Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Trailer with a fish-inspired aerodynamic design showcases modular living space and inflatable construction

Posted on by

Travel trailers are becoming increasingly popular and the spike in exhibitors at shows like the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, only substantiates this fact. With the upsurge in electric tow vehicles, the need of the hour are trailers that have sleeker aerodynamics and smaller form factor to minimize drag and increase range.

Of course, by trimming the size and dimensions of the camping trailer, the comfort will be compromised, but Bürstner from Kehl in Germany thinks otherwise. It is thus coming to the abovementioned RV show with the Talis; a trailer designed with marine-inspired aerodynamics, modular living space, and an inflatable rear that expands its compact form factor for user convenience.

Designer: Bürstner

Welcome to the future of trailer camping! Designed in partnership with StudioSyn, the Talis is a futuristic concept that has the potential to be the highlight of Caravan Salon 2024. On the outside, at first glance, there isn’t much difference, but a closer examination shows, as the company confirms, pointed front and the rear of the camper that are “reminiscent of a fish.” The design is a result of multiple run-throughs the virtual wind tunnel software before settling for this shape.

The exterior is pretty compact, yet the interior, featuring slatted wood wall paneling with soundproofing and movable battery-powered lamps, is pretty spacious to accommodate a couple and two children. The spaciousness is possible with the multifunctional Bürstner Air-Xtension System, which allows the rear of the trailer to inflate and permit the fixed rear transverse bed to convert into a 200 x 170cm bed lengthwise. Under the rear transverse bed (without transformation) is the “kids sleeping den.” This child-friendly sleeping space for two kids can double as storage space or garage during the day and can be partitioned off with a curtain.

To enhance the culinary experience onboard is a kitchen module with a double induction hob. This has a portable kitchen, which allows residents to carry its top half outdoors to extend the cooking experience beyond the confines of the four camper walls. Despite the small size, Talis has been provisioned with a twin chamber, a self-sufficient eco-toilet that would function without any chemicals. The bathroom would also have space for a shower and a foldable sink.

The post Trailer with a fish-inspired aerodynamic design showcases modular living space and inflatable construction first appeared on Yanko Design.

Konstantin Chaykin’s ThinKing is ultra-thin mechanical wristwatch that shatters slimness record by 5mm

Posted on by

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC – measuring only 1.7mm thick – was the thinnest watch we’d known. Now, ThinKing has skimmed the stakes further down to 1.65mm, and a new thinnest watch is born. Before you start searching for retail stores, the ThinKing by Independent Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin is only a prototype and is waiting to break the production mold.

Richard Mille, Piaget, Bulgari, have all been in the race to build the thinnest mechanical watch. All these watchmakers, and now Konstantin Chaykin included, are radically reducing the thickness of watches and delivering the thinnest watches, one after the other. Aptly called ThinKing being the latest wonder, which is build after the fascination with the ultra-thin Bagnolet pocket watch.

Designer: Konstantin Chaykin

Taking cues from the old pocket watch and integrating an impressive, contemporary design with modern technology, the ThinKing borrows its aesthetics from Konstantine Chaykin’s signature Wristmons mechanical wristwatch. Currently in pre-production, there isn’t much known about the watch, but from how it appears, in pictures, we will try and decipher the obvious about this stainless steel case watch.

More details about the pricing and availability of this new thinnest watch in the world will be known after its first outing at the ongoing Geneva Watch Days exhibition. Until then from the obvious, the watch has a thickness of only 1.65mm and has a dial reminiscent of the Wristmons collection’s Joker series, where the apparent two eyes (on the top half) display hours and minutes, while the bottom half is occupied by the brand logo, which replaces the joker’s smile in the original Wristmons.

If you thought the dial was intriguing, don’t miss the caseback. The back displays the built-in K.23-0 movement (with 32 hours of power reserve) without letting out too much, while the major part here is opaque and engraved with “Prototype of the world’s thinnest watch by K. Chaykin — 30.08.2024,” which would ideally translate into an exclusivity number when the watch is ready for retail.

The post Konstantin Chaykin’s ThinKing is ultra-thin mechanical wristwatch that shatters slimness record by 5mm first appeared on Yanko Design.

This fusion of a hoverboard, e-scooter and skateboard is a PMD done right

Posted on by

Hoverboards and electric scooters come with their own set of advantages and irks that influence the buying decision. While hoverboard is the preferred choice for short jaunts, e-scooters with an average range of 10-40 miles are well suited for extended trips in the city. E-scooters also come with the advantage of better top speeds and performance.

On the hind side, e-scooters are more expensive and less swanky when compared to hoverboards. Someone looking for hands-free freedom of commuting in cities once in a while over short distances is much better off with a hoverboard or a trusted skateboard. What if we could have the best of both worlds? Of course, anything is possible in the concept design realm.

Designer: Eojin Jeon, Sumin Park, Changyu Seo and Geunyeong Do

Craving urban freedom without compromising on style, comfort, or ease of navigating around without having to worry about running out of juice is what this Personal Mobility Device (PMD) aims to target. Dubbed Modi, the vehicle is a mix of a hoverboard and e-scooter, adapting the best features of both to appeal to every kind of city dweller. According to the designers, the motivation behind the design is to address modern-day transportation issues. Even the current league of PMDs has become a “nuisance on the roads due to their heavy weight, large size, and disorderly presence.”

Conventional personal mobility vehicles are heavy and securely parking them at random palaces can be a headache if you are already in the rush of things. Modi aims to get over these problems with a compact and lightweight design that can be easily carried or stored in your backpack when not in use. The PMD comes with retractable footrests for design integrity without compromising the function. These footrests provide stability and comfort while riding, and simply vanish away when not in use.

Although the designers have not detailed in about the working mechanism of the PMD, I assume it reacts to the pressure applied with your feet in either direction. The thing is much more stable than a self-balancing hoverboard that for some reason has never earned my confidence for its operating mechanism. That said, the personal commuter is also going to appeal to people who love skateboards, and always wanted a battery-powered alternative!

The post This fusion of a hoverboard, e-scooter and skateboard is a PMD done right first appeared on Yanko Design.

Gerald Charles Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 watch is every fan’s dream buy

Posted on by

Italian motorcycle manufacturing company, Ducati, has an undwindling legacy, which is spearheaded by the iconic 916 motorcycle if it doesn’t sound like an exaggeration. The 1994 Ducati 916 celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and to make the moment special, the exceptionally talented watchmaker Gerald Charles has designed a special edition watch modeled after the most iconic motorcycle of our times.

Dubbed the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 watch, this collaborative timepiece is a humble tribute to the artistic creativity of Gerald Charles Genta, designer and founder of eponymous Gerald Charles, and the pathbreaking design of the 916 defined ever so distinctively by its sleek lines and upswept exhaust.

Designer: Gerald Charles

The celebratory, anniversary watch is super limited to only 250 pieces. Commemorating the legendary 916 superbike, it showcases some resembling elements paired with complex movements and precision watchmaking. The timepiece, you’d agree, has a retro-futuristic feel to it; not that it sways too much from the design aesthetics Gerald Charles is known to maintain, yet there is an air of freshness to this timepiece that Ducati fans would instantly recognize and embrace.

Starting with the case, it is made from marbled-black forged carbon, a material used in Ducati bikes. Since it’s super lightweight and resistant to elements, it is the ideal material for watchmaking, rendering the bike up to 10m water resistance and 5G shock resistance. The 6.15 mm thick case is lined with a black ceramic bezel, within which is the eye-catching black dial accentuated by bright red numerals featured around a golden disk in the shape of a rim (reminiscent of the three-spoke bronze alloy of the Ducati 916) which form part of the Gerald Charles’ proprietary jump hour function, recognizable on the watch by the absence of the hour hand.

All 12 of the numerals are filled with red Super-LumiNova for better legibility at night, while the watch features sapphire crystal see-through caseback that displays the movement within. The caseback is an interesting place, it comes enriched by the iconic Ducati 916 logo and can be engraved with a serial number for exclusivity. The Gerald Charles Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 is now retailing for $42,400.

The post Gerald Charles Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 watch is every fan’s dream buy first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nissan Interstar converted into comfortable camper van with adaptable living module from PlugVan

Posted on by

Camper vans have come of age. There are liveable vans for all types of adventure and camping enthusiasts, but do not have much for the tradesmen. Nissan is breaking the norm with the introduction of the Interstar converted into a camper van using a slide-in conversion module from its new partner, PlugVan based out of Germany, which allows the Nissan van to be used as a camper over the weekend and turned effortlessly into a commercial cargo van over the weekdays.

Interstar is one of the larger vans from Japanese automobile manufacturer that is easily customizable to user requirements thanks to its availability in different range of wheelbases, body sizes, and payload capacities. Now at the Caravan Salon 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany, Nissan is not going to just reveal the Interstar, but will show its camper van abilities using the new PlugVan camping module.

Designer: Nissan

From how it appears, the PlugVan camper-in-a-box for the Nissan Interstar can be installed and removed from the vehicle in minutes. With the camper module onboard, it is ready for a tiresome adventure, and when you take it down it is your everyday back-to-work van. The cleaver conversion module therefore transforms the Interstar in a few steps thanks to its detachable and height-adjustable form factor.

Perhaps the slightly foldable roof of the PlugVan unit allows it to fit through the Interstar doorway and expand inside into a full-blown home facility with pop-up roof, full kitchen, and a sleeping zone for a couple. The kitchen is erected behind the driver and is meant to slide, lift and expand depending on the user’s requirements. It comes with a portable single-burner stove, slide-out fridge box, an integrated sink and a faucet connected to 43l gray and freshwater tanks (also connected to the outdoor shower) onboard, respectively.

The kitchen has slide-out drawers and a retractable dining table accessible from the sofa on the opposite side of the kitchen unit that lifts upward to clear room below for the convertible sofa bed at night. The PlugVan unit does not fill up the entire space of the full-size Interstar, so a bathroom (that packs down into a suitcase) with fabric walls, portable dry toilet, and a water heater is provided alongside. The interesting camper van with an interesting exterior colorway is accessible through the side door, while the large rear window provides amazing views of the surroundings while you drive to your halt by the evening.

The post Nissan Interstar converted into comfortable camper van with adaptable living module from PlugVan first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sunrise alarm clock coffee maker sits on the bedside to wake you up with refreshing coffee aroma everyday

Posted on by

In a typical coffee lover’s home, such as mine, the first interaction in the morning is with the alarm clock followed by the coffee machine. Of course, we have been living and functioning this way for most of our lives, and if you would ask, frankly, there wouldn’t be another way we’d want. But a designer duo believes there is a way to integrate the two and perhaps deliver an alarm clock that is also a coffee machine.

Designed to simplify our wakeup process from the loud sound of the alarm to a refreshing aroma of coffee without the extra effort or toiling, the new Sunrise alarm clock coffee maker is not a typical alarm clock or a coffee machine. For the love of waking up more refreshed – in an aroma mimicking that of a café – this is what we would want by the bedside. To know more about how it functions and how the designers have perceived it, read on!

Designers: Marko Filipic and Mati Papalini

For as long as we know it, never before has someone tried to put the coffee machine on our bedside disguised as an alarm clock. The mere idea is commendable let alone the execution, which involves the assurance that you wake up to the smell of fresh coffee every morning. So, with Sunrise, you are saved the effort of setting up an alarm on the bedside clock before hitting the bed and then waking up to the loud and annoying alarm every other day.

With the Sunrise alarm clock coffee machine, you get a coffee maker ready on your bedside. At the time you have set – like in a typical clock – the Sunrise would start making the coffee. There is no loud alarm, instead, as the coffee is being brewed by the bedside, your room is filled with a smell of good coffee that would set a refreshed tone to your day.

At the bedside, the Sunrise appears as a usual coffee maker but with a distinguished color theme and design language. A sublime combination of black, pink, and blue, the coffee machine with no edges has a digital clock at the base. Compact enough to settle on the bedside table or stylish enough to grab the centerstage on the countertop, the Sunrise is worth the time and comfort of every coffee buff. It definitely puts one to think, there could be one less step to waking up and getting a fresh brew first up.

The post Sunrise alarm clock coffee maker sits on the bedside to wake you up with refreshing coffee aroma everyday first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Totaled “Not Wheels” by MSCHF is an unexpected addition to the Hot Wheels universe

Posted on by

Ever since its inception, Hot Wheels changed the dynamics of toy car models that were cooler and performed better than any other toy back in the late 1960s. Even after more than six decades, the iconic brand has the same enthusiasm for a set of Hot Wheels.

Some early models are now prized collectibles since they were created only in a handful of units. While every car lover has had his/her collection of Hot Wheels cars ranging from hot rods to supercars, the brand has thought out of the box this time to create a Not Wheels sedan.

Designer: MSCHF and Mattel Creations

The idea comes from the creative pool of MSCHF, a streetwear brand known for its off-the-wall designs. It’s their first-ever Hot Wheels collectible, and going by the packing labels and text, it seems this is certainly not their last. The beat-up car inside the clear packaging carries the label “HW Normal Cars” on the front, hinting there could be more coming. This heavily used car look is inspired by the 1990s Japanese import scenario when worn-out cars were the norm.

This “Not Wheels” car has a missing wheel and two Real Riders classic tires, ensuring it doesn’t roll like any other Hot Wheels. To complete the busted look, the car has a yellow spare and a rusted hub. The rugged look continues onto the body with dents, incomplete repairs and dents scarring the exterior. MSCHF wasn’t going to stop there and went all in with a cracked windshield, hanging seat belts and dirty-fogged rear window with “WASH ME” finger inscribed to complete the theme.

There are cheap fix-ups dotting the bodywork including, mismatched doors and taped-on taillights. If you look closely, the cracked windshield has a yellow parking ticket hooked onto the wipers. Definitely, this car has been ditched for a long as the headlights are all fogged up. The $30 totaled vehicle scale model is all set to be released for buying on August 30 and this one will sell like hotcakes for its exclusivity. You could sport it in your post-apocalyptic diorama, industrial-themed desk or even shoot a short movie with a couple of these Hot Wheels mixed along with the more exotic ones.

 

The post This Totaled “Not Wheels” by MSCHF is an unexpected addition to the Hot Wheels universe first appeared on Yanko Design.

Handmade EVE Odyssey motorcycle aces its predecessor with stellar performance and sniper bullet-like profile

Posted on by

Bandit9 Motors’ EVE Odyssey motorcycle stunned us last year with a bullet-shaped spacecraft-grade aluminum body straight out of the Star Wars universe. The Vietnam-based company incepted by Daryl Villanueva is in a league of its own with futuristic builds that have an element of industrial influence.

The latest from their workshop is the improved version of the EVE Odyssey. Daryl and his team have facelifted the bullet-shaped bike into one that is more like a 9mm sniper rifle bullet. To top it all, the new version is bigger, lighter, faster and more durable than its predecessor. The EVE Odyssey is a huge team effort, and I could not be more proud of the people who made it possible. My only wish is that they’re equally proud of the work they’ve done. In my opinion, this is the best piece we’ve ever done, and I think it’s just the beginning,’ Daryl says.

Designer: Bandit Motors

Now the fuel tank of the peculiar motorbike is fused to the high-strength 7075 aluminum frame with a flowing single-sided swingarm originating from the body. For a minimalistic form, the exhaust system is hidden in the body frame. The new EVE Odyssey model gets a hand-brushed steel emblem crafted out of a single billet. Better stability in the new version comes with the monoshock upgrade. That makes this mean machine more agile while taking corners. The front fork which is a part of the suspension system is something out of a modern art sculpture. Not only is it eye candy but also functional since bumps and rough roads are much more comfortable to navigate now.

EVE Odyssey 2.0 version is powered by a 125cc engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission, hurling it to a top speed of 68 mph. Bandit promises a range of 156 mpg which is impressive but driving conditions will play a part in tweaking this value. Just like the predecessor, the new model has a lot of custom parts that make up the final build. It’s got aluminum grips, levers and switches, steel clip-on handlebar, wide rear-view mirrors and LED headlights. For ease of use, the conventional gas cap is replaced with a magnetic one.

This time around the design team has ditched the traditional dials with digital speedometer for showing all the vital riding information. The control switches get a swanky upgrade as they seem more like a bracelet. Truly handmade, the motorcycle takes 3 months to craft from scratch to the brilliant final form. EVE Odyssey is now available to order with shipping worldwide.

The post Handmade EVE Odyssey motorcycle aces its predecessor with stellar performance and sniper bullet-like profile first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer Watch merges best of Swiss watchmaking and manga culture

Posted on by

It’s not often that watchmakers tread the route of anime-inspired watches. Of course, Casio is a homegrown company that doesn’t mind taking a shot with Japanese pop-culture-inspired watches, but its not a domain much frequented by others. Now, Tissot is venturing into the arena with a timepiece inspired by the Japanese UFO Robot Grendizer – 70s show that was particularly famous in Europe and the Middle East.

The Japanese anime series, also referred to as the Goldorak, was aired between 1975 and 1977. Only 74 episodes were released then. For a watch to be inspired by a 70s anime may seem out of place in 2024, but as part of the PRX collection, the Tissot PXR Grendizer is a timely drop that falls in line with the July 2024 release of the original series as Gendizer U.

Designer: Tissot

For Grendizer fans or anime or manga fanatics for that matter, this iconic collaboration between Tissot and UFO Robot Grendizer is a special one. Not because the Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer Watch merges the best of Swiss watchmaking and manga culture, but also because it is a new variant to the interesting PRX collection. The latest in the Tissot PRX collection, this inspiring timepiece comes in a sunburst blue dial within a 40mm steel case. The case measuring 10.9mm thick, and 44.25mm from lug-to-lug, has a lovely brushed finish and is topped by a flat sapphire crystal.

The blue dial of course is the most impressive bet about this classic PRX timepiece. It is more exciting because of the embossed bust of Grendizer, featuring the Tissot branding in the chest – like Superman’s ‘S’ emblem. On the rim, you get the original title for Grendizer branding toward the inside. To make the dial even more eye-catching, Tissot has filled the entire thing with Super-LumiNova. Of course, the Grendizer glows a little lesser (in the dark) than the hands and indices, but the entire charisma that’s created on the dial is worth your time. A standout again is the second hand, inspired by Grendizer’s Harken weapon rotating through the middle.

On the inside, the Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer is powered by a Powermatic 80 movement, which is a staple in all automatic PRX watches. Visible in action through the mineral glass caseback, the movement provides 80 hours of power reserve and it beats at 21,600 vph. The special edition Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer Watch is 100m water resistant and comes in a custom-designed case modeled after Grendizer’s UFO Spazer.

A collector item, this Tissot x UFO Grendizer watch is based on an angular integrated bracelet featuring a foldover clasp. If you don’t like what you get as stock, the bracelet comes with quick-release tabs so you can replace it with any option in the Tissot’s custom strap collection. Even besides all the goodness and the enticing anime inspiration, the Tissot is very reasonably priced at $825.

The post Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer Watch merges best of Swiss watchmaking and manga culture first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sony WF-C510 earbuds impress with Ambient mode, longer battery life and comfortable design

Posted on by

The Sony WF-C500 earbuds have been the company’s budget true wireless option that may not rival the premium WF-1000XM5 but punch above their weight with a balanced sonic sound at a very reasonable price. The TWS earbuds were launched in September 2021 and have been a huge success all these years.

Now Sony has launched the successor to the WF-C500 earbuds with design tweaks, new features, and a price that’s hard to deny. In fact, the buds offer some advanced features that are rare for reputed budget options on the market. For example, including Ambient Sound Mode and multipoint connectivity for a price of $60 ($30 less than the outgoing model) is a deal-making prospect.

Designer: Sony

According to the Japanese consumer electronics giant, the WF-C510 earbuds are 20 percent smaller and 15 percent lighter than the outgoing model. These buds are the smallest ever closed-type designs by the company. The IPX4-rated buds can handle the odd splash or sweaty workouts, and they stay snug in place with a refreshed design that results from the analysis of users’ detailed ear shape data. So, one can be rest assured of a stable fit that’ll be comfortable for most people.

This time, Sony has gone for a more contoured shape on the outside, a flatter button surface and a matte finish for better grip and comfort. The cylindrical charging case made partially from recycled plastic is also thinner and smaller for convenience. Looks like they’ve taken a cue from the book of Jabra Elite 8 Active.

The battery also gets a bump up with a total time of 11 hours on the buds themselves and another 11 hours in the charging case. A quick charge of five minutes will give up to 60 minutes of listening time. Another lucrative feature users will cherish is the two-device Bluetooth multipoint connectivity compatible with Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. Supported audio formats on the C510 are SBC and ACC, making them ideal for music and gaming.

The sound signature from these earbuds will be balanced with not too much focus on any frequency range. That’s attributed to the 6 mm driver unit and a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz. Combine that with the in-app features including the 360 Reality audio, equalizer settings and DSEE upscaling, and you’ve got a very satisfying sound if you know how to tweak them right. Although ANC is missing, the buds make up with a far better passive voice isolation.

WF-C510 earbuds are now available in four color options – blue, yellow, black, and white – from Amazon. The eco-friendly initiative trickles down to the packaging too as it is 100 percent plastic-free. Being feature-packed and well-designed, the TWS earbuds are going to continue the success of the predecessor for sure.

The post Sony WF-C510 earbuds impress with Ambient mode, longer battery life and comfortable design first appeared on Yanko Design.