Acclaimed Norwegian studio Snøhetta collaborated with lighting brand Ateljé Lyktan to design the Superdupertube – an innovative office lamp made using extruded hemp and sugarcane bioplastic. The hemp-based lighting is a contemporary update of Ateljé Lyktan’s Supertube which is an office light from the 1970s. It was made from extruded aluminum.
“[The Supertube] had finished production in 2010 or something like that, so it was iconic but sort of forgotten,” said Snøhetta partner Jenny B Osuldsen. “And it’s a tube. It’s not rocket science but it is what you need for a smart lamp in an office.” “We really loved it and think it has a lot of possibilities, so we wanted to upgrade it to a new level,” she added. The lighting design is made from hemp, and it can be industrially composed.
The extrusion technique used to create the original Supertube was developed in the 1960s, and both brands wanted to produce a lamp that was inspired by and pays tribute to the original design. But, at the same time, they wanted to lower the carbon footprint of the lamp and picked the most sustainable material they could find, which is hemp – a material known for being renewable and durable. They experimented with different materials, before finally picking hemp bioplastic to build Snøhetta’s first office lighting design.
Snøhetta and Ateljé Lyktan sourced the hemp used for the lights from the Netherlands, as the quality of the hemp from Swedish farmers “wasn’t quite there yet”, according to Gadd. The hemp used for the lighting design was sourced from the Netherlands, as they believed the quality of hemp from the Swedish farmers “wasn’t quite there yet”, according to Gadd. The hemp is then mixed with polylactic acid bioplastic which is derived from sugarcane, wood cellulose, and other minerals to form a fossil and gas-free composite. This material is then extruded to form the main body of the lamp, which also includes injection-molded louvers and side covers. The electric cables are covered in linen fabric. The lamp can also be composted in an industrial composter, or even recycled and transformed into pellets to build more lamps.
Look, I know life can get hectic and work can be super exhausting, which can be brutal for our mental health. Taking care of our mental well-being has never been more essential, considering how chaotic life can get. As much as we tend to pay attention to our physical well-being, it’s time to do the same for our mental health. Meditation can really help you unwind, release stress, and create an overall tranquil mindset. Although if you’re anything like me, sitting still without a single thought in your head can seem damn near impossible! Hence we’ve curated a collection of innovative gadgets to help you master the art of meditation. From a meditation headset designed by Layer to a battery-free aroma diffuser – these inventive product designs are all you need to inculcate meditation sessions into your daily routine! Start your day or end it on a peaceful and tranquil note. You can thank us later!
1. Japanese Lantern Candle
Designed to look like a traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, this pretty Japanese lantern candle has an interesting pillar shape and is essential for your bedroom or bathroom on the days you decide to give yourself some much-needed me-time and pampering. The lantern has a soothing and aesthetic appearance.
The Japanese lantern candle provides a contemporary and modern take on an iconic Japanese design. It has a minimalist design that lets it seamlessly merge with any modern living space perfectly and emits a relaxing glow that will instantly make you feel at ease, and help you enter a meditative state.
What we like
Since the wax is non-melting, it creates a lovely clarity on the candle
What we dislike
The candle is a fire hazard, so you need to use it carefully around kids and pets
2. ASMR Zen Ball
This little compact ball is called the ASMR Zen Ball, and it perfectly fuses natural and engineered elements to create a space-inspired design that provides a calming and relaxing experience to its users. The nifty little product has a meteorite-inspired porous surface that functions as an excellent absorbent surface for your aroma oils, which helps create a meditative experience for you.
The Zen Ball is made from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, which lets it double up as a fidget toy, creating an interactive experience, where users can connect with the natural energy of the earth.
What we like
The Zen Ball also doubles up as a fidget toy, which provides sensory stimulation
What we dislike
The ball could get rolling due to accidental bumps when not attached to its base
3. Rin Harmony Incense Holder
The Rin Harmony Incense Holder lets you enjoy the smoky and relaxing aroma of your favorite incense stick, letting you calm down, irrespective of where you are. The holder is built from natural walnut wood, and it serves as a storage space for the incense sticks, as well as a base for the burning incense.
The brass plate functions as a safe space to hold the lit stick, and a matching cover lets you snuff out the flame, while also making sure that the ashes don’t fly around.
What we like
Dual-functional design with a minimal form
Great companion for your calming exercises and meditation
What we dislike
The holder only allows one incense to be lit at a time, so the reach of the aroma is limited
4. LightVision Meditation Headset
Designed by Layer Design, the LightVision meditation headset is an interesting innovation with an array of LED lights that create a layer of magic to the natural visual feed of the user. It transforms natural videos into a sequence of biomorphic patterns, which are visible to the closed eyes.
Why is it noteworthy?
The patterns are visible as an ever-changing kaleidoscope of sequences that trigger the brain’s “frequency-following response”. This results in a distraction-free state of mind letting you meditate and unwind.
What we like
An ergonomic form that is comfortable on the face and eyes
What we dislike
Meditating with the help of screens may result in tired eyes if you’re using them for long periods of time
5. Battery-free Aroma Diffuser
If you’re in the mood to meditate, then this battery-free aroma diffuser is your perfect companion. It lets you take a deep and relaxing breath without causing any kind of harm to the environment. When you use the battery-free aroma diffuser, you harness the power of a single candle as it uses simple science and physics.
As its name signifies, the diffuser doesn’t need any batteries or external power source to operate. It only uses the heat of a single candle to spread some amazing aromatic scents. Made from sustainable materials, the diffuser has a minimalist and eco-friendly design philosophy.
What we like
Built from recyclable materials
Compatible with all kinds of essential oils
What we dislike
Since the diffuser lacks electric controls, it is tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma
6. Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set
Named the Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set, this little design induces relaxation as it recreates the smell and lovely experience of a mesmerizing outdoor fire. It perfectly captures all the scents, smells, and memories of a memorable outdoor fire, but within the comfort of your own home, without the dangers of a large outdoor fire.
The wood collected for the diffuser is from branches that were meant to be thrown away. They give off a distinct warm smoky steel when they are burnt on the stainless steel mini oven, emitting a comforting and serene aroma.
What we like
You can use the diffuser as a heating or cooking stool by adding a piece of solid wood, making it a distinct multifunctional design
What we dislike
Requires small pieces of wood, can’t be used with larger pieces of wood
7. Stress-free Aroma Diffuser
Meet the Stress-free Aroma Diffuser which helps you sit back and relax while breathing in an excellent mix of aromatic blends, that have been specially selected to soothe your mind, and help you meditate and unwind. Play some calming music, and let yourself relax with the Stress-free Aroma Diffuser.
The Stress-free Aroma Diffuser emits a gentle breeze, which disperses the aroma evenly wherever you are sitting. It features a porcelain filter that absorbs the oil to provide a long-lasting experience.
What we like
The base is polished and provides an interesting contrast to the organic-looking porcelain disc, letting it function as an elegant decoration piece
What we dislike
Looks easily breakable and fragile, so it must be handled with care
8. The SOUL
The SOUL is an ambient sound generator with a pure all-white minimalist form factor with 8 tactile slides on the top and ambient lighting at the base of the speaker. You don’t need to connect it to your Wi-Fi, and does it come with an app, nor does it have Bluetooth.
Why is it noteworthy?
The SOUL is designed to help you calm down, and not bog you down with features, and paid subscriptions. The sliders on the top resemble tactile spherical sliders, and they let you build out your soundscape, letting you choose between different sounds, and how loud you want them.
What we like
The 8 sliders allow you to customize your sound, helping you focus, destress, meditate, or even fall asleep
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual product, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
9. Focus
Dubbed Focus, this unique design merges an aroma diffuser and a mood lamp to form an object that will remind you of a scented candle. Focus is meant to touch your different senses, letting you unwind, and enter a soothing meditative state, where you can leave all your cumbersome worries behind.
Why is it noteworthy?
In its unlit mode, Focus resembles a small wireless speaker, but when turned on, it allows you to take a break and relax, while also encouraging you to be mindful, and helping you to focus at the task on hand.
What we like
Lets you take little breaks, and enjoy the present moment
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we are unsure how the actual product will turn out to be
10. Gingko Smart Diffuser Lamp
This is the Gingko Smart Diffuser Lamp – it is equipped with a monolithic form that holds a fragrance diffuser in its upper half, and a compact, well-designed desk lamp in its lower half, allowing it to function as a smart dual-functional product design, that you can place on your desk or bedside table.
Why is it noteworthy?
Made from a combination of wood, copper, and frosted acrylic glass, the diffuser has an earthy warm appearance that is typically seen in most of Gingko’s products, creating a product that is minimal, calming, and surreal.
What we like
A portable little device that you can carry around with ease
What we dislike
Some people may not prefer wood as their material of choice for diffusers
The tiny house movement has taken over the arch world, however, there is one issue that hasn’t been addressed despite its monumental success. It is a pain and often awkward to host guests in a tiny home since there isn’t much space! But Modern Tiny Living has addressed this problem with their Honeylion home and its flexible layout, and space-saving furniture. Featuring a length of 36 feet, the Honeylion is founded on a quad-axle gooseneck trailer. It has a finish of engineered wood and features a bright red steel roof.
As visitors and guests enter the home, they are welcomed by the kitchen which holds an oven and electric cooktop, double sink, full-sized fridge/freezer, and loads of cabinetry. As they move further into the home, they’ll find the living room which has been described as a Swiss Army Knife by the designer. It has a U-shaped seating that can accommodate six people at a time. The living room is also equipped with under-seat storage, some cabinets, and underfloor storage. This can be turned into an extra bed, so your guests can crash at your place if they don’t want to drive back home at night.
The bathroom is quite luxurious for a tiny home. It contains a composting toilet, a sink, and a spacious bath/shower. It also features a washer/dryer nearby. The Honeylion is equipped with two bedrooms – the master bedroom is in the raised part of the trailer, and can be accessed via storage-integrated steps. The bedroom has plenty of headroom to stand upright, and it features a double bed, which can be easily and efficiently stowed into the wall, creating more floor space.
The Honeylion’s second bedroom is located in the loft and can be accessed by the storage-integrated staircase as well. This is a typical loft-style house bedroom with a low ceiling, and it has space for two single beds. Check out the video for a better glimpse into the Honeylion tiny home!
The reinvention and return of MagSafe were an instant hit! There is a great sense of satisfaction, in my opinion, to have things just stick to your phone. Be it a pair of earphones (maybe that’ll be the next generation of AirPods) or have your phone just conveniently stick to a charging pad – it’s almost like magic. The reintroduction of the MagSafe led to a whole new world of accessories being unleashed. Designers and creatives were racing to create a whole range of products for the repurposed MagSafe. And we’ve been loving every bit of it! From a MagSafe power bank that cools your phone to a handcrafted MagSafe charging stand – there’s a MagSafe accessory out there for your every need. And, we’ve curated many products that we truly believe are worth buying and investing in. This army of accessories will truly amp up your Apple experience!
1. UPRO Ostand Case
Called the UPRO Ostand case, this device is the winner of the iF Design Award, and it provides your iPhone’s MagSafe with a whole bunch of cool upgrades. It can make your phone stand, hang, or stay securely in your hands as you click a selfie or mindlessly scroll through Instagram. The Ostand case may look like your mundane and average iPhone case, but it is equipped with the familiar magnetic ring which gives it a nice upgrade!
2. 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Concept
This 15W MagSafe compatible iPhone 15 charger concept can be placed in a laid-down position or an alternate orientation, allowing the phone to be set up in portrait mode for productivity. The charger’s alternate pad can be utilized to charge your earbuds or Apple Watch in a laid-down position. Although currently, the charger is in the conceptual phase, it does seem interesting enough to be executed by major accessories providers.
3. Icemag
Designed by Sharge, the Icemag is the world’s first power bank with its unique turbo-cooling feature. The power bank keeps itself and your phone cool and breezy during charging. It is equipped with an ultra-silent fan that moves at a speed of 8000 RPM, which actively cools the battery pack inside, while the power bank wirelessly charges your phone, ensuring nothing gets heated up during the charging process.
4. The MAG:3
Designed by Courant, the MAG:3 is a MagSafe wireless charging device that looks like a minimalist valet tray for your iPhone, AirPods, and other little items that you can place on it to make your side table and desk look more organized. The charging device is available in both leather and linen finishes and in several colors, so you can pick the one that perfectly suits your home and work aesthetics.
5. Shin & Han’s MagSafe Accessory
This unique MagSafe-compatible accessory is designed to help you get over digital addiction and spend less time on your phone. You can attach the accessory to the back of your smartphone. It is equipped with a real clock with a single-hour hand to keep you updated on the passing time, making sure that you don’t spend too much time on your phone. The accessory also functions as a holder for your cards and quick cash.
6. Belkin iPhone Mount
The new Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe transforms your iPhone into a webcam for the Apple 4K TV! The versatile mount can be attached directly to your TV with a thickness of up to 40mm without wires or tools. It lets you use your iPhone’s rear camera for FaceTime or Zoom calls. You can also fold the iPhone stand in landscape or portrait mode on a table or wall through magnetic attachment.
7. 6-in-1 MagSafe Charger
This is the world’s first Apple-Certified 6-in-1 MagSafe Charger from ESR that is equipped with a GaN semiconductor, and it doesn’t just charge your small Apple devices, but it also delivers up to 100W of power to your MacBook, providing an all-in-one solution for all your modern day charging requirements. It has three dedicated slots for your iPhone, AirPods, and Watch, as well as three output ports for charging your laptop, tablet, and power bank.
8. Electric Trout Charging Docks
David Stychno’s Electric Trout charging docks are made from acrylic and are newly introduced accessories in the list of metallic and plasticky MagSafe accessories. They have a productive and sleek silhouette that is meant to redefine efficacy and convenience. It is designed for a large spectrum of users and is intended for one, two, or an entire range of Apple’s wearables and handhelds.
9. Side Note
Called the Side Note, this compact leather-bound notebook features an integrated pen and a MagSafe-compatible design that lets you snap it onto your iPhone or any magnetic surface. This little accessory provides you with an analog notepad by your side, letting you quickly and efficiently note down ideas and journal. You don’t need to reach out for a separate physical notepad, as you have a handy one attached to your phone.
10.The MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank
The MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank has a 10000mAH capacity that is designed to improve the wireless charging and power bank experience for everyone. Designed by Neo Bie and Leigui Lui for Stylepiece and has four usual operation buttons: SELECT, START, A, B, and a d-pad (directional pad). The lower portion of the yellow power bank has a cover that slides to work as the stand of the power bank.
8th March is celebrated as International Women’s Day, and rightly so, although in all honesty, we deserve every day to be Women’s Day! Women’s Day is the result of the efforts of a lady called Clara Zetkin, the leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany. In 1910, she proposed that every country should have a celebration every year on the same day – a Women’s Day, a day when women could press for their demands. Cut to 2024, and Women’s Day is a 24-hour period where we widely celebrate the women all around us, and in every aspect of our lives. And we’re taking it upon ourselves to celebrate the iconic women in our design world! These women paved the path for women in the design and architecture industry, changing the perceived status of women in this arena, and making space for their successors to push boundaries liberally and without hindrances. Although even today there is a gender disparity in the design world, with women designers facing experiences of bias and prejudice, and with the product and industrial design world being primarily 78-95% male. But let’s take a moment to celebrate these iconic women designers, creators, and innovators and raise a toast to them!
1. Zaha Hadid
The late Zaha Hadid was the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize for Architecture in 2003, and also the first female star architect who managed to transform, and deeply influence the status of women in the design world. Known as the ‘Queen of the Curve’, her unique creative vision positively impacted and changed the design and architecture world, while also establishing that a woman can conquer these worlds in her unique way and style. Her feisty personality, intense determination, and desire to challenge the design status quo supported her in consistently pushing the limits of form and function. Her first major public building – the Rosenthal Centre for Contemporary Art in Ohio opened in 2003 and marked an important turning point, where critics and the rest of the world accepted her as the force she truly was.
2. Ray Eames
Everyone’s heard of the Eames Lounge Chair. It was the centerpiece of any office in the 1960s and 1970s, and it has still maintained its relevance and value even today. You’ve probably heard of the mastermind behind it – Charles Eames, but you may not be aware of his wife Ray Eames, who played an equally important role in its birth and creation. The duo spent most of their time experimenting with plywood, which led to their first mass-manufactured product – a molded plywood leg splint that would be purchased in abundance by the US Navy. They played around with different materials, using fiberglass, aluminum, leather, and plywood to build furniture. Even after Charles died in 1978, Ray continued to spread their design philosophy and beliefs through her writing and numerous talks.
3. Hella Jongerious
The Dutch designer Hella Jongerious is considered a master of colors and texture in her profession of industrial design. The strong-headed and independent designer once said “Design is not about objects. Design is about relations”. She founded her studio called the Jongeriuslab studio in 1993, and since then has worked with major clients such as Maharam, Danskina, IKEA, and KLM. Through her work with textiles, ceramics, and furniture, she has highlighted the importance and magnitude of colors and surfaces in contemporary designs. She designed the Polder Sofa for the Swiss company Vitra, which is one of her most distinctive and popular pieces. It is inspired by her home country – the Netherlands and is a beautiful mixture of asymmetrical shapes and cushions in various colors and fabrics.
4. Neri Oxman
Israeli-American architect, designer, and professor Neri Oxman is the founder of the Mediated Matter Group at the MIT Media Lab. Her work is incredibly pioneering, and she had to coin the word “material ecosystem” to describe it. She combines technology, biology, and design to create astounding projects such as the Silk Pavilion and the Wanderers Wearable Skins, which pushed the boundaries of what fabrication and design could do. Her 3D-printed wearable skins are designed for interplanetary pilgrims, and they have been merged with synthetically engineered microorganisms to make the hostile habitable.
“Nature does not come together. “It expands,” she said at Design Indaba. “At this point, there is a collision between the worlds of civilization and nature.” It is a gradual process, but they are coming together.”
5. Kazuyo Sejima
Kazuyo Sejima is a Japanese architect, and also the second woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2010, following Zaha Hadid’s lead a few years later. Sejima claims, “Being an architect. I am just interested in making architecture.”, and this comes through in her clean, minimalist, and yet innovative design style. Her works are highlighted by a subtle and minimal character, and they often playfully blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. One such project is the Laview commuter train, which features massive windows, and a curved edge glass nose. The commuter train was designed to make the passengers feel like they’re at home, instead of on a train moving between Tokyo and Saitama. The carriages were created to make the passengers feel comfortable and at ease, mimicking the experience of sitting in your own house.
6. Florence Knoll Bassett
Florence Knoll Bassett was an American architect and furniture designer who completely revolutionized and transformed the design of workplaces, in turn shaping the mid-century modern design movement. She was trained by the three giants of European Modernism – Marcel Breuer, Walter Gropius, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, which helped her immensely as she began working for her husband’s furniture company, which was later named Knoll Associates. She created the concept of the modern open-plan office, truly reimagining workplace spaces. Her open-plan ‘Knoll look’ interior completely rejuvenated the office landscape of corporate America, and the impact still lingers on how offices are designed today. She took over Knoll Associates after her husband died in 1955, and the company continued to grow and flourish under her leadership.
7. Greta Magnusson-Grossman
Greta Magnusson Grossman, a Swedish designer, seamlessly merged Scandinavian sensibilities with the midcentury design movement in California in the 1940s. Grossman was not only renowned for her furniture designs but also for her architectural projects, particularly homes in the Los Angeles area, which embraced open floor plans and integrated with the surrounding landscape. Despite her success in architecture, Grossman is best known today for her lamp designs, notably the Grasshopper floor lamp and the Cobra table lamp, both of which have gained iconic status in the midcentury-modern design canon. Towards the end of her career, Grossman also taught furniture design at UCLA from 1957 to 1963.
8. Suzanne Vanderbilt
Suzanne Vanderbilt, a trailblazing auto designer at GM, began her career as one of the original Damsels of Design. Vanderbilt joined GM after graduating from Pratt Institute in 1955 and worked on automotive interior design for Chevrolet and Cadillac. Her innovative work included patents for ergonomic automobile seats and safety switches, although these were never produced. Despite facing setbacks and sexism, she persevered, rising to become chief designer of Chevrolet’s Interior Studio by 1972. Vanderbilt’s career was marked by a pursuit of perfection and creativity, reflected in her dedication to automotive design. Her pursuits in the male-dominated automotive industry helped pave the way for other women designers like Diane Allen and Michelle Christensen.
9. Diane Allen
Diane Allen is a senior designer manager at Nissan Design America in San Diego, and she also manages the design programs for the Nissan brand assigned to NDA by the Nissan Global Design Center in Japan. She designed the 2016 Nissan Titan, which is a heavy-duty pick-up truck made from pure gearhead muscle, and capable of hauling everything from boats to horse trailers! She manages the design process of the TITAN family of trucks – overseeing the design concept and sketch development to the production sheet metal, and designing and prototyping of all the different parts, accessories, and wheels! She also managed the Nissan 350Z and 370Z sports coupes, the Rogue crossover SUV, and the Infinity QX56 SUV.
10. Michelle Christensen
Michelle Christensen made history by becoming the auto industry’s first female to lead the development of a supercar when she headed the 2017 remodel of the iconic Acura NSX. It is a second-gen hybrid supercar that was named “Performance Car of the Year” by Road & Track. The launch of the automotive was highly awaited, as it was being re-released 25 years after its original debut. She graduated in transport design from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and went on to work for Honda, General Motors, and then Acura – the luxury division of Honda.
Designed by Baluchon, the Bois Perdus tiny home is a flexible, free-flowing, and light-filled space that serves as a towable dwelling. One of the focal points of the home is its flexibility, allowing it to function as a tranquil office that can support the owner’s crafting hobby, and letting it eventually function as a full-time home as well. Bois Perdus is French for Lost Woods, and it is founded on a double-axle trailer, with a length of 20 feet.
The tiny house is finished in a red cedar, adorned with an aluminum roof and accenting, and accentuated with loads of glazing, which fills the home with natural light. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by the living room which holds a sofa, a tiny loft for storage, and a small wood-burning stove, that can heat the entire home. The kitchen is located next to the living room, or it will be in the future, as currently the home only functions as a home office. The intended space for the kitchen is occupied by a desk for the owner.
A small crafting area has also been fitted underneath the storage-integrated staircase, and it holds a sewing machine and some shelving. The bathroom is located on the opposite side of the living room, and it is equipped with a shower, sink, and toilet, as well as a window to allow natural light inside. The home only accommodates one bedroom, which you can access via the storage-integrated staircase. The bedroom is a conventional loft-style space, with not much headroom. It does have a double bed and a pair of nightstands.
In the future, there are plans to move the Bois Perdus full-time, letting it function as a well-equipped home that will meet the owner’s needs and requirements. But at the moment, it is a work-focused tiny house that serves as a peaceful oasis where the owner can wrap up his workload.
Designed by MitchCraft Tiny Homes, Casey’s 32′ x 10′ Tiny Home is equipped with all the luxurious features you would expect from a full-sized home. The interior is filled to the brim with storage, and it also showcases a light-filled and flexible living space, with excellent elements like underfloor heating, a netted loft space, a dishwasher, and a large bedroom with loads of headroom to stand straight.
Designer: MitchCraft Tiny Homes
Casey’s 32′ x 10′ Tiny Home is founded on a triple-axle gooseneck trailer, and it features an extra-wide frame. It has a spacious and house-like layout inside, hence it will need a permit to tow on the road. The interior of the home measures 390 square feet, and as you enter the home, you are welcomed by a large kitchen in the center of the house. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, sink, electric stovetop, a dining table for two, and loads of storage space. It also includes a large cat tree, a cat flap, and an exterior door providing access for the owner’s pets.
The living room is located close to the kitchen, and it includes a sofa, and storage unit with a TV, that can be stowed away when not in use. The home is equipped with ladder-style steps that can be integrated into the wall to provide access to the netted loft area, which increases the living space, without cutting off the natural light streaming in from the skylight above.
On the other end of the kitchen is the bathroom equipped with underfloor heating to keep your toes warm as you step out of the shower. There is also a sink, and a flushing toilet, as well as some storage space. A storage-integrated staircase leads you to the master bedroom nestled in the gooseneck part of the trailer. This space has loads of headroom allowing visitors to stand upright, which isn’t always seen in tiny homes. It also includes a double bed and more storage space, as well as a separate washing machine and dryer. The second loft area is utilized for storage.
The automotive designs that have been pouring in at Yanko Design have truly blown our minds! Each automotive design was cutthroat and innovative, bringing in something that we don’t usually see in the market. From killer speed to dashing good looks, to impenetrable safety standards, every automotive we featured at YD broke some design barrier for us, and hopefully, they did the same for you as well. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of automotive designs that we feel were the best of the lot. Each of these drool-worthy automobiles is mercilessly pushing the boundaries of the automotive industry. Automotive enthusiasts will be itching to get their hands on them, and take them for a spin on the streets!
1. The Diode
Called the Diode, this e-bike concept was designed by Tien Hung, and it has a neo-minimalistic design that pays tribute to the future of the electric power train. The bike is almost invisible, excluding one singular horizontal pillar that runs from the dashboard to the taillight, with a large battery module placed underneath it. The bike also has a powerful rear-wheel drivetrain, and a cushy seat.
2. Mayla Yacht
This 44-foot GT super boat by Mayla Yacht is designed to surpass the current designs in the market – in terms of both aesthetics and visual presence. It also comes with an option of gas, diesel, electric, and hybrid powertrains delivering 3000 HP. The monster engines are capable of pushing the speedboat to a top speed of 100 knots.
3. Ford Mini Bronco
The Ford Mini Bronco was designed by Mexico-based Kobayashi, and they gave us a sneak peek into the year 2030. This exceptional car has been designed for the year 2030, and it features modern elements, with a compact two-door configuration, that will remind you of the Suzuki Jimny. It is created to redefine and rejuvenate the off-road segment, by giving it a new perspective.
4. Gocycle CXI Family Cargo Bicycle
Gocycle recently unveiled the lightweight Gocycle CXI Family Cargo Bicycle that carries with it the properties of lightweight and portability for people who can’t deal with cumbersome cargo bikes. The lineup includes two e-bikes – the CXi and the CX+ which are quite similar, except the latter one has the new FloFit Handlebar. It permits adjustments for reach height, multiple hand positioning, fingertip controls, and grip angle to toggle the upright or forward stance.
5. Palladio
Dubbed Palladio, this concept for a hybrid yacht is designed to be ultra-light and can speed up to 55 knots maximum. It looks straight out of a sci-fi movie set in water and features a futuristic, mouth-shaped, avant-garde design that gives the impression that a pod is cruising through the waters. The yacht is made from carbon fiber propelled via twin Castoldi jets, and powered by two FTP engines.
6. MOQBA
This unique conceptual design is a mix of an e-scooter and a bike, and it can climb stairs! Called the MOQBA, it is designed to be the next-gen mobility ride for those who face difficulty in mobility. It is not designed to be a two-wheel automotive, in fact, it rides on four independent legs with wheel extensions. It is designed to be an extraordinary and innovative mini mecha for the future!
7. Model-A
Alef Aeronautics is a California-based sustainable electric transportation company, and it received government certification to fly its Model-A flying car over certain parts of the state, including Silicon Valley. The car is supposed to be the first of its kind and can function as a real car would on the road, but it is also able to vertically take off and fly in the skies. It is truly a step forward to having more vehicles in the sky, besides just planes and helicopters.
8. Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car
Named the Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car, this flying car was designed and developed by the AeroHT electric aviation wing of the Chinese auto company XPeng. The eVTOL flying car is a far cry from the conventional designs found on the market, it is a modular car with a unique and refreshing approach. It has a two-part design – one part car, and the other part is eVTOL, letting the vehicle seamlessly switch between aerial and land modes.
9. BMW Motorrad CH4 Superbike
This stunning café racer is designed by Sabino Leerentveld and it brings the image of Tony Stark taking on the bad guys in an uber-cool style. It features an aerodynamic geometric shape, and big fat wheels designed to provide a high-speed adrenaline rush. The BMW Motorrad CH4 superbike has a total Tony Stark influence and would look exceptional snaking through crowded city streets in hot pursuit of the villains.
10. MIMIC E-Bike
Meet the – MIMIC e-bike! The MIMIC e-bike resembles a crouching jungle cat, and it is a powerful electric bike designed by Roman Dolzhenko. It is equipped with a body that looks more like armor than a bike and features a rounded Tron Light Cycle-inspired form that is outfitted with rounded elements, and a complete absence of sharp edges or straight lines.
Desks are the most integral part of any office – whether corporate or modern. And I do spend most of my day on it! Either I’m working away, or watching some Netflix in my free time. Hence, having a great desk is essential! Simply a ‘good’ desk won’t do either. A great desk helps us work comfortably and effectively. It puts us in the right mindset, helping us achieve our daily productivity goals and checkmark all the tasks on our to-do list! Not only should our desks be clean, but they should also sport an ergonomic and functional design! And if a desk has some storage space as well, it checks all the boxes for us. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative, highly functional, and aesthetically pleasing desk designs, that will end your hunt for a great desk once and for all!
1. Diag Desk
Named the Diag Desk, this modern minimalist desk is designed to optimize desk space while integrating storage elements like removable leather compartments. The Diag Desk is an example of how a simple desk can provide a lot of practicality while maintaining a subtle and stripped-down design.
Why is it noteworthy?
Since the desk is minimalist, a lot of space is given to the desk’s tabletop, and it integrates storage systems that ensure the users have a lot of desk space while keeping the essential stationery designs within reach.
What we like
Makes sure your stationery doesn’t fall off
Minimalist build that will perfectly complement any living space
What we dislike
Not much to differentiate the desk from other desks on the market in terms of aesthetics
2. Hideaway Swing Desk
Called the Hideaway Swing Desk, this desk doubles up as a sleek and sophisticated sideboard. You can transform it from a desk to sideboard, using its different forms for when different needs arise, all you need to do it place it at a different angle. In both states, it is better suited for smaller homes.
Why is it noteworthy?
In its original state, the Hideaway Swing Desk functions as an excellent sideboard that is perfect for smaller homes. But when you move the furniture piece at a 90-degree angle, it transforms into a functional and sturdy workspace.
What we like
Intended to be a flexible storage solution that meets various needs in modern homes
What we dislike
There seems to be no option for customization
3. Three-Six Desk
Designed by Deniz Aktay, this conceptual desk is is both functional and appealing. It is made from walnut desk, but has an intriguing oragne metal inlay surrounding it. But the inlay isn’t only for aesthetic purposes, it lets you place stuff around your desk without them taking up any place on your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
The front inlay is an element of the drawers, and they are used to open them. The angular sides can accommodate office accessories like scissors, staplers, and pens. The desk can also store your mobile phone, tablet, and other media devices allowing you to easily reach them.
What we like
Can hold a variety of items such as office accessories, devices, books, plants, pen holders and etc
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
4. DEN Desk
Named the DEN Desk, this innovative desk design is truly one-of-a-kind. You can build your desk just the way you like it, but playing around with it, and creating the desk design that perfectly meets your needs. The unique design makes you feel as if you’re playing with LEGO, but you’re building a furniture piece!
Why is it noteworthy?
You can start with the most basic setup and then grow your desk by adding other parts or accessories, from monitor mounts to even a cabinet on the side. You can slot in a desktop at an angle, and build a corner desk if you like!
What we like
You can assemble and disassemble the various pieces with relative ease, allowing you to build a desk that caters to your needs and requirements
What we dislike
It is a bulky, space-consuming design not well-suited for smaller homes
5. Nice Chair
I love the Nice Chair, because it is not simply a chair, it is also a desk that you can rock back and forth! It is designed to occupy minimum space, and it can be easily assembled and disassembled, it also rocks you back and forth, giving a smooth and enjoyable motion to break the lull of a boring workday.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Nice Chair can function as an ordinary chair to sit on, or as a rocker that moves back and forth. The rounded bottom edges of the chair enable it to rock back and forth, creating a mesmerizing lull that can guide anyone to sleep. You can also slide a tabletop between the ridges on the arms of the chair, to convert it into a workspace, that can hold and store your work accessories.
What we like
Multifunctional furniture design that can switch between two different modes
What we dislike
There is no way to stop the chair from rocking while working, which can be quite uncomfortable
6. Buddyhub Desk
Offices can be quite overwhelming and stressful, and sometimes you just need to take a break from the office chaos. Called the Buddyhub Desk, this cute-looking desk features rounded edges and gives you some private space in the hectic environment of offices. It is equipped with a sound-absorbing fabric panel that lines its outer edges.
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed to be a private cocoon, it lets you work without being disturbed by your co-workers and other external factors. It features a sound-absorbing fabric panel that is available in a range of colors, creating a colorful and cute desk, that brightens up any space it is placed in.
What we like
Can be customized with a wide range of optional accessories
What we dislike
There are similar designs in the market, there is nothing to make it really stand out
7. Linea Desk
The Italian furniture brand Porro created the Linea collection that was designed by late postmodernist architect and designer Medini a couple of years ago. The collection includes a quirky and colorful writing desk that is ideal for those who need to indulge in some creative writing.
Why is it noteworthy?
Mendini created the designs by defining them with stunning cellulose acetate surfaces that feature inlays in primary colors. The writing desk is an excellent space to write and get your creative juices flowing.
What we like
Characterized by bold and bright colors, with playful contrasts between light and dark colors
What we dislike
The aesthetics may be considered too quirky by some people, and not preferred by everyone, as it may not suit all interior styles
8. Kabinett
Named Kabinett, this sturdy cabinet works not only as a cabinet but also as a work desk. It was designed by Stockholm-based designer Alexander Lervik and is intended for modern home offices, where its dual functionality lets it serve as an excellent furniture piece for homes and offices.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Kabinett is designed to be an ergonomic set-up for home offices, and it functions as an efficient work table, but also as an elegant and sophisticated dresser. It serves as a stylish and elegant dresser, and you can use it to store your various knick-knacks, books, and etc.
What we like
Multifunctional + ergonomic design
Its minimal aesthetics are a plus point since this allows the furniture to seamlessly merge with all kinds of home offices
What we dislike
Bulky + space-consuming design, not ideal for small homes, or small rooms
9. Pill Writing Desk
Called the Pill Writing Desk, this unique and rather unusual-looking desk has a spherical shape that you don’t really see in desks. When closed it is quite eye-catching, and when open it is quite functional. It functions as a furniture design that also looks like a minimalist piece of art.
Why is it noteworthy?
The desk has an innovative circular form that can be wall-mounted, which makes it look like a wall-hung painting rather than a four-legged floor-resting desk. It stands apart from other desks and has a clean contemporary look that can make any room stand out.
What we like
The upper semicircle functions as a writing space with sufficient storage for your belongings
What we dislike
Because of its unique shape, the desk looks difficult to clean and maintain
10. Eleven Desk
If you hear Eleven you either think of the number or the popular fictional character from a TV series, and now Eleven is also a special desk that makes your work-from-home routine more fun and productive. It is a unique desk that amps your productivity and makes storage also a breeze.
Why is it noteworthy?
The desk has ample space for everything you need for work. It can hold your laptop, monitor, mouse, and keyboard. There is lots of space for your books, documents, pens, and a mug. There are also hooks beneath the table to hang your bag, headphones, and an additional level for other stuff.
What we like
The desk is an excellent option for those who own a lot of stuff, and need them organized and neat
It is buildable, and you can quickly assemble it
What we dislike
The Eleven Desk is still a prototype, so we are unsure how the final product will be
The Danish design studio Karakter rereleased a dining and lounge chair that was created in the 1960s by design duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa. I love it when modern design brands recreate, rerelease, or revamp iconic designs of the yesteryears, it gives them a chance to shine again while allowing us to enjoy and experience the excellent design philosophies and styles of the past. They serve as sources of inspiration, letting us draw from the design lessons of the old, allowing us to use them to elevate the designs of the present.
Designer: Karakter
Dubbed the 925 Scarpa lounge chair, and the 121 Scarpa dining chair, both the chairs feature a characteristic keyhole-shaped cutout in their backrests, double trestle frames, and rounded joinery, forming elegant and sophisticated furniture pieces that have a sturdy personality. The 121 dining chair was inspired by a sketch made by architect and designer Carlo Scarpa and was produced with the 925 lounge variation.
The dining chair has a narrow and upright composition and form, while the lounge chair has a lower, wider form with a generous and cozy set. Both the chairs feature a sturdy wooden frame that is beautifully contrasted by the soft and supple leather upholstery of the seat and back. The end result is stylish pieces that seem to stand out on their own, without calling too much attention, or being a tad bit obnoxious. They’re simple, style, yet statement pieces that can truly uplight the appearance and appeal of any living space.
Both the chairs are available in frame options made from a wide range of solid wood species, including ash. The seats can be finished in fine European leather, and you can pick from a choice of colors, including black, red, brown, and cognac, creating classy and impressive furniture pieces that will harmoniously merge your living space, and complement your other furniture possessions. They’re perfect for adding some 1960s flair and elegance to your home!
