We’ve recently been witnessing an entourage of car designs at Yanko Design – and they’re truly mindblowing. Each car 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 car 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. Mercedes-Benz Harp
Meet the Mercedes-Benz Harp – an automotive whose core idea is combined with the shapes of musical instruments, hence the name! The conceptual Mercedes car draws inspiration from the W196R Formula-1 racing car which was developed for the 1954 and 1955 seasons. The front seam has a modern aesthetic, which is paired up with an asymmetric windshield panel to the rear. The contoured front and the sharp rear create an interesting contrast, which offers the HARP with an impressive persona, and the appearance of a god-like figure in a stunning costume!
2. Polestar 8
Dubbed the Polestar 8, this incredible SUV concept is designed by Turin-based Salvatore Ville. The car concept is designed to embrace minimalism in a beautiful yet interesting manner. Vurin gifted the automotive with a powerful and intimidating silhouette, instead of opting for clean surfaces only. The dominating automotive is what the Polestar 3 would look like on steroids! It is equipped with a wider and more brutish design, as well as clean form, but a roguish personality.
3. Scorpion
Meet the 2030 Scorpion concept which is designed to be a new pickup truck frame design with an expansive form. The innovative-looking automobile is shaped like a scorpion or a mountain bike helmet. The car features an optimized ratio of the overall lump, ensuring there is ample cargo space, without compromising the rear seating configuration. The vehicle has a high ride height which allows it to navigate challenging and difficult terrains with complete ease. In fact, the car looks inspired by the Rezvani Motors Vengeance bullet-proof vehicle.
4. Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8
Julie Mehretu is known for her expansive and intricate canvases, and she recently transformed the BMW M Hybrid V8 – an automobile of power and precision into a dynamic and intriguing piece of art. It was designed to be a performative painting which would race in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Mehretu had digitally altered photos, layered dot grids, neon veils, and her signature black markings to build a stunning and three-dimensional masterpiece.
5. Mercedes-Benz Dresscode
This is the Mercedes-Benz Dresscode – a car that is designed to be the epitome of iconic luxury. The automotive features the shapes of collars, and the stunning rich volumes of a formal dress. If you look closely at the mesmerizing hypercar, you will notice that it looks like a white shirt with a tie on top, and a black jacket placed over it. The white portions of the car function as the shirt with the edged surfaces, while the black body covering the car brings to mind the image of a jacket.
A picturesque dwelling called Antoine was built in 2014 by Bureau. The little home was designed to blend with the Swiss Alps, and now the firm has unveiled another literature-inspired tiny home called Thérèse. The lovely abode features a rocky exterior finish and is inspired by Charles-Ferdinand Ramirez’s novel Derborence. The story includes the protagonist Antoine, and his wife Thérèse.
Tucked away in a rural forested area, the micro-cabin is located in an artistic residence in the East of France. It was built using wood and then shrouded with a rock-like concrete finish. The interior of the home occupies 94.7 sq ft and has a finish of natural wood. The home doesn’t seem to be as claustrophobic as you would expect, in fact, it is filled with natural light as it streams in through massive porthole-like windows.
As you enter the unique dwelling, you are welcomed by a spacious floor space that accommodates a single room. The room includes a wood-burning stove which can be utilized for cooking. It also contains some storage space, a table, and bench seating. Additional bench seating is located closely as well. The interior style is minimal and subtle, with wooden furnishings and touches. It does have a calming appeal as you enter.
The rest of the interior also includes a tiny house-style mezzanine sleeping area which can be accessed via a ladder. But one of the evident drawbacks of the home is that it doesn’t include a bathroom, which is really quite inconvenient in my opinion. So if nature comes calling, visitors will have to use the forest for their needs. Although the cabin is quite quaint and adorable, it does seem quite sparse when it comes to amenities. There doesn’t seem to be much equipped with space, and the lack of a bathroom is a major drawback. However, if you’re planning for a quick stay, maybe for a day, then the Thérèse tiny home could be a good option, but for longer durations, the dwelling really does seem to leave you wanting.
About a year ago AI tech became mainstream, and since then its popularity has been growing amongst designers and creators. Tools like Midjourney are capable of astounding realism, capturing even the tiniest of details and creating designs that seem truly lifelike. AI doesn’t botch up and ruin designs or elements of the real world or even the human body. It’s reached a point where automotive enthusiasts, or people with even the slightest interest in cars are using it to create powerful and incredibly realistic automotive images which seem more like conceptual renders by experienced automotive designers. And, we’ve curated a few of our favorite AI-generated automotive designs for you – dive in!
1. Apple Car
Designed by Dall-E 2, this Apple Car was based on a text prompt from designer, educator, and YouTuber John Mauriello. This incredible car is pretty fascinating and designed to be a ‘minimalist Sportscar inspired by a Macbook and a Magic Mouse, built out of aluminum and glass’. The car is really quite stunning to look at, and it has a sleek and curvilinear quality to it! It is equipped with a machined aluminum body and zero breaks in the surface. Unlike most Apple Car concepts which are either too boring or simply too insane – this design is really quite perfect. It is sleek, luxurious, and aerodynamic – all the makings for an exceptional sportscar.
2. Bugatti Supercar
Cole Kessel explored Bugatti’s aesthetic and design language using Midjourney and Photoshop’s AI Tools. The end result showed us how spectacularly AI can handle design cues, while perfectly reinforcing Bugatti’s own design language. The experiment displays how all of the company’s cars have the same visual DNA. The cars look like they were designed by the French marque’s automotive design division, although it seems like the images were edited to put the actual Bugatti logos since AI does have the tendency to mess up logos.
3. Zaha Hadid-Inspired Car
Moss and Fog used the AI generator tool ‘Midjourney’ to bring together two very contrasting and different industries – automotive and architecture. They designed never-before-seen cars in the style of famous architects of the 20th century. And this magnificent car embodies the design language of renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The car displays the signature style of Hadid and includes a series of modular steel panels reimagined in the form of abstracted layers in a very precise and immaculate manner.
4. Canoo-Inspired Vehicles
Canoo is a renowned American automotive company that engineers electrical vehicles and is helping the automobile industry transition to the world of clean and sustainable energy. @mobilitylabs.ai reimagines a whole series of Canoo-inspired automobiles which seem perfect for the outdoor off-terrain life! The two-wheelers have an almost menacing all-black aesthetic to them, featuring thickly treaded wheels and a bulky body with angular edges. I could totally imagine these as tangible vehicle designs that could take on all kinds of challenging terrains!
5. Snowmobiles
Designed by @mobilitylabs.ai, these revved-up and powerful snowmobiles have been generated with AI – adding a thrilling and exciting twist to classic designs. The dominating and huge wheels look ready to tackle challenging snowy terrains and harsh weather conditions. The conventional old snowmobiles get the ultimate makeover, featuring heightened functionality, coolness, and persona.
My iPad has almost reached necessity status in my life, I’m pretty sure all of us tablet owners are super reliant on them (I mean, I am for sure)! I personally find tablets extremely handy, they’re the comfortable middle ground between a smartphone and a laptop, and they pretty much perform the same functions as these two. They’re super easy to carry around, and honestly, I could survive wholly and solely on my iPad if I really wanted to. I’m always on the lookout for innovative and fun accessories to amp up my tablet (besides the basic ones Apple offers). Luckily there’s a whole bunch of crafty designs out there that can function as the perfect sidekick to your precious tablet. Here’s a collection of super cool and functional product designs that promise to upgrade your iPad game to a whole other level!
1. HyperDrive
Dubbed HyperDrive, this is the world’s first-ever form-fitting USB-C hub with six different media ports and a media shortcut key. The HyperDrive is quite compact and fits perfectly into the palm of your hand. It features a 4K60Hz HDMI port, USB-C 5Gbps 60W Power Delivery port, MicroSD UHS-I port, SD UHS-I port, USB-A 5Gbps port, and a 3.5mm Audio Jack. It is also equipped with a built-in shortcut key which lets you “play, pause, fast-forward or rewind your favorite songs, videos, or podcasts without interrupting your workflow.”
2. Macintosh Studio
Designed by Scott Yu-Jan, this interesting DIY project is inspired by the Mac mini. It gives a home for an iPad mini and hides the Mac Studio in plain sight. Called the Macintosh Studio, the enclosure is placed on top of and hugs the Mac Studio, only the buttons are left unrestricted. The front of the device features a slot for the iPad mini to slide in and connect to the Mac Mini using a single UBC-C cable. This allows the iPad mini to be charged always, keeping it ready to go whenever you need, it while also allowing it to serve as a second screen for the Mac Studio.
3. Pro Stylus 2
Meet ZAGG’s Pro Stylus 2, which is designed to work with the iPad as well as the iPhone. The Pro Stylus 2 will feel super familiar and comfortable in your hand owing to its slim design. It features a precise fine tip that supports accurate drawing, as well as palm rejection to prevent your hand from accidentally touching or tapping the screen as you sketch or write. It is also equipped with tilt recognition to alter your stroke style when you change angles. Magnetic wireless charging allows you to snap the Pro Stylus 2 onto the side of your iPad Pro.
4. PenPad
The PenPad is designed to make the iPad’s famous sketching/painting app easier to use by removing the trouble of navigating the Procreate interface. The PenPad offers access to 22 different functions that you can use while sketching on Procreate – these range from increasing and decreasing brush size to even accessing the color wheel. It is a compact hardware accessory that allows you to paint with one hand while letting you press buttons to make the workflow faster and more efficient.
5. Apple Pencil Nibs
Yanko Design created nibs for the Apple Pencil! These fascinating interchangeable nibs include a fine-tip nib, a chisel nib, and a flexible brush-pen nib. Other different nibs could also hold the potential for 3D modeling features like the ability to sculpt on the iPad. These nibs would allow the iPad Pro to become the ultimate creator’s setup – for both 2D and 3D creation. It would serve as a ‘power-user’ tool enabling creators and designers to unlock new potentials.
Called the Nest House, this home is a wonderful specimen of how contemporary architecture can be interspersed with traditional design elements to build a unique and fascinating living space. Located on a 4.5 x 16-m urban plot in Vietnam, the home occupies 150-sq-m and was built for a young couple wanting to uplift their living conditions to offer support to their lives. The home is designed by the Vietnamese studio Ho Khue Architects and draws inspiration from a bird’s nest, hence the name.
Designer: Ho Khue Architects
The House is designed to build a space that supports creativity and growth for the residents – who are a journalist and a teacher. The home focuses on a ‘grove’, a space where the family can unwind and spend quality time together. The Nest House is essentially a minimalist three-story building placed on the rear section of the property. It is raised on diagonal x-shaped pillars and serves as a cozy home in the midst of lush green landscaping. The rest of the space is converted into a multi-story garden, hence the structure looks like a floating home nestled in greenery, building a healthy living space.
The core feature of the structure is a steel/concrete column system which is inspired by a tree’s natural framework, giving the impression of a nest with a grove. This space serves as the central area or heart of the home, and it includes the living room, retreat zones, and study. The home features a traditional roof structure comprising of two blocks positioned towards a central courtyard. This pays tribute to the garden located in the center of the property. The material palette used is inspired by the architectural design language of Hoi An – a pretty old town, where the owner spent quite some time.
The home features wooden door frames which represent Hoi An’s architectural style. The home also features a combination of traditional timber elements and modern materials, such as raw concrete for the stairs, floors, and columns. This helps in creating a comfortable space that is both contemporary and yet nostalgic, but always timeless.
Summertime is almost here, and you best believe I’m getting in the mood for some camping! And, I do love camping trips. Relaxing amid nature, in a sweet bubble of my own, away from the hectic city life – sounds like heaven to me! However, one thing that always worries me before any camping getaway is the meals! I’m a food lover through and through, and having warm and freshly prepared (and tasty) meals at all times is a must for me. A good meal isn’t always guaranteed though when you’re getting down and dirty in the outdoors, but we can always try our best! Hence, we’ve curated a collection of portable and functional kitchen appliances that will help you prepare delicious meals even when you’re surrounded by nothing but the wilderness
1. All-in-One Grill
Dubbed the All-in-One-Grill, this compact grill is designed to barbecue the ideal meal for you during your outdoor camping adventures. It can support different kinds of cooking – ranging from frying to smoking, grilling, stewing or even keeping some wine warm. It doesn’t take up too much space either.
This grill is built by a small family-owned factory, and it maximizes the limited amount of space available. It features a wooden base, which ensures the table doesn’t get burnt from the grill’s hot bottom, while also serving as a lid when the griller is put away.
What we like
It can support seven different ways of cooking
Transforms the task of outdoor cooking into a simple and efficient process
What we dislike
The design is quite simple, and may not be liked by hardcore grillers
2. Compact Modular Grill
Say hello to the Compact Modular Grill Plate – a portable kitchen utensil designed to cook up a perfect steak for you utilizing heat conduction, heat uniformity, and plate thickness. Although the utensil may look deceiving, once you start using the plate, you’ll realize how magical it truly is, and discover the hidden utility it actually holds.
The Compact Modular Grill Plate is equipped with a three-layer architecture with two steel layers covering aluminum. It features a lower Stainless Steel SUS439, which allows the grill to work on an induction stove. The upper Stainless Steel SUS304 has exceptional corrosion resistance, allowing it to serve as a handy and durable product.
What we like
Built by experts from Tsubamesanjo in Japan
The plate is quite lightweight and compact, hence saving space and reducing efforts to cook on it
What we dislike
It cannot accommodate larger portions of food
3. Forge 15 Grill
Called the Forge 15 grill, this outdoor grill features a lightweight tubular frame construction that can handle a lot of force from the off-road environment it is exposed to. Besides being robust and durable it is also quite aesthetic, perfectly balancing functionality and form. It features practically-designed, dual-zone, high-output BTU propane burners, and a form that can be easily cleaned.
Why is it noteworthy?
It also comes along with a fold-out prep table which allows it to be easily stowed away, as well as an easy-to-read temperature gauge, a large steel handle, a removable grease tray, a built-in bottle opener, and a weatherproof cover. The swivel grill can be easily detached for tabletop grilling.
What we like
Features a strong maple cutting board to increase prep surface
What we dislike
Heavier than most grills
A bit expensive
4. AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit
Named the AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit, this firepit design features a modular 8-panel form and serves as a portable sheet metal wonder for the outdoors. You can use it to build a high-temperature grilling pit to cook some delicious barbecue on your next camping trip. It has a lightweight form, which makes it easy to carry around.
The AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit is an excellent fire-building gear for those who love being outdoors. It allows you to build campfires without any excessive hassle. The fire pit features a cinder within which prevents embers from falling out.
What we like
It can be disassembled into different parts and carried in a special carrying case
What we dislike
It weighs more than 6kgs, so it is less portable as compared to other designs available
5. GoSun Brew Cup
Meet GoSun’s portable brewer – the ultimate design to prepare an incredible cup of coffee or tea, from start to finish, wherever you go. It is an all-in-one cup that can be used anytime anywhere! It features a 130W Heater and an integrated French press which are fused together in the form of a double insulated mug.
Why is it noteworthy?
This incredible double-insulated mug not only brews your drink for you but also keeps it hot for hours on end. If you’re out camping or hiking and need an immediate caffeine fix, you don’t need to worry, because GoSun has your back! It’ll prepare a fresh and steaming cup of coffee or tea for you in no time.
What we like
Portable and easy-to-carry design
Features an innovative all-in-one design
What we dislike
Doesnt seem to have different options in size and color
Summertime is almost here, and you best believe I’m getting in the mood for some camping! And, I do love camping trips. Relaxing amid nature, in a sweet bubble of my own, away from the hectic city life – sounds like heaven to me! However, one thing that always worries me before any camping getaway is the meals! I’m a food lover through and through, and having warm and freshly prepared (and tasty) meals at all times is a must for me. A good meal isn’t always guaranteed though when you’re getting down and dirty in the outdoors, but we can always try our best! Hence, we’ve curated a collection of portable and functional kitchen appliances that will help you prepare delicious meals even when you’re surrounded by nothing but the wilderness
1. All-in-One Grill
Dubbed the All-in-One-Grill, this compact grill is designed to barbecue the ideal meal for you during your outdoor camping adventures. It can support different kinds of cooking – ranging from frying to smoking, grilling, stewing or even keeping some wine warm. It doesn’t take up too much space either.
This grill is built by a small family-owned factory, and it maximizes the limited amount of space available. It features a wooden base, which ensures the table doesn’t get burnt from the grill’s hot bottom, while also serving as a lid when the griller is put away.
What we like
It can support seven different ways of cooking
Transforms the task of outdoor cooking into a simple and efficient process
What we dislike
The design is quite simple, and may not be liked by hardcore grillers
2. Compact Modular Grill
Say hello to the Compact Modular Grill Plate – a portable kitchen utensil designed to cook up a perfect steak for you utilizing heat conduction, heat uniformity, and plate thickness. Although the utensil may look deceiving, once you start using the plate, you’ll realize how magical it truly is, and discover the hidden utility it actually holds.
The Compact Modular Grill Plate is equipped with a three-layer architecture with two steel layers covering aluminum. It features a lower Stainless Steel SUS439, which allows the grill to work on an induction stove. The upper Stainless Steel SUS304 has exceptional corrosion resistance, allowing it to serve as a handy and durable product.
What we like
Built by experts from Tsubamesanjo in Japan
The plate is quite lightweight and compact, hence saving space and reducing efforts to cook on it
What we dislike
It cannot accommodate larger portions of food
3. Forge 15 Grill
Called the Forge 15 grill, this outdoor grill features a lightweight tubular frame construction that can handle a lot of force from the off-road environment it is exposed to. Besides being robust and durable it is also quite aesthetic, perfectly balancing functionality and form. It features practically-designed, dual-zone, high-output BTU propane burners, and a form that can be easily cleaned.
Why is it noteworthy?
It also comes along with a fold-out prep table which allows it to be easily stowed away, as well as an easy-to-read temperature gauge, a large steel handle, a removable grease tray, a built-in bottle opener, and a weatherproof cover. The swivel grill can be easily detached for tabletop grilling.
What we like
Features a strong maple cutting board to increase prep surface
What we dislike
Heavier than most grills
A bit expensive
4. AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit
Named the AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit, this firepit design features a modular 8-panel form and serves as a portable sheet metal wonder for the outdoors. You can use it to build a high-temperature grilling pit to cook some delicious barbecue on your next camping trip. It has a lightweight form, which makes it easy to carry around.
The AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit is an excellent fire-building gear for those who love being outdoors. It allows you to build campfires without any excessive hassle. The fire pit features a cinder within which prevents embers from falling out.
What we like
It can be disassembled into different parts and carried in a special carrying case
What we dislike
It weighs more than 6kgs, so it is less portable as compared to other designs available
5. GoSun Brew Cup
Meet GoSun’s portable brewer – the ultimate design to prepare an incredible cup of coffee or tea, from start to finish, wherever you go. It is an all-in-one cup that can be used anytime anywhere! It features a 130W Heater and an integrated French press which are fused together in the form of a double insulated mug.
Why is it noteworthy?
This incredible double-insulated mug not only brews your drink for you but also keeps it hot for hours on end. If you’re out camping or hiking and need an immediate caffeine fix, you don’t need to worry, because GoSun has your back! It’ll prepare a fresh and steaming cup of coffee or tea for you in no time.
What we like
Portable and easy-to-carry design
Features an innovative all-in-one design
What we dislike
Doesnt seem to have different options in size and color
Dubbed the Beatle, and designed by Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses, this little home is a charming dwelling amped with an eyeball-grabbing curving roofline and porthole-style windows. The interior has been designed with a clever space-saving layout that meets all the requirements of the owner. The tiny home is built to hit the road, and journey through the expanse of North America.
Commissioned in mid-2019, the Beatle’s release was delayed due to the pandemic, and it was finally unveiled last month. The home was built for a screenwriter from Finland who wanted to travel around North America and use it as a prop in movies. The home is founded on a double axle trailer, and it is 22 feet in length. It has a finish of stained blue cedar with red accenting and a curving roofline which draws inspiration from the traditional Vardo Romani wagons. The home is also inspired by the popular tiny homes from Baluchon. You can access the home via a fold-down deck with a removable ramp, which is built from welded aluminum tubing and cedar boards.
The interior of the home was designed with extreme attention to detail, and with suggestions from the owner, to ensure her needs were fulfilled, especially her physical requirements, since she has a medical condition. The home was designed to be a comfortable and cozy space for her.
“Not only did the design need to have a certain aesthetic, but it needed to have very specific functional requirements,” explains Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses. “Janna has a medical condition akin to muscular dystrophy. She has to walk with a cane and her day-to-day movements are very limited. We worked very closely with Janna down to the centimeter to ensure we optimized several measurements to accommodate her needs as best as possible. This included details such as placing shelves in the shower at a certain height so she could rest her elbows on them to assist in bathing. We made sure the bed platform was a certain height to make getting in and out of bed easier. There is a little slide-out shelf with locking slides under the bed that helps her in getting shoes on and off.”
The bed platform functions as a living/sleeping area with a double mattress and a headboard with integrated storage. Extra storage space has also been incorporated below the platform as a drawer. The kitchen is located close and it includes a small fridge, drawers, open shelves, and a pantry. The kitchen includes countertops made from live edge honey locust, as well as a sink, a two-burner propane-powered stove, and a microwave. There is also a dining table which can be used as an office desk, as well as a wood-burning stove. The bathroom accommodates a shower, a small sink, and a composting toilet.
The Beatle also includes a loft bedroom which can be accessed via a telescopic ladder. The room is like most typical loft-style bedrooms seen in tiny homes. You can access it from the outside too via an access hatch on the exterior of the home.
A true gentleman is always selective about the products he carries and uses since they are an extension of his own personal style. The first gentlemen we all encounter are our dads, and this Father’s Day why not gift your dad thoughtful and functional lifestyle products that will add to his natural aura, and charisma while adding value to his everyday life? Striking a unique balance between functionality and style is extremely important – especially when it comes to men’s lifestyle designs. And we do believe we may have found a collection of product designs that harmoniously capture this balance! From a portable shaver with ceramic blades to give you the perfect clean shave to an innovative key ring that will hold all keys – these products are essential must-haves for all the gentlemen out there.
1. Painless Key Ring
Called the Painless Key Ring, this innovative product is equipped with a revolutionary wave spring key ring. The design draws inspiration from the mechanism used in the aerospace and automotive industries, ensuring you handle your keys in a smooth and hassle-free manner. If your dad tends to lose his keys easily or hates dealing with typical key rings, then he can finally bid farewell to them, and thank the Painless Key Ring!
This key ring organizes your keys using a high-tech and durable design letting you store your keys in an easy-to-access manner. It has. a compact and lightweight form which makes it easy to carry around and store.
What we like
It utilizes a wave spring tech to remove and add keys
What we dislike
More expensive compared to conventional keyrings
There is no system to differentiate between the keys they hold
2. The Erazor
Called the Erazor, this unique portable shaver is designed to erase the stubble off your face, using ceramic blades. It is supposed to be the first shaver featuring ceramic blades. It is a compact and lightweight product that is quite easy to carry around, and also super comfortable to use. It makes for a thoughtful and functional Father’s Day present for your dad!
Why is it noteworthy?
The ceramic blades are designed to neatly and swiftly trim down your stubble, providing a totally clean shave, without causing any painful razor burns. The ceramic blades are a great alternative to meat blades which are coated with DLC for sharpness. But with time the coating can wear off, making the blades prone to nicking you.
What we like
The blades are made from Zirconium Oxide – an extremely durable material
What we dislike
The ceramic blades may take a while to adjust to if you’re used to metal blades
3. AirTag Carabiners
Called the AirTag Carabiners, these minimalist and good-looking designs are a refreshing new version of the typical old metal carabiners. They are precision-made and have a pretty compact form, making them easy to carry and even easier to use. The functional and portable design makes for a handy Father’s Day present.
They are handcrafted to make them durable and sturdy. These aren’t just simple melted metal casings, in fact, each piece is unlike any other, as manufacturing conditions alter the final design.
What we like
Handcrafted using premium-quality metal
Lightweight and easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
The process of attaching or detaching the AirTag isn’t very user-friendly and can be tedious
4. Pebble Time Watches
Called Pebble Time, this color e-paper smartwatch is designed to have seven days of battery, as well as a new timeline interface that highlights what’s most important in your day. There are two variants – Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel, and they’re both infused with an improved timeline interface. If your dad doesn’t own a smartwatch, but you want to hook him up to the smartwatch game, then this is a good option for Father’s Day.
Why is it noteworthy?
The watches feature a color e-paper display as well as a microphone for responding to notifications. They are amped with four days of battery life, water resistance, and customizability. They are compatible with 6500+ existing Pebble apps and watch faces.
What we like
The e-paper display is ideal for displaying incoming notifications and your favorite watch face
What we dislike
Has a pretty thick bezel
Compatibility issues with certain apps
5. Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass
Dubbed the Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass, this classy glass draws inspiration from metallic hues and forms a fascinating light and color play. It builds a beautiful visual experience for you owing to its 1/f fluctuating pattern, which looks like a murmuring stream. Made from pure titanium, it elevates the drinking experience with its purity. It makes for an elegant and functional gift for your dad on Father’s Day, letting him enjoy his drink with class.
The whisky glass uses cutting-edge technology which creates a fascinating color play. It is biocompatible and safe, even more so than gold or platinum. The glass is pretty resistant to stains and odors and has long-term hygiene.
What we like
It uses advanced space development technology
What we dislike
Since it is a solid glass, you cannot see the quantity being poured or the amount in the glass from afar
6. MagSafe Origami Grip Stand
Called the MagSafe Origami Grip Stand – this sleek little stand is inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding. It can be folded flat and vice versa, cutting down the trouble of assembly and disassembly. This stand will offer excellent support to your dad’s iPhone, without causing any damage to it. We can watch his shows in peace, or scroll through his phone without having to hold it up.
The MagSafe Origami Grip Stand is lightweight, with a card-sized thin design. It can be easily attached to your phone, or slipping into your pocket, and it won’t look awkward or odd! The stand will be firmly attached to your phone, and it won’t fall apart even if you move about a lot.
What we like
Draws inspiration from the Japanese art of Origami
It will stay securely attached to your phone
What we dislike
It only works with iPhone 12 and later models, excluding the iPhone SE, making it a limited product
7. Everyday Messenger
Say hello to the Everyday Messenger – a visually stunning, smartly-designed, and adaptable messenger bag which is designed to be many things – ranging from a camera bag to a day-to-day essential carry workhorse. If your dad works in the creative field and has a ton of work gear he needs to carry around, but no stylish and convenient way to carry it, then you need to gift him the Everyday Messenger this Father’s Day!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Everyday Messenger is designed for photographers, creatives, travelers, and daily commuters. It is available in Charcoal and Heritage Tan colors and adds an element of sleek style and quick efficiency to your everyday carry experience. The bag maintains its shapely figure even if your load is light or heavy.
What we like
Features dividers that allow the bag to expand or contract depending on your gear
You can wear the strap in a multitude of styles
What we dislike
Users said it slides around too much when worn
8. AirCard
Meet AirCard – the first card-sized tracker in the world with an integrated Digital ID, which works exclusively with the Apple Find My network. There are multitudes of Apple products being used around the world, and the AirCard emits a strong Bluetooth signal which can be detected by devices surrounding it in the network. This allows you to track your wallet no matter where it is, ensuring you never truly lose. If your dad is someone who frequently loses his wallet, then the AirCard is an ingenious present for him.
Why is it noteworthy?
Even if your wallet is hidden somewhere close by, you can make it emit a noise using the AirCard app, allowing you to easily trace and locate it. You could also ask Siri where your wallet is, and to make it sound. Also if you leave your wallet behind somewhere, you will get a notification immediately due to the Find My app.
What we like
It also has an advanced lost mode to provide your contact details in case someone finds your wallet
What we dislike
The battery is not replaceable
9. Full Leather Wallet Case
Called the Full Leather Wallet Case, this cover for the iPhone 15 Pro provides complete protection to your smartphone, while also making it look great. The cover features premium European leather tanned in the Netherlands, and there is a choice between black, brown, and blue finishes. The camera lenses are protected by a machined metal rim, while a polycarbonate inner structure with a microfiber interior lining provides protection against bumps.
Why is it noteworthy?
Each case features a slot on the back that can hold up to two cards with ease. You can also pull out the cards easily, and the wallet doesn’t detach or fall off from your phone when you pull it out of your pocket.
What we like
Utilizes the highest-quality leather and is tanned using a special DriTan process
What we dislike
You will need to remove the cards when you snap Apple’s MagSafe charger onto the back of the cover
10. BULLET
Say hello to the world’s smallest LED flashlight – the BULLET light. Designed to be functional, minima, and refined, the BULLET EDC is more than just your regular flashlight. It is a tiny flashlight designed to be the next step in mini everyday carry. If your dad loves carrying compact little tools with him on the go, then the BULLET light is a thoughtful and exceptional Father’s Day present for him.
Why is it noteworthy?
Shaped and sized like a bullet, the BULLET flashlight features a sleek and minimal design that isn’t too bad on the eyes. It is a strong LED mini flashlight in a lightweight and minimal form, and it eliminates the use of bulky flashlights from your everyday carry.
What we like
Features a built-in keychain that lets you carry the flashlight with you wherever you go
What we dislike
The size is pretty small, so it can be easily misplaced if not handled carefully
There is truly something magical about retro-inspired designs, They manage to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia within us, taking us right back to the 80s. And you know who truly loves a good old retro-themed product? Our dads! Maybe because they were actually alive during the 80s, and they feel a sense of wholeness and comfort when they come across such thoughtful designs. With Father’s Day around the corner, you may want to take your dad on a trip down memory lane, by gifting him a cool retro-inspired product. And, we’ve curated a collection of such designs for you to pick from! Though these designs are wonderfully retro-esque, they have been imbibed with modern functionality. Their aesthetics may be from their past, but their utility is embedded in the future. Have a look!
1. NIXOID NEXT
Nixie designed this steampunk-inspired NIXIOD NEXT which incorporates Nixie tubes. The watch features rare Nixie VFD lamps which were discovered around 25 years ago. This unique design beautifully merges a healthy and fascinating mix of futurism and retro, by integrating retro tubes into the form of a modern wristwatch. It’s the perfect Father’s Day present for dads who love a nostalgic touch and want to show off their retro possessions on their wrists.
Why is it noteworthy?
The NIXIOD NEXT merges an accelerometer which lights up the VFD tubes when moved toward the user. The interesting tubes were found in a warehouse from the days of the USSR, making it a historic limited-edition collectible.
What we like
Equipped with charging points on the back, making it an easy charge
Features a scratch-resistant sapphire case
What we dislike
When the watch display changes from hours to minutes, there is a 1.5-second pause
2. Portable CD Cover Player
Called the Portable CD Cover Player, this minimalist CD player is designed to be a unique retro design that merges an exceptional listening experience with the beauty of visual art. You can slip the CD jacket or sleeve inside the specially designed-pocket, enabling you to display and showcase your favorite CD. It’s a great present for your dad, letting him boast his prized CDs from his youthful days, in his home!
The Portable CD Cover Player is essentially the physical equivalent of showcasing digital album art, with the extra benefit of being able to showcase your physical original CD.
What we like
It is a portable product with a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit, allowing you to listen to your favorite music wherever you please
Features a 1,800mAh battery providing 7-8 hours of exceptional audio
What we dislike
It does not support syncing music with any digital medium, only an analog style of music-listening
3. ‘A for Ara’ Speakers
If your dad is a music lover, and someone who loves an occasional trip down memory lane, then you may want to consider gifting him these speakers this Father’s Day. Designed by ‘A for Ara’, and called the FS-1 and Fs-2 speakers, these retro-modern speakers feature an eclectic blend of design styles. They have an appeal to them which seems grand and larger-than-life, while also showcasing a nature-inspired theme.
Why is it noteworthy?
The retro-themed speakers have two visual parts – the basic unit, and the upper phonograph-inspired horn. The base unit holds the audio drivers and acoustic cabinet, while the horn has both visual and functional utility. The speakers literally look like massive morning glory flowers, which amplifies sound.
What we like
Merges audiophile-grade engineering and tuning with a mesmerizing avant-garde aesthetic
What we dislike
Bulky and space-consuming design, not suitable for homes with space constraints
4. Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass
Called the Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass, this glass is inspired by the range of metallic hues, and it recreates the fascinating light and color play. The result is a stunning visual experience for you with its 1 /f fluctuating pattern, reminiscent of phenomena like murmuring streams. The pure titanium body is not just a material, its a material that amplifies your drinking experience with its purity. The Whisky Glass is a classic piece, handcrafted by skilled Japanese artisans from Shizuoka, making for a wonderful retro-themed gift for your father, if he likes to enjoy a drink or two.
It uses cutting-edge technology which forms a mesmerizing color play. The glass is highly biocompatible and safe, even more than platinum or gold. It is resistant to odors and stains and facilitates long-term hygiene.
What we like
It is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation
Utilizes advanced space development technology
What we dislike
Given that its a solid glass, we cannot look at the quantity being poured or the quantity in the glass from a distance.
5. The Ballast Pen
Promised to be unnecessarily heavy and gloriously over-engineered, this pen is one for the generations. As the name suggests, this pen draws inspiration from the ship’s ballast and is machined from solid brass. The result is a pen that is extremely smooth and heavy, weighing almost 50x more than the disposable alternatives. For father’s who love to collect and cherish heritage pieces, this one is for the ages.
Why is it noteworthy?
Writing with this pen is an exercise, requiring your entire hand. It’s inspiration, the ballad, is the essential yet unseen weight that steadies ships during their age of explorations. The ballast pen embodies this crucial weightiness and history in it’s design.
What we like
Machined from 100% solid brass
Every component of this pen is machined to within one-thousandth of an inch, delivering maximum smoothness
What we dislike
The pen is so outrageously heavy, it is not convenient for long periods of writing.
6. The AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit
Called the AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit, this modular 8-panel design is a portable sheet metal wonder designed for the outdoors. The unique firepit can be used to create a warm campfire in the winter, or as a high-temperature grilling pit to start up an amazing barbecue for a delicious outdoor meal. If your father enjoys camping or spending time outdoors, this one-of-a-kind firepit allows him to experience the joy of an outdoor fire with ease, so he can spend more time enjoying the campfire rather than fiddling with building it.
The Fire Pit is the perfect lightweight fire-building gear for dads who love spending time outdoors, letting them swiftly build campfires without any trouble. It has a cinder within, which keeps the fire covered, ensuring no embers fall out.
What we like
You can disassemble it into various parts and carry it in a special carrying case
It can be easily assembled within a minute
What we dislike
The design weighs higher than about 6kgs, making it less portable than some of the designs available in the market.
7. Retroduck Q
Called the Retroduck Q, this little design provides fast wireless charging in the form of an aesthetically unique design, which looks like a retro-style television! It is designed to be a quick wireless charger that looks like an old TV but with a modern touch. The design is reminiscent and feels familiar, while also featuring proven technology. It is a handy little gadget to gift your dad on Father’s Day, ensuring his phone never runs out of juice.
Why is it noteworthy?
The original Retroduck was upgraded to form the RetroduckQ, and it features a retro-style smartphone dock, and an added smart wireless charging function. You cannot really compare it with any other wireless charger, it packs modern functionality with nostalgic design into one form.
What we like
A stylish and convenient way to fast charge your smartphone
What we dislike
Given it’s fixed size, it maybe difficult to accommodate the bigger phones comfortably.
8. LEGO Radio
For the father’s who enjoy tinkering with their own design and create something, this LEGO Radio gives them the best of both world’s. The set unfortunately cannot play your local radio station, but it can play the pre-recorded tunes it comes with. The dial can be turned, along with Spotify or Apple Music and comes with an extendable antenna and tuner window as well for those old world feels. After all, it’s never too late to play and rekindle your childhood again.
Why is it noteworthy?
The radio is actually functional, with a select tunes and Apple Music/Spotify support and comes with a colour palette that adds to overall nostalgic feel. Standing at 13 inches high, 9 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep, it is a model that you can tinker with as much as you want without any worry of spoiling the equipment.
What we like
Comes in vintage-inspired green and beige palette
You can plug your smartphone in a concealed compartment on the back panel and play your favourite music
What we dislike
We wish there was a transmitter inserted to actually play live radio stations when we want to!
9. The Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad
Called the Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad, this little product is inspired by the retro aesthetic of the tech from the 80s and 90s. It functions as an independent peripheral device that can be teamed up with its companion keyboard, or even used separately as an old-school calculator. It features a red and black seven-segment display which is pure retro-inspired beauty. If your dad works from home, then the Numpad will make for an exceptional addition to his WFH desk accessories!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Numpad is available in four different colors, each inspired by iconic gaming systems – the M edition, the Famicom edition, the C64 model, and the N edition. They are inspired by the design language of classic consoles, adding a pinch of retro charm to a desk setup.
What we like
Features a rechargeable 1000mAh Li-on battery that offers a solid 160 hours of use on a single charge
What we dislike
It may not match the overall aesthetic of their desk setup, unless we plan on upgrading your keyboard and mouse as well!
10. PENNA
If your father is someone who enjoys retro-inspired designs and works from home, then you may want to consider gifting him PENNA. PENNA is a wireless Bluetooth keyboard inspired by a typewriter. It is far from a normal keyboard – it features diamond or chrome keycaps, as well as a cherry key switch. It has a macro bar to save frequently used keys/words. Best of all, you can dock your tablet or phone in the keyboard for ease of use while typing on the go.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is amped with Bluetooth 4.2 with a low energy requirement which ensures long idle battery time. You can register up to 5 devices with the keyboard using Bluetooth. It supports all OS including Windows, Android, and iOS.
What we like
The perfect combination of nostalgic design and modern tech
Maintains up to 6 months of idle time with two AA-size batteries
What we dislike
The switch labeling on one side of the keyboard looks quite unappealing and isn’t very clear either
