Author Archives: Sarang Sheth

This Ultimate Magnetic Pen attaches to the side of any notebook like the Apple Pencil on an iPad

Posted on by

If you love the idea of your Apple Pencil magnetically attaching to the side of your iPad, this ‘Inseparable Notebook Pen’ brings a similar concept to your analog diary or notepad. With a clever clip-on base and a magnetic pen, this piece of stationery ensures you’re never left searching for a pen. The magnetic interaction ensures the pen’s always attached to the side of your notebook, available at a moment’s notice whenever you need to sketch a concept, make a doodle, jot down an idea, or take notes during a meeting.

Designer: Yusuke Nagao

Click Here to Buy Now: $17

Inspired by Simplicity, Crafted for Perfection

Always Ready, Wherever Inspiration Strikes

The Inseparable Notebook Pen, as its name suggests, pairs your pen with your notebook to ensure they’re always together like the happy couple they are. The pen comes with a three-part design, featuring a plastic protector, a metal clip, and the ballpoint pen itself. The device works practically on any notebook, whether soft or hard-bound, giving you a convenient way to store your pen when not in use. However, just like the Apple Pencil sits diligently on the side of y23-our iPad, this pen waits patiently on the side of your notebook, diary, or pad too, waiting to be grabbed and used.

Effortless Writing, Anywhere You Go

To pair your book and pen, first start by placing the plastic protector on the edge of your book’s back cover. This ensures that the metal clip doesn’t accidentally damage your book (it would be a shame if your Moleskine had marks on them, no?) Once the plastic protector’s in place, fix the minimalist metal clip onto the back cover, ensuring it’s gripping your book cover securely. You can now ‘dock’ your pen onto the notebook of your choice. Once the notebook’s over, simply shift the protector and clip onto another notebook and you’re ready to go all over again!

A Daily Companion That Enhances Your Life

The Inseparable Notebook Pen is an adorably minimal piece of stationery that does something so simple, you’ll wonder why nobody’s ever thought of this before. We’re so used to placing pens in pockets or in stationery kits, it’s strange how nobody thought of putting it in the one place it NEEDS to be… your notebook! The pen sits flush against the side of your book, with a magnet that’s just strong enough to ensure that accidental bumps don’t dislodge the pen while in transit. A fabric pull-tag on top allows you to un-dock the pen when you need to write, and the clip’s satisfying magnetic action lets you snap the pen back when you’re done writing… or even if you just feel like fidgeting for a bit!

Click Here to Buy Now: $17

The post This Ultimate Magnetic Pen attaches to the side of any notebook like the Apple Pencil on an iPad first appeared on Yanko Design.

Leaked Google Pixel 9a image shows a MAJOR Design Change and No Camera Bump

Posted on by

It seems like the Pixel’s A-series is a victim of its own success. While the last few A-series phones like the Pixel 6a, 7a, and 8a have been phenomenal retail successes (sometimes even being preferred by people over the flagships), this year might be different. If these leaked images are any indication, the upcoming Pixel 9a might see a major design update… but there’s probably a good reason why.

The recent leak of the Google Pixel 9a suggests a fresh approach to design in Google’s mid-range offering, one that may mark a departure from the aesthetic norms established by previous Pixel devices. The leaked renders, shared by @VNchocoTaco on X, reveal a design that forgoes the familiar visor-like camera bar seen on its predecessors. Instead, the Pixel 9a opts for a sleek, minimalistic camera island. This module, positioned on a flat back panel, introduces subtle design refinements that indicate a clear intention by Google to redefine the visual identity of its A-series line. Why, you ask? I can think of a few potential reasons.

Rendered Image Representation of the Google Pixel 9a

Like I mentioned earlier, the Pixel A-series has a reputation for being a little too popular. Even though it’s touted as a budget phone, most YouTubers and reviewers claim that it’s just as good as its flagship counterpart, if not better. It looks just like the flagship, with a very similar design, and an equally good camera. The A-series only gets a few minor downgrades in the form of screen quality, processor speed, lack of wireless charging, larger bezels, and notably a lower price… all of which are fairly acceptable trade-offs. As a result, most budget phone lovers prefer the A-Series phones OVER the flagships, leading to more sales while Google tries to push the more expensive models instead by providing offers/discounts, etc. This dramatic redesign is probably Google’s way of making sure the Pixel 9a doesn’t steal the 9 and 9 Pro’s thunder. If Google’s last keynote was any indication, the company is making a HARD pivot to Gemini, and the Pixel 9a will probably get the same Tensor G4 chip to support those Gemini features (otherwise nobody will buy the phone). By cutting back on the design but still providing remarkable AI functionality (along with camera chops), the Google team seems to be future-proofing their flagship phone while still making the A-series fairly lucrative. It’s a nice strategy, although the Pixel 9a images (if they’re real) show a phone that lacks any character.

The images show a phone with flat sides that curve gently at the edges, just like the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro Fold. This shift creates a more ergonomic experience, addressing one of the criticisms directed at the earlier A-series models, which were sometimes described as cumbersome in hand. Despite this redesign, the bezel size remains largely unchanged compared to the Pixel 8a. For some, this may be a missed opportunity for a more streamlined display experience, especially when considering the bezel trends across mid-range competitors. Nevertheless, these design choices suggest that Google is focused on maintaining the practicality and accessibility that the A-series has become known for, rather than chasing industry trends.

Though the images’ authenticity remains unverified, the source claims that the leak originates from a Compal employee. Compal, a well-known manufacturing partner for Google, has been involved in producing various Pixel devices. It’s also rumored that the Pixel 9a will drop at the end of this year (rather than 2025) and will be available in 4 colors. If this information holds true, it adds credibility to the likelihood that these design changes are indeed intended for the upcoming Pixel 9a. Such a move to alter the design language signals that Google is perhaps aiming to establish a different identity for its A-series, distancing it from the flagship models while still retaining core features that are essential for a consistent user experience across the lineup.

The post Leaked Google Pixel 9a image shows a MAJOR Design Change and No Camera Bump first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lexar’s Tiny SSD lets you record 4K ProRes Video without clogging your iPhone’s Storage

Posted on by

Everyone knows the iPhone has a great camera – Lexar gives you a great SSD to match.

When I bought my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I knew for a fact that storage was going to be a problem in the long run. With the ability to record in 4K ProRes, and shoot high-quality images, the iPhone’s cameras are pretty state-of-the-art. The problem is that they’re so good they blast through your phone’s internal storage in a month or so if you’re not careful. It’s all by design, unfortunately. Apple also makes money off its iCloud subscription. iCloud might work for a solid 80% of regular consumers out there, but for mobile photographers/videographers, content creators, and camera enthusiasts, having to constantly interface with a cloud drive isn’t just a hassle, it’s counterintuitive.

That’s where Lexar comes in with its Go Portable SSD and Multiport Hub, designed specifically for people recording media in high-res formats. Barely the size of your thumb, the Go SSD boasts a capacity of up to 2TB and plugs right into your phone, giving you the benefit of recording directly on the device without clogging your phone’s storage or having to upload to the cloud. It plugs right into your phone, eliminating the need for extra wires. Alternatively, it can be paired with Lexar’s USB-C hub, which also lets you connect other devices like a power bank to keep your iPhone running over long shoots that can take multiple hours.

Designer: Lexar Design Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $189 (32% off). Hurry, only 267/500 left! Raised over $771,000.

Designed specifically to complement the iPhone 15 Pro models, this innovative SSD + Hub tag-team offers up to 2TB of additional storage, a significant boost for those who demand ample space for their projects. In fact, Lexar designed the SSD specifically for people who like recording in ProRes 4K@60fps.

With up to 2TB storage and extra USB-C ports, it’s perfect for shooting bulky ProRes videos.

By offloading footage to the SSD, users can continue recording without interruptions, allowing for longer takes and more ambitious productions. However, the benefits extend beyond storage capacity. The integrated USB-C hub transforms the iPhone into a versatile production hub, enabling the connection of essential accessories such as microphones, lights, and external power sources.

Both the SSD and Hub boast the same machined aluminum design, with a slim form factor that complements the iPhone and MacBook’s anodized metal finish. The SSD and Hub click together perfectly too, becoming almost one product visually, with a mere thumb dimple to help you unplug them once you’re done. The Go Portable SSD and Hub are envisioned to be used together but can operate independently depending on the filmmaker’s specific needs. The SSD itself is particularly compact, measuring just 1.71 x 0.98 x 0.32 inches. It has a bent connector to neatly fit behind the iPhone when plugged in, maintaining a streamlined setup without protruding cables.

The Hub, which is slightly larger at 2.71 x 1.71 x 0.32 inches, sits flush with the SSD, offering four USB-C ports for connecting additional peripherals like microphones, power banks, gimbals, and other accessories. The thoughtful design also includes a 30W power delivery feature, making it easy to charge devices while simultaneously supporting data-transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps.

The Go Portable SSD stores all your media locally, letting you access/transfer/process media files on multiple devices without needing a stable internet connection. This SSD offers read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s, providing near-instantaneous access to files and allowing quick data transfers that boost workflow efficiency. This makes it a compelling option for photographers, videographers, and other digital professionals who need reliable, high-speed storage solutions.

With your data stored offline, it’s impermeable to hacks, leaks, and breaches. For users concerned about theft, the Go Portable SSD also has 256-bit AES encryption, allowing you to password-protect your media from being accessed by unauthorized people. Go ahead, sign that NDA before filming!

While the focus is largely on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users, Lexar’s new products are also compatible with the iPad and Android devices that support USB-C and OTG functionality. This widens the scope for mobile filmmakers across platforms, although the primary market remains centered around Apple’s latest devices. The Go Portable SSD is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, catering to different storage needs, and both models boast IP65 ratings, ensuring protection against dust and water splashes, enabling users to film in a variety of conditions.

You can either spring for just the SSD, or opt for the SSD + Hub combo. The latter also includes a silicone protective case, a male-female adapter, a male-male adapter, a cold shoe adapter cable for camera rigs, a storage box, a storage bag, and 20 label stickers you can apply onto the SSD to help you keep track of the media stored on it. The Lexar Professional Go SSD and Hub both ship globally, with a 5-year warranty on each product.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $189 (32% off). Hurry, only 267/500 left! Raised over $771,000.

The post Lexar’s Tiny SSD lets you record 4K ProRes Video without clogging your iPhone’s Storage first appeared on Yanko Design.

Wearing this gadget for 45 minutes a day can fix your sleep cycle

Posted on by

Your sleep health is more linked to your regular health than you think. A lack of sleep (or just bad quality sleep) can lead to fatigue, cognitive issues, or even physical illnesses… and 1 in 3 people are at risk of these, because of bad quality (or quantity) sleep. The reason? Exposure to screens, working odd hours/shifts, inconsistent bedtimes and wake-up times, or even jet lag. However, this slick wearable device hopes to remedy this problem using just light.

Designer: Re-Time

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $200 (35.5% off). Hurry, only a few left!

The retimer 3 emits specific wavelengths of blue-green light underneath your eye, retimer 3 works in tandem with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This light has been scientifically proven to adjust the body clock and regulate melatonin production, the hormone responsible for inducing sleepiness. Consequently, consistent morning use of retimer 3 can help regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up refreshed.

Designed by Re-Time, an Australian sleep-tech company working in tandem with researchers from Flinders University in Adelaide, the retimer 3 builds on an existing ecosystem of healthcare wearables… but in a different way. “We are seeing a proliferation of wearables like smartwatches, smart rings, and apps designed to monitor and track sleep behavior,” say the folks at Re-Time. “While improvements in sensor technology and AI have made these wearables increasingly sophisticated, they primarily serve as monitoring tools.” The retimer 3, on the other hand, gives you control over your sleep patterns. The retimer 3, comes with its mobile app, which provides consumers with a simple method to create, manage, and monitor the usage schedule to effectively address sleep issues – whether arising from travel, odd-hour work, or misaligned body clock.

The retimer 3 sports a slick form factor, reminiscent of an under-eye rimless spectacle frame. It is designed to rest on the bridge of your nose, with under-eye light delivery. In fact, the retimer 3 can even be worn with your spectacles on. The device is designed to be fairly lightweight at just 36 grams or 1.2 ounces, and comes with a foldable design that makes it easy to carry around to work or even to travel with.

The folks behind the retimer 3 recommend wearing it for just 45-60 minutes each day for the device to help restore your circadian cycle and body’s melatonin production. The app offers personalized recommendations based on individual sleep patterns and goals. Users can set sleep schedules, create personalized light therapy routines, and monitor their progress over time. Integration with popular health platforms like Apple Health and Android Health Connect further enhances the device’s utility by syncing sleep data along with fitness data and overall health metrics. This data-driven approach allows users to identify potential correlations between sleep patterns and other health metrics, alongside actually seeing a difference in sleep scores over the weeks and months.

While light therapy is a cornerstone of retimer 3, the device’s impact extends beyond simply regulating sleep-wake cycles. Your sleep quality is intrinsically linked to your mental and physical health. By improving said sleep quality, users can expect enhanced cognitive function, mood elevation, and increased energy levels. Adequate sleep is also essential for physical health, aiding in muscle repair, immune function, and overall well-being.

The retimer 3 builds on over 25 years of research, and 12 years of market understanding (the first Re-Timer launched in 2012). Whether dealing with onset insomnia, struggling to adjust to new time zones, or facing the challenges of shift work, retimer 3 offers a practical method to regain control over their sleep patterns without medication or side effects. retimer 3 is now available for pre-order, with international shipping as early as October 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $200 (35.5% off). Hurry, only a few left!

The post Wearing this gadget for 45 minutes a day can fix your sleep cycle first appeared on Yanko Design.

BMW is bringing a dedicated UNO Gaming App to over 500,000 existing car infotainment systems

Posted on by

With an announcement from BMW dropping shortly after the Concours d’Elegance event at Pebble Beach, you’d probably think we’ve got some interesting car news or some automotive updates, but you’d be wrong. Instead, BMW threw quite the curveball by announcing a dedicated version of the hit card game UNO, designed specifically for in-car gaming. Dubbed the “UNO Car Party!”, this collaboration between BMW, Mattel, and AirConsole rolled out at Gamescom 2024, where it was introduced as the next evolution of in-car entertainment. With over 500,000 BMW and MINI vehicles set to feature this, you can now settle all your family’s backseat rivalries with a virtual card match that no one saw coming.

Designers: BMW & Mattel

The setup is surprisingly slick for a car game. AirConsole’s tech lets up to four players use their phones as controllers—no shuffling required, just a quick QR code scan on the car’s display. Each player’s hand remains secret on their phone while the main screen shows the game’s progress, meaning you can still side-eye your opponents and snoop on their hand. Given how hands-on and intense UNO can be, the game is only playable when the vehicle is in park mode. That’s BMW’s subtle way of saying, “Hey, safety first.” But once the car’s stationary, it’s game on, transforming your car into a temporary game room that’s perfect for killing time while charging your EV or waiting for that friend who’s always late.

In terms of gameplay, it’s pretty much the UNO you know and love (or dread). Same rules, same chance to ruin friendships, but now with digital flair—automated scoring, snazzy graphics, and a setup that doesn’t involve losing cards under the seat. It’s straightforward, easy to get into, and definitely beats staring out the window. The concept is clever in its simplicity, merging retro card game vibes with modern tech. Plus, it’s a nice break from doomscrolling or listening to the same playlist on repeat.

This move from BMW is part of a bigger trend where cars are becoming more than just vehicles—they’re turning into mobile entertainment hubs. And while “UNO Car Party!” might not be a game-changer (pun intended), it’s a fun little feature that adds personality to your car. Sure, it’s no substitute for a full-fledged console, but it’s a step toward making your vehicle a bit more interesting when you’re not actually driving it. Whether it’s a quick match during a pit stop or a way to pass the time while you’re stuck waiting for someone, it’s clear that BMW is leaning into the idea that cars can be places for more than just commuting.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I wish I could play UNO in my car,” your oddly specific wish has just come true. Whether you’re ready to embrace it or just find it amusing, BMW’s latest innovation proves that even the most unexpected ideas can have a place in the future of driving—or at least parking.

The post BMW is bringing a dedicated UNO Gaming App to over 500,000 existing car infotainment systems first appeared on Yanko Design.

Game Boy-inspired Nintendo Switch Console Features Unique Tiny Swappable Joy-Cons

Posted on by

This Nintendo Switch redesign gives the epic console a major blast from the past. From the mind of Carota Design, the concept comes with a Game Boy vertical form factor, but still retains the essence of what gave the Nintendo Switch cult status – swappable Joy-Cons. The Nintendo ‘Switoo’, as Carota Design calls it, comes with two swappable controller modules (very similar to PhoneBloks or Google’s Project Ara) that can be replaced/interchanged, allowing you to build a control layout of your choice. The D-Pad and Action buttons can be ditched for a steering wheel and pedals while playing racing games, or create your own combination of control modules depending on the sort of interface you crave. The console itself comes with what I can only describe as a very contemporary tech device, with the use of slick machined metal parts along with a transparent housing on the back that hat-tips the current transparent design trend seen on a lot of popular tech devices.

Designer: Carota Design

The Switoo gets its name from an abstract visual representation of the two modular controls on the sides of the console. The logo also shows how the modules slide in and out, locking into place when you want to play a game, and docking out when you want to swap controls depending on the next game you’re looking to play. Aside from these interchangeable modules, the Switoo has two triggers on the back, accessible with your index fingers while gaming.

The Switoo features a fairly ergonomic design, thanks to the fact that it has a thicker base. The side profile shows a stepped design, resulting in a screen area that’s fairly slimmer than the overall device, giving you a perfect stepped ledge to place those two trigger buttons. The front features a pretty clean almost edge-to-edge square display (presumably touch-sensitive), under which lie the swappable control mods. A front-facing speaker at the bottom fires audio towards the user as they game, quite similar to the front-facing speaker grills on the original Switch.

The controllers are the highlight of the Switoo’s unique design. Available in a variety of styles, they slide right into the sides of the console, snapping in to connect, just like Joy-Cons. A yellow guide helps you make sure you’re sliding the controllers in the right way, and switches on the side help lock the controllers in place so they don’t fall out accidentally during a rather enthusiastic gaming session. It’s safe to speculate that these controllers work only by being plugged in, and not wirelessly, like the Joy-Cons. Since they’re this tiny (and are individual controls like the D-Pad being its own module, and the action buttons having their own separate module), one can assume there’s no wireless chip or even a battery inside the controllers. Instead, pogo-pins help connect the controllers to the main console.

The square screen, Game Boy-inspired format, and modern design make the Switoo a unique successor to the Switch. One wouldn’t really call it a Switch 2 or a 2nd-gen version of the Switch console, but it definitely feels like a nice spin-off, marrying existing classic design formats with the unique appeal of Nintendo’s Switch console. There’s an understated simplicity to the Switoo’s design that you immediately appreciate. The sleek metal body, USB-C charging, minimal detailing, and transparent caseback, all make the Switoo look pretty modern. The only problem is the fact that this is a fan-made concept and not something I can throw my money at!

The post Game Boy-inspired Nintendo Switch Console Features Unique Tiny Swappable Joy-Cons first appeared on Yanko Design.

Breakthrough AI-Powered Device that can ‘Smell’ Diseases is disrupting the Healthcare Industry

Posted on by

Humans breathe approximately 25,000 times a day, yet within each breath lies untapped health data that a Canada-based promising startup aims to decode with their innovative handheld device. Meet the DiagNoze, a portable diagnostic tool can ‘smell’ diseases simply by analyzing your breath. The device reads volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled air, identifying biomarkers for various conditions including tuberculosis (TB). By identifying these compounds with impressive accuracy, DiagNoze offers real-time, portable diagnostics that are accessible almost anywhere, addressing critical healthcare gaps in both developed and underserved regions. The device integrates next-generation machine intelligence with NASA-derived sensor technology, delivering quick and cost-effective health insights where traditional diagnostics fall short due to high costs and slow processing.

Designer: Noze

While the most common use of breathalyzers has been to detect alcohol levels, this device can identify diseases simply by scanning your breath.

DiagNoze’s compact design and ease of use make it a practical solution for healthcare settings with limited resources. In regions where access to timely testing is scarce, the device’s rapid diagnostics can lead to earlier interventions, improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of diseases. The company’s mission received a significant boost through additional funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, bringing their total grant to $1.8 million. This investment will support a clinical study aimed at using DiagNoze to detect TB in high-burden countries, directly contributing to global efforts to curb the spread of this deadly disease, which claims 1.3 million lives annually.

Looking ahead, Noze envisions DiagNoze becoming a staple in everyday healthcare, where real-time health monitoring is as routine as a checkup. The device’s ability to offer actionable insights from a simple breath could revolutionize diagnostics, moving us toward a proactive healthcare model focused on prevention and early detection… quite literally a breath of fresh air in the medical industry, if you ask me!

The post Breakthrough AI-Powered Device that can ‘Smell’ Diseases is disrupting the Healthcare Industry first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ground-breaking headset uses targeted light pulses to cure depression without medicines or surgery

Posted on by

The idea that light can cure depression goes WAY beyond simple SAD lamps and light-therapy devices for people experiencing seasonal affective disorder during the dark months of winter.

Developed by the Vienna-based startup Syntropic Medical, this device harnesses light-based brain stimulation to offer a drug-free alternative for those who have not found success with conventional antidepressants. Light is shone into the eyes using a set of goggles, while a head-worn apparatus measures its effects – similar to using electromagnetic fields or certain sounds to treat pain, tinnitus, or depression. The approach builds on the premise that light therapy can enhance neuroplasticity—essentially, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. For individuals who have struggled with the side effects of pharmaceuticals or seen little improvement from traditional treatments, this technology could offer a fresh path forward.

Designer: Syntropic

Syntropic’s device leverages flickering lights to target microglial cells in the brain, which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy neural circuits. By stimulating these cells, the device encourages them to remodel brain structures associated with depressive disorders. This method addresses a significant challenge in mental health care: some patients’ conditions remain unresponsive to drugs because those treatments may not directly target the underlying brain dynamics causing the disorder. The non-invasive nature of this technology also means it avoids the systemic side effects often linked to antidepressant medications, offering a more tolerable and potentially safer option for long-term use.

Syntropic’s breakthrough has already attracted significant attention and financial backing. In July 2024, the company secured €1.1 million in funding from the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), adding to earlier investments from Xista Science Ventures and AWS. This support not only validates the scientific foundation of the technology but also highlights the growing interest in non-pharmaceutical therapies for mental health. With more resources at their disposal, Syntropic Medical is poised to advance their device through clinical trials and bring it closer to widespread adoption. As the mental health field continues to explore innovative solutions beyond traditional medications, this light-based therapy could represent a crucial development for those seeking alternative ways to manage their depression effectively and safely.

The post Ground-breaking headset uses targeted light pulses to cure depression without medicines or surgery first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Joystick Comes With An Open-Source Design To Support 3D-Printed Parts

Posted on by

The Adaptive Controller was just the beginning – Microsoft aims at developing an entire suite of accessible devices for its gamer market. Aside from working alongside other independent controller brands to reveal new devices, Microsoft’s also announced the Adaptive Joystick, a controller that can be hand-held, positioned against your body, or even tripod-mounted, giving all gamers the ability to interface with their games in a manner that’s comfortable, yet responsive enough to give them the edge while gaming.

Designed specifically for gamers with limited mobility, this joystick aims to enhance the already extensive Xbox accessibility ecosystem. Unlike many controllers that rely on a standard form factor, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick breaks away by offering a unique blend of adaptability and modularity. The joystick is a wired companion for the Xbox Adaptive Controller, but it can also function independently, directly connecting to both Xbox consoles and PCs. The design focuses on user flexibility, with customizable buttons and a thumbstick that can be easily adjusted to suit different needs.

Designer: Microsoft

The Xbox Adaptive Joystick includes four programmable buttons, a thumbstick, and two additional buttons for bumper and trigger controls. One of the standout features is the option for users to 3D print thumbstick toppers, allowing them to modify the height, width, and overall feel of the joystick. As highlighted by Kaitlyn Jones, Xbox’s senior accessibility product manager, the design process involved extensive collaboration with the disabled community. Early prototypes were shared with this group for feedback, resulting in a product that addresses specific challenges faced by players with limited mobility.

Incorporating community feedback has been central to the development of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick. During one session at a Seattle hospital, Microsoft engineers brought various prototypes, seeking input on aspects like grip size, button layout, and overall ergonomics. According to Chris Kujawski, a principal designer at Xbox, this iterative process ensured that the final product is not only functional but also intuitive for a wide range of users. The joystick’s versatility is further enhanced by its compatibility with the existing Xbox Adaptive Controller, allowing it to be part of a broader adaptive gaming setup.

Beyond just the joystick, Microsoft is working closely with other accessible hardware innovators. The Proteus controller, which has been refined and optimized for Xbox through this collaboration, showcases this commitment. Additionally, the 8BitDo Lite SE controller offers an alternative for those who require front-facing buttons in a familiar arcade-stick layout. This inclusive hardware ecosystem gives users options that go beyond the traditional controller experience, making gaming more accessible than ever before. As for Microsoft’s own Adaptive Joystick, it hits markets early next year, with a price tag of $29.99.

The post Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Joystick Comes With An Open-Source Design To Support 3D-Printed Parts first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Swiss-Army Knife of Sketching Tools Just Got Its Biggest Design Upgrade

Posted on by

Last year, the folks at Horizon Ruler designed what I believed to be the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of stationery and sketching. The Horizon Helvetica® Max expands on its predecessor’s credit card-shaped design, bringing even more functionality into a timeless-yet-future-forward compact form.

Designed as the ultimate creative companion, this slim stainless steel tool is built with precision and versatility in mind. It’s crafted for those who demand both portability and performance, seamlessly integrating into a designer’s workflow. Horizon Helvetica® Max might look and feel like a slim ruler, but on the contrary, it’s a compact, comprehensive toolkit that fits comfortably in any A5 notebook, enabling creators to draw, measure, and design on the go without compromising precision.

Designer: Ufuk Koc of Horizon Ruler

Click Here to Buy Now: $39. Hurry, only 5/300 left! Raised over $63,000.

The design of the Horizon Helvetica® Max is inspired by the iconic Helvetica typeface, a choice that’s as much about cultural resonance as it is about form and function. Helvetica holds legendary status in the font world, being the only font to have an exhibition at MoMA and also having its own documentary by design-driven documentarian Gary Hustwit. In public life, Helvetica can be found in the fonts of brands like Nestlé, Lufthansa, and BMW (among Microsoft and Apple using it in interfaces in the past too). The Helvetica typeface’s clean, minimalist design is synonymous with precision and clarity, values that resonate with the intended users of this tool. Meanwhile, text on the Horizon Helvetica® Max is written in the Bold Helvetica Neue typeface too, making it easily visible. Additionally, the cuts are made using a Swiss-made Bystronic cutter, ensuring precision and sharpness. The markings remain clear and legible even after prolonged use.

Draw perfect circles with Horizon Helvetica® Max.

Draw quick circles with circle stencil.

Sketching with Horizon Helvetica® Max will eliminate a lot of headache in graphic editor tool.

Horizon Helvetica® Max features precise points in circles that allow you to easily draw hexagons, rectangles, and heptagons.

The attention to detail in the Horizon Helvetica® Max is striking. This tool is engineered from high-grade 304 Stainless steel and measures up to 6 inches (15 cm) with both inch and centimeter markings on either side, ensuring easy conversions. It also includes a protractor, compass, and a T-square—features typically found in larger drafting tools—condensed into a slim format. For those working in digital design, the inclusion of pixel and pica measurement scales is a thoughtful addition. These features help users align their physical sketches with digital specifications, bridging the gap between traditional and modern design practices.

What sets Horizon Helvetica® Max apart is its isometric grid and cube sections, which streamline the process of creating precise three-dimensional drawings. Whether you’re sketching out architectural layouts or conceptual product designs, the grid allows for accurate isometric drawing, saving time and reducing guesswork. Alternatively, you can use the Horizon Helvetica® Max to sketch in perspective too, simply by drawing a horizon along with the vanishing points on it, and using the scale to make a series of projecting lines as guides. The tool also offers quick circle guides, making it simple to draw consistent circular shapes of various sizes, from 3 mm to 10 mm in diameter. Each of these functions is accessible within a single, compact device, reflecting the Horizon Team’s commitment to efficiency and practicality.

Color Range

The Horizon Helvetica® Max’s practicality extends beyond its core functions. With no sharp edges, it’s TSA-approved for travel, making it a perfect companion for designers on the move. Whether you’re working in an office, sketching during a commute, or fine-tuning a design at a café, this tool is designed to be discreet yet dependable. The compact design is small enough to fit right into even a tiny A5 notebook, making it hyper-portable and easy to whip out when inspiration strikes. Plus, by merging multiple tools into one, the Horizon Helvetica® Max reduces the clutter and inconvenience of carrying multiple items, offering a streamlined solution for everyday creative challenges… across both digital and analog workflows. Available in 6 colors, the Horizon Helvetica® Max ships globally. You can even grab the smaller Horizon Helvetica® from last year to add to your art/design arsenal.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39. Hurry, only 5/300 left! Raised over $63,000.

The post The Swiss-Army Knife of Sketching Tools Just Got Its Biggest Design Upgrade first appeared on Yanko Design.