Author Archives: Jay Alba

DIY building block-like components make up this futuristic PC design

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In this technology-infused world, working with or on a computer is almost unavoidable. This is especially true for graphic and designers, animators, filmmakers – anyone whose work calls for specialized computer programs. Among these creative professionals, all-in-one computers like an iMac are preferred due to their slim, compact device. However, when these devices grow old, it’s difficult to repair and replace specific hardware — you almost always have to buy a brand new device.

Now, some tech companies, like Apple, will buy back your older models in exchange for store credit. However, why replace a product when you can upcycle it? The Modular Workstation Computer offers an alternative device that would make this process easier. The computer’s internal hardware – its processor, memory, etc. – is attached to a tray of large, cube-like pieces that can be pulled off and reattached. This design choice is a huge departure from standard laptops, which tuck their hardware inside the body of the computer, requiring you to unscrew the bottom plate to access it. This inconvenience may discourage consumers from learning more about how their computer works – and how they might use that knowledge to extend the life of their device.

The Modular Workstation Computer presents a better solution: one that reduces long-term costs and environmental impact. This technology has the potential for mass adoption, especially as consumers move towards more sustainable, long-term purchases.

Designer: Philipp Seißler

This Minimalist Chess + Checkers Set Will Be the Centerpiece of Your Board-Game Collection

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With such a classic — instantly recognizable design – how does one reimagine the visual aesthetic of a chessboard? There are chess piece sets modeled after skyscrapers, popular TV characters, mythical creatures, abstract shapes, etc. Many board game creators have experimented with new chess board designs, but this chess + checkers set stands out from the crowd, despite the competition in its arena.

What makes the Origins Check – Chess Set different from other interpretations of this classic game design? The set as a whole encapsulates an elegant, minimalistic aesthetic, but the pièce(s) de résistance are the chess figurines themselves. The characters take on simplistic, abstract profiles that represent each piece’s role or how they would move across the board. For instance, the knights are cut into L shapes to indicate their directional movements. The pawns’ roles are reflected in the simplicity of their shape: just rectangular blocks – which can also double as checkers pieces. The abstract nature of this design may alienate beginners, who might not be as familiar with the pieces. However, one could argue that a novice chess player may not want this particular board set in the first place due to the price tag.

From a craftsmanship perspective, the Origins chess set is a beautiful example of woodworking. The box and boards are available in four species of wood, Eastern Maple, White Ash, White Oak, and Black Walnut. It is a stripped-down, simple design, but unique among existing chess sets … one that would be a subtle eye-catcher in a chess lover’s collection.

Designer: Origins

Click Here to Buy Now!

This Slow-Feeder Dog Bowl Was Inspired by the Snow-Capped Swiss Alps

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Imagine the majestic mountains of the Swiss Alps, a picturesque, awe-inspiring landscape. Imagine how you would capture and portray its natural beauty in, of all things, your dog’s food bowl. The K2 slow feeder, at first glance, looks quite similar to products in this vein. After all, many dogs are fast eaters, and pet-product developers have found a simple solution to this problem: creating ridges and slopes in their bowls that make it more difficult for a dog to scoop up mouthfuls of kibble. Functionally, the K2 slow feeder works the same way, but its standout quality is its aesthetic design, which distills the Swiss Alps’ natural beauty into a visually pleasing product.

How does the K2 slow feeder properly honor its design inspiration? In two ways. Firstly, the molds in the bowl mimic the peaks and valleys of the mountain range. Secondly, the different color schemes available for purchase – blue, green, red, and yellow – match the Alps’ landscape depending on the season. Functionally, the K2 is more than a pretty face; it works just as well as comparable products. It consists of two separate parts: the slow-feeder on top and a traditional bowl underneath. There’s also a no-skid rim on the bottom, preventing the dish from sliding as your dog attempts to dig into those hard-to-reach crevices. The product is also dishwasher safe.

There are plenty of slow-feeders available on the market, but few of them take on such a visually pleasing aesthetic. Even if your dog doesn’t appreciate the visual design choice of the K2 feeder, you – the person who has to look at it all day – will.

Designers: Libero Rutilo and Ekaterina Shchetina

Click Here to Buy Now: €25.50

 

 

This Fitbit-inspired dog collar is on point with keeping your pet safe and healthy!

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Do you wish you could track your dog’s location in case of emergencies but don’t want to embed a tracker in his or her body? The Link smart collar offers an alternative, more pet-friendly solution with its removable GPS. However, the Link is for more than emergencies – it includes features that improve your pet’s health and quality of life every day. So, what does the Link do? The collar itself holds the GPS tracker and a LED light for visibility during night walks. Additionally, with the Link companion app, the product can log your dog’s physical fitness, vet records, and other stats related to his or her health. Basically, it’s a FitBit for your pet – keeping them happy, healthy, and safe.

From a design perspective, the Link embodies a subtly luxurious aesthetic thanks to the collar’s color-scheme, construction, and a few branding choices for the packaging. First, let’s talk about the shape of the collar. Overall, the collar maintains a slender shape, even though the GPS holder is slightly bulkier. The light brown leather also looks homey and comfortable – like a well-made pair of hiking boots: expensive but durable. The branding materials (color story, font choices, and even the product packaging) help convey a charming, but expensive look. The box itself, and the way the collar is presented in the packaging, reminds me of the packaging for a high-end wristwatch. The bright colors on the packaging also complement the collar’s brown leather shade nicely. Typical dog collars are simply hung from a hook at the pet store. The Link collar, on the other hand, comes in a box that is as beautiful as the product itself.

I appreciate the care that went into the aesthetic creation of the Link as well as its branding. The device itself is a great investment for pet owners. But the care that went into its design made it an eye-catching piece that likely attracted more pet-owners to the product.

Designer: Astro Studios

Click Here To Buy Now: $59.99

This portable coffee maker pumps air upwards to cold brew your coffee in just 60 seconds!

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For those of us who currently work from home, our kitchen counter has become our favorite coffee shop. However, in a post-quarantine world (hopefully coming soon), there will be a need for a product that allows coffee-drinkers to take their beverages on the go. That need-fulling product is the Osma portable coffee maker.

At first glance, the Osma looks like a thermos. In actuality, the metal shell holds the Osma’s coffee-brewing machinery, and the clear transparent top is the drink container. So, how does it work? The best way to describe the Osma’s brewing mechanism would be to contrast it against a commonly-used method: pour-over. This method, true to its name, involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds. Basically, gravity does the mixing/flavoring for you. The Osma, on the other hand, does not let the water seep down; it pumps air up into the container to mix the hot water and coffee grounds. This process creates a unique flavor profile, one that coffee connoisseurs say can’t even be achieved through pour-over brewing. It’s faster too – especially when it comes to making cold brew, cutting down a 12+ hour seeping process into 60 seconds. Also, the Osma features two small bonuses: biodegradable pods and a companion app that allows users to discover new flavored pods and share brewing tips/recipes.

The Osma has a unique selling point that can appeal to multiple types of coffee drinkers. The enthusiasts will love the unique coffee brewing process – and the new flavors it unlocks in each brew. Casual drinkers will love the grab-and-go convenience. And environmentally conscious consumers will love the biodegradable pods that are available for purchase. My one minor gripe with the product? The container might be a little too small for my coffee-addicted tastes … but I suppose this means I’ll be carrying extra coffee pods on my commute to work.

Designer: Osma

Click Here to Buy Now!

The minimal window of this espresso maker gives your kitchen the designer upgrade it needs!

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As an avid coffee drinker, I enjoy picking up a fancy drink from the cafe down the street. Instant microwaved coffee certainly helps kick-start our brain in the mornings, but it doesn’t match the added sweetness of a dash of mocha syrup, the foaminess of a latte, etc. An espresso maker would allow you to recreate these fancy coffee drinks at a cheaper cost and from the comfort of your kitchen. However, if you’ve seen the machines used by baristas, you’d know that they are quite bulky and probably wouldn’t match the decor of your living space. The Casa Fé espresso machine shrinks down these big machines into a product that can easily fit on your kitchen counter. The design itself is quite streamlined. It has a slender shape, almost as if the machine exists as a thick rectangular frame. Also, the simple color options, black and white, allow for the product to match seamlessly with any kitchen color scheme.

Still, there are plenty of small compact espresso machines. What makes the Casa Fé unique? Its compact size is not the only way that this product makes itself more accessible. My favorite aspect of this product is that it encourages experimentation among coffee lovers. It has a few intuitive buttons along the top and side of the frame, which control the temperature, amount of water, and pressure of coffee and water. Also, to sweeten the deal, the Casa Fé has a dial for controlling the amount of whipped cream to add to your espresso. The customization lets users experiment and create new coffee concoctions – just like the baristas with their “secret menu” items. The Casa Fé even has Bluetooth compatibility, so it can record the settings you used for each brew and save it to a companion app on your phone. From there, you can share your recipes with an online community of coffee lovers.

Ironically, the Casa Fé fosters social interaction from the comfort of your own home. This is quite comforting during 2020. In a time when we must self-isolate, it is helpful to find ways to connect to others (even if it is through something as simple as sharing coffee mixes).

Designer: Jae-won Han

This rolling screen smartwatch design shows off everything you need with half the space, no back button needed!

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Phone screens may be getting larger, but smartwatch displays are getting slimmer. This wearable tech design concept imagines a screen that takes advantage of a limited amount of space. Many smartwatches have a square or circular face, similar to a mechanical timepiece; this also gives the user more control over the touch-screen display. For 2021, this wearable technology concept attempts to slim down and create a touch-screen fitness-watch that can fit more information in less space.

The unique aspect of the design is how the screen wraps around the wrist comfortably. Unlike similar products, which use a swipe feature to access the various widgets, this concept displays all of them on the same screen. How can they fit comfortably? Well, the display for this concept happens to be extra long, stretching past the width of your wrist. Also, instead of swiping through the different pages, the interface works by scrolling up or down. This is a newer design concept that works better for this type of device.

You don’t have to swipe back and forth between multiple pages (everything is right there in your eye’s view). Also, as someone who also works out with a FitBit, I can say that, even though mine has a slender rectangular screen, that concentration of the electronic part of the device can be a little uncomfortable. It’s not quite as flexible as the rubber wristband, and that extra weight will cause the watch to jiggle up and down my wrist. This newer design concept distributes the weight across a longer surface area, so it’s not quite as concentrated. Even though I can’t test out this concept practically, I’m optimistic about its practical applications. In addition to being more aesthetically pleasing than comparable products, this concept is also more user-friendly.

Designer: Rohit Kartha

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The detachable transparent walls of this toaster make for a unique toasting experience!

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The typical toaster has three inconveniences: they are bulky, hard to clean, and the electric conductors inside are exposed. Since these problems are present in most of these appliances, they are easy to overlook – or adapt to them. The BOLD toaster offers a solution to these problems: by creating a sleek toaster that disassembles for easy cleaning and has isolated wires for safety. Also, as you may have noticed, it features transparent walls, giving users the oddly satisfying experience of watching their toast darken in front of their eyes.

The BOLD toaster functions slightly differently from standard products. First off, the product’s transparent walls, as mentioned before, detach for easy cleaning – they’re even dishwasher safe! Secondly, you’ll notice that the BOLD has just one long slot for toasting bread pieces, rather than the typical design: stacking them side by side. Also, instead of having the bread pieces pop out from the top of the toaster, they slide out horizontally. The advantage of this design change? It cuts down on the bulk of the appliance without limiting its functionality. After all, does anyone toast one piece of bread at a time?

You don’t see innovation among these smaller kitchen appliances every day, which is why the BOLD transparent toaster caught our eye. It’s a welcome surprise to see unique improvements being made to a product, like a toaster, that seemed to be “locked” into a classic design.

Designer: HOLO Design

 

A wireless massager comes concealed in this sofa design, making it perfect for all couch potatoes!

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Since we spend most of our time in our homes (especially in 2020), we might as well make those spaces as comfortable and relaxing as possible. One problem that the massage chair business has not solved yet is creating space-efficient furniture. Massage chairs are often bulky, and they might not match the aesthetic of your existing furniture. The solution proposed by the Dong Dong sofa is to create a piece of furniture that just happens to include a massager.

Based on the couch’s design alone, I would buy this product. Its plush, buoyant cushions and its bright yellow color would make for a great statement piece. The design pulls inspiration from a classic inflatable pool tube, which you can see in the couch’s large, bouncy cushions. The curved shape of the backrest also was inspired by ocean waves … and it serves a practical purpose: allowing the massager to blend into the couch.

At a glance, you might not see it. The massager is a cylinder piece that mimics the curvature of the backrest. The piece detaches easily from the backrest, which allows the user to massage any part of their body: not just their back. You can lie down on the couch and prop the massager under your calves, hug it to your body and massage your front, etc. And when you’re finished, you can set the device back in its slot on the couch, which also doubles as a wireless charger.

The detachability offers an advantage for the massager in terms of convenience. Additionally, I think this a business opportunity for the designer as well. Yes, the sofa and massager work well as a set … but why not sell them separately? After all, the massager on its own looks like a cylinder-shaped decorative pillow, which could theoretically blend into anyone’s furniture (if it had the right color). It would certainly offer a more wallet-friendly alternative to the full couch.

Designer: Su Yeon and Dong Hyeon

This Stormtrooper-inspired watch brings a futuristic touch to an old-fashioned timepiece

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How do science fiction and futuristic tech meld with the design of a non-electronic watch? The creators behind the EMC TimeHunter blend these two concepts quite seamlessly with this Stormtrooper-inspired watch face. Because the design pulls from such an iconic image, it immediately catches your eye (apart from the natural contrast of white on black). The numbers on the watch face have a subtle glow … which looks like an LED screen, but in actuality, it’s just fluorescent-green and white paint, contrasting with the black background. The bright and crisp colors emphasize the futuristic aesthetic of the timepiece.

Aside from the Star Wars-inspired look, this watch has a well-designed surface. It offers more information than just the time of day … providing a peek into the clock’s inner workings. Let’s describe these modules, one by one. First, the center of the watch features the standard hour/minute clock face. On the top right (the 1 o’clock position), there’s a counter for the seconds in each minute. The module in the top left measures the TimeHunter’s rate of accuracy compared to “real-time.” Why does this matter? See, the EMC TimeHunter is a mechanical watch, and occasionally it needs to be rewound to maintain its precise timekeeping. Sometimes the ticker slows down by a hair, and those minor delays add up. In the bottom left, another module tracks the “life” left in the power-source that fuels the precision tracker (not the clock itself). This module mimics a gasoline tank for its design, which I personally thought was a cute touch… and while this product may have been inspired by Stars Wars, it’s a gift that all watch-wearers would love!

Designer: URWERK