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For those who want to have a relaxing, spa-like experience at home or in their room, scent diffusers are a must-have as well as ambient lighting to suit the mood you want to create. There are of course different products and options available in the market for both these purposes but what if you could have both in one single device? This is what a Swedish scent brand has come up with in collaboration with a French light artist.

Designer: Benoit Lalloz

Byredo founder Ben Gorham contacted French artist and designer Benoit Lalloz to come up with a device that will be a candle warmer as well as a scent diffuser. The result is a pretty unique product called Infra Luna, an industrial-looking combination of light and smells. Basically how it works is it heats up the candle wax and then diffuses the scent to fill up your room.

The device looks like a miniature time machine with its aluminum, circular frame. But instead of transporting you through time, it will transform your room into a calming haven when you need to relax and meditate. It uses a heating mechanism to turn the candle wax into liquid. The color of the candle cap will throw a soft glow onto its surroundings while its scent will envelop the room.

The industrial, silver color of the Infra Luna is in contrast to the dark colors of the Byredo candles and it is intentional as it can absorb and then reflect the light to give off eye-catching but at the same time relaxing illumination for the room. The candle cap comes in blue, red, and chrome colors.

The Infra Luna, which costs $2,590, is already sold out on the Byredo website but there were only limited quantities produced. They may probably come up with different versions and iterations of this device so if this is something you’d want to get for your home, you will have to wait.

The post Infra Light brings calming light and smells to your haven first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 08, 2022 at 12:10PM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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It’s no longer enough to just eat healthy. One also needs to make sure our healthy eating is also healthy for the planet.

There has been a great deal of interest and attention given to diets in the past years, especially as people were forced to fend for themselves at home. Diet fads come and go, but the ingredients we use have mostly remained the same, and the demand for meat-based products has only gone higher, not lower. Our food system isn’t just broken, but so is our mindset and expectations of an unlimited supply of materials to feed the planet at the expense of the planet itself. That definitely has to change, and a holistic kitchen system imagines how tomorrow’s diets won’t only be plant-forward but also planet-friendly.

Designer: Electrolux

Eating healthier has almost become an obsession of many people these days, evidenced by the number of new diet styles and trends that pop up every year. But while people have become generally conscious of the food they eat, they often turn a blind eye to the long-term effects of our food supply systems on the Earth’s ecosystem. Feeding the planet doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet itself, nor do plant-forward diets have to be the same old stuff you see on the Internet and YouTube.

GRO, from the Swedish word for “to sprout,” reimagines and reinvents a kitchen designed for sustainable eating. While that largely revolves around transitioning to a more plant-forward diet, it also acknowledges the fact that meat will still be a part of people’s lives. Instead, GRO provides solutions to nudge people to become smarter about their food choices, like a “jewelry box” storage that encourages eating less but better quality meat.

GRO includes a modular compartment system that you can combine like LEGO bricks, depending on your dietary needs and kitchen space. Each compartment is designed not only to preserve ingredients but also to showcase their diversity and beauty. A Plant Gallery, for example, provides optimal conditions for storing fruits and vegetables while also letting you enjoy their fresh appearance behind textured glass.

The system also defies stereotypes of plant-forward diets as bland or unexciting, especially to taste buds. In fact, GRO encourages exploration and experimentation, like the Grain and Pulse Library, which lets you try out alternative sources of protein from grains and pulses. Included in the collection is the Nordic Smoker, which lets homeowners smoke their food indoors and infuse new flavors into their recipes. And if all those starts to sound a bit overwhelming, the GRO Coach digital food companion will help you make the right sustainable choices based on your habits and needs.

GRO is part of Electrolux’s Better Living Initiative to promote better eating and better living inside more sustainable homes. The company sent out a survey last year aimed at young people between 15 and 20 to share their thoughts on the future of sustainable living. They are, after all, the biggest stakeholders in the planet’s future, and Electrolux’s kitchen concept wants to make sure that there will still be such a future that will be able to sustain life on the planet for generations to come.

The post Electrolux GRO kitchen concept offers a fresh take on sustainable eating first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 08, 2022 at 10:05AM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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Why carry a backpack on your shoulders when you could just snap a bag to your hoodie? The Ultra Hoodie quite literally does that, with a magnetic M-System plug that lets you quickly attach messenger bags, pouches, and other accessories directly to the hoodie, sort of like giving yourself extra pockets. If that wasn’t cool enough, the Ultra Hoodie is also water resistant with DWR and abrasion-proof, comes with dedicated pockets for your belongings, built-in AirPods holders, and a tiny window that lets you look at your smartwatch without having to lift your sleeves up. It’s also simultaneously breathable and stretchable, allowing you to be as comfortable and free as you would in a regular hoodie, and it comes in the most badass color on the planet – jet black.

Designer: William Chen

Click Here to Buy Now: $198 $280 (30% off). Hurry, less than 24 hours left!

The patent-pending Ultra Hoodie quite literally propels the most comfortable piece of clothing into the future. While most hoodies were designed for casual comfort, the Ultra Hoodie combines comfort with performance, versatility, and durability. At first glance, it might look just like a regular (albeit classy) hoodie, but look closer and you’ll realize how much there is to unpack.

The hoodie comes made from a high-gauge weaving structure with a dedicated internal membrane that makes it incredibly resilient to wind and rain, while still being up to 5 times more breathable than your average jacket. An inner fleece lining keeps you warm without making you sweaty, and creates a comfortable environment that only a hoodie can.

The Ultra Hoodie, however, isn’t just designed for comfort. Its fabric has 360° stretchability, making the Ultra Hoodie perfect for the great outdoors. It’s also abrasion-resistant, so you can wear it just about anywhere without worrying about it getting damaged, and has reflective strips on the back, increasing visibility and safety.

Hidden Card Slot

Phone Pocket

Watch Window

The Ultra Hoodie also comes with a few functional upgrades designed to help you effectively adapt to different situations. It has an abundance of pockets, including hidden slots on the sleeve to store your phone, cash, or cards. A water bottle pocket beside the ribs lets you easily carry a bottle or umbrella, and a towel loop on the back is perfect for storing a rolled-up napkin or sweat towel while working out.

The hoodie also has an adjustable hood with pull-strings that also double up as holders for AirPods. Want to wear your AirPods with your head covered? The hoodie comes with passthrough vents that let you fit in your earbuds THROUGH the hood.

Perhaps the most impressive feature the Ultra Hoodie sports is its versatile M-System modular design. The M-System is a magnetic modular interface that allows you to snap a host of extra modules and accessories to the hoodie. These accessories include the M-System Pack, a messenger-style waterproof bag that basically attaches to your torso, eliminating the need for straps.

The M-System Pack works almost like an extension of your hoodie, giving you an extra set of waterproof zippers to carry extra belongings, and just in case you want to use it without the hoodie, there is a detachable strap too that allows you to wear the pack as a side-sling or cross-body bag. Other accessories include a name-tag, which slips right into the base of the jacket right near your hip, where you’d attach your retractable lanyard anyway, and a polygonal hat, which just acts as a rather cool accessory when you’re trying to nail the Heisenberg look.

What the Ultra Hoodie really does is expand the capabilities of an otherwise rather commonplace piece of clothing that people usually wear for days at an end because it’s just comfortable. In its renewed avatar, the hoodie 2.0 if you will, the Ultra Hoodie becomes the kind of apparel you can wear everyday and everywhere, thanks to a series of rather functional upgrades. The stretchable, breathable, high-performance fabric is perfect for practically any demanding outdoor scenario, and the pockets, features, and accessories that accompany the Ultra Hoodie make it perfect for the everyday urban warrior!

Click Here to Buy Now: $198 $280 (30% off). Hurry, less than 24 hours left!

The post This futuristic hoodie is weather adaptive, abrasion-proof, and comes with a set of modular accessories first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 08, 2022 at 04:45AM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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If there’s something that this pandemic has taught us it’s that health truly is wealth! We cannot take our health and well-being for granted, and a mindset of preparedness and precaution is extremely integral during such times. The medical industry has been making leaps and jumps in its innovations, to ensure such a brutal pandemic doesn’t occur again. Designers have been coming up with new and improved, life-saving medical designs that not only boost medical care but relieve some of the pressure from our tireless medical force. From a prosthetic limb integrated with smart technology to a Dyson award-winning injection accessory – these designs tackle a variety of problems in the health and medical field. They’re a boon to modern healthcare and a reminder that we cannot take our health for granted any longer! revolutionize

1. The Pinsoft

While its appearance could easily be mistaken for a fancy meat tenderizer, the James Dyson National Award-winning Pinsoft is an injection attachment that helps people deal with Trypanophobia or a fear of needles. Its terrifying appearance aside, the Pinsoft sits around ‘ an injection, and its multiple round-tipped prongs help stimulate and confuse your skin as the needle makes its way through. The gentle stimulation caused by the prongs distracts your brain since it can’t immediately tell the difference between the prongs touching your skin and the needle piercing your skin. By the time you realize what’s happened, you’re done with your shot!

2. AXO

An award-winning concept called AXO is aiming to create a cast that actually looks more like a fashion statement than a medical emergency. More importantly, it’s something that is easy to put on, can still make your skin breathe (as compared to the usual cement cast), and is made from recyclable materials. The designers are also looking at this product to make the production of medical casts using sustainable methods. The concept also aims to reduce the need for further check-ups and may even avoid further damage to tissue, muscle, or bone. How they will be able to do all that is something that they did not specify in their concept description.

3. ECO-FLO

ECO-FLO was envisioned as a one-of-a-kind test kit that, instead of relying on nasal swabs, uses a saliva sample instead. The kit comes in four parts – the test kit, the test strip, an absorbent pad, and a sachet. While current lateral flow and PCR tests have a much more complicated (and failure-prone) procedure, using the ECO-FLO is much easier and foolproof. Just open the kit up and place your saliva sample in the designated absorbent pad. Close the kit and press the button on the front, and your results get displayed on the test strip. Once you’re done, place the kit back inside its sachet and dispose of it carefully.

4. MicroMed

MicroMed is a concept product design that allows customized doses of medication. It is more of an advanced med dispenser as the doses are based on a user’s characteristics. Data are entered on a companion app to identify and offer the correct dose. One advantage of the MicroMed is that you won’t need the blister packaging since it is very wasteful. Reduced waste means it is more eco-friendly for a more sustainable future. The MicroMed also offers a refillable cartridge system, which is an ideal solution, especially for those regularly taking medication.

5. The Smart Prosthetic Arm

The Smart Prosthetic Arm is a wearable design concept that integrates AI and smart technology into the construction of a prosthetic limb. While some prosthetic arms take on the look of an actual limb to create a cohesive look with the user’s body and skin tone, Lihovski’s design embraces the tech of it all. The robotic look also helps to normalize the use of prosthetic limbs in common spaces. Conceptualized in optic white and slate black, a digital interface wraps around the prosthetic arm’s elbow crease that operates as the prosthetic limb’s smart hub.

6. The C-knee

A design company came up with a medical design solution to help kids who suffer from injuries like damaged meniscus and other possible leg injuries that will affect the knees, especially in the recovery process. The C-knee is a device that the child can wear while recovering from their fracture, sprain, or other injuries. It’s designed like the usual leg brace that athletes wear but with a mesh padding to fit the knee area. I’m assuming that this is something the kids will wear after the cast has come off and the doctors and parents need to keep a close eye on their knees.

7. Mae

Mae is an inhaler that integrates some electronics to make sure a user gets the exact right dosage they need. It also includes a display that guides them throughout the process so they won’t have to stress over forgetting a step. The most important part, however, is that it is driven by the natural breathing cycle of the person. They don’t have to make sure to time everything perfectly. They just need to inhale, and the electronics detect that and administer the dose as necessary. You’ll still have to hold your breath after, but now there’s a timer on display for your convenience.

8. The Decibels Hearing Enhancers

Connecting with people can be easier with the Decibels Hearing Enhancers. The small device features designer hearing technology in a form that you will not be ashamed to wear. It’s not just an ordinary hearing aid or a medical device. People may even mistake this for an earbud. Conventional hearing aids are usually hidden or associated with disabilities or getting old. With Decibels, such social stigma can be removed. But even if you have a problem with hearing, you don’t have to be ashamed, especially since the Decibels Hearing Enhancers are designed with a more modern and stylish look.

9. Home Breath Analysis device

Most of the at-home medical devices that we have are more functional and not design-focused. The important thing for most users is that it does what it’s supposed to do, whether it’s measuring blood pressure or taking your oxygen saturation level. But what if the design of the device actually contributes to how regularly the “patient” will be using it and how regularly they use it is connected to early detection and diagnosis? This is the idea behind the concept for a Home Breath Analysis device by designer Lucas Couto. Anyone who has taken care of a patient at home, whether a family member or a professional, knows how hard it is sometimes to make them use a device that is supposedly good for their health.

10. Fanny

Designer Abel Szabo zooms in on the problem of wrist injuries to create a rehabilitation product that eases the user through the process of strengthening the muscle and tissues. Dubbed Fanny, this wrist rehabilitation medical accessory is specifically designed for people in the process of recovering from a nagging wrist or hand injury, or ones who keep suffering the same injury due to negligence in the past. Abel also seeks to devise a practical solution for people who either develop tennis elbow or are susceptible to developing it in the future due to the repetitive nature of their task.

The post Medical Innovations designed to revolutionize the world of modern healthcare first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 08, 2022 at 02:30AM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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What if you could ride to work on a bike and disassemble it at the destination to reassemble it as an armchair to sit on in the meeting room? It is not easy for industrial designers to create a product disguised as a completely different idea. This is how the Outlaw Bike was born in Brazil though. We can argue, and you will read further why, that the bike is designed as an awareness campaign against the Brazilian tax regime, but it is in fact a project that will have many minds latching onto the idea for industrial gains.

Leaving that for the creative heads and ones with dosh to burn; we’ll get on with the idea at hand. The bicycle, a design by Cardoso Cycles for a collaborative awareness drive by Talent Marcel and Bicycling Magazine, can be disassembled instantly to be assembled into an armchair and a table. The idea is to draw the Brazilian tax authority’s attention to the tax burden that affects sales of bicycles in the country.

Designer: Denis Cardoso

In general, bikes are more common around the world in comparison to cars. People use bikes for health and to stay in shape in some countries, while in nations like Netherlands and Germany bikes are mostly used for transportation. The popularity of bikes is steadily scaling in Brazil but taxes as high as 70 percent on bicycles makes bikes very expensive and render them inaccessible to most of the population. The Outlaw Bike however pretends to be furniture (which is taxable at 12 percent) so it is less expensive.

The project allows consumers to choose the form factor of their product: furniture or bicycle; depending on the tax option they choose. That said, either way, the furniture or bike are made from the same parts and same material. It’s only that they are assembled differently. The materials involved include treated wood, laminates, aluminum, steel and environmentally-friendly leather. The bike handle and frame are made of wood while the saddle is leather coated. The other parts are made from aluminum. When used as an armchair, the wood becomes the frame and leather spreads out for the seat. The metal body forms the base of the table topped with the cycle wheel.

The Outlaw bike; Denis Cardoso, owner of Cardoso Cycles notes, is only a prototype designed to highlight the high tax burdens. It is not for sale, though he does not rule out the possibility of the bike-furniture combo being commercialized in the future. If it is sold, it would be “valued around 3,800 reais” (approx. $800) if taxed as furniture, Cardoso informs. As a bicycle, it would value 58 percent more. For a marketable version, the designers will have to streamline assembly and disassembly and work on reducing the weight of the prototype.

The post Bike that transforms into furniture is an innovation we have never seen before first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 08, 2022 at 01:30AM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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Air pollution has been a persistent problem in most urbanized areas. It’s something that we don’t really notice or don’t realize the effects on us unless there’s a haze problem. But we all know it’s there, having significant effects on our health and becoming a major contributor to global warming and climate change. Emissions of sulfur dioxide, ozone (O3), carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulates, and others are the main offenders. We need more products or at least concepts that can help reduce the effects of this on our health and in the world in general.

Designer: Wang Hong Min

The idea behind this concept called Pure Bubble is to help improve the quality of outdoor air that we breathe in every day. It’s basically like an air purifier but this time it’s for outdoors. It’s an air filtering system that is made up of multiple balls or bubbles that are able to not just detect and analyze air quality but “clean” the pollution source as well. The bubble design is inspired by the dandelion (or as my friend says, what Flik rode in A Bug’s Life) so it looks soft, light, and airy.

Each bubble has three layers that will help in improving the outdoor air quality where it will be floating around. The first layer has helium to make it lighter and has hundreds of holes on its surface so air can go in and out. The second layer meanwhile has a filtering function with a TPA patented technology and it can be re-used and rewashed. The final layer is its recharging motor, powered by wind power when docked.

How it works is that it sucks in the polluted air and filters it in the central layer. It will then blow out once the air is cleaned and so you get the effect of bubbles flying in various directions. Each bubble actually has a sensor and is also self-illuminating. The mineral elements can be extracted once the pollutants have been removed. It is also designed to help clean water systems, for example collecting rainwater and turning it into something reusable.

These bubbles and the stand can be put up anywhere that has a port and that needs to have better air quality. Hopefully, this award-winning concept eventually becomes a reality as we need all the help we can get.

The post Pure Bubble concept will help bring better air quality outdoors first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 07, 2022 at 11:45PM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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Getting from point A to point B in megacities is going to be the major focus in the next decade or even earlier. Justified enough for concept, as well as prototype flying cars and electric VTOL’s to have gained attention in the recent past. Shanghai-based Pantuo Aviation is yet another bunch of aviation and electric vehicle professionals eyeing the early piece of the pie with thier sustainable human mobility design. The company’s goal is to develop secure, AI-enabled eVTOL passenger aircraft that ease us all into the future of mobility.

The autonomous Pantala Concept H electric VTOL passenger aircraft is capable of ferrying five people from one destination to the other at cruising speeds of 300 km/h. The flying machine has an estimated range of 250 km which falls right in the alley of practical eVTOLs proposed for the end of this decade. The futuristic ride has candard tilt wings – each one of them having large diameter ducted fans with foreplane.

Designer: Pantuo

The front wings have four ducted fans while the rear wing gets seven. So, there are 20 ducted fans in total and 22 electric motors to propel the whole thing forward at impressive speeds. Safety is at the forefront here with the multi-redundant core integrated avionics and power systems at work. The ducted fans will considerably reduce the noise and maintenance costs which is another huge advantage.

The Interior of the Concept H eVTOL is spacious and luxurious – something that can be compared to current-day luxury cars or airliners. The pilot will take command from a single front seat, accompanied by two rows of seats for the four passengers in the back. Focus on the interiors is on user-friendly interface and comfort for demanding customers. The concept resembles the seven-seater Lilium eVTOL flying Taxi having the ducted fans – slated for a 2024 release.

Along the same lines, Pantuo Aviation is targeting the 2027 deadline to get the flying taxi certifications. Tests of the prototype are expected to begin shortly later this year, and we are keenly watching the Concept H and other promising eVTOLs hit the skies for commercial use sooner rather than later.

The post This luxurious flying car basks in uplifting interior comfort for high speed megacity travel first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 07, 2022 at 02:55PM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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In these pandemic-stricken times, we find ourselves spending more and more time at home. However, sitting in the same old four walls of our bedroom can become quite boring, and sometimes the only fresh air we really get is when we step out into our yards. Although we shouldn’t underestimate our backyards, they can be locations of major fun, recreation, and relaxation…depending on how we do them up! How about turning your backyard into an ideal date spot for you and your partner, or hosting a barbecue party with the best grill in the market? We’ve curated a collection of product designs to help you transform these exciting ideas into a reality! These products will turn your yard into the ultimate relaxation destination. We bet you won’t want to step out of your yard, once you introduce these products to it! From an outdoor kitchen to a portable outdoor chair that takes seconds to set up – these designs will majorly transform your humble backyard!

1. The ATRIA

Try imagining an outdoor kitchen as it can be more fun and exciting. I can totally see myself whipping up a meal for family and friends as I welcome them to my house for the first time in two years. Planning a new outdoor kitchen may be a challenge, but good thing there is Abimis with the ATRIA.

Why is it noteworthy?

ATRIA is an outdoor kitchen system that is customizable and efficient. The design is flexible, which makes it an ideal solution. It’s meant to be installed outside your home, maybe at a guesthouse or the patio. The modular design and stainless steel material make the Atria easily customizable to suit your taste and needs.

What we like

The open kitchen configuration includes modules in different colors and finishes

The ÀTRIA is available in different heights and comes with adjustable feet for stability

The kitchen system is easy to clean and is 100% recyclable

What we dislike

No complaints!

2. The Tripster

Dubbed the Tripster, this unique portable chair from Trippy Outdoor is a convenient little piece that you can stash in your garage or the back of your car and pop out whenever you need it!

Why is it noteworthy?

I had to stop myself from calling the Tripster a foldable chair because honestly, it doesn’t really fold. Built with a unique yet incredibly simple assembly mechanism, the Tripster effectively plugs in and out, going between what’s essentially a comfortable high-back outdoor chair, and two easy-to-store pieces of wood.

What we like

Creates a seating device that travels exceptionally well, and is a breeze to set up

Lightweight form

What we dislike

No complaints!

3. PANO

Some households are even switching to getting home projectors. Instead of getting more giant TVs, they prefer projectors to achieve that cozy, home movie theater feel. We have seen and tried several projectors already. Most of them are just concept designs, but there are a few we really want to turn into reality, like the PANO. It’s perfect for those movie nights in your backyard!

Why is it noteworthy?

The PANO Beam Projector is a portable version that is great for the home and for outdoor adventures. For example, if you’re into camping and are looking for evening entertainment, you can quickly bring your Pano projector and be ready to play your favorite movie or TV show. This portable beam projector doesn’t look complicated to operate. The design is a simple rectangular prism inspired by an SUV. On one side is the projecting lens and what appears to be a fabric speaker grille. On the top surface is a button and what we’re assuming is a zoom ring.

What we like

Portable design

Lightweight compared to older projector models

What we dislike

It’s still a concept!

4. The Noori V02 AIRY

In 2019, the Noori’s V01 grill basically won all our hearts. It became the go-to grill option for barbeque lovers! And this year, Noori is back with their latest V02 AIRY model! Excited much? Me too.

Why is it noteworthy?

Boasting an enameled steel construction, the Noori V02 AIRY is a multifunctional outdoor grill, pizza oven, rocket stove, and a fire pit – all in one! Not to mention, it’s probably one of the best-looking grills I’ve seen in a long time, it’ll be the perfect visual accessory to your backyard. The grill consists of six refractory concrete internal plates. These plates + an AIRY cylinder make up the grill’s innovative AIRY system (which also gives the product its name). This basically means that to set up an open fire, you simply need to remove a few refractory plates from within the AIRY cylinder, which instantly exposes the flames, creating the mesmerizing flame dance we all love to watch in an open fire!

What we like

Features a pizza disc

Portable design

What we dislike

No complaints!

5. The AirHood

Styled almost like a Dyson Bladeless Fan, the AirHood is a portable hood that sits on your countertop, sucking in the fumes from your stove, induction cooker, or even your grill. Available in both wireless and wired formats, the AirHood works partly like a chimney, and partly like an air purifier.

Why is it noteworthy?

A switch on the top lets you choose between three fan speeds, depending on what you’re cooking, and the AirHood even comes with an optional Base Boost – a platform that elevates your hood by a comfortable two inches. Once switched on, the AirHood pulls fumes into its inlet, where the air first passes through an oil filter that traps the grease, and then an activated carbon filter that purifies the air of any toxins. Clean air then makes its way out of the outlet at the back of the device, keeping your kitchen air clean and eliminating the risk of accidentally triggering your smoke alarm.

What we like

When not in use, the AirHood serves as kitchen decor, thanks to its minimalist, sculptural appeal

Its simple surfacing and polished plastic construction allow you to clean your AirHood with just a damp cloth

What we dislike

No complaints!

6. The Conic

Designed primarily for use in outdoor activities; the Conic is a helpful extension of a flashlight, which should come in handy to light up the entire camp or make those two-handed tasks easier to carry out. It will be a great help thus while cooking or maybe when playing board games at the camp.

Why is it noteworthy

The gap between outdoor flashlights and lanterns is narrowing with transformation in design. This inventive approach has given birth to a new domain i.e., an outdoor lamp, which double duties and makes sure you’re never found wanting while camping or traveling. Conic is an embodiment of such a design, which is a nice transition from the traditional, boring light sources you’ve been accustomed to packing in your backpack.

What we like

A far cry from the traditional flashlights

Portable

Multipurpose design – can be used indoors and outdoors

What we dislike?

No complaints!

7. NUO portable pizza oven

To let you discover restaurant-quality wood-fired pizza right at home or in the garden; Noox Design offers NUO portable pizza oven that’ll transform the way you have been baking pizzas at home.

Why is it noteworthy?

An essential appliance for a compact kitchen, NUO is designed for the world beyond large, electric ovens. This one is actually a hybrid oven that lets the baker choose between gas or wood flame. The oven works conveniently without electricity and sits comfortably on a flat surface courtesy of its metal legs. On a simple push of the knob – placed on the side of the oven – the NUO can ignite automatically and then allows one to toggle between the choice of flame and its intensity.

What we like

The oven can reach temperatures of up to 500-degree Celsius within

It can let aficionados prepare pasta, meat, fish, veggies, and more with the flavor of firewood if that’s your taste

What we dislike

Weighs slightly heavy owing to its thick walls and stone floor

8. Aeri

Meet Aeri, an inflatable canopy that you can carry anywhere inside a backpack, and inflate in 3 minutes with the press of just one single button. Aeri helps you effortlessly set up a canopy or an outdoor shelter in an instant. Designed to be used for recreational outdoor use, Aeri can easily be carried to the beach, campsites, the park, or even your backyard. It uses a four-pillar arch design that provides the perfect shelter against sun, wind, and rain, and its entirely inflatable design runs on a rechargeable air pump that can be operated independently by a single person with zero assistance.

Why is it noteworthy?

The patent-pending inflatable shelter fits into a moderately sized backpack, and when unfolded, can comfortably provide a 10ft x 10ft shelter to an entire family or a group of 5-6 people. Its UV-blocking fabric works wonderfully against the sun, creating a shaded sanctuary against harsh sunlight, and the fabric’s even waterproof, making Aeri ideal for rainy weather too. While Aeri doesn’t come with metal supports like traditional tents or canopies, it makes up for that with a clever arched architecture. The arched pillars create a rigid support structure that stays stable even in windy conditions, and if things get too out of hand, Aeri’s built-in tether system lets you hook it to the ground.

What we like

Ultra-light

Easily portable

What we dislike

Unsuitable for extreme weather conditions

9. Shelf

Developed in the design language of DHL, PDF Haus aimed to give Shelf a simple box silhouette with a freewheeling attitude, taking inspiration from the color scheme, materials and finishes often chosen by DHL for their vehicles and brand aesthetic. The grill even comes with DHL decals and tags that can be adhered to the metallic grill’s front case that turns into its table extension. While most gas stoves come with a separate carrying case, Shelf’s entire grill has been turned into one that can be consolidated and carried away.

Why is it noteworthy?

Shaped and carried like a slim briefcase, two metal clasps open and slide out to reveal the Shelf’s grill and supplementary table space. Just beneath the grill, Shelf includes two retractable shelves that create more space for whoever’s cooking to place their spices, utensils, or tools. Blooming from Shelf’s underside like an awning, the shelves, and the sliding tables nearly double Shelf’s overall area.

What we like

Unique briefcase form

 An intuitive, recognizable control panel that allows users to adjust temperature and flame settings

DHL-inspired aesthetics

What we dislike

The grill is given more weight once propane gas containers are inserted into its underside to activate it

10. The AERIAL A1

The AERIAL A1 is a fusion of the best aspects of three separate products. It combines the safety and sheltering of a tent, with the comfort and carefree nature of a hammock and the tautness/springy-ness of slacklines. Designed by industrial designers with a true passion for the outdoors, the AERIAL A1 quite literally elevates the idea of camping. Rather than pitching tents in the ground, this one straps itself to trees (or even cars), taking your camping experience up a notch.

Why is it noteworthy?

Climb into the AERIAL A1 and you literally feel like you’re sleeping on clouds. The tent’s slackline structure requires you to stretch the base out so it’s virtually flat (unlike a hammock, which naturally takes a curve)… this effectively gives the AERIAL A1’s tent-bed its ‘spring’, making it feel like a cross between a hammock and a waterbed. The AERIAL A1 can easily be mounted over rocks, roots, or even a river. If the ground isn’t suited for tent-pitching, or if you just want to ‘upgrade’ your camping experience, the AERIAL A1 can quite easily be suspended above the ground. Conversely, if you’re in an open meadow with nothing to tie your shelter to, you can just pitch it onto land like any other tent.

What we like

Can take as much as 440lbs of weight once suspended

Uses a 2-point connection on either side, keeping your tent from ever rotating or flipping over

What we dislike

Has space for only one person

The post Bring your yard to life this summer with these fun + functional designs first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 07, 2022 at 01:17PM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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As expected, Apple announced the new MacBook Air right at the start of its week-long developers’ conference, but, also as expected, it managed to throw in a few new surprises that changed the tone for its hardware reveal. Yes, some of the last-minute rumors were on point, disappointing some who had hoped for a more colorful selection, but MacBook Air 2022 ended up turning heads, even with its more subdued hues, and was generally received well. As they say, the devil is in the details, so here is a quick rundown of what has changed in the MacBook Air’s design, both the good as well as the inevitable bad.

Designer: Apple

Power in a slim package

The MacBook Air has always been characterized as Apple’s slimmest and lightest laptop, but that also came with some compromises in terms of power. With the new Apple M2, however, the MacBook Air leads the trail with a newer and more powerful processor, though the bottleneck remains to be its 8GB of memory. The rest of the hardware package, however, is something befitting higher-end laptops, so this year’s MacBook Air definitely levels up its game.

Despite those upgrades and its slightly larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, the MacBook Air gets to keep its title as Apple’s slimmest, at only 11.3mm thin and 2.7lbs light. This means that carrying all that computing power won’t be a literal burden, which does give the iPad Pro, which will be more macOS-like in the next upgrade, more competition.

The Notch

Apple may have addressed some of the biggest complaints and criticisms about the MacBook Pro, but it also introduced a new one last year. The notch has found its way to MacBooks, and, unsurprisingly, it’s also here on the new MacBook Air. And as with any new Apple design, it will be around for a few generations before the company ever turns around.

The notch is what allows the MacBook Air 2022 to have a slightly larger screen without downsizing the Face ID camera. In fact, that camera just got upgraded to 1080p, so that may actually be worth the design sacrifice, in this case, especially considering how often laptop users are subjected to video meetings. There are ways around that notch, but it’s not as convenient as what you’d see on Android phones, so it will be one of the biggest things to get used to when switching to the newest MacBook Air.

Starlight, Midnight

While the notch was really expected to be inevitable, there were still some that held out hope that the MacBook Air would follow the path of the colorful new iMacs. Sadly, Apple dashed all hopes and finally put all rumors to rest when it revealed only four colors for the MacBook Air 2022. That’s admittedly one color more than usual, but the selection isn’t exactly that groundbreaking anyway.

Joining the standard Space Grey and Silver are Starlight and Midnight. Starlight is really more like the old Gold, except with a more champagne-like shade, while Midnight is a very dark and deep hue of blue. The latter two could probably be the bestsellers given their novelty, but it won’t be surprising if more expressive owners continue to patronize third-party skins and decals to make their new MacBook Air stand out.

MagSafe Returns, Headphone Jack Remains

The new MacBook Air ushers in a new age for Apple’s lightweight notebook, but it also does so in an almost ironic way. It brings back a few features it shed off in the past, almost like a vindication of the technologies the company shunned for a while.

As with the MacBook Pro, the MagSafe charging connector makes a return to the side of the MacBook Air 2022, delivering stress-free and accident-safe charging back to Apple’s laptop line. It can still charge over USB-C, of course, and the braided MagSafe cable itself uses a USB-C plug on the other end. Still, it might be comforting to long-time MacBook fans to know that an iconic feature has made its way back home.

And for those worrying that Apple will turn the MacBook Air into an iPad Laptop, the presence of the 3.5mm headphone jack proves otherwise. Some might consider it a small matter, but it leaves up USB-C ports for more critical connections and avoids the stress of having to deal with Bluetooth.

Charger: Two isn’t always better than one

In addition to the revival of the MagSafe charging connector, Apple also introduced what is pretty much its first dual-port USB-C charger, both in compact and standard form. This charger comes with a higher-specced MacBook Air 2022, while the base model only gets the standard 30W charger. Things get a bit confusing here, though, because Apple also laid out a few gotchas and options.

For one, despite the two USB-C ports, the 35W dual-port charger won’t be able to support the fastest MacBook Air charging capacity. It also means that already modest power output will be split between two devices if you try charging them simultaneously. If you want to take full advantage of the MacBook Air 2022’s fast-charging capabilities, you’ll have to buy Apple’s 67W charger. Even then, however, you have to make sure to use the MagSafe 3 charging cable to make that happen.

Final Word

Apple definitely outdid itself in meeting expectations and then going beyond them with the new M2 MacBook Air. The lure of power in a slim profile is already enough for some Apple fans, but the addition of MagSafe 3 charging is definitely icing on the cake. Still, there are some places where we wished Apple did more, like in the color selection, while others probably wished the notch was never invented in the first place. Despite and because of all these, the MacBook Air retains its character as Apple’s most talented juggler, balancing the old and the new, the good as well as the bad.

The post MacBook Air 2022 mixes the old and the new: What you need to know first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 07, 2022 at 11:50AM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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Everyone deserves a pair of sneakers that amplifies the craving for everyday success. That said, the power of comfortable and accessible footwear should not be exclusive. Thankfully Reebok really wants to help the physically challenged community with a gimmick-free collection of lifestyle and performance-oriented sneakers.

Brands like Nike have lately offered adaptive sneakers for people with disability but were they affordable? Surely, not. The Go FlyEase hand-free sneakers are a good example of this fact. They were at one point in time very inaccessible, and some resellers listed them online for an exorbitant price tag of $2,000. In the end, their purpose of helping the disabled community got juxtaposed. Rebook wants to fix this with the Fit to Fit accessible footwear collection which is practical and priced sensibly for everyone to explore without burning a hole in the pocket.

Designer: Reebok and Zappos Adaptive

The new edition of sneakers is designed in partnership with Zappos Adaptive, and includes two sneakers crafted for easy on-and-off wear to facilitate disabled people. Dubbed the Nanoflex Parafit TR and Club MEMT Parafit, these sneakers are low-cut and feature removable sock liners (for orthotics) and high abrasion rubber outsoles for superior grip. While the Nanoflex Parafit TR has a breathable mesh upper, medial zipper and heel pull tab for easy putting on or taking off – the Club MEMT Parafit has a leather upper and extra 4E width.

Thankfully both the sneakers come in unisex sizing, and can be purchased as a pair, or as a single shoe too. Reebok has priced them both sensibly as the Nanoflex Parafit TR retails for $90, while the Club MEMT Parafit comes for $65. We genuinely hope the sneakers will not go out of stock, and end up selling for more prices at later stages. If that’s not the case, Reebok and Zappos are surely going to be popular brands among disabled people and physically challenged athletes. After all these functional pairs of footwear permit a life of independence and free movement. All this while maintaining Reebok’s iconic design and timeless silhouettes.

The post Reebok’s adaptive footwear collection truly wants to make life easier for disabled first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 07, 2022 at 07:45AM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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Designed to work as a versatile welding machine and even a high-power plasma cutter, the YesWelder Firstess CT2050 is a portable beast that lets you turn your humble garage into a full-fledged workshop.

The YesWelder CT2050 was designed as a successor to the MP200 5-in-1 portable welder that the company debuted in 2021. In its newest iteration, the portable welder comes with AC/DC TIG (Titanium Inert Gas) welding, AC/DC Pulse TIG Welding, Stick Welding, and Plasma Cutting abilities along with the potential to work with a wider range of materials, including steel, brass, and even aluminum alloys. While last year’s MP200 was made to be a portable entry-point device, the CT2050 satisfies the demands and needs of experts too.

Designer: YesWelder

Click Here to Buy Now: $999 $1999 (50% off). Hurry, only 35/450 left! Raised over $2.2 million.

The YesWelder Firstess CT2050 comes with an incredibly compact form that houses a built-in compact air-compressor, dual IGBT inverters, and a nifty on-board display that gives you power consumption stats and allows you to toggle between the CT2050’s different functions.

The AC/DC TIG feature instantly allows you to work with a whole catalog of materials. DC TIG provides the perfect environment for welding regular metals like stainless steel but proves to be tricky for Aluminum and Magnesium, causing overheating and blackening. That’s where AC TIG comes in, allowing you to work with softer metals that have oxides on them. This AC TIG feature was made achievable due to the presence of two inverters within the CT2050 that create a bi-directional current that simultaneously breaks the oxides and cuts the metal.

For working with thinner materials, or around corners and trickier spots, the CT2050 has a Pulse TIG setting too. Pulse TIG lets welders try their hands at more difficult projects, like processing extremely thin base metals. With both AC and DC settings, pulse also provides welders the flexibility needed for welding corners, pipes, and other hard-to-reach spots for a wide range of materials.

The CT2050 supports stick welding too, with hot start technology that makes striking an arc easy, even in damp or other challenging situations. The stick welding function also includes a Voltage Reduction Device (VRD) that keeps the welder/operator safe from electric shocks, even in adverse conditions.

VRD prevents electric shock.

PFC tech for smooth welding.

Wondering what settings to work with? The CT2050’s interface has a ‘Smart Mode’ available under TIG welding mode that allows the device to natively figure out the right settings for the job. Just input your material thickness and weld angle, and the CT2050 pretty much does the rest of the guesswork, figuring out the ideal voltage and amperage to give you clean, beautiful welding lines without ugly spatters.

Sure, you can weld metals together… but with the CT2050’s plasma cutter, you can cut metals too. With a higher output current than its previous iteration, the CT2050 can now cut metals as thick as an inch and travel at 20 inches per minute, allowing you to comfortably slice through sheets of metal like butter while also working faster. For higher precision cuts, the built-in air compressor means you can work without needing any external or extra appliances.

“The CT2050 can run a stunning 100% duty cycle at 45 amps and 220V under room temperature of 77℉ (25℃) in Plasma Cutting mode”, mentions the YesWelder team. This effectively means you can plasma-cut for 10 minutes straight without any pauses, letting you slice thin or thick metals with ease. If you can get buy with less power, the CT2050 can be pushed for even longer timelines.

Designed to be used practically anywhere, the CT2050 supports a voltage range of 96V-265V, allowing it to work in a number of different countries, while also saving electricity without compromising on quality or consistency. Dual high-speed fans with a ‘seven leaf design’ also work to keep your CT2050 cool on the inside. The machine also has built-in protections against overheating and overcurrent, ensuring that your CT2050 works for longer while also providing a safe working environment.

Perhaps the most understated feature, however, is the YesWelder Firstess CT2050’s portable design. The device is no larger than a cat-carrier (the only parallel I could think of given its shape and size), weighs 44lbs (20 kgs), and comes with a built-in handle on the top that lets you carry it around from one place to another. Starting at $999 (that’s a 50% discount on its MSRP), the CT2050 comes in a kit with everything you’d possibly need to get the job done, including a 10-inch ground clamp, a plasma cutting kit (torch + air tube), a TIG kit (torch + gas hose ), and an electrode holder for stick welding. As an add-on to the kit, you can even grab a foot pedal that lets you quickly adjust the amperage, and even an incredibly badass YesWelder welding mask that comes with an auto-darkening viewing panel that immediately turns heavily tinted the moment you strike an arc. Oh, and it also comes with an incredibly cool reptilian artwork around the edges!

Click Here to Buy Now: $999 $1999 (50% off). Hurry, only 35/450 left! Raised over $2.2 million.

The post This Portable 7-in-1 Welding Station + Plasma Cutter Turns Your Garage into a Full Fledged Workshop first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 07, 2022 at 04:45AM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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Ask any architect or designer about tiny living spaces and they will tell you that adding mirrors to the space will make it seem larger than it actually is, square feet speaking. But there are also those that can use a few other design “tricks” to not just make it more spacious but also add some playful and special elements into something that may seem tiny and drab at first. These architects who co-founded Miogui Architects were able to do something extraordinary for one of their client’s small apartment.

Designer: Léo Berastegui and Sabine Fremiot

They wanted to start from scratch for this project since the 141-square foot apartment was pretty shabby and cramped. The secret to making this not just livable but a showcase for design ingenuity is playing around with colors, geometric shapes, materials, and even the overall functionality of some parts of the house. They focused on transforming some of the most commonly used spaces in the house: the kitchen and living area. The bathroom also gets a unique transformation in this redesigned apartment.

First off, they turned the bathroom into a smaller space and re-assigned some of it to the kitchen and the living room which is where people spend more time anyways. To make the now tiny bathroom a bit more spacious, they created a tall and narrow door and also placed geometric mirrors (a round mirror and a triangular one under it) inside. They used square glass bricks to be the divider from the kitchen and then matching square shower tiles with blue accents. They placed a marble-tiled diamond-shaped handle on the bathroom door to make it part of the space’s design and not just be a doorknob.

To separate the kitchen from the living area, they placed a bright yellow curtain at a curved angle to not just separate the spaces but reflect and enhance the light in the room. It can be pulled back if you want to join the two rooms and then slid close for a sense of privacy and coziness when entertaining guests. Plus the sunshine yellow really gives the apartment a bright glow. The living room is also made a bit more spacious with a round mirror above the convertible sofa.

The kitchen is sectioned off with a red-painted pillar, contrasting nicely with the yellow curtain. The color scheme of the place, including the cobalt-blue linoleum flooring and the square blue tiles, is inspired by the artwork of Piet Mondrian. What was once a small, uninspired space is now a showcase for creativity and ingenuity.

The post Tiny apartment turns into “bigger” and colorful space first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 07, 2022 at 02:30AM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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Razer has long been a name trusted in the tech industry. It is known for its reliable keyboards and mice that offer speed and comfort. We’ve been giving the brand attention for its numerous remarkable products and services in recent years.

We will learn more about Razer’s campaign to reach environmental sustainability in the coming days. More brands and companies are pushing to go green to make the planet ready for the future. To start, two eco-friendly products are being introduced: the DeathAdder Essential and the Basilisk V3.

Designer: Razer

The two new mice accessories come with the UL’s Ecologo certification. They are the first from Razer to get this honor. You will see the certification in their packaging once they are out in the market just before the year 2022 ends.

Razer’s Basilisk V3 and DeathAdder Essential passed the certification, specifically, UL2710. The global safety certification company has been established to check and approve the safety of devices and peripherals. UL2710 investigates the many processes that go into producing a device, including the manufacturing materials, use of energy, corporate practices, packaging, manufacturing, operations, end-of-life management, and even extension of useful life.

With this milestone, Razer is also the first gaming manufacturer to get a certification. As a result, you will soon see the Ecologo mark in future Razer products. It tells us the quality of a product and that it offers less environmental impact.

Razer’s Sustainability Manager, Kenneth Ng, had this to say about the new products and certification: “What better way to celebrate World Environment Day than to share with our community that the very mice that help them win in games are also a win for the environment.” Ng also said: “Unlike companies making their own claims about their products being sustainable, we go the extra mile to prove to our fans that our products are truly sustainable.”

The new Razer products receiving the Ecologo Certification have gone through testing and passed a comprehensive list of criteria. This move is very beneficial to Razer and then consumers and the planet Earth in the long run. Sustainable products are the future of manufacturing and gaming. Several industries need to catch up by coming up with standards for measuring sustainability. There wasn’t much effort in the gaming industry until Razer made the first step. UL and Razer teamed up to work and produced the industry-level standards. Hopefully, other companies and manufacturers will follow suit by also measuring and monitoring the criteria.

It’s not really surprising that Razer has partnered with UL for this project. The brand has since been making several steps to going green. That Razer x Cariuma collaboration, which brought us the Sneki Snek Sneakers, were part of the #GoGreenWithRazer campaign. The ECOLOGO Mark achievement is just one of the brand’s many efforts to deliver greener products and services.

The post Razer unveils first ECOLOGO-certified gaming mice in the world first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 06, 2022 at 10:30PM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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Intricate clock designs never cease to amaze us with their unimaginable accurate movement and millimeter precision in component design. Combine that with a cool idea or philosophy binding generations light-years apart, and you get a niche clock design. Add to the mix a bit of auditory and visual brilliance, and the final product is an avant-garde creation any clockmaking genius would be proud of.

The concept timepiece crafted by Naotou Aji encapsulates the galaxy system in its cyclical movement – represented by the spirals that zoom out like the lens of a DSLR camera. Each level of outwards spiral movement displays the current hours, minutes and seconds respectively, in a counter-like style that can only be visible when viewed from an angle. On the adjacent side, similar spiral hugs the audio driver covered by the brass material which beams sound, and the concentric circles move to the tunes like never seen before.

Designer: Naotou Aji

So, it’s a Sierra of passing time and dancing music in perfect sync on the desk clock. The cubical design of the timepiece combines the goodness of the designer’s previous designs including the Eye Ball Clock and CUBIC mini portable beamer. The galaxy system is the main theme of the timepiece, as the spreading spirals make it look like a fixed star or even a radio telescope. There’s a blue planet that is half-bright and half-dark, bang in the middle, which keeps the astral element alive.

As the designer mentioned, this clock is not about accurate timekeeping, rather it is about experiencing the passing by of time in a visual and auditory bliss. Just like we get lost watching the star-studded outer bounds of the earth, this clock is about getting lost in the wonders of planetary motion. Just imagine this clock sitting on the desk as you productively work without any strings attached in peak focus!

The post This astral desk clock brings expanse of galaxy in your peripheral view first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 06, 2022 at 04:20PM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

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They say that big things come in small packages, and that certainly stands true for EDCs! EDCs may seem small in size, but they are mighty in their functionality and use! These smart little tools can come in handy anytime anywhere, helping you out of the trickiest situations, and sometimes even quite possibly saving lives! You could be carrying an EDC for days with no real use until, in a time of need, it’ll magically come to your rescue, proving its true value. These little superheroes can make a world of difference while completing tasks. And, we’ve curated the best EDC designs we’ve seen in a while! From a modular multitool that you can custom build with EDC of your choice to a titanium EDC folding knife– these innovative product designs promise to have your back no matter what!

1. The Grouper Utility Knife

Looking like a prop from a sci-fi movie, the Grouper utility knife comes with a stunning design featuring a titanium construction, a parallel-linkage opening mechanism with ball-bearing pivots, and should you choose, an absolutely breathtaking rainbow finish.

Why is it noteworthy?

The knife, which measures a mere 4.3 inches (110mm) when closed, comes with a carabiner clip on one end, and a tungsten carbide glass-breaker on the other end. Open it out, and the now 6.2-inch-long knife reveals its TAJIMA V-REX II blade on the inside, perfect for opening boxes, slicing envelopes, or doing more rogue cyberpunk-worthy stuff like slicing wires and cutting seatbelts.

What we like

The Grouper sports a titanium alloy body that’s more than impervious to rough use

A nifty locking clip on the top keeps the knife’s blade intact until you’re done and ready to close your Grouper

What we dislike

No complaints!

2. Pinchy

With the classy appeal of a switchblade (although much safer) Pinchy is an outdoor cutlery set where the protective case turns into the cutlery’s ergonomic grip. Just pinch and flip and the case opens, with a metal spoon, fork, or knife popping out. Once the case locks back in place, you’ve got a perfectly useful, kid-friendly cutlery set that’s practically built for the outdoors.

Why is it noteworthy?

Shaped to be compact and easy to grip, the case is hollow and holds the metallic half of the spoon/fork/knife inside. Pinch it open and flip the metal end out, and the case goes from being an outer cover to an ergonomic grip that’s easy to hold and maneuver. When you’re done, just flip the cutlery back in and they go right back in their protective little shell.

What we like

The Pinchy’s design is intuitive to use

It is disability-friendly

What we dislike

No complaints!

3. Windeler

In a lot of ways, Windeler is to EDC what LEGO is to toys, or what Dominos is to pizza. Not entirely sure what I mean? Well, go to any store or website and buy a multitool army knife and it comes pre-built with its own tools. You can’t choose the tools you want, the way you choose toppings on a pizza. However, Windeler isn’t a regular multitool – it’s an ecosystem, like LEGO. Designed so you can snap multiple tools together, Windeler lets you build your own EDC multitool based on what you need.

Why is it noteworthy?

Want to carry a pocket knife today but not tomorrow? Windeler lets you simply plug in or plug out modules so that you can swap out that pocket knife for, say a small pair of scissors or a flathead screwdriver. Instead of leaving you with a fixed set of tools (out of which you probably end up using just 1-2 tools you actually need), Windeler lets you build, customize, and rebuild your EDC, so you carry only the stuff you need, and not the stuff you don’t.

What we like

They’re all equipped with a Stak-appropriate form factor so at the end of the day you’ve still got a sleek, monolithic multitool that slips right into your pocket or bag

The POLNETIK

magnetic connectors employ N52 Neodymium Magnets encased in stainless steel

What we dislike

No complaints!

4. The Spinner Drive

Screws are one of the most common ways to keep two things together, but they are also notorious for being a pain in the posterior that an expletive was made specifically with screwing in mind. Never mind the wide variety of screws in use today, nor the almost uncanny frequency of not having the right screwdriver for the right job just when you need it. Screwing can sometimes be a literally painstaking chore, especially for your fingers and wrists, but they don’t have to be. The Spinner Drive demonstrates how to do more with less, especially with physics at your service, and how to look fine and spiffy while doing so.

Why is it noteworthy?

All-in-one screwdriver kits are a dime a dozen these days. Some come with a screwdriver for each time of screw, while others have bits you can swap out for every need. The Spinner Drive Tough Edition Plus that we sell in our shop comes with 20 of these bits to match every single type of screw out there. Each bit is as tough as nails, or screws rather, made from Stainless Steel with Titanium Nitride coating for extra strength.

What we like

The Spinner Drive has you covered even when finger strength is no longer enough

Easily outclasses a traditional T-Handle screwdriver

What we dislike

No complaints!

5. The WRENCHit

The WRENCHit is a handsome, stainless steel tool that looks like an extra thin box cutter. It even shares some visual resemblance with these cutters in how the “blades” inside appear to be segmented. That’s actually not far from the truth, but instead of blades, each segment has a hole that matches a specific wrench size.

Why is it noteworthy?

The way this rather unorthodox spanner works is similar to a tool pen. You push from one end and have the tool pop out the other, almost like a click pen. The difference is that this action pushes out the next wrench in the sequence, which you then remove from the sleeve and attach to the other end. This is how you cycle through the different wrenches until you get to the one that you need. Once that’s at the top of the head (the exposed part), you can start twisting and turning that nut, using the sleeve as an arm to give you enough torque for the work.

What we like

You push from one end and have the tool pop out the other, almost like a click pen

This innovative spanner is won’t easily bend or break on you

What we dislike

No complaints!

6. The Combar FoldaXe Pro

Meet the Combar FoldaXe Pro multitool crafted by Israeli startup Aclim8 to improve on their maiden attempt at creating a versatile set of tools for outdoor enthusiasts.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Combar FoldaXe Pro weighs just 900 grams, shedding the weight as compared to the original Combar. It measures 15.75 inches long, ideal for carrying in your backpack. There’s the flip-out ax on one side that retracts into the handle when not in use, and the textured hammer on the other. This gives users plenty of meat to work around with when it comes to splitting apart tree barks or pounding down the tent stakes. The abrasive surface of the glass-reinforced polymer handle means a strong grip to deliver the force right where intended.

What we like

FoldaXe Pro 4-in-1 has a slide-out storage compartment in the hollow handle for keeping the extra tools

The multitool is crafted from aircraft hard-anodized aluminum and 420J2 stainless steel

What we dislike

No complaints!

7. The Rider RX

Having to scramble for the right battery in an emergency just adds to the stress you’re already feeling. Thankfully, Acebeam’s Rider RX tries to cut down on that by delivering a flashlight that not only works with almost any type of battery, it also helps relieve stress by giving your fingers something to play with.

Why is it noteworthy?

Some flashlights work with typical alkaline batteries. Others use rechargeable NiMH batteries. Still, others use the same kind of lithium-ion type that smartphones use. The Rider RX embraces them all so you can grab whatever’s readily available, which is often an AA battery, without making compromises. While the included Li-ion battery does offer the brightest output, even an AA battery can deliver a decent brightness so you won’t trip in the dark. The optical lens makes sure that the 219F LED shines a soft and balanced beam instead of blinding your eyes or spreading the light too thin.

What we like

Helps relieve stress by giving your fingers something to play with

Its small size, which is just big enough to fit a single AA battery, makes it extremely portable and convenient to use

What we dislike

No complaints!

8. The Material Bitcoin

Meet Material Bitcoin, a physical card that acts as your crypto address. Think of it as your business card, but for your crypto wallet. Material Bitcoin isn’t a hardware wallet. It doesn’t actually store any coins, it just acts as a gateway to your online wallet, thanks to what’s printed on it. The metallic card comes with your crypto address and its companion QR code printed on the front. Want to get paid in crypto? Just show your card to someone and they can scan the QR code and make the payment directly into your wallet.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Material Bitcoin goes above and beyond that too. It lets you (the owner) log into your wallet as well, allowing you to check your funds, add funds, or withdraw money. How does it enable that? Well, each Material Bitcoin comes with your unique password printed on the back. The password sits behind a secure magnetic strip that you peel away to reveal the text underneath. It’s printed on, so a digital hacker can’t access it unless they physically have the card with them. Even if the card does get stolen, the magnetic sticker is designed to look like branding, so it won’t occur to someone to peel it away and read the password underneath – sort of like an extension of the fake rock on the porch with the key strategy.

What we like

An unbreakable design that’s water and fireproof

Virtually hack-proof

What we dislike

No complaints!

9. The HMM Scissors

Our workspaces are often littered with two kinds of things. On the one hand, you have tools designed to accomplish a task. On the other hand, you have decorative items designed to please the senses. Of course, there are now stationary and desk tools that are designed to hit two birds with one stone, especially those that embrace minimalist aesthetics that fit well in almost any situation. These scissors from popular brand HMM are designed to bridge those two worlds together, offering a tool that not only creates a sense of wonder but also inspires confidence in every snip.

Why is it noteworthy?

Just as with the tools mentioned above, scissors often come in two classes. One type is clearly designed for cutting away at your problems, while another type almost looks too pretty to be used. The HMM Scissors is definitely not the latter, with an aesthetic that clearly exudes its power. The wide and flat blades are almost reminiscent of industrial tools, and its black Japanese steel body gives off an aura of strength and durability.

What we like

Flip the scissors and hold it by the blades, and you instantly have a box cutter

A custom-made magnet lets the scissors stand upright with its sharp tip safely hidden inside the base

What we dislike

No complaints!

10. The Conic

Designed primarily for use in outdoor activities; the Conic is a helpful extension of a flashlight, which should come in handy to light up the entire camp or make those two-handed tasks easier to carry out. It will be a great help thus while cooking or maybe when playing board games at the camp.

Why is it noteworthy?

The gap between outdoor flashlights and lanterns is narrowing with transformation in design. This inventive approach has given birth to a new domain i.e., an outdoor lamp, which double duties and makes sure you’re never found wanting while camping or traveling. Conic is an embodiment of such a design, which is a nice transition from the traditional, boring light sources you’ve been accustomed to packing in your backpack.

What we like

A far cry from the traditional flashlights

Portable

Multipurpose design – can be used indoors and outdoors

What we dislike

No complaints!

The post Top 10 EDC designs to bail you out of the trickiest situations first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 06, 2022 at 02:40PM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

[eleganthomes]

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WWDC is always an exciting time for Apple fans. Although the event is primarily aimed at developers, hence the name, there is always something that can be gleaned from what Apple reveals, both on stage and sometimes behind closed doors. Sometimes, there is a new device to pine for in the months ahead, though most of the time, the focus will be on new user experiences delivered through the next releases of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. This year is no exception, of course, though whispers seem to be more subdued and modest than before. That said, there are still a few interesting things that could be announced this Monday, including some that will affect product designers in one way or another.

Designer: Ian Zelbo (rendersbyian)

2022 MacBook Air Colors

Apple broke tradition last year when it announced the new iMacs that came in a variety of colors. As a company best known for its almost clinical choice of colors, this unexpected move seemed like a nod to the candy-colored iMac G3 of old, as well as the more colorful iPhone 5c. Given this sudden change in direction, it wasn’t surprising when rumors started popping up about the MacBook Air getting the same colorful treatment.

Unfortunately, the last-minute word from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is less than encouraging. Despite hopes, dreams, rumors, and drool-worthy renders, the journalist and industry tipster claims that those reports were “probably exaggerated.” Instead, he believes the 2022 MacBook Air will still come in the same trio of hues, namely space gray, silver, and gold. The only change, he says, is that the gold would look more like champagne.

Though the absence of colorful options might be disappointing, the expected arrival of a notch might be even more devastating. The design has been widely debated on the Internet, but Apple might not be backing down from it, at least not yet. Either way, the notch has forced many apps to design around it, changing the user experience, for better or for worse.

AR Headset

The Metaverse isn’t ready yet for Apple, at least not in the way that most people presume the Metaverse to be. Apple is a big believer in augmented and mixed reality, and it’s no secret that it is working on its own AR platform behind the scenes. It’s just not ready to come out with its own headset yet, not even a prototype, so AR hopefuls will have to wait yet another year, or possibly later this year.

That doesn’t mean Apple will be silent on the AR front, though. Its focus will instead be to arm developers with the weapons they need to tackle the problem of adapting their apps for an AR future. Apple already has laid some of the groundwork for these, enabling iPhones and iPads to become windows into this mashup of the real and the virtual. New tools are expected to be announced at WWDC, including one that gives apps the ability to react to QR codes. This, for example, could kick off an AR experience after a user scans a QR code printed on a piece of IKEA furniture.

iOS 16 Always-on Display

The next version of iOS 16 will reportedly gain a capability that the Apple Watch has long had. With Always-On Display or AOD, the iPhone screen could keep on running even when you don’t see anything but will barely consume any power. It can also only light up the specific pixels required to display a notification or some widget with important information.

Designer: Apple

It’s a feature that’s a long time coming, but it remains to be seen whether it will be a battery-saver or a battery-drainer. Accessory makers, particularly for cases and docks, as well as app developers, might try to take advantage of this new capability by allowing the iPhone to function as a smart display when docked or by showing only a portion of the screen through a cutout of a folio case.

iPadOS 16 Multitasking

The next version of iOS for iPads will take Apple’s tablets one step closer to becoming a full computer replacement. iPadOS 16 might include more powerful multitasking features, including one that will allow owners to run apps in floating windows that they can resize and move around, similar to desktop platforms like macOS and Windows. There seems to be a bit of controversy regarding this feature and its impact on the iPad as well as the relationship between macOS and iPadOS, but it is generally being welcomed by iPad Pro owners who have been using the tablet as their bread and butter device.

The iPad Pro has long been a favorite among designers of all trades as a mobile workstation that can almost replace their laptops. These upcoming multitasking improvements could become a game-changer for them, allowing them more control and freedom in their workflows. That said, it will most likely require developers to also adopt those new features, and the user experience for these products could change in a drastic way soon.

The post Apple WWDC 2022 is just around the corner: What Product Designers Need to Know first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 06, 2022 at 01:20PM from Yanko Design via IFTTT

[eleganthomes]

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James Bond.–we’re confident that’s what came to your mind immediately after learning about the name of this stool. Well, this doesn’t have anything to do with Agent 007, but this kind of furniture piece will have you and your partner bond like there’s no tomorrow.

This is just a stool, but its particular purpose is to make two persons live in unity. How? You open the stool system and separate the parts to seat two persons. Some people will probably not understand the point because the stools are too close, but the Bond can be perfect for couples always on the go.

Designer: Ricardo Sá

If you and your partner love going out, you can sit together on the stools while you wear your shoes and before you head out the door. Bond is just to be closer with one another because, you know, some couples just can get enough of each other.

The Bond stool system also features some storage space inside. You can put anything inside, like maybe your shoes or your laptop. Likewise, you can probably put there your purse or just about anything you don’t want to forget.

The Bond is mainly made of wooden material, so you know it’s durable enough to withstand the test of time. The seat material appears to be cork so that it can be comfortable. When closed, Bond looks more like a bench or a horse saddle. Of course, you’d only be sitting on the Bond for a few seconds or minutes, but you would be guaranteed comfort.

Bond is a stool that’s been designed for sharing and storage. This furniture piece can greet people coming into your home and can be an instant conversation starter. When closed, others will see it as more of a bench for the entryway, but it turns out to be stools for two persons. It’s an example of a space-saving furniture item that we like to see more in the future.

Bond’s aesthetics is minimalist, like anything Japanese or Scandinavian. It’s the kind of furniture piece that is now trendy these days. We highly doubt people will ever get tired of such aesthetics because simple and neutral designs are timeless.

The cork material makes any product or object unique. The choice of cork especially in home goods strikes the balance between sustainability and practicality. Such products have already been designed to prove that sustainable material is here to stay. There’s another cork that makes for a sustainable future. More cork products have been introduced like modern sneakers and cork headphones.

The post Bond bench concept design opens to reveal two stools with storage underneath first appeared on Yanko Design.

June 06, 2022 at 12:20PM from Yanko Design via IFTTT