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February 28, 2008
New Way To Own A Mobile Phone
New mobiles with updated technologies come out every year so why are we stuck in a model that forces encourages us to buy instead of leasing?
That's the idea behind the Linc, a concept mobile phone and platform by Greener Grass. You sign a contract and they send you a phone. A year from now you send it back for the latest and greatest. Kinda sorta similar to what some companies allow now with trade-ins except your old Linc actually gets recycled, like all of it. This model demonstrates a sustainable cradle-to-cradle solution instead of our current cradle-to-waste system.
Would you be into it? I think Kitsune Noir is.
Posted by tranism at 1:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Squeeze My Tentacle
Board room meetings are kind of boring. A bunch of people hunched over the table spitting out random ideas, speaking over each other, being anything but productive. The Sensor Squid aims to change all that by making the collaborative spirit fun. Just grab onto a tentacle and speak your mind, control that powerpoint presentation, share information, or lead a brainstorm.
via Make
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February 27, 2008
Mighty Morphin Computer Tablet
One of the new miracle materials is a magnetized oil called magneclay. By using controlled electric and magnetic fields, magneclay can take on almost any shape. Designer Jonathan Lucas uses this technology in his Siafu concept, a tablet designed for people with vision loss and impairment.
The tablet can display brail, create tactile surface imagery, and even bring up dynamic menus for a revolutionary interface.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Ripple Ball
As if designers haven't made some faucets difficult enough to use, designer Smith Newman & Touch 360 Studio felt they should take it a step further. The Ripple faucet has a magnetized ball that controls temperature and water pressure in relation to its position from the center. Hot and cold water flow from two separate channels meeting in the middle for the perfect mix.
Just make sure you don't lose the ball. More at Yanko Design.
Posted by tranism at 11:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 25, 2008
Woodbot
After reading this interview about Mike Rea and his wood working prowess, I have renewed interest in wood shop. Unfortunately my skills with a saw is about as good as throwing a football more than 10 yards. Seriously this guy can make anything out of wood.
If you live anywhere near Virginia, he's having an exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center this April. GO SEE IT!
Posted by tranism at 5:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Automated Brooming
Look, it totally works if you only dirty the floor directly beneath the track okay? Living like the Jetsons I tells ya.
More at Oh Gizmo
Posted by tranism at 4:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
A Green Car
I'm a Playsam collector, well sorta. I have the white and black versions of this car. Although the company swears up and down their simple wooden toys are for kids, I've only seen adults with them, especially since they cost $40-60 each.
But that's neither here nor there. Playsam wants you to know it's green now and to celebrate, this April you'll be able to pick up the Playsam Miljobil. The wood comes from recycled beechwood, the lacquer and paints are non-toxic, and the packaging has gone from the slick black Apple-esque packaging to plain brown fiber.
So who wants to buy me one?
Posted by tranism at 4:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Nokia Wants You To Believe!
In the future, your phone is like paper thin okay? It can sniff fruit and self-cleans. It can fold into a phone, a watch, and possibly an origami crane. Okay that last one was a stretch but wouldn't it be cool if it did?!?
Now that I'm back on the Earth, check out Nokia's latest concept device dubbed Morph. A joint collaboration between Nokia Research and the University of Cambridge, it promises a future where flexible materials literally bend to your every whim.
Posted by tranism at 4:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
New Meaning To Mile High
Standing over 5,000 feet, the proposed MILE tower in Jeddah City Saudi Arabia will someday claim the coveted title of world's tallest building. Although technically we can build as high as we want, other variables prevent skyscrapers from every going this tall. Issues like transport, safety, and evacuation.
But that's not gonna stop the investors in this project. If anything it's more a symbol of power and wealth in the Middle East. Still this is chump change compared to Japan's proposed XSEED.
Posted by tranism at 4:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Glowing Bamboo
Those newbie ID graduates from METU are at it again. Designer Sevcan Yardim is totally proud of her Bamboo Lights, a sustainable lighting concept. She envisages gardens lit up with this very eco-friendly alternative to lamp posts. Illuminated by small LEDs, the whole thing looks like an organic light saber, which may or may not be a good thing. I'd probably try to dig one up to test out my non-existant Jedi skills.
The Force has left me. Thanks Core77.
Posted by tranism at 4:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Squeeze This
ID people have it tough. They have to forecast the future based on current trends; not an easy job. That's why we always see concepts stretching the bounds of our imaginations. It can be difficult separating what's real from fantasy so here's a hip-tip. In general look for a commonality and that's probably what we'll see hit mass 10-20-30 years from now.
One example are flexible electronics. They come in every form via a designer's imagination so we can be sure our electronics will be flexible in some way in the future. One example is a Soft Phone by Qian Jiang. In lieu of a traditional screen, there's a electric cellulose fabric stretched between rings. The fabric registers deformations as input so just about anything from typing, dialing, to squeezing can be used for navigation. Fascinating concept really.
More at Yanko Design
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February 24, 2008
Human Zoo
This should totally be my Halloween costume this year. Hit the jump to see more.
Posted by tranism at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
February 20, 2008
Relief In A Barrel
The Bedu concept is a remarkable solve for quick basic relief in disaster stricken areas. Designed by Toby Mcinnes, everything for basic medical care, food, water, and shelter comes in a barrel that can be air dropped.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
February 18, 2008
Bambi Borg
It's a little steampunk, a little borg, and a little disturbing. Still I somehow can't refrain from staring at these pictures. Check out artist Lisa Black for more of her assimilated creations. More after the jump.
via Notcot
Posted by tranism at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
February 15, 2008
Mersey Observatory Liverpool England
Phos Architects have recently been shortlisted in an international competition to design an iconic structure in Liverpool.
The Mersey Observatory will offer unrivalled panoramic views of Liverpool Bay, the city’s famous skyline, the busy working docks and international shipping traffic on the River Mersey. The form of our design, in combination with the setting, is intended evoke thoughts of industry, and ship building. We have designed the Mersey Observatory to be tapered and extend upwards to create a coastal beacon, similar to a lighthouse.
Way more exciting than anything being built so far for the London Olympics. More after the jump.
via Deezen
Posted by tranism at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 14, 2008
Aura Healing Concept
Frog Design Studio just introduced their latest concept called Aura, a futuristic health oriented device that combines both traditional and ethereal healing methods. By monitoring a patient's vital signs, customized regimens of light, sound, and aroma can be combined with medicine for an all encompassing treatment, revitalizing both the body and mind.
Posted by tranism at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 11, 2008
Air Drying The Dyson Way
Dyson, the company behind those super vacuums and hand dryers are at it again, this time with drying clothes. We all know electric/gas dryers use up boatloads of energy, which is bad for the wallet, bad for the environment. Hang drying is the only green alternative until now. The Dyson Air-line uses wind and solar energy to air dry your clothes.
I believe it's just a concept for now but the Dyson vacs were once also too and you know how successful that became. The Air-line promises to dry your clothes in the same amount of time using no electricity whatsoever.
Another pic after the jump. Thanks Gearfuse.
Posted by tranism at 11:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Stockholm Furniture Fair 2008
So this year's furniture fair wasn't too exciting. Some of the lamps were cool but nothing we haven't seen before. True to form the furniture was very Scandinavian. However, if that's your steelo then you'll love what was shown, many of which you'll find in stores this year. Hit the jump to see all the photos.
Thanks Richie!
Posted by tranism at 8:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Write And Send
This pen has a secret. It can transmit what you write as text messages. Wirelessly connected to your phone, just write down the name of your recipient and draw a circle around it. Man if I had one of these in school, tests would have been so much easier.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 8:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Glove Tracking
As a kid I was totally envious. . . okay jealous of Penny and her book computer. You know, Inspector Gadget's niece, or was it his daughter? Whateves. Point being I wanted some sort of mini computing device. Tho we live in a society of notebooks and smartphones, I really like the Vie - a GPS enabled pair of gloves. They help you keep track of your route, jog, and progress. They'll also send out an SOS should you get lost or come across a mountain lion while jogging on those trails that say, "beware of mountain lions".
via Gearfuse
Posted by tranism at 7:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Dream Little PSP
This fan made PSP is a whole lot better than the real thing. Amazingly it looks more Sony than the real PSP too.
Posted by tranism at 2:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
February 8, 2008
Soap Bits
Bar soap lovers, let me ask you this. Don't you get tired of that last bit, too small to hold, too mushy to get a good lather? It's one of the reasons why I switched to liquid body wash. Fret not because some designers came up with this ingenious contraption called the Soap Bank.
It suction cups to tile, holds bar soap and when that dissipates into small bits, slip it into the mesh net. Makes for an easy lather and makes use of the entire bar.
Posted by tranism at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Computer Mug To Go
I posted this interesting concept that's sparking quite the debate over at Yanko Design. It's a mug with a built-in touchscreen to get your morning news, stocks, email, traffic updates, etc. Some argue it's possible while others believe this is a case of design exploration.
Posted by tranism at 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 5, 2008
Magnetic Curtains
Designer Florian Krautli is a clever one. His latest project involves Magnetic Curtains. Cut and folded using a scaffolding structure, the curtain sticks to itself forming very architectural peaks and valleys.
via MoCo Loco
Posted by tranism at 4:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Sleeping Itch Free
A lot of people fail at getting a good night's sleep. It's true and part of the reason why is itchiness. The onset of itchies stems from a number of reasons, most of which can be controlled. Enter the dreamer's material Dermasilk. Billed as the end all of restless nights, this fabric regulates body temperature and allows skin to breath. Developed by the Travelodge hotel chain, the company is currently beta testing would be patrons and should it prove successful, see commercial development.
And yes that woman is totally wearing a onesy.
via Telegraph
Posted by tranism at 1:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Birdy For My Bum
My home is quite the modern sanctuary but I have a problem with it looking too cold. I try to warm things up with textures and lighting but still, all my big pieces are heavy in the clean and modern department. That's why I want the Birdy chair from Homebase. It's as if a swallow weaved it just for me. If I squint my eyes, the chair even looks like a bird. It looks super comfy and the padded seat comes in two color ways. Can't figure out how to buy it tho. It's all in German.
Another one after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
February 4, 2008
Redesign Dosages
This story is about my dog. His name is Miko and he's been on a myriad of meds to treat his allergies. For the most part he's allergic to grass (certain kinds) and some kinds of pollen which sucks for a dog since they love being outside. The symptoms come up as hair loss and itching which can lead to secondary infections. I tried everything until my Vet agreed to put him on Atopica, an allergy medication that works miracles.
My only gripe are the dosage adjustments. Miko starts off by taking very high amounts, slowly tapering off until he gets down to 1 pill a day. He's already taking vitamins and fish oil caps so I'm constantly shoving things down his throat multiple times a day. I feel bad for him and wish there were a more streamline way of delivering adjusted dosages. So the above image is an example of how I'd like to see some meds packaged.
BTW, Miko is all better now.
Posted by tranism at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Mobile Phone's Best Friend
Man has his dogs and mobile phones could have something like the MCube, a peripheral that extends the capabilities of your phone. It's a wireless charger, bluetooth stereo, and information display. Simple place your mobile phone nearby to wirelessly recharge and stream music to the MCube via bluetooth. It'll also display basic information from your phone like caller ID and text messages.
Just a concept for now but none of the technologies it proposes is beyond the reach of today. Expect to see something like this in the near future.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)