glazed earthenware, the cup is actually quite strong. It's a little pricey at $338 but you get what you pay for right? I can imagine myself showing up at a brunch, cup and saucer in tow.
BTW cat not included. Now hit the jump!
Posted by tranism at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Just A Light Wind
I have a fascination with self-powered garden lights. I love walking my dog late at night squinting my eyes to see the soft white and blue glows from lawns afar. I think it's cool they're solar powered. They seem to make an ordinary lawn feel magical. I do wish they were more kinetic in their design. Leave it to Demarkersvan to make the garden light of my dreams.
It's called Light Wind. Inspired by Dutch windmills, the little device sports a funky propeller atop the light. The slight breeze sends the propellers spinning storing up enough energy to power the light all night.
Another picture after the jump.
via Core77
Posted by tranism at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 6, 2007
Kinda Like A Tall Grassy Meadow
My mom used to scold me for rolling around on the carpet. I have no idea why I found joy in doing so. Too bad we didn't have the Dialogue Carpet in our house. Just look at it. Don't those photoshopped people look like they're having fun?
Designed by Ane Lykke, Dialogue Carpet is a giant rug made from long stands of paper yarn giving it an inviting plush look. It's called the Dialogue Carpet because its form encourages people to interact with it.
My mom also used to say white is a bad color for carpet. I think I'm gonna go with her on this one, especially if people are gonna be rolling around in it.
via Yanko Design
More pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
April 4, 2007
Butterfly Concept By A 15 Year Old
A 15 year old name Andrew Kim recently posted a mobile phone concept he calls the Butterfly in a design forum soliciting critique and advice. To his surprise many of the senior forum members commented on how his concept is better thought out than some designers twice his age. So what's so hot about the Butterfly?
It's a slick horizontal slider with dual AMOLED touch screens. At first glance it looks like any other slider with screen on one side, camera on the other. Unlike other sliders, the second screen slides up away from you and clicks into position at an angle - a design feature he calls "slide & tilt". The first screen then becomes your keypad. Cool huh?
On the rear of the phone, you'll find a SVGA camera (megapixels?) and replaceable lithium ion battery. He's even included an SD-micro slot for memory expansion, Wi-Fi and music/video playback. On the side is a hold switch to deactivate the touch screens.
Even the UI on this thing is unique. It's a mash up of the iPhone, PSP and Helio interfaces. Menus are accessed thru a wheel of icons. Drilling down each menu item gives you a crossbar experience similar to the PSP. The entire interface is manipulated by your finger via tapping and dragging motions similar to the iPhone.
In terms of industrial design, the Butterfly is quite nice. I do have a few gripes with it tho. First, in order to dial a number you have to slide it open, dial, then close it to initiate the call. It would make more sense to be able to access your address book or bring up a keypad on the main touch display. My other gripe is the screen. They are incredibly narrow making web browsing, reading, viewing pictures and watching videos an awkward experience. If the screens were redesigned to fit a true 16:9 aspect ratio - we'd have a winner. One thing I do love is the Nintendo DS-like form factor. In fact if this weren't a phone, it could easily pass as the Nintendo DS Lite Version 2.
I think Andrew has done a fantastic job and only 15 years old too. He's already looking into design schools and I can't wait to see him display his brilliance once again.
Posted by tranism at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)