Author Archives: Ida Torres

Smart device reminds you to take your meds when you have to

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When I was diagnosed with a certain condition a couple of years ago, it also comes with the tedious (and expensive) “habit” of drinking all kinds of medication. While in my head I know I have to drink these meds at certain times of the day, there are still a lot of times that I actually forget. Sure, we can always add reminders on our phones but sometimes we just snooze those reminders. Or that may just be me. But in reality, people still need all kinds of reminders to take their meds.

Designer: Rume Studio

Ownum Pod is a concept for a device that may be the first one with a smart reminder for medication. This isn’t just an app that can give you notifications when it’s time to take your meds. It’s actually a smart device where you can put your medicine bottle in it and then configure the app to give you reminders when to take it. There is a precision scale inside the device so it knows whether or not you took the correct dosage of your pills or tablets.

The pod itself looks like a smartphone or device charger with a space in the middle to put the medicine bottle. It probably has a standard bottle where you can just store your respective medicine in. And if you’re like me that takes several different meds, you can interconnect multiple pods with just one power cable / charging connection. It has a rubber base and is also modular so you can place double or multiple pods together.

The UI and function seems pretty simple based on the product renders, although there wasn’t much explanation or visuals of the connected app. I don’t know if something like this can help discipline someone like me into taking their meds regularly. But having an option like this may be helpful.

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Minimalist desk lamp is a flexible and functional space saver

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For people who spend hours (or more than half the day) at their desk, having proper lighting is a major factor for productivity. If the room you’re in doesn’t always have the best lighting, having a proper desk lamp is also important. Sometimes though, lamps can be bulky and take up precious desk space. This concept for a desk lamp solves that problem and also brings a bit of sustainability to the table, so to speak.

Designers: Simone Guglielmetti, Tommasso Rossi, Andrea Tomaciello, Nikia Kirilovs

The Tars desk lamp is a minimalist concept that shouldn’t take up real estate in your work space. That’s because it’s designed to be clipped to the edge of the table so you’ll have space for all the important things you need to do on your desk. The design also makes it more flexible and gives it a wide range of movement so you can easily place the light where you actually need it. You can twist it around and probably also stretch it to a certain extent so it can reach the parts of your space that needs lighting.

Even the controls are pretty minimalist but also easy to use. The interface is on the bottom of the head so it’s easy to reach wherever you’ve placed the light. The circle button is to turn it on and off while the other button is to adjust the light temperature. They’re both edgeless and can be seen from both sides. The designers also said that it’s easy to assemble and disassemble, also keeping in mind the repairability when choosing the materials to create the lamp.

They were able to do a 3D printed model to make sure that all the functionalities that they designed were working. I for one would want to have a desk lamp like this since one of my problems in my home desk is space. As they say on the internet, “shut up and take my money” if this ever goes into production.

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Light stand with webcam can make people more comfortable on video calls

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After years of doing video conferencing while we were working or studying remotely, you would think that people have gotten used to using our computers’ and devices’ webcams already. But there are still those that are not used to turning on their cameras to participate in video calls whether for work, school, or personal reasons. It’s something that will probably be around for the foreseeable future so we still need all kinds of video conferencing tools.

Designer: Soohyun Lim, Designer Dot

Seesun is a concept for a webcam and lighting tool that can be utilized by those who are concerned with privacy but also need something to help them out for times when they have no choice but to turn their cameras on. It’s basically a display that can cover the camera if you don’t want to use it but if you need to actually use it, a smiley face will help you become more accustomed to the camera.

When you turn on the camera, you’ll see a countdown to help you prepare for when it begins showing you to whoever it is that you’re meeting with. There is a smiley face on the display that will supposedly help put you at ease and make you stare directly into the camera and make you look more trustworthy. It can also serve as a light stand if your room needs it to give a better video quality. There is also a small remote to help you control the device.

The design basically is that of a light stand but with a web camera on top. The smiley face may actually help in putting people not used to appearing on webcams at ease. As someone so used to video calls, it may not be much of use to me but there are still a lot of people out there who need tools like this to become a video calling pro.

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Perfect 3Way Beer Glass may be the perfect way to enjoy Sapporo’s Kuro Label

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For casual or even regular beer drinkers, how or where you drink it is not that much of a priority. The important thing is to have a preferably ice cold glass or can and just drink it straight or casually while talking to friends or just relaxing at the end of the day. But for beer connoisseurs, there are a lot of factors that may go into their enjoyment of their drink of choice, particularly the glass that holds this amber liquid.

Designer: Nendo

For draft beer drinkers, the Kuro Label variant of Sapporo is a particular favorite. And Japanese design firm Nendo has come up with the perfect glass to savor and maximize the flavor and aroma of this variant and probably other draft beers that you will drink out of it. The Perfect 3Way Glass is an assymetrical creation that has three different mouthfeels that you can use and get three different experiences with the beer.

The front and back part of the glass is the “straight side” which is where you should drink the beer first. The beer should trickle down to the center of your tongue and straight to the back of your mouth, giving you the initial crisp finish of your drink. Then you can move over to the left side that has a curvaceous finish to fill your mouth with a “mellow, rich aroma and bouquet of liquid” since you’re drinking from a wider rim. Lastly, go over and drink from the bulbous shape on the right side which hits the middle of your tongue and control the flow of the beer.

If you’re like me, you probably will not remember to drink the beer in that order and will most likely just gulp it down any which way I want. But the asymmetrical design of the glass will definitely catch my interest even if I may not be able to distinguish the different flavors and aromas on each side, being the casual beer drinker that I am.

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Magnifying glasses turn into classic magnifying lens when not in use

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One of the things that I have to accept as a person that’s getting older and that has bad eyesight is the fact that I can’t read books with small fonts anymore. I’m not yet at the point where magnifying glasses are actually needed but I know we’ll eventually get there. There are more convenient ways now of using magnifying lenses instead of the old school way of actually holding a lens in one hand with the reading material on the other hand. This concept for magnifying glasses is something I may eventually want or need.

Designer: Jongcheol Yang

The VAN magnifying glasses concept fixes the problem of unnecessary parts that may cause inconvenience or even dizziness to those that need to use this kind of glasses. The idea is for this to be similar to reading glasses in a sense that you only wear them when you need to use them. The magnifying part is only placed on the lower part where the magnifying lens is located. And when you’re feeling dizzy or you need to rest your eyes, you just have to look straight ahead since the lens part will not be there anymore.

The other cool thing about this concept is that if you don’t need to wear the glasses, you can just fold up the front and then the “legs”. It will then turn into the classic magnifying glass that we’re used to and then you can store it in your bag. They don’t show it in the product renders but maybe if you just rotate the lens itself away from the stem, then you can use it like a regular magnifying glass without having to wear it as actual glasses.

It’s an interesting concept for sure, particularly for people who already have a hard time reading things that have small prints. Of course it’s another thing to add to things you need to bring and to mind. But at least it solves some of the issues that come with current magnifying glasses.

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Chess set concept commemorates Nakhchivan’s 100th anniversary

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If you’re the type to collect special edition chess sets, you’re probably always on the lookout for those that have a pretty unique design. You also probably don’t really play these sets on a regular basis but you’re more likely to display it somewhere in your space or if you’re planning to open a chess museum or something. If you’re also into sets that seem to belong on a set of fantasy epics like Game of Thrones, then this is something you might want to look at if this becomes a reality.

Designer: Adam Yuniso and Hatam Yunisli

Nakhchivan may not be a household name when it comes to places that you’d like to visit someday but based on what I’ve “researched” (read: Googled) so far, it is a place worth considering. The official name is Nakchivan Autonomous Republic, and is a “landlocked enclave” of the Republic of Azerbaijan bordered by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. To celebrate its 100th anniversary, a souvenir project was proposed and it’s a stunning looking chess set (that also seems expensive).

Instead of the usual chess pieces, each one is designed to represent various Nakhchivan architecture like the Garabaghlar Mausoleum, Nakhchivan Memorial Museum, and several other mausoleums that hold significance to the republic. They look like they would look right at home at a classic castle that displays awesome-looking chess sets. Instead of being positioned in the traditional way that the pieces are placed, the designers said that they are placed in relation to the other chess pieces.

Now I don’t know if that means the rules are quite different ofr this Nakhchivan Chess Set but it does look pretty impressive based on the product renders. It may also not be something you’d play on a regular basis but a chess set that can be displayed especially if you have a strong connection to Nakhchivan.

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Pet water fountain lets you automate filtered water for your fur babies

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Just like with humans, hydration is pretty important for our four-legged friends. But also just like with people like me, we often forget to drink water unless it’s there already in front of us. And if you have pets at home and you can’t be with them for the most part of the day, it’s important to have enough water for them to last the whole day. Of course you can leave water in a bowl for them but it’s sometimes not enough or it’s not always that hygienic. Pet water fountains are a good option and this one in particular seems to be a pretty well-designed one.

Designer: PAWaii

The PAWaii Wireless Pet Water Fountain is one way to make sure that your pet is properly hydrated whether you’re at home to take care of them or not. It is one way to make sure that they will have access to clean and filtered water as it is has an NSF-certified filter that reduces calcium and magnesium ions and has UV sterilization that kills bacteria and microorganisms in the water. There are three modes that you can use and they can even be used simultaneously. There is an inductive mode, a regular mode that dispenses water per hour, and a manual mode.

To also ensure your pet’s safety, the device has a water-electricity separation design and an anti-slip silicone pad. But It also has a 5,000 mAh lithium-ion battery so it can last up to 70 days without a need to charge it if you schedule it to dispense water at least 25 times a day. The more it dispenses of course, the less the battery will last. It is also able to monitor the water consumption and drinking times and all the data is transmitted to the connected app so you can track everything remotely.

It looks like a regular water filter container for humans but the fountain part may attract your pets when the water gushes out and may induce them to actually drink whether they’re thirsty or not. It is available in a bright orange color but also a more minimalist white/transparent color, depending on your pet’s (or rather, your) taste. Now if only we could also have something similar for humans like me who need constant reminders to hydrate.

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Lego gives you romantic couch potato date with a date night box

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Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you still don’t have any idea how to spend it with your loved one, don’t worry. There are tons of brands that will be offering you some alternatives aside from the usual dinner, chocolates, and flowers. More and more couples have actually been spending quality time at home (if they choose to celebrate at all) instead of going out so we’re also seeing brands create things for these home buddies. If you live in Singapore and you love Lego, then you’ll be excited about this.

Designer: Lego

If you were expecting that they will create a romantic themed Lego build, then you’re only half right. Brick Date is indeed sweet and will bring you two closer together, but you don’t have to worry about creating an elaborate build. The “date night in a box” contains some things you can use while you’re sipping wine at home on a couch potato kind of date (not necessarily on the 14th of course). In case your partner enjoys receiving physical cards, the box has a romantic greeting card inside along with 23 conversation cards that you can use to bond, whether you’re just new in the relationship or you’ve been together for a long time.

There’s also a heart-shaped lock made from Lego pieces of course that you can use as a symbol of your “unbreakable bond”. You can keep it at home or leave in a place where people put up love locks. Yours will probably stand out since most of the locks there will be normal looking padlocks. The box also has two coasters with heart-shaped Lego bricks so you can place your aforementioned wine glasses or coffee or tea mugs in case that’s your drink of choice.

The Brick Date box itself can also be transformed into a playmat in case you need something to place the cards on. There’s also a sticker sheet inside in case you need something to put in your journal or wall to commemorate your date night. Unfortunately, this is only available as an exclusive gift for those who will purchase SG$199 worth of selected Lego products in Singapore until February 18. When you click on their website though it says the Date Night In A Box is already sold out so we don’t know if they’ll be restocking in time for next week.

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Zen-inspired aesthetic coffee maker concept may give you a peaceful morning

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One of the best ways to start the day is by enjoying a cup of coffee when you wake up while things haven’t started becoming busy yet. But a lot of times, I wake up late and hurriedly go through my morning routine and sometimes I’m not even able to grab that crucial cup of caffeinated goodness. What if the things that you use for your morning (or evening) coffee routine is something that can bring you an added source of peace and tranquility so your day can actually start (or end) right?

Designer: Suckhand Saren

This is the exact idea behind the concept for a set of coffee makers aptly called Zenbrew. The goal is to achieve a zen-like mood while you’re brewing your coffee and while you’re sipping your cup in peace. Using a combination of minimalist design, elegant aesthetics, and of course much needed functionality. The designer wanted to elevate what is simply the act of brewing coffee into a “sensory experience” but keeping it simple, elegant, and peaceful. The main design inspiration is the hourglass which is not always a symbol of zen but when combined with the minimalist aesthetic, it actually fits the concept.

There seems to be two kinds of coffee makers in the concept. The first one is closer to the usual coffee maker that we see in the market with the carafe with the handle but with a glass dome at the top where the brewing magic happens. The other design seems to be a combination of a pour over device and a bunsen burner. The carafe is a bit smaller and with a straight handle rather than a curved one. Both designs also have a futuristic, space-like feel which may also contribute to the other worldly zen you may experience while brewing and drinking your coffee.

While having coffee makers as aesthetic as this will not guarantee I’ll have a peaceful morning, it might actually help me get up earlier. Having a nice coffee maker, along with delicious coffee beans and other ingredients, are sometimes enough incentive for me to try and have an unhurried morning routine. Wake me up when this concept actually gets made into coffee machines.

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Take your chess game on the road with unique, portable set

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I never really properly learned chess or at least remembered the basic rules, although I did enjoy Netflix’ The Queen’s Gamit. I also have close friends who really enjoy playing the game or watching people play the game. But the problem sometimes is that chess sets are pretty hard to carry around if you wanted to play outside your home like in the office or when traveling. There are some small, portable chess sets that you can bring around but it’s probably not as stylish as this one.

Designer: Sofia Gegunde

The Hyde Chess set is built for practicality and portability but is also designed to look like something different from your usual chess sets. For one, the pieces aren’t the traditional ones that you see but are a re-imagining of the pawns, rooks, knight, bishop, queen, and king but in circular pieces that can fit easily into the smaller and portable set and box. They’re all the same height except for the king and queen. There is a cylindrical holder inside to store the pieces when they’re not in use and there are also slots on the chess board to “stabilize” them when you’re actually using them to play a game of chess.

When not in use, everything is just stored inside a small box. But when it’s time to actually play chess, just open it and assemble the chess board with the rectangular pieces. You can then remove the circular chess pieces from their storage and arrange them on the board like you would a regular set and start the game whenever you’re ready. The pieces are made with a CNC router while the wooden parts are made from guatambu and dark cedro.

The assembly and disassembly are pretty easy and learning the different pieces should be pretty easy. Even though they’re circular pieces, the designs are based on the traditional chess pieces. If they actually produce and sell this, it would be a pretty neat gift item for my chess-loving friends and they may even eventually convince me to play with them.

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