Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

3D Printed Chess Set pays respect to the Ukraine invasion with a poignant war-themed design

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Unless you are Elon Musk and believe chess is “too simple to be useful in real life,” you know, chess is a strategic and competitive game. It requires meticulous planning and clear objectivity. If you don’t have an objective in mind, your moves will be directionless and you will end up wasting time thinking and moving without purpose. Through the gameplay, it instills cognitive thinking, benefits mental well-being, and can now be a source of thoughtful restoration in the war-torn Ukraine.

Cuibiono, a design-first not-for-profit, has been at the forefront of providing aid to the regions where geopolitical conflicts like war have damaged humanity. With the new chess set, it has conceived using recycled biomaterials (PLA) and 3D printing, the NGO is giving everyone a chance to jump onto their journey of creativity, sustainability, and giving back, helping make a difference and restore homes in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Designer: Cuibiono

The stackable chess set is inspired by the war-torn and displaced Kharkiv, which has been on the receiving end of the Russian invasion. Called the Kindachess – S, this set 3D-printed from naturally degradable bioplastics – features a board segmented to depict the nation under war. It is designed as fractures on the earth’s crust. But when it’s stacked to be stored, the dividing lines on the board form the Ukrainian flag to depict unity and the satisfaction of returning home.

The idea of a chess set whose profit from sales proceeds would go into restoring homes in Kharkiv is the brainchild of designer Liam Hwang of Cuibiono. The compact, stackable chess set is 3D printed sustainably in Hackney, London. It measures 200mm x 200mm when laid out for playing and fits into a case measuring 290mm x 164mm after use.

This is not Cuibiono’s first such sustainably driven product with the idea of giving back. The NGO states, “we are committed to sustainability.” All the products designed in their facilities are crafted with eco-friendly materials (like recycled PLA in the case of the chess set). The chess set, selling in two color contrasts: wheat and sky, ivory and walnut, is now available at £200 (approximately $250). Buy now, and support the cause becoming a part of the community that cares.

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Barad-dur LEGO set brings Sauron’s sinister tower from Lord of the Rings to your work desk

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All Lord of the Rings fans should get excited about the new LEGO set themed on Barad-dûr, Sauron’s iconic stronghold. The 5,471-piece set features the sinister tower topped with the Eye of Sauron, the disembodied eye that overlooks his evil domain. Those who’ve watched the movie will instantly remember it as the “giant black tower with the flaming eye on top of it.”

This set will come at a price tag of $500 with availability to commence from June 1 for LEGO Insiders and from June 4 onwards for other buyers. The Barad-dûr tower will have four main sections – a prison, armory, throne room and a kitchen. Those who’ll get their hands on the set on or before 7 also get the complementary 269-piece Fell beast set with posable wings for the intimidating flying creature and the Nazul minifigure.

Designer: LEGO Ideas

The 32.5-inch tall and 11 inches wide Barad-dûr set has references to the movie in the form of Easter Eggs filled inside the interiors. Minifigures including Sauron, Mouth of Sauron, Sam, Gothmog and Orc also grace the build. Sections of the set include a pair of mechanically operated front doors and a dark throne that hides the secret room of the Palantir. There’s a forger for sharpening the weapons of destruction, a lava pit with a suspended skeleton cage and feasting for orcs. The top of the tower opens to reveal the throne room with a hidden map and ladder to access the top floor. In the middle of the structure is the feast table and orc armory. At the bottom of the tower, there’s a working door.

Frodo is not forgotten with the stolen Mithril coat and the hidden map, while Shelob has a tiny spider to complete the details. Interestingly the LEGO set can be stacked with more modular pieces to increase the height of the already towering structure that is even more impressive (and taller) than the Rivendell set which is the last official Lord of Rings set by LEGO. The tower is topped by a replica of the Eye of Sauron having a light-up brick to cast a subtle glow in your den.

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This tailored Mercedes-Benz concept hypercar adapts the volumes of a classy suit for its dynamic shape

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Mercedes-Benz has been a name synonym for panache and luxury ever since it was first established in 1926. Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, the automotive giant has set the bar high for four-wheelers of the present and the future world. The AMG GT introduced in 2014 is still one of the most liked supercars in the industry and Concept VISION AVTR is setting the precedence for electric cars of the future already.

While the brand is one of the few big names inclined towards electric concept designs, it is understandable how many concept designers gravitate towards the Mercedes name for building their imaginative four wheels that could someday actually land them at one of the renowned brand’s design nests. The Mercedes-Benz Dresscode is one such iteration that has a unique take on what a British hypercar of the future could be like.

Designer: Jeongtae Lee

The design direction of the car interprets iconic luxury through the shapes of collar and rich volumes of a formal dress. If you look closely the hypercar adapts the form of a white shirt with a tie on top and a black jacket layered over it. Yes, the white sections represent the shirt with edged surfaces while the black body wraps the entire car in a large volume reminiscent of a jacket. The rear of the vehicle is like the back of a person wearing a suit – simple and chic. Unlike other supercars having luxurious gull-winged doors (or scissor doors) which can be tricky to get in and out, the Dresscode concept has doors designed to feel like the process of taking off a suit which is elegant and easy.

The side profile of the car is inspired by the seam lines on the shoulder of a jacket, wherein the lines flow from the front to the rear. Those wheel parts are rotatable through these lines. Also, the seam stitches on the shoulder of a suit jacket are reinterpreted as Mercedes patterns on the hypercar. In a true sense, this is a tailored Mercedes concept maintaining an aggressive yet elegant stance with its dynamic shape.

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This handheld console for disabled gamers has modular control pods for better ergonomics

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Gaming controllers are primarily designed keeping in mind the needs of seasoned gamers who have razor-sharp reflexes and blazing reaction times. Most of the mainstream controllers don’t factor in the needs of disabled gamers who have accessibility issues. Major manufacturers like Sony and 8BitDo, however, have ventured down this road with the PlayStation 5 Access Controller and Lite SE controller respectively.

Along the same lines, this Windows-based gaming controller concept dubbed Free Play wants to give disabled gamers a level playing field when it comes to playing chart-topping games. The gadget achieves this without compromising on the form factor a normal gamepad relies on. Therefore, normal gamers can also use it without any problem.

Designer: Aiden Schutte

The intended dual functionality of the gaming controller is achieved with modular control pods that can be placed around the console. With the rise in popularity of handheld gaming consoles, attention towards accessible controllers for the disabled is imminent. The design proposed here employs the modular buttons that settle inside the metal body and the ergonomic grips having flat surfaces as the viable solution. So, one can easily swap the D-Pad buttons to reside on the front rather than the sides. Customized sticks can be attached to the controller if the disabled gamer has problems holding on to the joystick with the thumb.

To keep it simple, the modular gaming controller has multiple configurations to play depending on the comfort level of the disabled person. Whether it’s using the controller with just one hand or situations where dexterity is not an option. Aiden has designed the bottom to be flat so that people with dexterity issues can easily lift the gadget from the surface. In addition to the buttons you would find on any normal controller, this one has tactile touchpoints to navigate controls. These tactile touchpoints can be placed at the back of the console or on the front. The size of all the buttons and triggers has been intentionally kept large for easier presses and navigation.

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Earbuds with nano camera and smart AI are more than just music for your ears

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Earbuds are a kind of accessory you’ll find most common in anybody’s arsenal. They isolate you from the distracting outside world and help you focus while working, exercising, commuting, or anything in between. Extending the usability of earbuds for people with vision problems or in general even the common users who like to turn on their ANC at full blast. Apart from the audio information, the eyes are the best sensors to gauge the environment.

The Cell Buds are an evolution of the good old earbuds into a wearable that assists the blind in navigating crowded spaces or even being aware of what’s around them with sound cues coming from the buds equipped with nano camera units that keep track of any information that may be vital. This eliminates the need for transparency mode to be aware of the space, or even situations where you want strong ANC while being totally aware of what’s happening around in a crowded urban area, essentially making them your eyes and mind for daily life assistance.

Designer: Minwoo Kim

https://vimeo.com/user217694550

These earbuds are loaded with an ultra-compact vision cam and AI to bring all the smart features of your smartphone to this cool gadget plugged into the ears. As a part of the Samsung Design Membership course, Minwoo conceptualized this design to dramatically improve the user’s experience. The on-device AI brings personalized interaction with information available in the cloud and the compact vision cameras keep sensing the surrounding environment around you for any signs of danger or information that might be important to you. For example, an approaching motorist from the left when you are busy crossing the street.

With smart AI, the wearables can be useful for frequent travelers or people with vision impairments. The hands-free personal assistance provided by Cell Buds keeps you from checking your phone, thereby curbing your digital life for good. Design and comfort are prime when it comes to the concept, as Kim has managed to fit a rotating camera unit inside the housing that houses the driver units, microphones, and the battery. According to him, the camera drive unit slightly protrudes from the ear to increase the camera’s field of view.

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Genesis X Dog Concept has every luxury your pooch needs before, during, and after travel

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Max tells me; being a celeb dog is not an easy thing. You have to dress up well, eat without spilling or slurping, have trimmed nails, clean paws, and be at your best behavior at all times. Ah, poor doggo! After all the made-up life throughout the day, Max deserves the ultimate relaxation and time of his own during traveling, he says. Luxury automaker Genesis seems to have heard his woof and has created an ultimate dog-friendly space exclusively to fit in the boot of the Electrified GV70. This is what Max would’ve always needed. A dedicated area to himself that would take care of his before, during, and after travel needs.

The Genesis X Dog concept is primarily meant to allow the four-legged friend to relax with all the possible amenities inside it or at the paw’s reach. Along with the comfortable ride of its Electrified GV70, the interesting dog module allows the pooch to have a relaxed me time, drenched in the luxuries of a cozy bed, ambient lighting, and Bluetooth audio system.

Designer: Genesis

A lightweight, retractable aluminum and carbon fiber ramp has been designed to provide easy access for the dog into the luxury crate resting in the boot of the Electrified GV70. Sitting there, the dog can feel as special as their owners while on the road with all the range of exclusive accessories and equipment at their disposal.

Matching with the interior of the Genesis electric, the Genesis X Dog Concept has quilted vegan leather sidewalls and comes with bespoke features including a heated dog bed, Bluetooth audio system, ambient lighting with the pull-out ramp facilitating entry and exit. More interesting here is the built-in electric shower (attached to a six-liter pressurized water tank) with a hairdryer for the pooch to clean up after her muddy adventures.

To ensure the time within the Genesis X Dog Concept is as comfortable and personalized as possible for the dog, it features an anti-skid surface, a safety lock mechanism comprising two straps on the sides, a safety harness and a leather dog collar. Before you start believing in the luxury and willing to inculcate it into your pooch’s lifestyle, this is just a concept that Genesis would be displaying in its select studios between 9 May and 5 June.

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LEGO Radio actually plays tunes and even lets you dock your smartphone for Spotify support

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LEGO Ideas and its obsession with retro builds will not die anytime soon. The vintage Polaroid SX-70 camera, the ingenious Tetris LEGO set, and now the LEGO Icons Retro Radio set are proof enough. The new 906-piece set is a nod to the musical era of the 50s and 60s when radio was an integral part of life.

The set is a part of LEGO’s Icons collection and is all set to arrive June 1 for $99.99 in LEGO stores worldwide and official online stores. The set will initially be exclusive to LEGO Insiders and from June 4 onwards anyone can get their hands on this one. While the set cannot (unfortunately) play your local radio station, it has something that’ll please online music listeners.

Designer: LEGO Ideas

Reviving the retro element are the bright color accents in white and brown of the bygone era. You’ll be more than keen to put it together and highlight it as your living room centerpiece or reserve the prime spot on your shelves. When fully assembled, the bricky radio stands over 13 inches high, 9 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep, making it a LEGO model that more than meets the eye. While we can go on talking about its nostalgic faux wood-colored trims, pastel bluish green exterior, classic speaker slits, extendable antenna and the tuner window; the functionality doesn’t take a back seat in any way.

The radio LEGO comes with prerecorded tunes such as fake sports stations that can be toggled using the dials. You can turn the dial to switch between these channels with the white noise of the radio taking you back in time. Another knob is used to switch on or off the unique radio While we believe the designers could have gone a step further by fitting in a transistor radio unit, you’ll have to emulate the feeling of listening to the good old radio by playing it on your phone. Yes, you can plug in your smartphone in a concealed compartment on the back panel and play your favorite music. Of course, you can play Spotify or Apple Music on this radio but we’ll stick to playing the classic music just to be in the retro feels!

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A mini controller for your mobile gamers who love minimalism

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Smartphones have evolved to be more than potent gaming devices with constant evolution in processing power. Titles like Genshin Impact, COD Warzone, Car X Street and Asphalt 9: Legends have high-end graphics comparable to consoles and PC titles. Of course, there are capable phones that can play these games at the highest settings without breaking a sweat.

The perfect alibi for serious smartphone gamers who want to gain tactical advantage is a gaming controller. Yes, the likes of 8BitDo Pro 2, Backbone One, GameSir G8 Galileo and Razer Kishi V2 elevate the gaming experience on a smartphone but they are bulky for sure. Imagine holding a 6.8-inch smartphone with the controller mounted on it. This calls for a compact and lightweight option that is easy to carry around and a treat to use.

Designer: Wootae Kim

The Mini Controller is an option for mobile gamers who don’t want to carry around the bulk and also like the compact form factor of the gadget for better ergonomics. Everything on this dongle-sized controller is kept to the minimum with a round joystick, D-Pad buttons and shoulder trigger buttons. This cool gaming controller can be used both in Bluetooth mode and connected mode depending on the titles you want to play. In the latter mode, the accessory can be plugged into the USB-C port and the joystick can be used for the directional control and the on-screen buttons for other input.

The Bluetooth mode works best for FPS shooters and racing games where you want total multidirectional control without missing a move. The connected mode is ideal for playing MMO titles and strategy games like Clash of Clans that require movement in the two-dimensional plane. The designer intends to pitch this controller to Gen-Z mobile gamers who like to explore fresh options. It is easily pocketable just like your earbuds case or can be hooked to a keychain. Also, the availability of the Mini Controller in peppy color options makes it best suited for the younger generation.

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Navigator Analog Watch reflects its allegiance to USS Armstrong starship from the word go

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Certain watchmakers shoulder the responsibility of pushing the defined boundaries with exceptional haute horlogerie. This is not only toiling with complexity; it is reinventing the wheel with craftsmanship and material usage that catapults the timepiece into ultimate rarity where it stands alone to be admired from afar. Its exclusivity substantiates it will forever be away from our reach yet the lure keeps us connected to the unique character.

Based on the idea of reconsidering the mold and reinventing the retro-futuristic allure; a designer envisioned one such analog timepiece – for the Yanko Design x Titan Design Competition – that reflects its allegiance to the USS Armstrong (NCC-317856) starship from the word go.

Designer: Santosh Palaniappan

The competition challenged aspiring designers to reimagine select everyday products – an analog wristwatch, a women’s handbag, a piece of wearable jewelry, and eyewear – with a unique twist. The idea had to fulfill the underlying theme of Retrofuturism, so it resonated with nostalgia yet had its feet in the future.

By swaying into sci-fi territories and then stitching it in time for a wearable, Santosh has for us the Navigator Analog Watch, which he believes is a “humble tribute to his beloved franchise, Star Trek.” From what’s apparent, the watch has a timeless aesthetic – created from a deep admiration for the saucers of the starships – which finds synergy with Star Trek’s optimistic portrayal of humanity’s progression and neatly blends science-fiction with reality.

From how it is designed, though; its interface is ready for global exploration with a red compass needle occupying the dial adorned with subtle geometric motifs. The Navigator Analog Watch innards are neatly streamlined within its disc body which is precision crafted from a single piece of aluminum. The watch case clips magnetically onto a specially designed rubber strap with thematic metal stars using the magnetic crown present underneath the watch. What do you feel about it?

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LEGO G Wagon and SL63 convertible roadster arriving in June for an irresistible price

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LEGO and cool cars have a long-standing relationship that gravitates toward kids as well as grown-ups. The Speed Champions Sets address the craving for every generation to build their loved cars from scratch in LEGO form. The LEGO Mercedes-AMG W14 F1 car is one of my favorite because I love the sport so much.

The number of sets available for every kind of motorhead is increasing in this collection and the Mercedes brand keeps calling us back to the LEGO world. The German automaker has revealed the LEGO version of two of its most acclaimed cars for speed enthusiasts and avid off-roaders. Yes, I’m talking about the AMG 63 G-Wagon SUV and the AMG SL63 convertible roadster. The kit can be ordered June 1 onwards for a price of $50 which is an absolute steal if you are a collector.

Designer: LEGO

The two performance cars come in a kit with 2 driver minifigures as a part of the LEGO Speed Champions line. Combined the two cars have a total of 808 pieces that when put together for weekend fun, turn into the G Wagon in black and the SL 63 roadster in yellow. Of course, the color distinction will help you out in separating the pieces if you happen to mix them up. The LEGO car models boast authentic design details adapted from real-life models. Attention to detail has been paid to the front grilles, hoods and interiors complete in the Mercedes livery.

This pack comes with the printed building instructions if you want to go old school, or via the app that’ll guide you step-by-step to bring the G Wagon and convertible roadster to life. Since there are two cars in the set, the size of each one is a bit smaller than the other individual Speed Champions collection. Standing tall at 2.5 inches the AMG G 63 LEGO car measures 7 inches long and 3 inches wide. Parked on your living room shelf or the geeky desk, these two LEGO collectibles could be easily mistaken for a toy car but you know the deeper truth!

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