This spotlight-inspired speaker solves three problems to elevate your Netflix binge sessions

Posted on 13/07/2020 by Ruchi Thukral

Have you ever been told that you are sitting too close to the TV? Or do you have an urge to always turn up the volume so you can drown out the noises from the environment around you? Have you strained your eyes to read the subtitles because you cannot sit too close to it at night and neither can you increase the volume? We need technology that makes watching TV from a distance a convenient and pleasurable experience without being that noisy neighbor and this conceptual speaker is here to solve exactly that problem!

The sound/spot was designed to route the sounds from the TV to the viewer and limit it to their area. It promotes a healthier relationship with watching TV, especially for kids who tend to sit closer if they can’t hear or raise the volume to an obnoxious level without understanding the impact it has on the health. The aesthetic and the sound distribution was inspired by a spotlight’s directionality and scope to shine in a specific space. The technology in sound/spot is taken from a sound signage speaker that has been reimagined as a lamp to disperse sound instead of light while blending in your interiors, unlike a bulky sound system.

For product stability, the speaker protrudes a little outside the center axis. The stand also features magnetic clips to keep the wires seamlessly attached to itself than hanging around for a cleaner look. A round magnetic remote control is also included. Its unique shape makes it stand out because at a first glance you would never associate it with a speaker. The standing lamp style lets you fit it in tight corners without occupying much of floor space or adding visual weight to the room. This speaker is certainly shining a light into a new direction for designers to make experiences better while also accounting for the health factor.

Designers: Kihyeon Kim, Lee Hyo Min, and Seongmin Kwon

This coffee machine was designed to let you make espressos with one hand

Posted on 04/07/2020 by Ruchi Thukral

To all the coffee lovers like myself, staying quarantined has made us realize that there is an unparalleled joy that we experience when a barista makes you a drink vs when you make one for yourself. If you truly want to make coffee that matches the level of cafes, you need an espresso machine – now I know what you’re thinking, they are complicated and there are way too many accessories, it is high maintenance, etc. But what if there was an appliance that combined all the accessories into one espresso machine and made it easy for even beginners to enjoy a foamy cappuccino? Say hello to Rebuild: ratio!

Since professional coffee machines have a different product for each part of the process, Rebuild:ratio was designed as an espresso machine that would streamline the process of making coffee and while not taking away from the authentic process. This espresso machine gives you a high-quality product with easy user experience. Feel like barista yourself when you grind the beans and steam your milk but without the hassle of keeping up with three separate appliances. While the machine looks like a complicated, professional one, it has actually been organized in a way for you to feel confident about making cafe-grade beverages with ease. There are three shape concepts: layer, build, and tool that make up this sleek appliance.

The analog-type grinder door is one of its most distinguished features when compared to existing machines. This enables the user to differentiate between the grinding part and the discharge part using a simple opening-closing action and minimizing the porter filter movement. It has been designed such that if you need to remove the knock box by holding the porter filter you can easily remove it using just one hand. The front and side sides of the knock box cover are created to be smoothly removed without friction, unlike most espresso machines, especially the ones made for home use.

To prevent water from getting all around the machine or from any milk-steaming accidents, the drip tray is made of diagonal lines for more efficient draining. This induces the water to enter the tray when it falls instead of making the surrounding area dirty. To keep with the clean lines aesthetic, the handle is not made to be protruding and adds to the seamless visual build. The transparent water container lets you check the amount and refill accurately. The slightly curved lid makes opening and closing effortless. The only parts that protrude from the overall linear design are the bucket, bucket support, and grinder parts to prevents the heat and wires from coming out of the vent hole when the machine is in close contact with the wall. Anyone else wants to open a home cafe after this?

Designers: Wankeun Oh, Lee Hyo min and Studio OKL

The wall-mounted air purifier and clock for compact apartments

Posted on 04/10/2019 by James Hoare

The Air Hole is the wall-mounted air purifier that has been designed to live within even the most compact of studio apartments! Space can be limited within inner-city accommodation, but this should not restrict people from accessing clean air, especially when the air outside can be filled with toxins. The wall-mountable air purifier demands little space within the home, making it a desirable alternative to the floor standing variants we have become accustomed to. Airhole also has a rather subtle secondary feature that has been incorporated into the design to elevate its functionality even further; a digital clock has been seamlessly integrated into the face of the unit!

Designer: Lee Hyo Min

A dehumidifier or a piece of furniture?

Posted on 09/09/2019 by James Hoare

For the vast majority of the time dehumidifiers aren’t pretty, they aren’t designed to be features in the room and their aesthetics don’t drive the design, but instead they are functional and efficient products with just their primary use in mind. But does this have to be the case?

‘Drip’ is less of a dehumidifier and more of a highly functional piece of furniture! With a design that has been inspired by a Dutch Coffee Machine, the water drips into a collection reservoir and becomes the main feature of the design. This 3.5 liter, clear reservoir enables the user to know exactly when it needs emptying as they can visibly see the amount of dehumidification inside.

While the form drove its design, practical elements of Drip have also been greatly considered; most noticeably perhaps is the silicone top, which makes for an excellent side table!

Designer: Lee Hyo Min

“This project is tried to get off the basic dehumidifier’s form and home appliances’ cold images. so I suggest the product which name is ‘DRIP’ that would be looked like furniture more than home appliances,” Lee told Yanko Design.

Waterspout’s main body is made by plastic and the top is made by silicon.

User can know instinctively the time which should empty water from inside and amount of dehumidification. The maximum amounts is 3.5L.

You Whale Love This Design!

Posted on 13/03/2018 by Troy Turner

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I love this fan almost as much as I love a bad pun. Don’t be deceived by its big name, the Whale is a personal fan with a super-compact form designed to help you beat the heat just about anywhere! Named after its ridges that resemble those on a whale’s belly, it’s ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in the hand while safely concealing its fan blade safely. Perfect for a variety of occasions from sporting events to the beach, you can toss it in a bag and take it with you on the go. Its convenient strap is easy to attach to a key ring, backpack or even a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck!

Designer: Lee Hyo Min

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