Author Archives: Sarang Sheth

The GoPro GoKart’s built-in Action Cameras capture your race like never before

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It makes absolute sense. The company that has a brand built around action and adrenaline should be in the racing business… no? After all, isn’t that exactly what Red Bull is doing? Designed by Sean Gao, the GoKart imagines a world in which GoPro goes automotive. The racing cart isn’t like anything we’ve ever seen before. It sports a gorgeously modern design with sleek surfaces that blend into each other… but the kart’s secret sauce is the fact that it has multiple action cameras integrated into its design, capturing your race from multiple PoVs. Designed for thrill but also for entertainment, the kart captures multiple streams from different angles, allowing viewers (or even the driver) to enjoy the race like never before. Easily the coolest thing to happen to karting since Mario Kart.

Designer: Sean Gao

The GoPro GoKart is a modern-day racing vehicle that brings karting into the future. Sure, you could do the rounds of a track on a gasoline-guzzling hunk of metal and fiberglass… but nothing quite beats racing around in these bad-boys. The GoPro GoKart is gorgeous to look at, sporting an uber-slick design that’s just about as gorgeous as a high-end racecar. You’ve got flowing surfaces that create the kart’s beautiful silhouette, with metal and carbon-fiber paneling that reflects light with a soft matte glow that’s subtly classy. Meanwhile, the kart comes outfitted with razor-thin headlights and taillights too, so night-time won’t stop your races.

Where the GoKart functionally differs from other karts, however, is in the inclusion of multiple wide-angle action cameras a la GoPro. These cameras can be found on the front, sides, and rear of the car, capturing multiple angles during the race. The result, breathtaking moments for both riders as well as the audience to enjoy during or even after the race. Gao proposes building an entire racing track around the kart too, with a multi-level course that are studded with cameras that add to the race feed.

The car’s cameras help capture the action right from the driving seat. A front-facing camera documents the track ahead, while a rear camera lets you see your opponents biting the dust. Cameras on the side document a much more high-stakes experience, letting you see two cars going head-to-head side by side.

The kart seats one, but aside from just a simple cockpit with a wheel and pedals, you’ve also got a dashboard with information, controls, and settings. A space underneath the steering wheel (or yoke, rather) lets you dock your smartphone, which starts the car and lets it authenticate its driver. The yoke’s central dashboard lets you see racing stats, as well as quickly toggle camera views to see what’s happening behind you. Meanwhile, video footage also gets sent to your phone, allowing you to replay your highlights after the race and share the footage with friends and fans.

Ultimately for Gao, the GoKart is a massive branding exercise for GoPro, letting it reinforce its position as the apex action-camera company. It also creates a separate channel that exists independent of the action camera business, building a sport that can be followed by dedicated fans. This helps solidify the brand, which has seen some weakening following a few corporate scandals and the rise of other companies like Insta360 and Kandao. Moreover, the karts are pretty much billboards on wheels for GoPro’s cameras, letting people experience their brilliance in the form of high-octane kart racing. If anyone at GoPro is reading this, give Sean a call…

The post The GoPro GoKart’s built-in Action Cameras capture your race like never before first appeared on Yanko Design.

Phrozen announces its first large-volume FDM 3D printer with a whopping 600mm/s max speed

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Set to go head to head with other leading FDM 3D-printing brands, the Phrozen Arco boasts a max print volume of 300x300x300 mm³, an acceleration of 30,000 mm/s², and a top speed of 600mm/s. Sure, that sounds like a whole bunch of numbers… but it translates to three simple words – Bigger prints, faster. Unlike its other competitors, it also comes with a Chroma Kit, empowering users with multi-filament printing capabilities that let you print in vivid color.

Designer: Phrozen Arco Team

Click Here to Sign-up Now: Early Access Ends Soon

Phrozen recently announced its first-ever FDM printer, the Arco, which will head to Kickstarter at the end of this month. Having built a solid reputation selling some of the finest resin printers, Phrozen hopes the Arco will set the gold standard for extrusion-based printing, which seems to be picking up as more and more users/creatives/businesses begin integrating 3D printing into their workflow.

Phrozen Arco driven by its Chroma Kit (multi-color AMS), introduces up to 16 colors for your creations. No coating required—now, print vivid, colorful models effortlessly.

On paper, the Arco’s specs put it in the upper echelon of consumer-grade 3D printers. The massive 300x300x300 mm³ build volume lets you print large-scale models without necessarily needing to slice them into smaller, more manageable bits. Larger models, however, are notorious for taking more time to print, but the Arco’s 30,000mm/s² acceleration and top printing speed of 600mm/s make it a worthy contender for being one of the fastest consumer-level 3D printers out there. The Arco is based on Klipper’s 3D printing firmware too (with more third-party collaborations in the pipeline), allowing it to benefit from its open-source nature and improve over time through OTA updates.

Simultaneously print multiple sets or larger models-unleash your imagination with the largest volume color 3D printer.

The speed factor isn’t just a question of cranking up the motors on the X and Y axes, it also requires precise engineering to ensure the filament flows at exactly the right speed (otherwise you get warped, bad-quality prints). To achieve this, the Arco boasts dual 18 mm extruder gears and a 9.5:1 reduction ratio HGX extruder, along with a patented direct extrusion path that cuts the distance between the extrusion gears and the heat source that melts the filaments. Paired with Arco’s patented cooling systems, this allows you to print perfectly with tricky materials like TPU, or achieve ultra-fast prints with traditional filaments like PLA. The external part of the printer is reinforced too, with a stationary bed supported by 4 thickened stands that reduce vibrations that cause those notorious ‘layer lines’ during high-speed printing.

Phrozen is also allowing users to add a Chroma Kit to their Arco. While traditional printers only have a single-spool setup, the Chroma Kit (Phrozen’s self-developed automatic material system) lets you mount multiple spools of filament, supporting 4-color 3D printing at present, upgradable to 16-color prints in the future by connecting more Chroma Kits following upcoming OTA updates. The Chroma Kit works as a dry storage unit for your extra filaments and relies on a series of motors and sensors to automatically swap out old filaments and feed in new ones during prints.

All this is encased in what Phrozen describes as a robust, reinforced outer structure that ensures minimal tolerances for better quality results. Each Arco is also accompanied by a Pentashield – made of acrylic and metal panels – that helps encase your printer in a protective enclosure, reducing noise as well as maintaining optimal print temperatures. PIXUP, Phrozen’s own slicing software, helps load and prepare models for printing too, and their dedicated model library lets you easily choose (or even sell) print-ready models, creating a community that truly helps set 3D printing apart from any other manufacturing industry!

Click Here to Sign-up Now: Early Access Ends Soon

The post Phrozen announces its first large-volume FDM 3D printer with a whopping 600mm/s max speed first appeared on Yanko Design.

‘Black Panther’ Costume Designer Launches Otherworldly 3D-Printed Handbags

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Famous for helping design the jewelry (including Queen Ramonda’s headgear) from the hit film Black Panther, award-winning Australian designer Julia Koerner relies on a combination of nature and computer algorithms to bring her creations to life. Her handbags, available on her website, follow a similar design route, with an aesthetic so out-of-this-world, chances are you’ll think the bags have a life of their own. Designed using algorithms and 3D printed to perfection, Koerner’s handbags are rigid, but visually lightweight, boasting a skeletal design that feels almost alien-like. However, Koerner takes inspiration from life around her, looking at nature for ideas. This particular bag draws from the shape of dried kelp found along the pacific coastline.

Designers: Julia Koerner, Kais Al-Rawi and Emma Sanson

The KELP MINI handbag was created using actual 3D scans of Kelp that were then edited, manipulated, and turned into a handbag-esque form. The handbag is almost entirely made out of 3D printed plastic, using resin-based printing techniques (which helps create flawless glossy surfaces with minimal print lines).

The bags are hinged at the base, with a cleverly detailed clasp on the top created using parts that snap to interlock when the bag is shut. The bag’s chain gets hooked onto details inside the bag, keeping the outer design clean, while allowing the chain to pass through one of the bag’s many openings.

Don’t expect the handbag to store much, given its compact, rigid design. Small items will easily fall out, but otherwise the KELP MINI is perfect for a coin purse, wallet, lipstick, and maybe a pair of sunglasses.

The bag’s immaculate designs are completely printed in sustainable plant based material, with the printers running entirely on solar energy. While Koerner takes heavy inspiration from nature, her reverence extends to protecting her source of inspiration too, ensuring that her products have minimal environmental impact. The handbags are printed in LA for shipping in America, and Vienna for Europe orders. For bags that have minor misprints, Koerner even sells them at a discount, ensuring nothing gets wasted.

The beauty of Koerner’s designs lie in the fact that they look so bizarrely different, you won’t be able to take your eyes off them. Whether it’s the jewlery from Black Panther or any of her other work, Koerner taps into an almost wild side of nature, relying on unconventional curves and organic geometry that bridges the lines between existing and impossible, and between design and art.

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The most powerful MagSafe Battery Pack gives your iPhone an impressive 10,000mAh boost

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It’s a good thing Apple discontinued its MagSafe Battery Pack, because frankly, it sucked. With an abysmal 1,460mAh capacity, it’s really no match for the one from TORRAS. Armed with a whopping 10,000mAh internal battery that can wirelessly charge at speeds of 15W, the TORRAS MagSafe Battery Pack knocks pretty much any competition out of the park. It also packs a fold-out stand for good measure, allowing you to prop up your device while it’s charging.

Designer: TORRAS

Click Here to Buy Now: $47.99 $79.99 (40% off, use coupon code “TORRAS214” at checkout). Hurry, offer ends in 48 hours!

The TORRAS MagSafe Battery Pack is a relatively slick snap-on gadget that attaches onto your iPhone or any MagSafe-ready smartphone. With a sizeable 10,000mAh battery, it can juice your entire smartphone four full times before it needs to be recharged, making it quite the lifesaver (especially if you’re the kind of person to forget charging their power bank). With that kind of capacity, you can charge multiple devices together (thanks to the USB-C port on the base), allowing you to share power with a buddy, or even charge an extra gadget you have on hand. The MagSafe Battery Pack will output 20W of power through its USB-C, while supplying 15W through the wireless charging coil, giving you the ability to rather rapidly charge your devices regardless of how you connect them. For smaller devices like TWS earbuds, the MagSafe Battery Pack even has a ‘trickle charge’ mode that reduces the power output, which can be activated simply by holding the power button for 2 seconds.

Each MagSafe Power Bank comes with a distinct metallic outer shell that feels vastly more premium than Apple’s own plastic battery pack. The metallic exterior is also furnished with one of TORRAS’ O-ring pop-out stands, which can even rotate, letting you prop your phone vertically or horizontally during charging. The latter activates your iPhone’s ‘StandBy’ mode, which is quite useful to see the date/time or the Superbowl score in realtime as your smartphone charges!

Handling a whopping 10,000mAh battery (with simultaneous device charging) obviously is no joke, but that’s a domain where TORRAS was built to shine. Having developed some industry-leading neck-worn cooling wearables, the cooling technology developed for TORRAS’ Coolify product line ended up translating rather well to its MagSafe Battery Pack. Charging can sometimes cause components to heat up, reducing the charge-efficiency… but TORRAS’ patented heat dissipation tech helps retain that high-efficiency at all times. The sleek kickstand holds a patent too, for its ability to fold flat into the power bank when not in use, and open out into a 360° rotating stand when you need.

The TORRAS MagSafe Battery Pack is available in white and black variants, with a titanium version releasing in the near future. About the same width and length as a credit card, and weighing just 206 grams (7.2 ounces), the MagSafe Battery Pack is perfectly pocket-sized, allowing you to carry it along with your phone without really feeling too much bulk. The fact that it securely snaps onto the back of your phone definitely helps too. The TORRAS MagSafe Battery pack starts at $79.99, although it’s available for a 40% discounted price of $47.99 for a limited time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $47.99 $79.99 (40% off, use coupon code “TORRAS214” at checkout). Hurry, offer ends in 48 hours!

The post The most powerful MagSafe Battery Pack gives your iPhone an impressive 10,000mAh boost first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Tesla Cybertruck just encountered one enemy it can’t defeat… Rust.

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Representational Image via Midjourney

As multiple users are pointing out on internet forums, the vastly popular pickup truck from Tesla has seemingly met its one foe. While the car can apparently beat pretty much any odds, deflecting bullets and being able to overtake a Porsche 911 while towing another Porsche 911, it does have one rather unfortunate flaw. It catches rust.

Users have begun pointing out that the Cybertruck’s ultra-powerful exterior (which can take on a Tommy gun) can’t withstand inclement weather, causing spots of rust on the surface. Images circulating on the CybertruckOwnersClub website show the exterior exhibiting signs of rust spotting after just 2 days of driving in the rain. California has been experiencing record-breaking torrential rainfall over the past few weeks, and apparently, the bulletproof exterior of the EV wasn’t up to the task. The images show spotting on Sacramento-based truck-owner Max’s Cybertruck.

Image Credits: CybertruckOwnersClub Forum

There is, however, a lot of speculation of whether this is rust, or ‘rail dust’. A lot of cars experience a similar spotting phenomenon when transported by trains. Metal specks from the train wheels fly off while the train’s in motion, landing on horizontal surfaces of the car. These specks then begin rusting, causing a similar spotting on cars.

The problem lies with inconsistency, as not everyone seems to be facing the same problem immediately (given that everyone’s also experiencing different weather). If indeed this is a sign of rusting, only time will tell if that may prove to be a problem for all Cybertrucks in the future. Specifically, it is essential to promptly remove contaminants like oil and acidic substances, including tar and bird droppings, using a solvent that contains alcohol. Following this initial cleaning step, it is advisable to wash the area with either pure water or soap that has been balanced for pH levels. Such cleansing practices are recommended after every long ride (which not many people are keen about since the Cybertruck was touted as an incredibly robust vehicle). Users, however, are recommending NOT using Windex to clean the car, since it contains ammonia that may actually cause or accelerate rusting. Some users have reported signs of success using Bar Keepers Friend.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more information.

Representational Image via Midjourney

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Why an ‘EDC Display Case’ should be on your Shopping List this Year

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EDC Display Case by Holme & Hadfield

Great gear deserves a great home… and simply stashing your state-of-the-art EDC collection in a dopp bag or in a drawer in your shed is honestly a little shameful if you ask me. A great display case allows you to store, and more importantly, flaunt your EDC to your guests like the trophies they are. Whether it’s knives, multitools, pens, money clips, or anything else you’ve got on hand, a good EDC display case is just about as much of an investment as your EDC itself.

Why do I need a Display Case?

We’re at a point where EDC from companies like Gerber, CIVIVI, Tekto, CRKT, and The James Brand are less utility-focused tools and more of visual specimens of artistry and craftsmanship that ‘get the job done’. With the use of fine materials like Damascus Steel, Stone-washed Titanium, Micarta, and even sometimes top-grain wood, these knives, tools, and gear look like works of art, which is why a display case makes sense. The display case not only allows you to admire them when not in use, but it also lets you access them when you need to, whether it’s to show off to a fellow collector/enthusiast or get some tool action.

Moreover, a display case adds to the beauty of your EDC collection. It organizes your tools but also gives you a cohesive unit on your desk that looks great and enhances the overall value of your tabletop as well as your gear.

What should I look for in an EDC Display Case?

It overwhelmingly depends on the kind of EDC you’ve got, but luckily, there’s a vast variety of cases to choose from. Is your EDC watch-centric? Well, a nice watch-holder case should work. How about blades? Then Holme & Hadfield’s Blade Deck makes a nice pick too. It’s important to evaluate the kind of EDC you’d like to showcase (watches, blades, pens, coins, perhaps even spectacles) and then choose your case based around that. Make sure your case complements your gear as well as your decor… although you can never really go wrong with a nice hardwood and some plexiglass. For blades, try not to choose a leather or metal display case, because leather may end up getting cut, and metal might dull your blade. For watches, however, a leather or felt base helps prevent your watch from getting scuffed. If your case has a plexiglass (or glass) outer shell, we recommend keeping a nice cleaning spray handy. (Here’s the one they use to clean devices on display in Apple Stores)

Don’t focus on just one gear category

Most people (not just EDC collectors) end up having multiple things they carry around with them, which is why it’s important to not fall into the trap of a single-use display case. Choose something with versatility, perhaps a few drawers and organizing areas for your other gear. A place for your ‘less favorite’ knives, maybe a few carabiners, some pens, loose change, etc. Put the fancy stuff on display, but keep the other stuff easily accessible for later. And make sure your drawers are lined with felt or microfiber, so your tools don’t end up scratching the wood… or worse, slipping around every time you open/close the drawer and scratching each other.

What budget should I have?

The quantity and the value of your EDC should determine how much you spend on a display case. Unless you’ve got high-flying collector’s edition gear worth tens of thousands collectively, your display case shouldn’t cost you more than $250-300. The larger your collection, the bigger your case should be, but whether you’ve got luxury watches or high-end knives, a good display case shouldn’t cost more than $500 even on the higher side. Moreover, with Valentine’s, Easter, and other holidays always around the corner, make sure you grab yours on sale!

The post Why an ‘EDC Display Case’ should be on your Shopping List this Year first appeared on Yanko Design.

Actual working Pokédex uses ChatGPT to identify Pokémon… and you can build one too

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Let’s face it. You didn’t click on this article by accident. You’re as much of a Pokémon nerd as I am and there’s complete reason to feel excited given what I’m about to show you. A YouTuber by the name of Abe’s Projects decided to throw together a few components to make a rudimentary (but functioning) Pokédex and I CANNOT KEEP CALM!

This Pokédex works surprisingly like the original. Relying on the powers of ChatGPT to identify imagery captured through a rather basic camera setup, Abe’s Pokédex does a fairly good job of replicating the experience of the original from the hit TV series and comic book. Abe even encased his electronics in a wonderfully nostalgic red 3D-printed enclosure, making it resemble the original Pokédex to an uncanny degree… and if that wasn’t enough, he even programmed the Pokédex to speak just like the original, with a computer-ish robotic voice.

Designer: Abe’s Projects

The process, although fairly complicated, gets detailed out by Abe in the YouTube video. One of his admittedly harder builds, Abe mentions the first conundrum – planning the exterior and interior. The problem – you can’t 3D model an outer shape without knowing where your inner components are going to sit, and you can’t know where your inner components are going to sit without planning out your outer shell. Nevertheless, Abe designed a rudimentary framework featuring an outer shell, a few removable components (like the bezel for the screen and buttons), and a flap that ‘opens’ your Pokédex.

The internals feature a XIAO ESP32S3 Sense microcontroller that has its own integrated camera, connected to a black and white OLED screen (based on the Pokédex toy from the 90s), an amplifier that hooks to a speaker, a set of breaker buttons, a battery, and a USB-C port for loading all the information to run the mini-computer, as well as to charge the battery.

The way the Pokédex works is rather clever – it uses GPT4 along with the PokéAPI, relying on the latter’s massive information database. The GPT4 gives the device its AI chops, and an AI voice generator (PlayHT) helps create the signature vocal effect of the Pokédex. Together, they work in tandem to first, identify the Pokémon, second, reference the information in the database, third, display the Pokémon on the screen, and finally, play relevant audio about the Pokémon’s name, type, background, and performance. This does, however, mean that the Pokédex needs to stay connected to WiFi at all times to constantly tap into GPT4 and the PokéAPI (since nothing happens locally on-device).

The entire process wasn’t without its fair share of problems, however. The problems started with the software itself, which hung, crashed, and sometimes got overburdened with just the amount of heavy lifting it had to do. Meanwhile, the PlayHT audio generator posed its own share of issues, like an annoying ticking noise that played in the background as the AI spoke. Abe mentions all the problems he had in a dedicated section of the video, also outlining how he fixed them (hint: a lot of coding).

Once all the bugs were fixed, Abe took his Pokédex out for a spin. In all fairness, it did a pretty good job of identifying Pokémon strictly by analyzing their shape. This meant the Pokédex worked absolutely flawlessly when pointed at images, or an accurate 3D figurine or toy. It didn’t however, fare too well with plushes, which can sometimes have exaggerated proportions. That being said, it’s still impressive that the Pokédex works ‘as advertised’.

Building your own isn’t simple, Abe mentions… although he does have a paywall on his YouTube page where paid members can get access to behind-the-scenes content where Abe talks more extensively about his entire process. If you’re a coding and engineering whiz (with a penchant for Pokémon and 3D printing), hop on over to the Abe’s Projects YouTube page and maybe you’ll figure out how to build your own Pokédex too! Maybe you’ll simplify the process so simpletons like us can build them as well…

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Pocket-Sized Electric Screwdriver has a 200RPM Max Speed to make your DIY projects easy breezy

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With 10 different speeds to choose from, a maximum torque of 12 kgf.cm, the ability to spin clockwise and counter-clockwise, and an exhaustive kit containing 50 different driver bits, the Voltwist-V1 is a DIY essential. It makes disassembling, repairing, and assembling stuff ridiculously easy, and when all’s said and done, the entire kit (no larger than a bar of chocolate) can fit right in your workshop or even office table drawer for another day and another DIY project. Plus, at $56 for the full kit, it’s quite the no-brainer…

Designer: Voltwist

Click Here to Buy Now: $56 $89 (35% off) Hurry! Only 6 days left!

Barely the size of a fountain pen, the Voltwist-V1 looks like just a regular screwdriver, but packs a whole lot of impressive tech underneath. The pocket-sized electric screwdriver comes armed with a metallic body, a minimally slick design, and an intuitive user interface that leaves little to be desired. It all starts really with the LCD screen on the top, which tells you your battery level as well as the screwing direction, followed by two buttons below that let you toggle between clockwise and counter-clockwise movements based on the classic ‘righty tighty lefty loosey’ adage.

Swap directions just by pressing a button. Watch the screen for an indication.

You’d expect an electric screwdriver to be somewhat complicated to operate, but the Voltwist-V1’s design couldn’t possibly make things easier. Once you choose from the 50 bits that come in the V1’s kit, just load it in, and turn the knob at the tip to cycle between 10 different speed/torque settings (depending on whether you’re working with heavy-duty stuff that needs more torque, or small electronic items that you want to speed through). Select the setting of your choice, and simply hit the button under the screen to begin opening screws. Post-repair, the lowermost button helps you put the screws back, satisfyingly tightening them so that they don’t accidentally open after.

All you really have to do then is hold the screwdriver in place as it automatically rotates to tighten or loosen screws. A set of LED lights on either side helps illuminate your working zone, so whether you’re in the dark or your screw’s hidden away in a tiny corner, visibility is never an issue.

The Voltwist-V1 runs on a 650mAh battery, giving it its ridiculously slim and handy design. The Li-ion battery lasts 90 minutes on a full charge, getting you through lengthy projects without really needing to worry about running out of juice. If you do, though… a USB-C port on the reverse end of the screwdriver lets you charge it up to 90% in just 10 minutes, so a quick coffee break and you’re ready to get back to work. In fact, the Voltwist-V1’s case comes with a nifty little cutout that exposes the USB-C port too, allowing you to effectively charge your screwdriver while it’s still in the case (a clever way to ensure you don’t need to take your screwdriver out every single time you want to juice the battery).

Each Voltwist comes with a dedicated case that contains 50 popular S2 hex-bits to choose from, along with a magnetizer that lets you quickly and easily magnetize screws while working with them. The screwdriver itself is 5.3 inches long (the size of a standard fountain pen), and sits in a case 6.9 inches long, 2.8 inches wide, and weighing 0.92 lbs (422 grams) in total. Each Voltwist starts at $56, heavily discounted over its original $89 price tag. The Voltwist-V1 ships globally starting May 2024, so grab yours now instead of living in the stone age with those *ugh* manual screwdrivers…

Click Here to Buy Now: $56 $89 (35% off) Hurry! Only 6 days left!

The post Pocket-Sized Electric Screwdriver has a 200RPM Max Speed to make your DIY projects easy breezy first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Great British Bake Off gets an adorable LEGO recreation with the entire set, crew, and judges

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I absolutely can’t take my eyes off those tiny KitchenAid mixers on every counter!

One of Britain’s many cultural exports, the Great British Bake Off (renamed The Great British Baking Show in the US for legal reasons) is a wonderful example of what you get when you mix dry British humor with cooking. Sure, Masterchef has its appeal, but nothing is quite as funny as watching the Brits compete over their culinary talents. The sarcasm, chaos, camaraderie, warmth of the judges, and the sheer wit and humor of the hosts make the show a delightful watch no matter where you are… and if you’re a LEGO enthusiast as well, user ‘timoth_e_e’ has an adorable build that recreates the magic of the show, down to brick-size!

Designer: timoth_e_e

The LEGO Great British Bake Off set is littered with an INCREDIBLE amount of detail. Recreating almost every aspect of the show down to its tiniest details, the build set features six decked-out participant islands with burners, utensils, a sink, a KitchenAid mixer, and even an oven in the bottom, while the backdrop has those signature string lights, Union Jack flags, and the entire kitchen pantry for all the participants.

The show is nothing without its camera crew, which is why this set pays homage to them too, providing 3 dedicated Minifigures with filming gear. You’ve got two camera operators and a boom mic operator, two shoulder cams, two boom mics, a tripod, and a pair of poseable studio lights.

The entire build features a whopping 2800 pieces (nearly 4-5 times your average LEGO build), but a lot of that boils down to small details like just the sheer amount of equipment on each countertop, as well as the plants (which timoth_e_e mentions can be scaled down to reduce the ‘clutter’). The kitchens have just about everything you could ask for, with mixing bowls, whisks, cups, pie tins, and food galore.

“This set is meant to be very playable; the refrigerators and freezers open and close and have space for a 2×2 custard (or dough that needs proving), the counters and bakers can be switched around and mixed up for various combinations, and the ingredients on the counter can be switched out depending on if the bakers are working on a technical challenge or a showstopper,” says LEGO user timoth_e_e, the brainchild behind this set. “The idea is to be able to recreate almost any of the moments from the show with this model.”

Nothing beats a Lemon Meringue Pie, now does it?

Put your cake in the fridge to cool it down before you apply icing!

Once made, food gets displayed on the iconic Gingham altar, a linear table where the judges (and the hosts) inspect the food before digging in. In the meanwhile, contestants either wait at their stations, or sit on a row of benches, awaiting the verdict of the judges. The entire set has a whopping 21 Minifigures, including judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas, the three film crew, and 14 popular participants from multiple seasons of the show, allowing you to pick and choose your favorite contestants to play with.

“I think this model would be a fantastic addition to any Lego collection either as an amazing display piece or for its playability. With its instantly recognizable features and characters, the Great British Bake Off has a special magic that I think would translate well to Lego,” writes timoth_e_e on his submission page. The LEGO Great British Bake Off is his submission to the LEGO Ideas Forum, where enthusiasts create, share, and support original builds using LEGO bricks. Submissions that garner a lot of support get sent to the LEGO internal review team, and following their approval, get turned into retail kits for everyone to buy. With over 6,300 votes as of writing this, the MOC (My Own Creation) is well on its way to hitting the coveted 10,000 vote mark. You can vote for the build on the LEGO Ideas website.

The post The Great British Bake Off gets an adorable LEGO recreation with the entire set, crew, and judges first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Game-Changing Materials that are shaping the Design and Technology World in 2024

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Imagine a world where buildings heal their own cracks, mushrooms become furniture, and fashion can help regulate your body temperature to keep you comfortable no matter the weather. This isn’t a chapter from a science fiction novel; it’s the near future of design materials that are set to revolutionize our lives in 2024. From self-healing concrete to bioengineered plastics, innovators across the globe are pushing boundaries to create materials that not only challenge our traditional understanding of functionality but also promise sustainability and efficiency like never before. A lot of these materials may not seem incredibly new to you, but advancements in their production (and rapid deployment) earn them a spot on this list. These aren’t ‘unheard of’ materials, but rather, are materials that are slowly and surely becoming more and more accessible to companies looking to innovate and bring the latest advancements to the world. Be prepared to hear more and more about these materials going forward, because of how radically powerful they are, and how much potential they hold to make lives easier, processes more efficient, and the world hopefully greener and better.

10. Gallium Nitride (GaN)

This unassuming compound, often overshadowed by its silicon cousins in years past, is poised to claim center stage as one of the top ten game-changing materials for technology. Imagine a substance so versatile that it could simultaneously shrink your bulky laptop charger into an almost weightless accessory and at the same time propel electric vehicles towards unprecedented efficiencies. GaN does just that, thanks to its remarkable ability to handle higher voltages and dissipate less heat than silicon—traits that are propelling us headlong into an era of energy efficiency that once seemed like science fiction. In laboratories around the globe, GaN is already flexing its muscles; showing off not only in power electronics but also making waves in radio frequency applications where speed is king. With 5G networks unfurling their potential across cities worldwide, GaN stands ready as a key player in amplifying signals with clarity and precision unheard of before. But don’t let these technical feats overshadow GaN’s environmental bravado—it operates cooler and wastes less power, which means smaller cooling systems and greener solutions all around.

9. Graphene

This marvel, just one atom thick and yet stronger than steel, is poised to redefine our approach to everything from electronics to architecture. Picture a world where your smartphone bends like paper without breaking or buildings that withstand earthquakes with ease; this isn’t a fanciful daydream but the tangible future promised by graphene. Revered for its exceptional conductivity, it’s set to revolutionize solar panels, turning them into ultra-efficient light sponges that could make clean energy more accessible than ever before. Imagine textiles imbued with this wonder material – clothing that can monitor health or even charge your devices on-the-go (we already know of thermoregulating fabrics that rely on the properties of Graphene)… but what truly sets graphene apart is its versatility – it’s not merely enhancing existing products but paving the path for innovations we haven’t even dreamed of yet.

8. Quantum Dots

You’ve probably heard of quantum dots in one of Samsung, LG, or Sony’s press releases about their latest televisions… but what exactly are these quantum dots, and what about them made them enter this list? Well, quantum dots (QDs) are nanocrystals with unique optical properties, making them ideal for next-gen display technologies. These tiny semiconductor particles are small enough to exhibit quantum mechanical properties, which allow them to emit light at specific wavelengths when energized. The result? Vibrant colors and improved energy efficiency in displays ranging from TVs to smartphones. While the world is coalescing around quantum dot displays (moving away from traditional LCDs and OLEDs) because of how incredibly vivid and lifelike they are, the potential for these dots extends way beyond just displays, with their ability to help make solar panels MUCH more efficient, as well as revolutionize (and democratize) quantum computing.

7. Liquid Metal Alloys

If the term ‘Liquid Metal Alloys’ instantly got you thinking of T-1000 from Terminator 2, you’re bang on the money. Imagine a metallic substance as malleable as playdough yet capable of conducting electricity better than copper and withstanding extreme temperatures without breaking a sweat. Liquid metal alloys, composed primarily of gallium mixed with other metals like indium and tin, challenge our very notions of solidity and permanence. These wonder materials can be poured into molds to create seamless parts for complex machinery or used in flexible electronics (think wearable tech or soft robotics) that bend without breaking – think foldable smartphones taken to an entirely new level. Moreover, their self-healing properties ensure longevity in products that would otherwise succumb to wear and tear. Researchers across global high-tech sectors are buzzing about how liquid metal alloys could revolutionize everything from medical devices—enabling more responsive prosthetics—to aerospace components that can endure volatile space conditions unscathed. The transformative potential is immense: energy storage systems becoming more efficient, soft robotics gaining unprecedented flexibility and sensitivity, and even consumer gadgets getting sleeker upgrades while enhancing durability.

6. Advanced Ceramics

Envision a world where engines run cooler and last longer because of ceramic components impervious to heat and wear or where our smartphones are virtually indestructible thanks to scratch-resistant ceramic screens (Apple’s already experimenting with their CeramicShield technology). This alchemy of silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, and alumina stands poised to shatter expectations—without shattering itself—with its unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio and thermal stability. The brilliance lies not just in what these materials can endure but also in their uncanny ability to conduct electricity or resist it entirely depending on the need—a trait that makes them indispensable in electronic devices and solar panels alike. As environmental considerations take center stage globally, advanced ceramics offer an eco-friendly beacon for sustainable development with their durability reducing waste over time.

5. Nanocellulose

Derived from cellulose, the most abundant polymer on earth, nanocellulose is an absolute eco-friendly wonder-material. At just a nanometer scale in width, nanocellulose fibers are invisible to the naked eye but hold the future of sustainable technology firmly within their minuscule grasp. Why is nanocellulose turning heads this year? Picture a material lighter than plastic yet robust enough to challenge steel’s dominance in tensile strength—a true David amidst industrial Goliaths. Manufactured through methods that break down plant matter into its cellular level, nanocellulose transcends its humble origins by boasting properties like biodegradability and low toxicity—all while maintaining remarkable thermal stability and barrier qualities against gases. It’s no surprise then that industries from packaging to aerospace are scrambling to integrate it into their products for an edge in environmentally conscious innovation.

4. Mycelium

Try to picture the word ‘mushroom’ in your head and I’m sure your brain conjures the archetypical button or oyster mushroom that most of us know and love. However, that tiny umbrella-shaped organism is just a tiny fraction of what a mushroom actually is. The part that emerges from the ground is merely the ‘fruit’, which contains spores to help the organism propagate further… but look underneath the surface and you’ll stumble across the mycelium, often considered the true ‘body’ of the mushroom. Often tens or hundreds of times larger than the tiny button-shaped fruits themselves, mycelium has some incredible benefits. It possesses leather-like properties, making it an incredibly suitable vegan alternative to animal-based leather, but more importantly, its fleshy, spongy mass has the ability to grow at a rapid pace, making it a great replacement for styrofoam and a bunch of other moldable materials. The fungus-based material grows by decomposing and ingesting natural waste (which is a win in its own regard), has the ability to self-heal and regrow at rapid speeds, and the best part, is entirely natural, making it eco-friendly and inherently biodegradable. This mycelium single-use biodegradable grill is a perfect example of how the material could revolutionize 2024.

3. Bioplastics & Biocomposites

While mycelium won’t completely replace moldable materials like plastics, petroleum-based plastics are seeing some stiff competition from naturally derived polymers or even polymers that integrate natural composites into them. Traditional plastics are derived from crude oil and have a notorious inability to degrade into soil, causing pretty much every conceivable problem in modern history from landfills to ocean trash and those pesky microplastics that are now finding their way into humans and pretty much every part of nature. Bioplastics are derived from naturally occurring materials (like corn or hemp), allowing them to be molded and manufactured just like regular plastic, but with the added benefit of being biocompatible and degradable. Biocomposites, on the other hand, use natural filler materials and natural binders to create a plastic alternative that’s stiff, durable, and resistant to external elements. The most common biocomposites we’ve seen make use of waste like coffee grounds or grain husks, binding them with natural binding agents to create new materials with properties that mimic different forms of plastic… but with the added benefit of being nature-friendly, and waste-reducing. This no-compromise approach to material sciences make bioplastics and biocomposites a truly game-changing choice for 2024… and perhaps the most easily accessible too!

2. Transparent Solar Panels

Imagine if your home windows could collect energy from the sun and supply your house with power. Or even more impressively, if your smartphone’s glass front could help charge your phone when kept out in the sun. The advent of transparent solar panels are slowly making this dream a reality. These panels offer advantages over traditional panels by being less visible and space-efficient. Despite being relatively new and pricey, ongoing technological advancements suggest future cost reductions, making them more accessible. The panels work by utilizing a special solar cell that absorbs light without darkening, enabling integration into windows and other transparent surfaces. This technology, although in its early stages, holds immense potential to transform solar energy utilization, effectively turning any glass surface into an energy source. The panels operate by letting visible light pass through while capturing ultraviolet and near-infrared energy, enabling power generation without relying solely on visible light. Their thinness and efficiency make them versatile for various applications, from powering devices to entire buildings, without compromising aesthetics. Think about how incredible it would be if you could park your car out in the open and return to a fully charged EV battery?!

1. Self-healing materials

Perhaps the most exciting material type in this entire list, self-healing materials represent a category of materials that can ‘mend’ themselves over time, reversing any damage caused to them. The most obvious application is self-healing concrete, which allows cracks and signs of weathering in buildings to magically disappear, increasing the longevity of structures (done by incorporating specific elements such as fibers or capsules into a concrete mix that contains repairing solutions)… however, the applications in technology are incredible too. Self-healing paints/coatings could allow scratches on cars to automatically disappear when exposed to light or UV, and there have been significant advancements in self-healing polymers and glasses that could make tech damage less of a hassle. Imagine dropping your phone only to see the crack or scratch heal and disappear over time. That would make for a rather fun JerryRigEverything YouTube video!

(Bonus) Titanium

Although Titanium has been one of the go-to materials for EDC tool design and medical use, the fact that Apple and Samsung both launched titanium smartphones last year has massive implications for the world’s strongest metal. Sure, outside those few consumer electronics uses, Titanium has been around for decades… so why does it feature on this list? Well, Titanium sits at a unique crossroads – it’s lightweight, ridiculously durable, and it’s biocompatible (and therefore hypoallergenic). It doesn’t hurt that Apple and Samsung have done wonders for the material’s popularity too… so expect titanium to make more appearances in high-end wearables, bordering on even bionic products like BCIs (brain-computer interfaces) and other exciting products we haven’t seen yet!

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