Author Archives: Ida Torres

Portable stool is made from electronic packaging waste

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There are a lot of product developers and designers who love to experiment with ideas for things that we sometimes take for granted. Good thing there are people like them who like to think about ways to improve these functional products. There are also those who think more about the materials used to create such products, especially materials that will lessen our carbon footprint. Chairs and stools are some of those things we don’t really think about innovating but there are still some ways to come up with better designed ones.

Designer: Razeen Mohammed

The EDGAR Stool is a concept for a portable stool born from the idea of creating something functional but also using the least amount of resources in terms of the material used for it, the energy needed to create it, and even the cost that you have to spend. In fact, in terms of prototyping this concept, they only spent around $0.29 in making one of these stools.

The reason for such a low cost is that the stool is made from waste from the packaging of electronic appliances and adhesives. The former is one of the biggest waste issues that we have now as the production of electronic appliances seem to be increasing. Therefore the waste has also been considerable. They were able to conceptualize a two legged stool from these waste materials and it seems to be light enough that you can carry it around.

However, from the product renders and photos, I don’t know how stable it is or how it can hold up a fully grown person. It might be able to fit a child or a really thin and small person but those with considerable weight might think twice about sitting on it. It also doesn’t seem all that comfortable especially if you have a pretty round derriere. But props to the designer for coming up with something that can utilize packaging for electronic appliances.

The post Portable stool is made from electronic packaging waste first appeared on Yanko Design.

Portable stool is made from electronic packaging waste

Posted on by

There are a lot of product developers and designers who love to experiment with ideas for things that we sometimes take for granted. Good thing there are people like them who like to think about ways to improve these functional products. There are also those who think more about the materials used to create such products, especially materials that will lessen our carbon footprint. Chairs and stools are some of those things we don’t really think about innovating but there are still some ways to come up with better designed ones.

Designer: Razeen Mohammed

The EDGAR Stool is a concept for a portable stool born from the idea of creating something functional but also using the least amount of resources in terms of the material used for it, the energy needed to create it, and even the cost that you have to spend. In fact, in terms of prototyping this concept, they only spent around $0.29 in making one of these stools.

The reason for such a low cost is that the stool is made from waste from the packaging of electronic appliances and adhesives. The former is one of the biggest waste issues that we have now as the production of electronic appliances seem to be increasing. Therefore the waste has also been considerable. They were able to conceptualize a two legged stool from these waste materials and it seems to be light enough that you can carry it around.

However, from the product renders and photos, I don’t know how stable it is or how it can hold up a fully grown person. It might be able to fit a child or a really thin and small person but those with considerable weight might think twice about sitting on it. It also doesn’t seem all that comfortable especially if you have a pretty round derriere. But props to the designer for coming up with something that can utilize packaging for electronic appliances.

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Minimalist alarm clock and speaker can help kids manage time without screens

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There are parents who would like to wean their children every once in a while from screens because they believe that it may be rotting their brain or something. But even these parents will sometimes have to admit that they still need technology to manage their children’s lives or to teach them things like productivity and time management. So product developers are coming up with non-screen devices to help parents and kids navigate life.

Designer: Pupupula

The Little House Alarm Clock is one such device that has a pretty basic display but still utilizes technology to help children manage their time and schedule properly. It’s basically a smart speaker with a built-in intelligent voice assistant to help the kids (and maybe adults) out. The display will only show the time, date, temperature, humidity, as well as the time of the next alarm set, which means the next upcoming schedule.

The design is that of a tiny house that should look at home whether in the kid’s room or in your living room. It has a light source but it is underneath the outer shell to give off a softer look to its orange nightlight. There are only two buttons to make it simple: a red chimney and a blue mute button. They complement the minimalist design with its white body color. You can also adjust the backlight for the screen by pressing the chimney or through the app.

The alarm clock has four different customized nature themed alarm sounds that match the animation that will show up on the display. There is also a Sleep Mode which will dim the lights and will turn off the mic so that everyone can really rest. The voice assistant when active can set reminders, play music, tell stories, and other tasks that don’t need a screen for your kids. It seems like an interesting device to have if you still want technology to help you out but not necessarily your smartphone or tablet.

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Portable special seat helps kids with physical issues seat comfortably

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While there are child seats in a lot of restaurants, not all of them are suited for kids that may have some developmental or physical issues. Parents may have to bring special seating for their child but not all of them are practical or portable so it can be a pain. Fortunately, there are countries like Japan that actually subsidize custom-made supportive chairs for children who need extra support to sit comfortably. So we see product developers in the country come up with better solutions for parents and their children.

Designer: Ikou

The Ikou Portable Chair is an improvement on the supportive chairs that have been around in Japan since the 80s. Previously, these chairs were meant for home use but this one is something that parents can carry around for use in places that may not have adequate seating for their children. It is created for toddlers and young children to help them have a more stable sitting position and it can also be attached to an adult chair so they can do activities like watch sports, camping, picnicking, and even just simply sitting with family and friends.

It is also pretty practical as you can carry it around like a regular bag when it’s folded into its case. When you need to use, you just open and unpack and secure the seat and backrest using the two belts that are attached to it. It also has an adjustable height and backrest and has a tilt mechanism that can be adjusted up to 20 degrees. The seat is designed to raise and stabilize the pelvis so as to help with their posture as well. The backrest meanwhile supports the shoulder blade to help control their upper limbs.

The Ikou Portable Chair is compatible for children as young as 7 months old and up to 3 years old. The great thing is that the backrest and headrest can be adjusted as the child grows so there’s no need to buy a new one as they grow older. This is available exclusively in Japan though so you’ll have to ask someone to buy it for you there if you’re not from the country.

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Intelligent robot can become your child’s protector, teacher, playmate

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While us adults (or maybe it’s just me?) may have recurring nightmares about our robot overlords one day rising up against us, most children don’t have such bad thoughts about robots. In fact they would probably enjoy having one as a companion especially if they don’t have any playmates yet. A concept for an “intelligent social robot” is more than just a companion for your child and may even replace you one day.

Designer: Igor Jankovic

Okay, that last part is just a joke (or is it?) but the concept for a robot called Sipro is one that will help parents be more productive, according to the designer. From the description itself, this robot will be able to do so many things for your child, from being a protector to a teacher to a playmate. It’s like a smart device, baby monitor, and babysitter all rolled into one robotic entity that will hopefully not take over your household.

The device has four microphones that is able to detect voices and various sensors that can help it move around the room. It will send a notification to the parent when the baby is crying or it may actually try to stop it crying by playing music, reading a story, or even playing the recorded voice of the parent if they’re not around. It also serves as an air purifier and a temperature sensor to adjust the air conditioner or to detect smoke or fire.

For fun things it can also project videos and photos on the wall, help your child with speech lessons, and even serve as a baby walker since a small child can ride on it since it has a self-balancing system. On paper, this robot can do a lot so if ever it is translated into an actual product, it is pretty interesting (and maybe a bit terrifying).

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“Dancing” opener adds to the fun of opening your drink

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One of the best and most relaxing sounds you’ll hear is that pop of the bottle cap and the initial fizz as you open a bottle of beer or, if you’re not the drinking kind, a bottle of soda or any bottled drink of your choice. Whether you’re drinking alone and relaxing at the end of a stressful day or if you’re hanging out with friends and enjoying their company over drinks, this is a sound that can make you go “aaahhh” or “ooohhh”. Now what if the instrument you use to open that bottle can share in your joy or add a bit more enjoyment to the moment?

Designer: Leemok Studio

That’s the thinking behind this simple concept for a bottle opener called the Dancing Opener. Lest you think that it’s a complicated gizmo that can show off the latest TikTok dance trend or something, it’s actually a pretty simple and functional accessory that you can bring along to your drinking sessions. It’s round shaped with a curved convex-like hole which is how you can use it to pop open a bottle. After you’ve opened the bottle, you take the opener for a spin, placing it on its circular head and sliding your fingers to make it “dance”.

Okay, dance is probably an exaggeration of what the opener actually does. It seems to be able to balance on its head and as you gently flip it, it goes round and round. Think of it more as a ritual you can do after you open the bottle or as you say “cheers”, “kampai”, “geonbae”, “prost” or whatever language you’re drinking to. It’s basically like spinning a top or coin on its head except that the circumference is a bit thicker so it’s easier to balance and spin.

Sure, if you want to see it as a “dancing opener”, you might as well call it that. The idea is to have a bit more fun as you open the thing that will be bringing you more fun (hopefully) the rest of the night. It’s a simple enough product that we won’t be surprised to see it in the market anytime soon.

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Airpods charger cover brings you the Nintendo Gameboy feels

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When we use chargers for our devices, we usually just go for the ones that come with said device and don’t really think about other accessories to go with it. That’s because they’re almost always used exclusively for one purpose only: to juice up our smartphone, tablet, and other accessories. But who says you can’t have fun with it right? If you’re into the whole retro is cool again thing, then this new wrap for a charger from elago may be the one for you.

Designer: elago

Elago has been bringing their nostalgic accessories a-game as we’ve seen some Nintendo-inspired designs from them this year. The newest one that they’re releasing is a Game Boy cover for your Airpods charger. Basically, the “wrap” will turn your charger into the coolest thing ever, at least for those who can recognize the now-classic Game Boy design. It’s similar to the MagSafe wallet that they recently announced as well.

The wrap is compatible for the Apple 35W Dual USB-C Power Adapter that powers up your Airpods. It basically looks like the Game Boy interface with the face buttons, D-Pad, and other elements that you’re used to seeing in the Nintendo device. Of course these don’t have any function except to be nostalgic aesthetic. It uses soft silicone material and has a larger cutout around the dual USB-C jacks so it can be used with any cable thickness.

It is a pretty cute addition to your charger and aside from looking cool, it is also able to protect it from scratches, bumps, drops, dirt, and oils because of the material. It is available in Light Grey, Black, and Sand Pink and costs only around $15.

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Colorful stool is made from 80% recycled plastic

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When it comes to functional pieces of furniture, we probably go for items that are able to serve their function (and are most likely affordable) and are not really that concerned with the design or aesthetics. But the past years, a lot of people have also been concerned with how these items are made, specifically with the materials used to create them as we become more conscious about our personal carbon footprint and the things taht we consume.

Designer: Alexander Latersztain for Derlot

The original Stump stool from Derlot were already interesting enough with their “bold, minimalist and uncomplicated” take on this piece of furniture that lets us sit. Now the newest version is the Stump Recycled which carries the same basic structure of the stool but is now made from 80% recycled post-industrial plastic LDPE. And if you’re the type that would go for furniture that’s made sustainability then this should be right up your alley.

Because of the material it’s made from, you also get a different design. The patterns on the stools feature a terrazzo-like design which makes it more textured and colorful look. The original Stump stools had pretty solid colors but this time around you have the option to have a seat with a kaleidoscope-like finish. This is their “fresh interpretation” of how you can use recycled materials to enhance your design as well.

Derlot says that more than just a stool that you can sit on, this is a symbol of their commitment to pursue more sustainable design and production. I don’t know how long I can last sitting on this stool though as it’s small and doesn’t look that comfortable but sure, for sustainability, it’s a pretty interesting piece of furniture to have.

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Lego Cherry Blossoms lets you have spring in your house soon

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There are people born with “green thumbs” that are able to create wonderful gardens and plant and floral masterpieces. And then there are people like me who kill everything green that they touch (yes, I even manage to kill succulents and bonsais). If you’re the latter or you have kids that are interested in flowers and would need practice on non-living versions of floral arrangements or if you just like adding a bit of flowery things to your collection, then this new Lego addition should interest you.

Designer: Lego

Spring is still a few months away but the LEGO Cherry Blossoms will help you get ready for it, as long as you’re 8 years old and above. The set features two buildable cherry blossom twigs that you can mix and match to get white and pink blooms. Since it’s Lego, you don’t get the actual flowers. You need to build it with the 438 pieces that come with the set to create two twigs that can measure up to 14 inches (35 cm) long. You can combine the different colors or stick to creating a white stem and a pink stem separately.

Once you’re able to complete your cherry blossom twigs, you can put it around the house as a piece of spring decoration. You can also combine it with other LEGO flower sets (sold separately) like their Roses, Wildflower Bouquet, Dried Flower Centerpiece, Flower Bouquet, Botanical Collection, etc. If it’s winter where you are, then these flowers can brighten up your space even though they may not be in season.

It’s interesting to see Lego venturing into other sets that may not necessarily appeal to their original market that are used to bigger and more complicated builds. But the Cherry Blossoms and their other flower sets is perfect for young kids who aspire to eventually create gardens or for adults like me who can only dream of having an actual green thumb.

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Motorola brigns Pantone Color of the Year 2024 Peach Fuzz to its smartphones

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The moment Pantone announced their Color of the Year for 2024, we expected a lot of brands to officially and unofficially carry the Peach Fuzz tones for their respective products. If that is a color that you prefer or if you like that shade, then good for you as all year round you’ll see different brands and products carry the hue. If you’re not a fan, well, you’ll have to endure it and just look for other colors that match your preferences. If you’re the former and you’re looking for a new Android phone, then Motorola is a very good option.

Designer: Motorola

Motorola has come up with a tie-in with Pantone to bring Peach Fuzz versions of two of their newest smartphones, the motorola razr 40 ultra and the motorola edge 40 neo. The only difference between these versions of the smartphones and the original iteration is that they’re carrying the warm and cozy hues of the color of 2024, “highlighting the importance of shared moments” through the combination of Pantone’s “mastery of color” and Motorola’s “legendary design”

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For those who prefer a more hip and modern device, the flippable design of the motorola razr 40 ultra / razr+ with the Peach Fuzz color with the vegan leather finish might appeal more as they’re branding it for the extroverts. It boasts of several camera modules like its 12MP dual cam, the 13MP ultrawide lens, and the 32MP wide selfie camera. Those looking for a more “sophisticated” smartphone can go with the motorola edge 40 neo with its 6.55-inch P-OLED display, 5,000 mAh battery, and camera setup (50MP main, 13MP ultrawide lens, 32MP selfie cam).

Both Motorola and Pantone believe that color deepens our interaction with our devices as they express our individuality and preferences. The Peach Fuzz color in particular was chosen to harness “connection, community, and personal wellbeing”, which is what Motorola also wants to encapsulate in their smartphones.

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