Tag Archives: Lifestyle

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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Smart tea bottle lets you brew your calming beverage anywhere you go

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Coffee is often touted as the fuel that runs the world, but not everyone is a lover of the brown liquid. For others, tea is what gets them going, whether perking them up for the work ahead or putting them in a more relaxed state. But just like coffee, good tea isn’t something you can just make any time, even though it’s technically a bit easier to steep and infuse tea leaves compared to coffee beans that still have to be ground. Keeping the freshly brewed tea still fresh when and where you actually want to drink it can also be a bit of a problem, especially if you spend a lot of time outside. This portable smart bottle solves all of that by letting you brew your favorite tea anywhere you need it and keeping it warm so you can enjoy it all day, wherever you go.

Designer: Bota

To be fair, you can actually brew tea anywhere as long as you have all the necessary pieces, which include the tea leaves, a way to boil water, and a brewing chamber to steep the leaves in the water. The problem is that you need to bring that many pieces with you, which is almost the same as saying you can’t. That’s where Bota comes in, an all-in-one smart tea bottle that lets you do all of those, keep your brewed tea hot, and let you enjoy your favorite flavors as you go about your day or even night.

Bota includes everything you need in a single bottle. It holds and then boils water at the specific temperature you need for brewing. It has a steeping chamber to hold the tea leaves separately from the rest of the bottle, allowing for hassle-free cleaning afterward. And it can keep that tea hot for about 12 hours, presuming you don’t finish that delight cup before then. Drink a hot cup of tea any time or brew a fresh batch when you get the chance. All you need are the tea leaves and water.

Despite all those features mashed together, Bota manages to come in a sleek and portable form, making it easy to throw the bottle in your bag when you’re in a rush (after you’ve securely closed the lid, of course). There are no complicated buttons either, just a single touch screen and button to set the temperature and start the boil. It’s a stress-free experience for making a drink that’s associated with calmness and relaxation.

There’s also an indirect sustainability angle to this portable device that also gives you a good feeling while you take a sip. You produce less waste by doing away with single-use cups and using tea leaves directly, so you can make as much tea as you want without adding to the planet’s trash problem. This way, you can relax and enjoy your favorite drink knowing that you’re healthy lifestyle doesn’t come at the cost of the Earth’s health.

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Top 10 Personal Care Products To Help The Urban Gentleman Groom & Refine Himself

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In today’s day and age, nothing represents who we are better than a well-groomed face, hair, and body. Taking care of yourself, and presenting your best face forward to the world always seems to cultivate good relationships, and also leads to a lot of doors opening up! As hectic as life can get, it’s imperative to take some time off to invest in a good skincare routine, or a quick morning grooming session. These simple self-care activities not only make you look better but also feel better. We’ve curated a collection of must-have self-care and grooming products that we feel are essentials for the gentlemen out there.

1. Paper Razor

Called the Paper Razor, this single-use razor sports an all-paper body with a metal blade-head on top. It features a flat-packed design that can be easily unfolded and put together in a matter of seconds, by simply folding in the sides, forming a rigid and ergonomic razor with a grippy handle.

Why is it noteworthy?

It features an origami-inspired design that gives it as much strength and maneuverability as a plastic razor, while also reducing the use of plastic by as much as 98%. The razor can be easily flat-packed and shipped, used, and then disposed of.

What we like

  • The handle can withstand water temperatures of up to 104°F (40°C), letting you shave with lukewarm water
  • An ecologically-conscious alternative to disposable all-plastic razors

What we dislike

  • It is a single-use razor, so you can’t use it more than once

2. Nike LED Mask

If you’re a guy who wants to indulge in some self-care but doesn’t want to get a mask from Sephora, then this Nike LED mask is the one for you! It’s a conceptual product designed to allow people to take care of their skin without being dependent on someone to take them to a facility.

Why is it noteworthy?

The beauty device’s CMF allows the user to get comfortable with using it, as they easily and quickly identify and relate with Nike’s existing sporty, refreshing, and fun image. It is smooth and sleek, with a futuristic aesthetic!

What we like

  • LED mask means you don’t need to touch your face with your hands
  • The mask expands passion and potential through the CMF

What we dislike

  • It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product

3. QuickCut

Called QuickCut, this hair trimmer from Remington rises against the notion that a hair trimmer should be ‘handle-shaped’, by making it soap-shaped instead! It is designed to provide a better grip with increased maneuverability.

Why is it noteworthy?

The QuickCut trimmer is quite perfect as it lets you grip it naturally while moving it around your body, irrespective it’s the top of your head, body, or your ‘garden of masculinity’.

What we like

  • Features a puck-like shape that’s easy to grip and maneuver, like an ergonomic mouse

What we dislike

  • Has a plasticky, toy-like appearance that isn’t very appealing

4. one&done

Dubbed one&done, this ingenious design integrates a toothbrush and a candy dispenser. It is inspired by a PEZ dispenser, and the toothbrush is equipped with a convenient little storage space to accommodate toothpaste tablets, eradicating the need for toothpaste tubes.

Why is it noteworthy?

The design allows you to carry your toothpaste and toothbrush in one compact form and prevents any mess that may occur when carrying and handling a tube of toothpaste.

What we like

  • Ensures that you use the right amount of toothpaste every day, something that isn’t easily achieved when you’re squeezing paste out of a tube

What we dislike

  • The toothbrush is pretty thick and may be difficult to brush with and carry out different motions to clean your teeth

5. Refresh

Called Refresh, this sustainable and refillable deodorant is an innovative design that truly redefines personal care standards, while also making a dramatic and important impact on environmental conservation. It’s a groundbreaking product that could change the way we take care of ourselves and the environment!

Why is it noteworthy?

Refresh upcycles waste plastics to create its packaging, in turn building a sustainable approach that allows discarded materials to be reused in a refreshing manner. Another impressive feature is its refillable design, which makes the inner chamber of the deodorant easily replaceable.

What we like

  • Since it is replaceable, it curtails the need for new plastic manufacturing

What we dislike

  • Refilling and using the same deodorant for a longer duration of time may present a hygiene issue

6. VEAU LED Mask

For those who love to take special care of their skin, we have this new-age LED mask. Called the VEAU LED mask, this innovative product uses LED technology to provide users with personalized and revolutionized skincare experiences.

Why is it noteworthy?

The VEAU LED Mask is a premium facial mask that uses light therapy to improve the health and look of the skin. It has an ergonomic shape that fits the curves of the face gently, allowing for a relaxing and effective treatment.

What we like

  • Equipped with multiple modes, allowing you to pick LED light colors based on your personal skincare needs
  • The mask can be folded, so you can wear it comfortably

What we dislike

  • We’re not fully aware of any side effects the mask could have on the skin, so need to be cautious while using it

7. Manmower

Called the Manmower, this intriguing and ludicrous product is truly sheer genius. It’s a lawnmower for your jawline. It features an internal blade that slices away at your facial hair, leaving only a faint casual stubble behind. It works just the day a lawnmower slices the grass in your lawn to a short length.

Why is it noteworthy?

It needs no electricity, shaving cream, and water, nor does it need any prep. You just need to pull it out and roll it across your jawline, and it cuts away at your beard, giving you a uniform stubble.

What we like

  • Designed to work without any cream or gel

What we dislike

  • Looks a bit uncomfortable to use

8. usmile Y10 Pro

Dubbed the usmile Y10 Pro, this cutting-edge device is designed to provide you with an excellent and elevated dental care experience. It merges advanced technology with user-friendly features, providing you with a bright and healthy smile

Why is it noteworthy?

It features intelligent sensors that monitor your brushing technique. It also offers real-time feedback for a more effective and efficient cleanup. It has customizable modes to meet every user’s individual needs.

What we like

  • It has a long-lasting battery, reducing the need for frequent charging
  • Features a sleek and ergonomic design

What we dislike

  • Aesthetics are quite similar to other electric toothbrushes on the market, nothing too unique

9. Shower Scrubber

Meet the Shower Scrubber, a unique dual-sided design that allows you to pick between two sides – the softer side which is great for massaging, and the exfoliating side to help you get rid of all your dry skin. It features a radical new redesign with a honeycomb pattern on one side and a walnut-shell textured surface on the other.

Why is it noteworthy?

The guitar-pick-shaped product features a honeycomb texture which is inspired by Casamera’s waffle-textured towels, which gently massage and pampers your skin. While the other side has particles of walnut shells suspended within the surface, building a satisfying exfoliating experience.

What we like

  • Dual sides to meet the different needs of your skin
  • Biodegradable and sustainable design

What we dislike

  • Given its single color, it is difficult to assign unique sponges to different people using the bath and could be mixed up

10. Multifunctional Convenient Shaver

Designed by Kong Dezheng, this Multifunctional Convenient Shaver is a one-piece two-part product that lets you take control and take the best care of your frizzy and unkept facial hair.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is a pen-shaped device that can be easily slipped into your pocket, letting you carry it around with you everywhere. The pen also packs a pair of grooming scissors on one end, and a folding razor on the other, allowing you to groom yourself on the go.

What we like

  • Portable and user-friendly design

What we dislike

The post Top 10 Personal Care Products To Help The Urban Gentleman Groom & Refine Himself first appeared on Yanko Design.

Portable loom lets you weave and carry your craft wherever you are

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When you’re waiting in line at the bank or having a long commute or you’re in between work things and you have time on your hands, the tendency for most of us is to just browse our smartphones. But if you’re looking for something more productive to do, you can always journal, read a book, or do some arts and crafts to keep your hands busy and enhance your creativity. If you’ve always wanted to take up weaving but don’t have space for an actual loom in your house, this tiny, portable one may be the next best thing.

Designer: Lauren Puchowski

During the pandemic, Puchowski came up with the boomloom, which is basically a portable loom. It’s something that both newbies and master weavers can find useful especially if they want to bring their craft wherever they’re going. She also wanted to make weaving something that’s more “intuitive and expressive” and having something that’s accessible to everyone, not to mention handy, is one step towards that. It looks like a toy at first but it can actually be used to create patches, sketches, multiples or to test out some color combinations and designs. There are two size options: the medium and the slightly smaller mini.

The loom is made from six parts using aluminum, beech, and maple. Surprisingly, it doesn’t use any screws or fasteners. Using it seems pretty easy even if you don’t have any experience in using the regular loom. You just turn the knobs to rotate the bar and it will automatically move the alternate warp threads up and down. There are hidden tabs that are able to stop the bar where you need it to stop while the slits hold the yarn securely. Because of its size, you can do your weaving in your hands, on your lap, or on a table.

The boomloom (still patent pending) is assembled in the designer’s workspace but she has been able to create it for people from all over the world. It is also now available at the Cooper Hewitt Museum Shop which is housed at the Andrew Carniegie Mansion in New York.

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Vintage-looking desk clock is handmade with brass and copper materials

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Time-telling has become one of those things we take for granted since we only have to look at our computer or our smartphones or our smartwatches to find out the current time. Sure there are still some places that have actual wall clocks or desk clocks but even those have become few and far between. It’s also rare now for people to collect unique-looking clocks but for those who actually do it, there is a “rare find” clock that you can find on Etsy if you can spare around $900.

Designer: Sergey

If you’re very much into hand crafted stuff that looks pretty unique and classic, the Nixei tube vintage clock may interest you. It looks like something that would have fit in during the Victorian era in a 19th century home. Its design is basically a hydro-mechanical column with manual drive and is made from brass, copper, bronze, and glass. They are soldered and threaded together and all these parts are connected by hand.

It can tell time in either the 12 and 24 hour format and has seven different colors as indicators. You can turn off the glow of these indicators if it proves to be too distracting at night. There are three buttons to control the different functions of the clock and you don’t need to be connected to a network to make it function. It is powered by a 5V adaptor and has a 24 x 29 x 11 cm dimension.

Oh and aside from telling time, it can also serve as a phone stand as there’s a cylinder shape on the side of the clock that can hold your smartphone. Of course it destroys the illusion of being a vintage piece if you put a modern device there but if you’re going for a contrast, then that’s the perfect thing to add to this desk clock.

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Ikea repurposes old uniforms into new lifestyle collection

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Over the past years, we’ve “stanned” brands that not only uses sustainable materials but are also able to upcycle and recycle materials to create new products. We’ve become conscious about how we consume things (well, hopefully, we’ve actually become conscious of it) and how this consumption culture affects this planet we’re living in. Ikea is trying to capture our hearts by creating a new lifestyle line created from materials that they themselves had to discard.

Designer: Ikea

The Swedish brand will be launching their newest collection called VÄXELBRUK which is uniquely made from their recycled coworker uniforms that were discarded when they introduced new attire back in 2020. So instead of just throwing these old uniforms into the trash heaps, they came up with new products that were made from 300 tonnes of these “useless” IKEA uniforms. If you’re not a fan of yellow and blue though, you might want to look elsewhere, even though they managed to tone down the colors considerably without dyeing the textile, which can be more expensive and resource-intensive.

The collection features 16 textile-based items that use the aforementioned old uniforms. This includes things like throw pillows, bags, cushion covers, and even curtains. They are not entirely made from the uniform textile though as they are blended with other recycled materials like polyester from used PET bottles. They also even included some of the “faulty” new uniforms so they will also not go to waste. The inclusion of other materials also helped to alter the colors that are normally so bright.

If you didn’t know that they were made from discarded co-worker uniforms, you’ll just think they’re normal Ikea products that use the iconic colors of the brand. But knowing there they come from makes it even more interesting. The VÄXELBRUK (which means interchangeable use in the Swedish language) collection will be released in February 2024 across Europe stores.

The post Ikea repurposes old uniforms into new lifestyle collection first appeared on Yanko Design.

SMEG baby monitor concept shows off a cute, retro aesthetic

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Whenever I pass by the appliance sections of department stores, I am always drawn to the SMEG display, even though I know I will probably not be able to afford any of their stuff. I like the retro aesthetics of the brand that they are able to bring to all their kitchen appliances. I also have no need (and never will) for a baby monitor but this project that imagines what a SMEG baby monitor would look like is still pretty interesting.

Designer: Priyanshu Maiti

The designer studied the design aesthetics and applied it to this project that asked them to create a concept for a baby monitor. The target market is Western and European parents and caretakers belonging to the upper middle class, which is basically SMEG’s market for their kitchen appliances. In keeping with the retro theme, what he came up would fit right in with the other products in their line since his inspiration was their other appliances anyway like the mixer and coffee maker.

The final render shows a baby monitor with a sophisticated but simple and playful look. The design looks like a toy rocket with pastel colors which will make it attractive to kids even though they’re not the target audience for this. When it comes to the features, it has the usual ones that you would need from a baby monitor like the camera, charging port, SD card slot, control buttons. They didn’t really expound much on the features since this is more for the design and aesthetics of the product.

As I said, I really don’t need a baby monitor. But this would be useful for those who need something aesthetic and at the same time something that would help keep their mind at ease when it comes to their children’s safety. Well, at least, we have an idea of what it will look like if ever SMEG does venture into products outside of their kitchen appliances.

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Convenience of using a spring-laden, retracting knife and scissor-tong comb is camping essentials for all

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Camping tools have gone through a serious transformation over the years. So much so that today you can cut down on how much you want to pack and still have all the essentials you will need at the camp. Case in point, the Camfy that is bringing an innovation to the camping knives, scissors, tongs, and a skewer holder to make this trend stronger.

Given what may, knives and scissors are considered two of the most essential tools you must have when you’re on an adventure or a trip to a campsite. Preparing a gourmet meal or sitting by the barbeque at the beach are part of every outdoorsy must but if you are not carrying the right gear, you are left wondering when the moment of truth arrives.

Designer: Subin Kim

That said, it’s not the selection of the right tools, in fact, the correct tools you are carrying should be safe and useful. If the knife for instance is not securely kept in the sheath it can cause serious injury when pulling out of the camping kit. Camfy has pulled out a unique knife from its repertoire to give campers a meaningful tool.

The camping knife is designed to retract back into its sheath immediately after use. A combination of a small knife and saw, this cleverly thought knife is created to prevent accidental incidents that can happen when the knife is not kept in the sheath after its use. It has an interesting spring mechanism triggered by a button. On the press of a button, the knife would spring back into the handle, which is also a sheath.

The compact and useful tool next in the Camfy design league is the scissor and tong unification. The wonderful idea marries the scissor with the tong at the end of the blade that can grip food, so it can be used in unison for cutting and grilling meat and other food.

The most enticing here on the list of tools is the skewer holder to facilitate grilling. Designed after the clothes pin, this brushed metal item has little holes in the top to hold the skewers over the fire to grill. Camfy has almost all the things you need on hand to create gourmet outdoor meals, but if there is anything else, we are sure the designer can rethink convenience and safety for the same.

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Hybrid yacht concept is a futuristic-looking water transport

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One of my still unfulfilled dreams is to one day be able to view the seas from the deck of a luxurious yacht. I don’t have to actually own one but it would be nice to experience this if a rich friend or acquaintance would invite me to go on board and experience the “high seas”. It would also be a bonus if said yacht can actually let us sail at high speed if we want to. This concept for a hybrid yacht seems to be a good option for this dream.

Designer: Pierpaolo Lazzarini

The Palladio is a concept for a hybrid yacht that is ultra-light and can speed up to 55 knots maximum. It also looks like something out of a sci-fi movie set in water as it uses a futuristic, mouth-shaped, avant-garde design that makes it look like a pod cruising through the waters. It is made from carbon fiber and is propelled by twin Castoldi jets and driven by two FTP engines.

The 20-meter yacht is able to house 26 passengers, with 22 seated in the main cabin and four at the front section which includes the captain. The pod-looking vehicle can also have toilets or dinettes in the corners to make the passengers more comfortable. The back section can also accommodate some of the crew and also store the passengers’ luggage and belongings.

Even though the Palladio is mostly a closed vehicle, there are filtered air intakes on each side so that the passengers can still have a comfortable breathing space in this environment. I’ll definitely add this kind of hybrid yacht to my dream water transport, although this is still in the concept stage so we don’t know if it will eventually become a reality.

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A Plant Companion That Moves With The Sun Fitting Perfectly Into The Korean Culture

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In a world where the sun plays a significant role in shaping preferences for living spaces, a unique product has emerged to bridge the gap between lifestyle and the desire for a sun-soaked environment. The innovative SPOT, a pet plant inspired by the beloved Toy Story, brings a touch of whimsy and practicality to the lives of those who are away from home during the day.

Designer: Dami Seo

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Koreans have a cultural inclination towards south-facing directions for their homes, favoring abundant sunlight throughout the day. However, modern lifestyles often lead people away from home during peak daylight hours, creating a paradox between their preference for sunlit spaces and their absence during the sunniest times.

Drawing inspiration from Toy Story, SPOT takes on a personality of its own when the owner is away. Just like Woody and his adventures, SPOT enjoys the warm sunlight in the south-facing direction, making the most of the daylight hours that the owner might miss.

The creators of SPOT have ingeniously crafted its form based on Woody’s rhythmic hat line, adding an extra layer of charm and nostalgia for fans of the iconic movie series. This attention to detail enhances the emotional connection users may feel with their sun-loving companion.

SPOT’s design mimics a sunflower’s ability to move towards the sun. Equipped with sensors, SPOT can adjust its position to capture the optimal amount of sunlight, ensuring that users can enjoy the warmth without the need to move the plant manually. This dynamic feature aligns with the varying sunlight patterns throughout the day.

For users returning home, SPOT adds an element of surprise and delight. By detecting the SPOT’s location, users can playfully interact with their sun-loving companion, creating a unique and entertaining experience. The wheels at the bottom of the product enable SPOT to move towards the sunlight source, making it a dynamic and engaging addition to any home.

SPOT’s ability to move is not only entertaining but also practical. Equipped with sensors on both sides, SPOT can navigate around objects in the house, ensuring a seamless and safe journey towards the sunlight. The autonomy of movement enhances user convenience, aligning with the modern desire for smart and responsive home devices.

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To keep SPOT energized and ready for its sun-seeking adventures, a user-friendly charging unit is provided. SPOT can effortlessly navigate to the charging station, making the recharging process a hassle-free experience. Additionally, SPOT’s easy-to-clean and disassemble design ensures that maintenance is a breeze.

SPOT not only adds a touch of magic inspired by Toy Story to your home but also addresses the practical challenge of aligning sunlight preferences with a dynamic lifestyle. With its adaptability, autonomy, and entertaining features, SPOT is more than just a pet plant; it’s a delightful companion that brings joy and sunshine into the lives of its users.

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