Space-inspired everyday products prepare us for a zero-gravity future

Many people these days dream about living on other planets or at least inside orbiting space stations, but few actually consider how very different life would be outside the Earth’s gravity. Of course, Hollywood tends to romanticize a lot of everyday life, but as astronauts will testify, living in space, even if just to reach the Moon or Mars, is no walk in the park. Even the simplest activities like drinking water can be awkward and disorienting in zero-g, at least if you consider using Earth-bound objects to do so. That’s why this trio of designs tries to reimagine some of the most mundane products we use in daily life and transform them into objects that are ready for our space-faring future.

Designers: Subin Kim, Jagyeong Baek, Jaeyeon Lee

Most of us understand that without gravity, things tend not to stay down, but few actually envision the ramifications of that fact. Products designed on Earth naturally presume an amount of stability, and the way they are handled or controlled is limited in the same manner. For example, a lot of everyday things only have handles on one side or work in a single direction, a presumption that doesn’t make much sense or even becomes counterproductive when the objects are floating in space.

Spatio is a collection of these everyday objects that have been redesigned with zero gravity in mind. Or to put it more simply, it doesn’t make presumptions on where and how it will function, making it work both on Earth, on Mars, or in the International Space Station. Aqua, for example, is a water bottle that replaces a traditional cup that has a single handle on one side only. In contrast, this bottle has four extrusions in cardinal directions that act as handles and a cover that lets you drink by sucking rather than sipping from the lip of a mug.

Sonus is a wireless speaker that really defies the traditional design of speakers. Inspired by the moon’s spherical shape, each of the “craters” on its surface pops up a tiny omnidirectional speaker when pressed. The more units that pop out, the louder it gets, acting is an unconventional form of volume control. The important difference is that you don’t have to shift or move the speaker to one side or the other just to reach those controls.

And then there’s Lumia, a star-shaped flashlight that can shine in any direction. Simply turning the central wheel switches the direction of the light so that it works regardless of how you’re holding it. While these products were designed with space living in mind, it’s not difficult to imagine them working just as well on Terra Firma, proving that truly accessible design benefits everyone everywhere, even if they’re living in outer space.

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Hyundai’s IONIQ Pixel Toy Illuminating the Future and the Evolution of EV Design

In a dynamic era of electrified mobility, Hyundai Motor Company has embarked on a groundbreaking journey with the launch of its dedicated electric vehicle brand, IONIQ. Committed to redefining the automotive landscape, Hyundai’s vision for the future is not only reflected in its state-of-the-art electric vehicles but also in the innovative and visually captivating accessories that accompany them. One such standout item is the IONIQ Pixel Toy Flashlight, a creation by Citrus that seamlessly encapsulates Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology.

Designer: Citrus design

At the heart of the IONIQ Pixel Toy Flashlight lies the inspiration drawn from Hyundai’s main design theme, Pixel. The company has ingeniously utilized parametric pixel lights as a design signature across its award-winning electric vehicles. This unique design language is not just a visual delight but symbolizes a journey that connects the past (analog), present, and future (digital). This common thread is integral to Hyundai’s EV design philosophy, signifying a harmonious blend of heritage and futuristic innovation.

The distinctive front pixelated lights of Hyundai’s electric vehicles are not merely a design choice; they represent a unique and unmistakable signature for the IONIQ series. These small cubic light clusters showcased prominently on the ’45’ concept EV and IONIQ 5, have become synonymous with Hyundai’s commitment to innovation. These pixel lights aren’t confined to the exterior; they also make an appearance inside the charging door, providing illumination regarding the charging status and the amount of charge.

As Hyundai Motor Company continues to shape the future of electric mobility, the Pixel Toy Flashlight serves as a tangible representation of the brand’s dedication to creating a cohesive and visually stunning ecosystem around its electric vehicles.

In the world of electric mobility, Hyundai’s IONIQ Pixel Toy Flashlight stands out as more than just an accessory; it’s a symbol of innovation, design excellence, and a bridge between the past and the future. As Hyundai Motor Company continues to lead the charge in the electric vehicle revolution, the Pixel Toy Flashlight serves as a shining example of how cutting-edge design and technological advancements can be seamlessly integrated into everyday products, bringing the future of mobility into the hands of consumers.

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HOTO Flashlight DUO boasts multiple modes + usability scenarios for camping situations

There are a handful of essentials in your camping gear that are given for any adventure trip – be it short or long. A flashlight is one of them that has multiple utilities to keep camping/hiking escapades safe.

The versatility of a flashlight is important for a camper when compared to normal use. That’s why the HOTO Flashlight DUO edges a step above other portable camping flashlights on the market.

Designer: Yuxin Zhang

Click Here to Buy Now

The versatile flashlight is designed for the convenience of use in camping scenarios. For this, Yuxin has incorporated a variety of modes and inclusions to expand its usability. There’s a retractable magnetic hook, strap and a magnetic base to make sure you are covered for any kind of usability. This gives the user freedom to go hands-free and focus on the task at hand. You can either stick it to a hanging space or magnetically hook on to any metal object.

Adding to the above-mentioned utility is the addition of illumination modes for specific camping needs. There’s a secondary light covered in milky white to the side to make varied lighting modes possible. Twisting the Mode Switching Head toggles between the Mood Light, Functional Light and Flashlight Mode. The simple interface honed by a knob and button make possible 13 different light combinations.

The front flashlight boasts 1000 lumens brightness and a beaming distance of 210 meters. The 3,200mAh rechargeable battery can be used for 5 hours of continuous activity at full brightness. Use it in the other modes like SOS or flashing and it can last up to 65 hours of operational time.

Apart from the practical ergonomic design, the flashlight comes in cool flashy colors to appeal to any kind of outdoorsy enthusiast. For its price tag the HOTO Flashlight DUO is a bit on the pricey side, but the usability justifies it.

Click Here to Buy Now

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Telescoping Magnetic Pick Up Tool


The Magnetic Pickup Tool with a Telescoping Stick is a handy tool that can be used in a variety of situations. It is a must-have for anyone who needs to pick up small metal objects without bending down or reaching into tight spaces. This tool is perfect for mechanics, electricians, proctologists, plumbers, and anyone else who needs to reach into hard-to-reach places.

The magnetic pickup tool is a long, thin rod with a strong magnet at the end. The rod is made of durable aluminum and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver. The telescoping feature allows the rod to extend from 10 inches to 32 inches, making it perfect for reaching into tight spaces or high places. The magnet at the end is strong enough to pick up small metal objects such as screws, nails, and even keys (but not the key to your heart, that’s made of steel).

Lost your keys or phone or other useless junk under the seat of your car or in the crack? No problem, with the magnetic pickup tool, you can easily retrieve the keys from under the car seat or from the floor of the car. Just click buy, wait a day or two for it to arrive and boom, now you can go somewhere, thanks for waiting.

The magnetic pickup tool is also great for retrieving lost jewelry. If you drop a ring or earring in a hard-to-reach place, you can use the tool to retrieve it without having to dig through a pile of debris.

The Magnetic Pickup Tool with a Telescoping Stick is a versatile and handy tool that can be used in a variety of situations. Whether you’re a mechanic, electrician, plumber, or just someone who needs to reach into hard-to-reach places, this tool is a must-have. It is lightweight, durable, and easy to use. Plus, it can make retrieving lost items a lot more fun.

Telescoping Magnetic Pick Up Tool

Imitating an Edison bulb, this flashlight radiates warm glow that’s subtle on the eye and super-helpful in the outdoor

Interior designers are swaying heavily in favor of warm lights. The inclination coupled with a desire for the retro has stirred the renascence of the Edison bulb. Foremost on every designer’s list to warm up an interior atmosphere, the bulb radiates a glow that’s subtle on the eye and shines with brilliance.

A staple in the restaurant and home design, the Edison bulb’s ambiance is now trickling down for the love of everyday carry aficionados in the form of an Edison Light Stick from Barebones. Selling through Huckberry, this is a multifunctional flashlight, which according to the product listing is “inspired by vintage lantern.”

Designer: Barebones

Click Here to Buy Now!

Yes, there is a hint of resemblance to the lantern, but this flashlight/lamp actually gets its name from the wire filament-esque LED strip that coils around its spine. This gives the Edison Light Stick a distinct look and a warm glow that the outdoorsy would fancy in their gatherings.

Potentially a “super-helpful” device in case of emergency, the Edison Light Stick is a companion far and above the ordinary. The handy flashlight casts a warm LED ambient light and also works as a direct light for tasks like preparing food or fetching water.

Multifunctional in nature, the lantern-inspired light glows warm to instantly uplift the mood in the camp or doubles as a reading light for those who still flutter through the white sheets inked in black. The glass tube body of the Edison Light Stick features brass and copper construction top and bottom, while leather accents complete its handsome look.

Available in two colors for $75, the petit light stick is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery chargeable via a wall outlet. On the go, it can be recharged using USB-C tethered to a secondary device. It comes with seven different light modes so you can have your ideal ambiance anytime, anywhere.

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Bluetooth Speaker Beanie Hat with Headlamp


It’s kinda genius. Listen to music, take calls, and actually see what the heck you’re doing at the same time while not looking like a total dork wearing a headlamp in a non-camping situation? Winner. The Bluetooth Beanie Hat comes in 8 striking colors, ok some aren’t striking, maybe none of them are striking actually, but there’s 8 colors. It has both speakers and a microphone built in so you can actually have a full on conversation while you’re running, walking, or doing anything else. Or just listen to music. With volume controls right on the side of the hat. All while keep your head warm with a winter hat. Winter is coming as the kids say.

Now there’s other bluetooth beanies out there, but what sets this one apart is the LED headlamp. Sure, you look a little bit like a Minion, but not 100% like one unless you get the yellow one like the person above. And maybe that’s a good thing. The utility outweighs the style here. It’s not that bad in reality. The light is of course rechargeable, via USB. We recommend taking the hat off before charging, but you do you. No wrong way as long as you make it work people. The hat’s made of acrylic and is one size fits most. Not sure what constitutes “most”, 50% maybe? Anyone know? Anyone care? Makes a great gift, stocking stuffer, or fashion statement for dog walkers. Or all 3 at once. Hat.

Bluetooth Speaker Beanie Hat with Headlamp

This solar powered flashlight snaps onto a headband to become capable headlamp in a jiffy

A headlamp and a flashlight have their own individual uses. However, circumstances can arise when you need the flashlight to be replaced with a headlamp so you can free up your hands. This is a challenge when you have a single-duty device. Trade your fancy flashlight or headlamp right away for the combo accessory which can let you switch from one device to another in a snap.

Called the Luci Beam, the 2-in-1 solar-powered headlamp and flashlight is created by Mpowerd. It comes in a water-resistant body so the combination device can be used in all possible situations and conditions without a fuss. The Luci Beam LED light delivers up to 300 lumens brightness, which should come in handy in so many use cases: whether you are searching for something in the store room or illuminating your pathway during a hike.

Designer: Mpowerd

While the versatility to switch from handheld to headlamp is at the forefront of Luci Beam’s genius, it’s not the only wonder. The 2-in-1 headlamp and flashlight is solar-powered but can also be recharged via USB if there is no sun, so you are never left stranded in the middle of an adventure. Mpowerd offers the Luci Beam in a set that comprises a headlamp body, a headlamp mount, a flashlight body, a headband/wrist strap, and a micro-USB cable to charge on the go.

A secure headband for the headlamp and the wrist strap for the flashlight ensures the device can be held securely in place irrespective of the use case. Moreover, the 90-degree toggleable unit can be adjusted by the user to precisely point where the light is needed. To use the Luci Beam as a headlamp, the headlamp module magnetically snaps onto the headlamp mount and stays secure until you want to adjust the light focus downwards by up to 90 degrees. A versatile device for campers, backpackers, hikers, garage worksmiths and boaters, it is priced at $64.95. It is available on the Mpowerd website.

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This collapsible lantern kit is the only light you need to keep the darkness at bay – indoors well as outdoors

Extreme weather and natural disasters are becoming frighteningly more common these days, so preparedness for any eventuality is no longer really optional. People are advised to have an emergency “go bag” always ready with important supplies and tools that will help them survive a disaster or a few nights in an evacuation center. One of those essential survival tools, whether for emergencies or camping, is a flashlight, but the harsh directed light that it produces isn’t always ideal in all situations. When you need a softer light to illuminate an area, you’ll probably reach out for a lantern instead, and this handy, space-saving lantern kit ensures that you’ll always have one in your bag and within reach whenever you need it.

Designer: Yuji Yanagisawa

Click Here to Buy Now: $35.10 $39 (10% off). Hurry, sale ends on August 15th.

Flashlights, especially the smaller LED ones, are great for shining light on a specific spot, not so much for lighting up a room, a tent, or shared space in some evacuation center. The bright, directed beams of flashlights can, in fact, be harmful, intrusive, or even disconcerting for people seeking shelter from an emergency. A lantern would be the best solution, but even the smallest ones are bulky and take up space inside your go bag. Some creative people place a PET bottle with water on top of a flashlight to diffuse the brightness, but that setup is flimsy, inconvenient, and not always possible in some circumstances.

With those limitations and ideas in mind, designer Yuji Yanagisawa envisioned the Tomori Lantern Kit. Rather than providing a ready-made lantern, Tomori is actually a kit that lets you quickly set up a lantern and then quickly put it away when you no longer need it. The best parts about this lantern kit are that it takes up almost no space when collapsed and can also use any conventional flashlight that can fit inside its clamps.

The base of the kit is a foldable cardboard piece that serves as the flashlight holder and stable structure of the lamp. The kit comes with a rather nondescript LED flashlight that you can use on its own when not docked inside the lantern. In fact, the cardboard base can hold any cylindrical flashlight that is less than 30mm in diameter and 160mm in length. This means that you can use the same flashlight for the lantern as well as for typical uses, or you can have a set of backup flashlights when one’s battery goes empty.

A lantern wouldn’t be a lantern without a lamp shade, of course, and the kit comes in three varieties. Gray/Gradient tries to mimic a more traditional lantern look, with a gray cardboard base and a yellowish plastic shade reminiscent of well-used vintage lanterns. Blue/Stripe has a more modern aesthetic, sporting a blue interior and a translucent plastic cover with thin white stripes encompassing the lantern. Last but definitely not least, Yellow/Cross adds a bit of visual flair with a yellow body and a clear lampshade marked by crisscrossing lines.

The entire kit, excluding the flashlight, folds down to a flat A4-sized package, perfect for stashing in bags or drawers, ready for use in an emergency. While the design and purpose of the lantern kit were originally intended for those emergencies, its usefulness extends far beyond dire situations. It can be used for camping, for example, as long as you keep it out of the rain, or it can be used to gently light a room at night. Its open design makes it possible not only to use different flashlights but also to create different lampshades of your own. The lantern kit’s simplicity belies its sophisticated design and flexibility, promising you a stress-free night in the darkness, wherever you may be.

Click Here to Buy Now: $35.10 $39 (10% off). Hurry, sale ends on August 15th.

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Rider RX flashlight is an excellent gift idea for EDC lovers and fidgeters

Most don’t appreciate the importance of an emergency flashlight until they can’t find one when they need it, so this stylish flashlight makes it easy and fun to have it wherever you go.

Everyone needs a flashlight for almost any situation, from emergency blackouts to looking for lost things under the bed. Just like the batteries that power them, we often find ourselves with flashlights with not enough juice or, worse, no batteries inside them. 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.

Designer: Acebeam

Click Here to Buy Now: $40 $50 (20% off with Coupon Code: YK20). Hurry, sale ends on April 18th.

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.

The Rider RX flashlight is flexible in more ways than just the battery it uses. Its small size, which is just big enough to fit a single AA battery, makes it extremely portable and convenient to use. The two-way stainless steel clip makes it easy to clip it onto any strap or pocket and in any direction you prefer. The durable stainless steel and titanium outer tube should relieve worries about accidentally dropping the small flashlight, while the variety of color options, which include “Rainbow PVD” and “Sophisto Grey,” make the Rider RX a cool and practical gift or party favor.

But wait, there’s more! The situations when you’d need a flashlight or even need to hold one are often situations with some amount of stress or tension. These are times when we tend to uneasily fidget or grab onto something for our hands and fingers to play with. Fortunately, the Rider RX itself is a fidget toy, and you can slide, push, and twist that clip without fear in order to give your worried mind a distraction.

Rider RX in Titanium.

With its ability to use any type of battery, its portable and lightweight design, and its hidden fidget toy feature, the Acebeam Rider RX EDC AA flashlight is something you’ll want to always have in your bag, emergency kit, glove compartment, and more. Its clean, stylish design, colorful variants, and accessible price tag also make it a great gift for family and friends, especially those who tend to lose things under couches and beds.

Click Here to Buy Now: $40 $50 (20% off with Coupon Code: YK20). Hurry, sale ends on April 18th.

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This BUDDY Portable Lamp is one multi-function lighting solution

BUDDY Portable lamp Faro Barcelona Design

The term buddy is widely used as it pertains to anyone or anything that can be considered a friend. This new lamp can be a buddy or a friend in times of darkness as it can be many things.

The BUDDY Portable Lamp can work as ambient light and as a flashlight. The top light serves as the primary light source when you need some illumination. The design is versatile with the light available on both sides.

Designer: Andreu Carulla

BUDDY Portable lamp Faro Barcelona Concept Details

The rubber around the light works as a cushion to protect the device when placed on its side. The rubber is available in three colors: Blue, Green, and Gray. The modern style makes it an ideal lighting solution at home and even when going outdoors. It’s a simple flashlight but the design makes it one attractive lamp. You can leave it on a counter or a desk, and it can serve as a home decor or accent light.

Buddy can let you be free and dynamic at the same time. This portable lamp boasts no cables or ties as it is completely wireless. It’s ideal for those with a busy lifestyle or people who like adventures. The design inspiration is lanterns from the 80s and 90s, while the shape is based on the R95 light bulb. The silhouette is classic and straightforward, which vintage design lovers always go for.

BUDDY Portable lamp Faro Barcelona Concept Design

The multifunction lamp goes beyond its aesthetic appeal as it offers a lot of functions if you need better illumination, a flashlight, and ambient light. The flashlight function is provided by the main light, which is ideal for when you want to read. You can also use it at night or in the darkness when you need some lighting.

The light at the bottom is enough to work as ambient lighting. It’s the perfect lighting you can put in the garden when you want to have dinner al fresco and picnic on the beach at night. Then, when you need more light, you can turn on both lights.

BUDDY Portable lamp Faro Barcelona

The BUDDY Portable Lamp comes with a magnetic charger. The lamp uses a 3W LED bulb with 2700K 260Lm and it can also support a dimmable 5V IP20 Class III bulb. The material used is a polycarbonate body with an opal polycarbonate diffuser and an opal white finish. It is priced at €98.62 which is about $108. The product design has reached and has been recognized at the iF Design Award 2022. Faro Barcelona has already listed the BUDDY Portable Lamp, so it’s now ready for purchase HERE.

BUDDY Portable lamp Faro Barcelona Concept

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