Tag Archives: Product Design

Only 7% of Materials Get Recycled – These 5 Products Were Designed to Fix That

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The circular economy is a sustainable model of production and consumption that aims to reduce waste and extend the life of resources. Unlike the traditional linear system of “take-make-dispose,” it promotes a closed-loop approach where materials are reused, repaired, refurbished, and recycled. This model helps conserve natural resources, lowers environmental impact, and supports long-term economic resilience. A recent report indicates that only 6.9% of the 106 billion tonnes of materials used globally each year are recycled.

Despite growing awareness, the current rates of material reuse remain alarmingly low, highlighting the urgent need to rethink how products are designed and used. At its core, the circular economy focuses on keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible by rethinking how they are designed, used, and repurposed. It aims to eliminate waste and pollution from the start. Some core principles of the circular economy are outlined below:

1. Designing Products to Last and Adapt

Products should be designed with longevity in mind. This means using high-quality, durable materials that can withstand wear and tear over time. A well-made product reduces the need for frequent replacements, helping both the environment and the user’s wallet.

Equally important is making products easy to repair and update. Components should be simple to access, replace, or upgrade without specialized tools. Modular designs that allow users to adapt items for different uses add even more value. By thinking ahead during the design stage, products can stay useful longer and avoid ending up as waste.

Novum 3D is a fully recyclable backpack developed by Vaude, a German outdoor brand committed to sustainability and circular design. Made entirely from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the backpack is 3D-printed using a mono-material approach. This allows each part—from the straps and packsack to the honeycomb back pads to be easily disassembled and returned to the production cycle. By eliminating the use of mixed materials, Vaude addresses a major challenge in the textile industry and moves closer to true material circularity.

The backpack features a honeycomb construction inspired by one of nature’s most stable forms. This design offers high structural integrity with minimal material usage, while providing lightweight comfort and built-in ventilation. Varying degrees of hardness within the 3D-printed structure ensure balanced pressure distribution for ergonomic support. Novum 3D showcases Vaude’s dedication to innovation, proving that eco-conscious design can deliver both performance and comfort for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Designed to Be Recycled

Products should be designed with their end-of-life in mind, using materials that can be easily recycled. Consider choosing mono-materials where all parts are made from the same substance, as it helps avoid the need for complex sorting or separation during recycling.

Equally important is avoiding bonded or composite materials that are difficult to break down. Products should also be easy to disassemble, allowing different parts to be separated and recycled properly. This kind of thoughtful design supports a circular economy by keeping materials in use longer and reducing the amount that ends up as waste.

COSMOPLAST is a modular furniture system from Argentina, designed by Marcela Coppari and grounded in circular design principles—reuse, modularity, and sustainability. The system features geometric plates in various shapes and sizes, including circles, semicircles, squares, and rectangles. These components connect via aluminum tubes of varying heights and 5 cm-diameter connectors made from R-PEAD recycled plastic. Designed for adaptability, the structure supports both vertical and horizontal configurations, enabling users to create tables, shelves, and seating solutions tailored to diverse spatial needs.

Assembly is intuitive and tool-free, using a simple press-fit system and a rubber mallet. The perforated plates allow multidirectional expansion, enhancing design flexibility. Each COSMOPLAST kit includes plate modules, CNC-machined connectors, and laser-cut aluminum tubes finished with epoxy paint, all packaged in a compact textile bag and flat cardboard box. Handcrafted in Argentina, with plastic plates manufactured by Necológica in Necochea, COSMOPLAST offers a refined, sustainable approach to modern, customizable furniture.

3. Reduce Material Consumption

Businesses should focus on reducing their use of raw materials while still maintaining product quality and performance. This can be achieved through strategies like using alternative or recycled materials, designing lightweight products, and improving manufacturing processes to be more resource-efficient.

By cutting down on material consumption, companies not only help conserve natural resources but also lower production costs. These efforts lead to more sustainable products and a smaller environmental footprint. In the long run, this approach supports business success and environmental responsibility.

The Holiday Home in Brasschaat, Belgium, is a compact and sustainable residence designed by Polygoon Architectuur, employing circular construction and bio-ecological building methods. With a total area of 750 square feet, the structure features a unique pentagonal floor plan and a sloped roof that extends the ceiling height to 22 feet, creating a sense of spaciousness within a compact footprint. To minimize impact on the landscape, the home is elevated on eleven timber poles, serving as an alternative foundation system that enhances environmental harmony and mobility.

Constructed onsite in just five days, the home utilizes locally sourced coniferous wood for the frame, selected for its renewability, cost-efficiency, and hands-on suitability. The exterior is clad in bark planks for a vapor-open façade, while the interior is finished with oriented strand board (OSB) to support insulation. Spread over two levels, the layout includes living spaces, a kitchen, and bathroom on the ground floor, with sleeping areas and storage located above.

4. Designing for Zero Waste

Sustainability begins with smart design. Rather than dealing with waste and pollution after they occur, the focus should be on preventing them from the outset. This means rethinking how products are made and choosing materials and methods that avoid generating waste in the first place.

Designing with intention helps reduce emissions, limit harmful byproducts, and lower the risk of spills or environmental harm. By addressing these issues early in the process, companies can create cleaner, more efficient systems that support long-term environmental health and business responsibility. It’s a proactive step toward a more sustainable future.

Calatea Green is a sustainable reimagining of the original Calatea chair by designer Cristina Celestino, created to mark the launch of Green Pea, Italy’s first green retail park. Guided by circular economy principles, Celestino redesigned each element with environmental impact in mind. The chair’s padding is made from recycled PET fabric sourced from plastic bottles that are recyclable and compostable. Its legs use FSC-certified ash wood from responsibly managed forests, while the upholstery is crafted from 100% recycled cotton yarn, certified by the Global Recycled Standard.

To align aesthetics with values, the original tropical Calathea motif has been replaced with a hand-painted design using non-toxic, water-based ink, inspired by Celestino’s roots in Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region known for its native alder tree. The project reflects Pianca’s broader sustainability ethos, which includes sourcing wood from certified forests, using 90% recycled packaging, and powering production entirely through a photovoltaic energy system.

5. Designing for Regeneration

The circular economy is not just about minimizing damage, but it is also about giving back to the environment. It focuses on restoring natural systems by using renewable energy, repairing degraded land, and promoting biodiversity. These actions go beyond sustainability, aiming to renew what has been lost.

By adopting regenerative practices, businesses can contribute to environmental recovery while building long-term resilience. The goal is to create an economy that improves the well-being of people and the planet, not just preserves it. This shift in mindset helps shape a future where nature and industry can thrive together.

Foresta System is a modular acoustic panel system developed by Mogu, designed to combine sustainability with functional interior acoustics. Each panel is made from a unique blend of fungal mycelium and upcycled textile fibers, offering natural sound absorption while remaining lightweight and biodegradable. The panels are entirely free of synthetic materials, aligning with circular design principles. Their organic texture and composition make them ideal for reducing ambient noise in spaces such as offices, restaurants, and retail environments.

The system is supported by a timber frame constructed from wooden branches and modular nodes. These nodes contain integrated magnets, allowing the panels to be easily mounted, repositioned, or removed without the need for tools. This design enables flexibility in layout and ease of installation. Using advanced technologies such as parametric modeling and robotic manufacturing, the Foresta System merges refined wooden aesthetics with innovative biomaterials to create a sustainable and visually distinctive acoustic solution.

Circular design offers more than just sustainable solutions as it redefines how we create, use, and reuse materials. By designing with longevity, recyclability, and resource efficiency in mind, it helps close the loop on waste. As industries adopt these principles, circular design is not just shaping products but also shaping a more responsible and regenerative future for generations to come.

The post Only 7% of Materials Get Recycled – These 5 Products Were Designed to Fix That first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Essential Compact Travel Gadgets & Tools That Won’t Weigh You Down

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Modern travel demands a delicate balance between staying connected and packing light. The days of stuffing suitcases with bulky electronics are over. Today’s best travel gadgets prioritize intelligent design, multi-functionality, and genuine portability without sacrificing performance. These ten compact essentials prove that smart engineering can deliver full-featured experiences in surprisingly small packages.

Each item on this list earned its spot through rigorous real-world testing and design excellence. These aren’t just miniaturized versions of desk-bound gear – they’re purpose-built solutions for the mobile lifestyle. From enhanced optics that slip into your pocket to charging solutions that adapt to any global outlet, these gadgets redefine what travel-ready technology can accomplish.

1. Nikon 4x10D CF Pocket Binoculars

Nikon’s pocket binoculars represent industrial design at its most elegant. These aren’t chunky field glasses but sleek optical instruments that disappear into your everyday carry. The refreshed colorways add style without compromising the core philosophy: enhanced vision should integrate seamlessly into your life rather than announce itself through bulk.

The tactile experience feels fundamentally different from smartphone zoom. There’s something immediate about optical magnification that digital enhancement can’t replicate. These binoculars solve traditional field glass problems through pure miniaturization, creating a single-purpose tool that actually gets carried because it doesn’t burden your load.

What we like

  • Genuinely pocketable size without optical compromise.
  • Premium build quality with sophisticated design aesthetic.

What we dislike

  • Limited 4x magnification compared to larger binoculars.
  • Higher price point than basic compact alternatives.

2. ASUS RT-BE58U WiFi 7 Travel Router

The RT-BE58U transforms portable networking from afterthought to centerpiece. This Red Dot Award winner packs WiFi 7 speeds into a chassis that’s equally at home in a gaming setup or travel backpack. Collapsible antennas and sustainable materials prove that cutting-edge wireless technology doesn’t require traditional router bulk.

Multi-Link Operation and 4K-QAM deliver serious performance metrics – up to 3600 Mbps across dual bands with backward compatibility for legacy devices. The real innovation lies in seamless lifestyle integration. This router pivots from home office powerhouse to hotel room connectivity solution without missing a beat.

What we like

  • WiFi 7 speeds with comprehensive backward compatibility.
  • The collapsible design is perfect for both home and travel use.

What we dislike

  • Premium pricing for what some consider basic networking needs.
  • A complex feature set might overwhelm casual users.

3. Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charging Station Global Edition

Mophie’s foldable charging station solves the Apple ecosystem’s biggest travel challenge: powering iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously without cable chaos. The Global Edition adds international plug compatibility, making this a genuine worldwide solution rather than another US-centric accessory.

Foldable design transforms from compact travel companion to full desktop charging station. Wireless convenience means fewer cables and adapters cluttering your travel kit. The engineering prioritizes both space efficiency and charging reliability, delivering consistent power delivery across all three device types.

What we like

  • Simultaneous wireless charging for three Apple devices.
  • Truly foldable design that packs remarkably flat.

What we dislike

  • Limited to Apple ecosystem compatibility only.
  • Requires compatible wireless charging cases for older devices.

4. Goudveer F1 Portable Coffee Grinder

Fresh coffee shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for home kitchens. The F1 combines industrial-grade conical burrs with thermos-sized portability, ensuring quality grounds whether you’re camping or staying in a minimalist Airbnb. Hot-swappable motor and hand-crank options adapt to any power situation.

One hundred grind settings provide professional-level control in a package that fits standard travel bags. The fold-out collection tray eliminates the need for separate containers. This represents thoughtful engineering applied to a genuine travel problem: maintaining coffee quality without carrying barista-sized equipment.

What we like

  • Industrial-grade burrs deliver consistent professional results.
  • Dual electric/manual operation adapts to any situation.

What we dislike

  • Higher maintenance requirements than simple travel alternatives.
  • Premium price point may deter casual coffee drinkers.

5. RetroWave 7-in-1 Radio

This retro-styled radio proves that emergency preparedness doesn’t require military-grade aesthetics. Seven functions – radio, Bluetooth speaker, MP3 player, flashlight, power bank, clock, and SOS alarm – pack into a design that wouldn’t look out of place on a modern desk.

Hand-crank and solar charging ensure functionality when traditional power sources fail. The tactile tuning dial provides satisfying analog control while Bluetooth connectivity bridges old and new. This represents intelligent multi-functionality where every feature serves a genuine purpose rather than checking marketing boxes.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89.00

What we like

  • Seven essential functions in one beautifully designed package.
  • Multiple charging methods ensure power in any situation.

What we dislike

  • Retro aesthetic might not appeal to minimalist design preferences.
  • Feature complexity could overwhelm users seeking simple radio functionality.

6. Tspin Fidget Spinner Multi-Tool

Tspin transforms nervous fidgeting into practical functionality. This titanium multi-tool includes a bottle opener, SIM card tools, a smartphone stand, a cable organizer, and a precision screwdriver while maintaining classic spinner mechanics. The carabiner clip provides secure attachment without typical camping gear bulk.

Travel anxiety meets practical problem-solving through thoughtful engineering. That missing bottle opener or SIM card ejector tool gets integrated into something you’ll naturally carry. The smartphone stand function proves particularly valuable for solo travelers wanting to appear in their own photos.

What we like

  • Multiple essential tools disguised as a stress-relief toy.
  • Premium titanium construction ensures long-term durability.

What we dislike

  • The fidget spinner trend feels dated to some users.
  • Small tool sizes may not suit all hand sizes comfortably.

7. AirPods Neck Strap

These woven straps solve AirPods’ biggest design flaw: they’re expensive devices that easily disappear. The patented magnetic lock keeps both earbuds secure while allowing quick removal for listening. Three color options match different style preferences without screaming “tech accessory.”

Transforming wireless earbuds back into a necklace format feels counterintuitive until you experience the peace of mind. No more patting pockets or checking bags for escaped AirPods. The woven construction feels premium rather than cheap aftermarket, making this functional fashion rather than pure utility.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39.00

What we like

  • Eliminates AirPods loss anxiety.
  • Premium woven materials feel genuinely fashionable.

What we dislike

  • Returns to the tethered earbud concept that AirPods originally escaped.
  • Additional accessory to remember and maintain.

8. Nothing Power (1) Battery Bank

Nothing’s transparent design philosophy transforms boring power banks into captivating tech art. The glyph interface communicates charging status, battery levels, and smartphone notifications through sophisticated light patterns. Internal circuitry becomes a visual element rather than a hidden component.

Twenty thousand mAh capacity provides multiple phone charges, while 65W fast charging reaches fifty percent power in under twenty minutes. The glyph system proves particularly valuable for solo travelers who can monitor charging progress and receive notifications without constantly checking devices.

What we like

  • The glyph interface provides information without screen dependency.
  • Transparent design creates visual interest beyond pure functionality.

What we dislike

  • Premium pricing for what’s essentially standard power bank capacity.
  • Complex light patterns require a learning curve for interpretation.

9. For Me Buds AI Sleep Monitoring Earbuds

Sleep optimization becomes crucial when constantly changing time zones and sleeping environments. These earbuds combine noise cancellation with AI-powered binaural beats tailored to individual sleep stages. Heart rate and movement sensors provide comprehensive sleep analysis without wrist-worn devices.

Real-time sound adjustment throughout sleep cycles represents a genuine AI application rather than a marketing buzzword. The earbuds deliver personalized audio directly into your ears for more effective sleep enhancement than external speakers. Pattern analysis helps adapt to new schedules and unfamiliar environments.

What we like

  • AI-powered sleep optimization with real-time audio adjustment.
  • Comprehensive sleep tracking without additional wearable devices.

What we dislike

  • Sleeping with earbuds may feel uncomfortable for some users.
  • Complex AI features might overwhelm users seeking simple noise cancellation.

10. TA-205

This adapter acknowledges modern reality: travelers carry more devices than ever, and they all need power simultaneously. Supporting over 200 countries with seven charging ports eliminates device priority decisions. Dual AC sockets handle both universal and US-specific plugs.

Three USB-A ports manage accessories while dual USB-C ports handle primary devices. The 35.5W fast-charge capability means phones power quickly rather than keeping travelers tethered to walls. Compact engineering doesn’t compromise power delivery across the full range of modern electronics.

What we like

  • Seven simultaneous charging ports eliminate device priority decisions.
  • 200+ countries are compatible with intelligent plug adaptation.

What we dislike

  • Multiple ports might exceed some hotel outlet power limits.
  • Compact size makes individual port access occasionally cramped.

Smart Engineering Meets Modern Travel

These ten gadgets represent the evolution of travel technology from bulky necessities to elegant essentials. Each item earned its place through genuine utility rather than feature bloat. Smart travelers recognize that the best gear enhances experiences without announcing its presence through weight or bulk.

The common thread connecting these products is thoughtful engineering applied to real travel challenges. Whether it’s maintaining coffee quality, staying connected globally, or optimizing sleep across time zones, each solution prioritizes genuine portability without compromising core functionality. This represents the future of travel gear: invisible when not needed, indispensable when required.

The post 10 Essential Compact Travel Gadgets & Tools That Won’t Weigh You Down first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Dual-Barrel EDC Flashlight Has A Beam Distance Of A Whopping 1.2 Miles or 2 Kilometers

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The EDC community loves two things: innovation and overkill (in the best possible way). The Lumitwin DL700 delivers both. Imagine a flashlight so powerful it throws light 2 kilometers into the distance. That’s 1.24 miles of beam reach, which is frankly absurd for something you can clip to your bag with a carabiner. This isn’t your grandfather’s Maglite. With dual independently-controlled barrels, laser-excited phosphor modules instead of LEDs, and swappable color filters for different outdoor scenarios, the DL700 reads like a wishlist from r/flashlight brought to life. At 1,032 grams, it’s substantial but purposeful – machined from aerospace aluminum and built to survive everything from torrential rain (IP68 rated) to rough handling.

Every outdoor enthusiast has been there: you’re on a night hike, and your phone’s flashlight dies. Or you’re searching for a trail marker, squinting into the darkness as your standard LED flashlight’s beam dissolves into useless scatter. The Lumitwin DL700 was born from exactly these frustrations – designed by explorers who wanted more than just bright; they wanted far, focused, and adaptable. The DL700 delivers 2,000 meters of throw distance with interchangeable red, green, and flood filters for hunting, search-and-rescue, or tactical situations. Machined from a single aluminum block and rated for 1-meter drops and IP68 waterproofing, it’s the kind of tool you grab when even your purpose-built EDC flashlight won’t cut it.

Designer: Lumitwin

Click Here to Buy Now: $329 $950 (65% off) Hurry! Only 7 days to go.

LEDs have dominated flashlight design for decades, but the Lumitwin DL700 is betting on a different light source entirely. Each barrel houses a Blue Lake NT2 laser-excited phosphor module. This is the same technology that powers high-end automotive laser headlights, where a laser excites a phosphor layer to generate intensely focused light. You’re not shooting laser beams at things (important safety distinction), but you are getting illumination characteristics that conventional LEDs simply cannot match. Traditional LED flashlights scatter their beams, losing intensity rapidly over distance. The DL700’s LEP technology creates a collimated beam that maintains coherence over extreme distances. When both barrels fire simultaneously, you get 1,100 lumens with a combined candela rating of 958,000 cd and that 2,000-meter throw distance. Switch to single-barrel alternating mode and you’re looking at 500 lumens on high with 479,000 cd, which still reaches 1,300 meters.

The dual-barrel setup isn’t just aesthetic mimicry of binoculars, though the form factor does borrow that ergonomic hollow-center grip. Each barrel operates completely independently with its own switch and brightness control. You can run both at full power for maximum illumination, use them separately to extend battery life, or set different configurations on each barrel for specific tasks. Thread-on filters for each barrel include red, green, and light-diffusing flood options. Red light preserves night vision for hunting or astronomy. Green cuts through fog and provides better contrast in dense vegetation. The flood filter transforms the focused laser beam into wider area illumination for close-up camp work or search and rescue scenarios where you need to illuminate a broader field. This modular approach gives you essentially six different flashlights in one package, and you can mix configurations. One barrel with red filter for navigation, one with standard white laser for distance spotting.

Each barrel gets its own 6,000mAh 21700 lithium-ion cell, totaling 12,000mAh across the entire unit. This explains why the alternating single-barrel mode delivers such impressive runtime. On high output with alternating barrels, you get eight hours. Drop to low output and you’re looking at 16 hours of continuous operation. Both barrels simultaneously at maximum output drain things faster at four hours on high, but that’s still respectable given the performance output. USB-C charging on both batteries means you’re not hunting for proprietary cables or dealing with annoying charging cradles.

Each unit is machined from a solid block of 6061 aerospace aluminum (the same alloy used in aircraft components and high-end bike frames) which explains both the premium feel and the 1,032-gram weight. IP68 waterproofing means submersion to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, which translates to “drop it in a river and you’re fine.” The specs list 10-meter drop resistance, which is more than you can claim for most smartphones. The body includes integrated cooling fins and an intelligent temperature control system to maintain stable brightness without thermal throttling, which is crucial for sustained high-output use.

Dimensions come in at 7.2 inches long, 3.15 inches wide, and 1.57 inches tall. This puts it firmly in the “substantial EDC” category rather than pocket-friendly territory. You’re carrying this on a belt loop, in a bag, or via the included braided wrist strap and carabiner setup. The included hard-shell case keeps everything organized and protected during transport. For context on use cases, this level of performance targets search and rescue operations, serious hunting and expedition work, tactical applications, and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable long-distance illumination. You’re not using this to find your keys in the dark. You’re using this to spot trail markers from a mountain ridge or illuminate a distant shoreline during night navigation.

Double the barrels but halve the price is what I imagine the folks at Lumitwin said when they launched their Kickstarter. The MSRP on the DL700 starts at an eye-watering $950, but a whopping 65% discount brings its price down to $329 for a limited time while the project accrues backers on Kickstarter. For that price you get an entire hard-shell case with the flashlight itself, two 6000mAh batteries, two floodlight filters, a red light filter, a green light filter, two replacement silicone buttons, a braided cord and carabiner for easy carrying, and finally 4 waterproof rings. The DL700 begins shipping globally starting December this year, so grab yours now and you should get it in time for Christmas, or maybe your holiday camping trip as the new year rolls in.

Click Here to Buy Now: $329 $950 (65% off) Hurry! Only 7 days to go.

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Apple To Launch $599 MacBook With An A18 Pro Chip Inside? Here’s What We Know

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The budget laptop market has long been dominated by Chromebooks and entry-level Windows machines, but Apple may be about to crash the party. Reports indicate the tech giant is preparing to launch a $599 MacBook featuring the A18 Pro chip, offering desktop-class macOS performance at a price point that directly challenges competitors. If true, this could be Apple’s biggest strategic shift in the laptop space in over a decade.

The rumored device would mark a dramatic departure from Apple’s traditional pricing strategy, which has kept MacBooks firmly in premium territory. But with Chromebooks capturing the education market and budget Windows laptops satisfying casual users, Apple has watched from the sidelines as millions of potential customers chose competitors simply because the price of entry was too high. This move could change that calculus entirely.

Designer: Apple

The laptops could sport a colorful design, helping differentiate it from the more capable Air and Pro models.

The A18 Pro chip is the same processor that powers the iPhone 16 Pro, and Apple claims it delivers performance comparable to the M1 MacBook Air. That’s a legitimately capable chip for everyday computing tasks like web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and light photo work. You’re looking at a 12.9-inch display housed in what’s described as an ultra-thin, lightweight frame, with color options including silver, blue, pink, and yellow. The base model comes with 8GB of RAM, though there’s reportedly an option to upgrade to 16GB. It runs full macOS, which means you get access to the entire Apple ecosystem and software library, something Chromebooks fundamentally cannot offer.

But here’s where things get interesting, and where Apple’s compromises become obvious. No Thunderbolt ports. Limited external display support. That base 8GB of RAM is going to struggle with anything beyond basic multitasking. This machine is clearly designed for a specific user: students writing papers, casual users checking email and browsing the web, first-time Mac buyers who want to dip their toes into the ecosystem without dropping two grand. Apple isn’t trying to replace the MacBook Air or Pro with this device. They’re creating an entirely new category within their lineup, one that prioritizes accessibility over capability.

Spring 2026 puts this launch alongside the M5 MacBook Air, which will undoubtedly carry a higher price tag and more robust specs. Apple gets to segment their market cleanly: budget buyers get the A18 Pro MacBook, mainstream users get the M5 Air, and professionals stick with the Pro and Max configurations. Analysts are predicting this could boost MacBook shipments by up to 40 percent, which would be massive for a company that’s watched competitors dominate the sub-$700 laptop space for years.

There’s a real risk here that Apple cannibalizes their own iPad sales. Why would someone buy an iPad in the same price range when they could get a full laptop with macOS instead? The value proposition shifts dramatically when you’re comparing a tablet with accessories that cost more than this MacBook to an actual laptop with a keyboard included. Apple clearly thinks the trade-off is worth it, betting that bringing more people into the Mac ecosystem will pay dividends down the line when those users eventually upgrade to pricier models.

The post Apple To Launch $599 MacBook With An A18 Pro Chip Inside? Here’s What We Know first appeared on Yanko Design.

This 3-in-1 Mouse Just Fixed Everything Wrong with Magic Mouse

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The computer mouse has barely evolved in decades. Sure, we’ve added more buttons, improved the sensor technology, made them wireless, and added haptic feedback, but the fundamental interaction remains stubbornly unchanged. The Melt Mouse arrives to challenge that stagnation with a radical proposition that transforms a single device into a mouse, a trackpad, and a customizable shortcut pad, all wrapped in a seamless aluminum body with clean lines and an uninterrupted surface.

What makes this device remarkable goes beyond its ability to multitask. The Melt Mouse represents a philosophical shift in how we think about input devices. Rather than cluttering your workspace with separate peripherals for different tasks, Melt Interface has created a unified tool that adapts to your workflow instead of forcing you to adapt to it.

Designer: Melt Interface

The design language clearly draws inspiration from Apple’s Magic Mouse aesthetic. That same smooth, button-free glass surface and minimalist aluminum construction creates an immediate visual connection. However, where Apple’s approach prioritizes form over function to sometimes frustrating results, the Melt Mouse appears to learn from those missteps.

The charging port sits in a practical location rather than underneath the device. The ergonomic profile offers more substantial palm support than the Magic Mouse’s notoriously flat design. This feels like taking Apple’s design philosophy and asking what happens when you actually prioritize the user experience alongside the visual appeal.

Where the Magic Mouse offers basic touch gestures, the Melt Mouse takes that concept considerably further. The entire top surface consists of a single curved plane of micro-textured glass that functions as a precision touchpad. The surface recognizes multi-finger gestures while maintaining the ergonomic advantage of a mouse form factor. For tasks requiring pixel-perfect precision in design work, it offers up to 6,000 DPI resolution.

Physical buttons have disappeared from the front, replaced by haptic feedback technology that provides tactile responses mimicking traditional scroll wheels and clicks. The system promises silent operation while maintaining sensory confirmation for each action. Users can customize the pressure sensitivity, adjusting from light taps to firm presses depending on preference. This button-free approach maintains the minimalist profile while potentially reducing mechanical failure points over time.

The device offers mode-switching through customizable gestures like double tapping or long pressing. These actions transform the mouse into a trackpad, number pad, or shortcut pad on demand. Twelve dots appear on the glass surface in numpad mode, providing visual reference points for number entry. Those same twelve positions become programmable shortcuts that can trigger macros or application-specific commands. The software allows different profiles for different applications, with the mouse adapting its shortcut layout accordingly.

The body gets machined from a single block of aluminum with an anodized finish that adds durability and refined tactile quality. The seamless construction eliminates gaps where dirt accumulates or mechanisms fail. Every surface transition flows smoothly into the next, creating an object that looks substantial on any desk setup. The shape follows the natural resting position of your hand, with curves that cradle your palm.

Customization extends beyond software to the physical design through the MagSole system. The bottom sole attaches magnetically and swaps effortlessly between five different colors. This allows users to match the mouse to their desk setup or simply change the look based on mood. The magnetic attachment system makes switching between colors a matter of seconds without tools or complicated mechanisms.

Wireless connectivity keeps desks free from cable clutter while maintaining the responsiveness required for professional creative work. Two physical buttons remain on the side of the device for functions that benefit from traditional tactile feedback. The combination of wireless freedom, sensor accuracy, and hybrid input methods creates a technical foundation designed to support rather than limit creative possibilities. Customizable software manages profiles, shortcuts, and sensitivity settings across different applications.

Melt Interface has created something that challenges assumptions about mouse design. The Melt Mouse demonstrates that minimalist aesthetics and multiple functions can coexist in a single device. By combining mouse, trackpad, and shortcut pad capabilities into one seamless package, they’ve proposed a new direction for interaction design that attempts to bridge physical and digital workflows through consolidated hardware.

The post This 3-in-1 Mouse Just Fixed Everything Wrong with Magic Mouse first appeared on Yanko Design.

New Film Camera With LiDAR Autofocus Brings Modern Tech to 35mm

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Film photography is having a renaissance, but most point-and-shoots on the market are either vintage relics with unpredictable quirks or new models that miss the tactile magic of analog shooting entirely. For anyone who wants the joy of film with the reliability of modern tech, the search can feel endless and frustrating. Most cameras force you to choose between nostalgia and convenience, never delivering both at once.

The Analogue aF-1 camera bridges that gap by blending the best of both worlds into one compact package designed for modern film shooters. With classic looks, a fast 35mm f/2.8 lens, and digital features like LiDAR autofocus and automatic film handling, it’s a camera that makes every shot feel intentional and every moment easier to capture without the usual hassles. The aF-1 brings together decades of camera evolution successfully.

Designer: Analogue

The aF-1’s minimalist, matte-finished body is inspired by iconic compacts of the past like the Olympus Mju and Contax T series, but it’s newly manufactured with modern materials and a robust, splashproof build rated IPX4 for weather resistance. The 35mm f/2.8 lens with its 6-element Double Gauss optical design delivers sharp images and pleasing depth, while the Albada viewfinder and two-stage shutter make framing and focusing intuitive.

Its compact size and rounded edges make it easy to slip into a bag or pocket, ready for spontaneous street shots or travel adventures wherever creativity strikes unexpectedly. The splash resistance means light rain or coastal spray won’t stop you from shooting during outdoor adventures, and the robust build stands up to daily carry and occasional bumps without requiring excessive care or bulky protective cases.

The real magic is in how the camera mixes analog charm and digital reliability seamlessly throughout the shooting experience. LiDAR and Time-of-Flight sensors power fast, accurate autofocus from 0.5 meters to infinity, so you never miss a fleeting moment even in tricky light conditions where vintage cameras would struggle. The automatic film loader, advance, and rewind mean you can focus on shooting compositions, not fiddling with film mechanics.

The GN8 flash recycles in as little as half a second between shots, with physical toggles for Auto, Forced, Anti Red-eye, Nightmode, and Off modes, giving you full manual control in any lighting situation you encounter. The fast recycle time means you’re always ready for the next shot without waiting around impatiently, and the flash reaches up to three meters at ISO 100 for properly lit group shots.

The aF-1 uses standard 35mm film with DX-coded ISO support from 25 to 5000 and is powered by a widely available CR123A battery that’s easy to find anywhere in the world. The shutter speed ranges from 1/1000 to 4 seconds for creative flexibility across different lighting scenarios. A 10-second self-timer and focus/exposure lock add creative options for group shots or experimental long exposures during golden hour.

Shooting with the aF-1 is about slowing down and savoring each frame, but without the headaches of vintage gear that breaks or requires constant servicing and repair from specialists. The camera’s blend of analog feel and digital reliability makes film photography less intimidating and more rewarding for newcomers while giving experienced shooters the dependability they need for important moments worth preserving forever on physical film.

The post New Film Camera With LiDAR Autofocus Brings Modern Tech to 35mm first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Genius Modular Power Strip Lets You Swap Outlets, USB Ports, and Wireless Pads Like LEGO Bricks

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Every power strip you’ve ever bought was designed for someone else. Too many USB-A ports when you need USB-C. No wireless charging. Or it has wireless charging but not enough wired ports. You’re stuck buying what manufacturers think you need, not what you actually need. TobenOne flips that script entirely. It’s a modular magnetic charging hub you build yourself. Snap on the modules you want, skip the ones you don’t. Need more USB-C? Add a module. Upgrade your setup later? Swap it out. It’s your desk, your devices, your rules.

The concept sounds almost embarrassingly obvious once you see it. A sleek aluminum rail serves as your base, and four circular magnetic modules snap onto it in whatever configuration makes sense for your setup. One module handles Qi wireless charging for your phone. Another packs three USB-C ports. There’s a USB-A 2.0 module for legacy gear and a hybrid USB-A 3.0 plus USB-C module for high-speed data transfer (I’ll dive into this later). The whole thing connects to your laptop via a single cable, and from there you can rearrange the modules however you want. It’s like someone finally asked “what if power strips worked like LEGO?” and actually followed through.

Designer: Tobenone

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $179 (50% off). Hurry, only 262/500 left!



Most of us have been through this cycle multiple times. You buy a hub or power strip based on your current gear. Six months later you upgrade your phone or laptop or tablet, and suddenly the thing you bought has the wrong port mix. Maybe you needed more USB-C than you thought. Maybe that wireless charging pad you bought separately is now just another piece of desk clutter taking up space. The traditional solution is to buy another hub, add to your desk clutter like another Jenga block along with other power strips/bricks/dongles, and pretend your cable management isn’t spiraling into chaos.

TobenOne’s approach means you buy a system once and just shape-shift it based on your current or future needs. The modules are independent of the strip itself, so when USB-C becomes even more dominant than it already is, you don’t trash your entire hub. You just swap out one module for another. It’s a small shift in thinking that has surprisingly large implications for how we manage our tech ecosystems. And this doesn’t just mean convenience, it’s a much more sustainable approach too. E-waste from obsolete charging gear is a legitimate problem, and modular design that lets you replace components instead of entire devices is one of the few practical ways to address it without requiring everyone to become minimalist monks who own three possessions.

The execution is incredibly clean – the modules themselves are incredibly sleek, all brushed metal sides and matte black tops with minimal branding. When you snap them onto the base, they sit flush and lock in with what appears to be strong enough magnetic force to stay put during normal use. There’s even a volume control module that lets you adjust your computer’s audio directly from the hub, which feels like the kind of small quality-of-life feature that gives your power strip some power-user features. No more fumbling with software volume sliders or keyboard shortcuts. Just twist the module. Clever, no?

The modules attach to the front, but two USB-C ports on the side deliver power input and output. Plug the TobenOne into a power source and it’s good to go… plug the other USB-C end into your laptop and it becomes a passthrough charger while also giving those modules data connectivity to your laptop. That means you can use USB-A ports not just for charging devices, but also for connecting thumb drives, hard disks, etc. for high-speed data transfer. Suddenly your power strip is capable of so much more. And you could choose to keep the TobenOne on your table, or even wall-mount it so that you can attach your phone to its MagSafe module directly to the wall. That gives you full control without all the desk clutter. It’s a power strip, but it’s also a dongle, but it’s also a convenient companion that doesn’t get in the way of your minimalist desk setup.

And the LEGO meets IKEA meets MagSafe meets every tech user’s needs approach is just sheer genius (I honestly wonder why nobody built this before). You’re literally building your own charging solution the way you’d build with blocks, except these blocks and the arrangements you make have actual utility beyond satisfying your inner child. It’s personal, just the way your IKEA furniture feels personal because you made it ‘for yourself’. The magnetic attachment system borrows from Apple’s MagSafe philosophy. That satisfying click when things snap into place, the alignment guides that make sure everything sits correctly, the ease of detachment when you need to reconfigure. There’s no complex assembly. No configuration software. No firmware updates to manage. You literally just snap things together and they work. That balance is harder to strike than it sounds, and most modular tech products fail by skewing too far in one direction or the other.

The modular design gives you a whopping eleven total ports and charging options across all four modules when fully loaded. That’s wireless charging plus ten wired connections, which should be more than enough for most desk setups unless you’re running a home server farm. The base model at roughly $89 USD feels extremely value-forward for what’s being offered, but early bird Kickstarter pricing always provide discounts to attract early adopters. Expect the retail price to land somewhere around $179 once this actually ships. Even at that price point, the value proposition holds up when you consider you’re replacing multiple separate chargers, hubs, and wireless charging pads with a single integrated system.

I spent all of 2025 touting how GaN chargers were the future of tech (because of how tiny and powerful they are)… the TobenOne fleshes out an alternate reality in which the power strip isn’t ‘dead’, it’s replaced by something more shape-shifting, more modular, more ‘you’. Want to JUST have plug points? Go ahead. Maybe want to swap them ALL for USB ports? That’s allowed too. Can sacrifice one idle module? Take it out and add a MagSafe charger for your phone… or better still, the volume knob that lets you control your desktop/laptop’s system volume. The power strip suddenly becomes a hub… and stops being the archaic device that never really changed in all these decades. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $179 (50% off). Hurry, only 262/500 left!

The post This Genius Modular Power Strip Lets You Swap Outlets, USB Ports, and Wireless Pads Like LEGO Bricks first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dreamfarm’s Genius Measuring Cup Squeegees Itself Clean Every Time

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You know that moment when you’re trying to measure out peanut butter and half of it stays stubbornly stuck to the measuring cup? Or when you’re spooning honey and it seems like no matter how much you scrape, there’s always that last bit clinging to the sides, taunting you? Yeah, we’ve all been there. It’s one of those tiny kitchen frustrations that feels like it should have been solved decades ago.

Well, Australian design company Dreamfarm finally decided to do something about it. Their UpCup is a 4-in-1 adjustable measuring cup that scrapes itself clean for wet, dry, and sticky ingredients. And honestly, it’s one of those designs that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner.

Designer: Dreamfarm

Click Here to Buy Now

Here’s how it works. The UpCup’s adjustable base raises to create 1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, and ¼ cup measuring cups, all in a single cup. So instead of cluttering your kitchen drawer with four different measuring cups, you just need this one clever little device. You choose your measurement on the handle, fill it up, and then press the slider down to push everything out.

But here’s where it gets really clever. A watertight seal around the adjustable base squeegees the UpCup clean as it moves, making it perfect for peanut butter, mayonnaise, honey, and other sticky ingredients. As the base rises up through the cup, it acts like a built-in squeegee, pushing every last drop of whatever you’re measuring straight into your bowl. No waste, no scraping with a spatula, no wrestling with stubborn ingredients. Think about all those times you’ve measured sticky ingredients. Maple syrup that pools at the bottom. Tahini that refuses to let go. Coconut oil that somehow gets everywhere except where you want it. The UpCup handles all of it with the same simple push mechanism. The base extends fully to push out every last drop, and can be removed for thorough, dishwasher-safe cleaning.

The design is refreshingly straightforward. It’s made from clear, BPA-free Tritan plastic, so you can see exactly what you’re measuring. The measurements are both printed in red and embossed directly into the plastic, which means they’ll never wear off no matter how many times you run it through the dishwasher. And speaking of heat, it can handle temperatures up to 212°F, so you can use it for hot ingredients too.

What’s particularly smart about this design is how Dreamfarm thought about the entire user experience. Since it’s self-cleaning, you can use it for all your ingredients and then toss it in the dishwasher for an overall cleaning afterwards. Need to measure out flour, then peanut butter, then honey for the same recipe? Just push the slider between each ingredient and you’re good to go. No need to wash it three times in the middle of cooking. It’s also perfect for those recipes where precision matters. When you’re baking and need exactly a third of a cup of oil, you can actually get exactly that amount into your mixing bowl instead of losing some to the measuring cup. Those small losses add up, and they can actually affect your final results, especially in baking where ratios really matter.

The UpCup is one of those kitchen tools that feels obvious once you see it. It solves a problem we’ve all just accepted as part of cooking, and it does it in a way that’s simple, functional, and honestly pretty satisfying to use. There’s something deeply pleasing about watching that base rise up and push every single drop of sticky ingredient exactly where you want it. Dreamfarm has built a reputation for rethinking everyday kitchen tools, and the UpCup is a perfect example of their approach. They didn’t just make another measuring cup. They looked at how people actually use measuring cups, identified the frustrations, and designed a solution that makes the whole process better.

Is it revolutionary? Maybe not. But it’s the kind of thoughtful, problem-solving design that makes everyday tasks just a little bit easier. And in the kitchen, where we’re constantly juggling multiple ingredients and timing everything perfectly, those little improvements really do matter. No more scraping, no more waste, and no more measuring cup drawer overflowing with nested cups. Just one smart tool that actually works the way you wish all measuring cups did.

Click Here to Buy Now

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Waveshare MK20 Macro Keyboard Turns LCD Keys Into Creative Tools

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For anyone who juggles creative projects, streaming, or multitasking throughout the day, a regular keyboard just doesn’t cut it anymore for complex workflows. Shortcuts, macros, and visual feedback can make or break your workflow, but most macro pads feel either too basic for serious work or too locked down to customize the way you actually need them to function properly for your specific use case.

The Waveshare MK20 macro keyboard changes the game with 20 mechanical keys, each topped with a full-color LCD display, a 2.8-inch secondary screen, and dual programmable knobs for precise control. It’s a control deck that’s as expressive as it is powerful, designed for users who want complete creative freedom over their workspace and workflow without compromising on build quality or functionality.

Designer: Waveshare

The MK20’s compact, square form is crafted from aluminum alloy with a 2.5D high-transparency acrylic lens, giving it a premium, sturdy feel that matches high-end keyboards and professional gear. Available in black or white finishes, it looks right at home next to professional monitors and mechanical keyboards on any creative desk. The build quality is immediately apparent, with satisfying tactile feedback and durable materials throughout.

Each 0.85-inch LCD keycap can display static images, animated GIFs, or even video snippets, letting you theme your deck for different apps, games, or moods throughout your day and workflow changes. The secondary 2.8-inch display up top shows system stats, weather widgets, or custom information at a glance. The 20-screen splicing feature lets you create panoramic backgrounds across all keys for stunning visual effects.

Two high-precision, anti-slip aluminum knobs can be programmed for volume, timeline scrubbing, zoom, or any function you need during work or play sessions. Both rotation and press actions are supported, making them perfect for creative software like Premiere Pro or Photoshop, where precision control matters most. The tactile feel and smooth operation make adjustments satisfying and accurate every time you use them.

The MK20 runs a dual-system architecture with a T113-S3 processor running Linux for complex display logic and a GD32 MCU running QMK firmware for zero-latency mechanical input. Macros, key combinations, and mouse control are natively supported in QMK, and the drag-and-drop theme editor means you don’t need coding skills to make it your own or share configurations with the community.

The keyboard supports dynamic theme editing, real-time data widgets like CPU temperature and network stats through LibreHardwareMonitor integration, and even AI voice interaction for hands-free control during busy sessions. Home Assistant integration lets you control smart lights, devices, or automation with a single tap. The feature set goes far beyond basic macro functionality into true workspace automation territory.

With a detachable 24-degree stand, USB-C connectivity, Kailh Box Silent switches for quiet operation, and hot-swappable keys, the MK20 adapts to any workspace setup seamlessly. Whether you’re editing video timelines, streaming gameplay, or automating repetitive office tasks, it brings both power and personality to your desktop without taking up excessive space or requiring complicated software installation procedures.

The Waveshare MK20 is a macro keyboard built for users who want complete creative control over their workflow and visual environment. With its LCD keys, dual knobs, and open-source foundation, it offers the kind of flexibility and personality that typical macro pads simply cannot match, making it a compelling upgrade for anyone serious about their desktop productivity and creative expression.

The post Waveshare MK20 Macro Keyboard Turns LCD Keys Into Creative Tools first appeared on Yanko Design.

AI Lantern Speaker Designed to Reduce Anxiety With Light and Sound

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Most home gadgets are designed for function, not feeling or emotional connection. Lamps and speakers fill their roles effectively enough, but rarely do they offer comfort or companionship during quiet nights or moments when you need a little extra calm to soothe anxiety. Finding a device that addresses both practical needs and emotional well-being remains surprisingly difficult in modern home technology.

Calmtern reimagines what a home object can be by blending a portable lantern with an AI speaker in one thoughtful package. It turns light and sound into a source of emotional support, making every room feel a little more welcoming and a lot more personal. The concept is simple yet powerful: bring comfort wherever you go in your home, whenever you need it most.

Designer: Hyun Jin Oh

Calmtern’s silhouette is inspired by classic lanterns, with a translucent upper body for soft, diffused light and a ribbed base that houses the speaker and controls. The integrated handle makes it easy to carry from room to room, hang on a minimalist stand, or set on a bedside table wherever comfort is needed. The portable form invites movement and flexibility throughout your daily routine.

The minimalist design, matte white finish, and lack of visible branding let Calmtern blend into any space seamlessly, from modern apartments to cozy bedrooms and hallways. The ribbed texture provides visual interest and tactile grip, while the clean silhouette feels timeless rather than trendy. It’s a device that looks as good on display as it does tucked away when not in use.

The lantern emits a gentle, warm glow that reduces anxiety and creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for late-night reading, winding down before bed, or simply making a dark room feel safe and inviting. Touch controls on the top panel make it easy to adjust brightness or volume without fumbling for switches or apps in the dark when you’re half asleep.

Calmtern is designed to move with you throughout your daily life and routines. Use it as a reading lamp beside your favorite chair, a bedside companion that plays calming sounds for sleep, or a portable speaker for music and podcasts in any room. The rechargeable design means it’s just as useful on a patio as in a hallway, and the gentle light is ideal for nighttime trips.

Beyond practical functionality, Calmtern is a calming presence that helps reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety when living alone, making the home feel warmer and more inviting during difficult moments. The combination of soft light, smart sound, and intuitive controls creates a daily ritual of comfort and relaxation that goes beyond what typical smart home devices offer users.

The sculptural form and ambient glow turn Calmtern into a visual anchor for any room, sparking conversation and encouraging moments of pause in otherwise hectic days. For anyone who wants their home to feel as good as it looks while maintaining simplicity and emotional comfort, this concept offers a compelling vision of design where technology and well-being move together naturally.

The post AI Lantern Speaker Designed to Reduce Anxiety With Light and Sound first appeared on Yanko Design.