Tag Archives: Product Design

Want Perfect Sourdough Bread every single time? This Kitchen Tool gives you foolproof results

Posted on by

The beauty of baking your own bread lies in its simplicity, and the fact that the yeast and bacteria does most of the job for you. You don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients, just a big container to proof your bread, and an oven to bake a perfectly rustic loaf of sourdough that you can then top up with avocado or ricotta and honey. However, what most bakers don’t tell you is that your loaf of bread is actually a living being. The yeast, whether natural or the instant kind you buy at the market, is a living creature that transforms your ball of dough into a fluffy, airy, mildly tart slice of bread that tastes so good with anything you put on top. This yeast needs just 3 things to perform this transformation – flour, water (hydration), and the right temperature. Most home bakers ignore that last metric, and if you’ve made a loaf of bread that just lacked that oomph or the right texture, chances are you followed your recipe correctly, but missed out on ensuring the yeast could grow under the right temperature. The DoughBed, however, takes care of that part of the breadmaking journey for you. Designed to be a perfectly optimal proofing tray for your dough, the Doughbed is a wide glass tray with a cork lid and a heating bed that creates exactly the right temperature for your loaf. Keep your dough to proof in the DoughBed and you’ll be consistently rewarded with the perfect proofing every time, whether it’s for sourdough loaves, pizzas, baguettes, focaccias, brioche buns, or any other kind of leavened bread you desire to bake!

Designers: Sourhouse (Erik Fabian & Jennifer Yoko Olson)

Click Here to Buy Now: $175 $225 ($50 off). Hurry, deal ends in 72-hours! Raised over $220,000.

Designed by home-baker Erik Fabian and industrial designer Jennifer Yoko Olson, the DoughBed is basically an incubation chamber for bread microbes that creates the perfect thermal conditions for yeast (and sourdough bacteria) to feed and grow. “The problem is not your dough, it’s your kitchen. Kitchen temperatures are often too cold for bread dough, and more importantly, always changing,” say the duo behind the DoughBed. The yeast in your dough thrives at temperatures of 75-82°F (24-28°C), but that might just be a tad too warm for humans, who set their thermostats or air conditioners to slightly lower temperatures. This mild temperature difference (of a mere 4-5°F) can be the difference between a perfect loaf, and a loaf that just doesn’t have the right open crumb. The solution? A mini habitat for your doughball, allowing it to do its job flawlessly well, every single time.

Mat + Bowl + Lid = The Perfect Proofing Solution

DoughBed combines a warming mat, a glass dough bowl, and a cork lid to create an efficient warming solution. The dough bowl has a wide bottom so your dough is gently and evenly warmed to 75-82°F (24-28°C) by the mat below.

Each DoughBed is made of 3 parts – an oval-shaped glass bowl, a cork lid, and a warming base that gives your bread microbes the ideal temperature to do its job. The wide oval tray is big enough to hold 3 loaves worth of dough at one time, and is perfectly shaped and sized for mixing your dough in, resting and proofing, and pouring your dough out for shaping before baking. As a bonus, it’s even designed to be oven safe, although baking a loaf that big would be overkill!

The warming mat is made with cork to prevent heat loss into your cold counter.

Once your dough’s ready for proofing, simply cover the glass tray with the DoughBed’s cork lid and place the tray and lid on the DoughBed’s electric base, which heats up to just the right temperature for your bread microbes to thrive. The bowl’s wide base helps the bread dough heat evenly and quickly, and the DoughBed’s single temperature target works with remarkable consistency all throughout the year, giving you perfect loaves even in autumn or winter months.

Oval = the Best Shape for Dough Handling

The DoughBed is perfect for home bakers looking to upgrade their bread game. The oblong oval shape of the glass bowl is ideal for mixing, kneading, and folding with both your hands, and the cork lid and base don’t just give the DoughBed its rustic aesthetic, they’re key to helping your dough maintain its temperature efficiently, and the cork base prevents heat-loss into your kitchen counter.

The DoughBed’s base operates with just 10W of power (that’s 75% less than an oven light), relying on a USB cable that can be wound up and tucked into the underside of the base when not in use. The cork lid comes with a removable, food-safe polypropylene liner, and both the glass bowl and polypropylene liner are dishwasher safe. We’d recommend not washing the cork to ensure it lasts longer. The DoughBed starts at a discounted $175 for backers – that’s a lot cheaper than the Le Creuset you’d mix and proof your sourdough loaf in.

Click Here to Buy Now: $175 $225 ($50 off). Hurry, deal ends in 72-hours! Raised over $220,000.

The post Want Perfect Sourdough Bread every single time? This Kitchen Tool gives you foolproof results first appeared on Yanko Design.

An Interactive Lamp Series That Brings The Cosmic Moments Into Interiors

Posted on by

Space, with its vastness and complexity, has always captivated the human imagination. Our solar system, a celestial ballet of planets and stars, has inspired various aspects of human life and design, from ancient sundials to modern-day innovations. The COSMOOVAL lamp series is a testament to this inspiration, drawing on the phenomenal interconnectivity of our solar system to create a collection of lamps that not only illuminate spaces but also tell a cosmic story.

Designer: LFD Official – Seohyun Nam, Nam Woo Kim, Doyoon Kim

The designers of Cosmooval drew inspiration from the celestial bodies in our solar system, considering the way they influence our planet and the intricate dance of light and shadow they create. The lamp series incorporates key elements such as expandability, limitation, transparency, and immateriality to bring the essence of space into our living environments.

The design process began with the creation of a mood board, reflecting the tension and spatial dynamics of the universe. Simple basic figures, inspired by solar and lunar eclipses, shooting stars, and planetary movements, were arranged to evoke the mood of the cosmos. A clay mockup emphasized stability through the use of circles and triangles, laying the foundation for the lamp series’ structural elements.

Several idea sketches were explored, with the initial focus on a triangular structure within three circles. As the design evolved, proportions, details, and interactions were refined in subsequent sketches. The final design selected a form that considered materials, structure, and user interaction, resulting in three distinct types of lamps within the Cosmooval series.

Each lamp in the series offers a unique interaction with light, adding to the overall cosmic experience. The ceiling lamp, representing expandability, spreads light by adjusting the angle of an oval disk. The table lamp, embodying limitation, controls light brightness through the movement of a red sphere, mimicking the motion of a shooting star. The floor lamp, combining transparency and immateriality, simulates orbiting planets and solar eclipses, changing light intensity as the red sphere is manipulated.

Cosmooval, derived from the fusion of “Cosmo” (space) and “Oval” (ellipse), is more than just a lighting solution; it is an artistic representation of the cosmos. The series serves as a visual metaphor for planets, satellites, and shooting stars, moving in harmony with their orbits.

The ceiling lamp symbolizes the expansiveness of space, spreading light with three ovals arranged in a stable manner. By pulling the red sphere attached to a string, users can open and close the ovals, controlling the brightness and essential light in their space.

1

In the table lamp, a triangular structure controls the concentrated light source. Moving the red sphere along a diagonal line mimics the motion of a shooting star, allowing users to experience the fleeting brightness associated with celestial phenomena.

1

The floor lamp embodies transparency and immateriality, recreating the orbits of planets and solar eclipses. Pushing the red sphere sideways changes the shape and intensity of light, providing a dynamic representation of the passage of time and celestial revolutions.

1

The Cosmooval lamp series transcends conventional lighting, offering users an immersive experience that connects them to the wonders of our solar system. Through innovative design and thoughtful interaction, these lamps bring the cosmos into our living spaces, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the universe that surrounds us.

The post An Interactive Lamp Series That Brings The Cosmic Moments Into Interiors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 Quirky Phone Designs That Actually Make Sense

Posted on by

Smartphones today seem to look very similar, varying only in the shape of the camera bump and the color of their backs. Sometimes, the materials might be different, too, but the same large-sized “candy bar” form factor has become the standard for all the smartphones currently in the market. There was a time, however, when companies were a bit more daring, experimenting with phone designs and features in an attempt to stand out from the crowd. That did lead to some rather eccentric and sometimes even ridiculous designs that make us question the sanity of the minds behind them. But there are times when those odd designs of the past actually have important relevance today. Here are five such phone design oddities that we wished existed or still exist, and some alternatives in case you may have been smitten by their quirky appearance.

Designer: Google, Motorola

Undying Handset: Project Ara

Google’s Project Ara inspired the idea of a modular smartphone whose components you can easily swap to upgrade or repair parts. In theory, this would make the phone last forever, or at least as long as the base is intact and parts continue to be manufactured for it. In practice, it was a very ambitious endeavor that could neither meet expectations nor present a viable business model that wouldn’t bankrupt manufacturers. In the end, that sustainable and immortal smartphone remained just a dream, at least in that idealistic and perfect form.

Alternative: Fairphone 5

Designer: Fairphone

Fortunately, a part of that dream is actually possible and even sustainable in more ways than one. Although you can’t hot swap components on the fly, the Fairphone 5 at least offers a way for owners to change important parts of the phone, like batteries or even cameras, to keep them running almost forever. There are some limitations, of course, but if all you want is a phone that will last you for almost a decade instead of just two years, this self-repairable design pretty much has that in the bag.

Mobile Shutterbug: Nokia N90

One of the biggest uses for smartphones today next to social media is taking photos and videos. In the days even before the term “smartphone” was coined, even the most advanced handsets from the likes of Nokia could barely hold a candle to point-and-click cameras. That’s why the quirky Nokia N90 was prophetic and way ahead of its time, envisioning a day when smartphones would be used like camcorders, though with a bit more awkwardness due to their inflexible designs.

Alternative: Nokia x Nothing Concept

Designer: Viet Doan Duc

While clamshell phones are back in season thanks to foldable screens, the folding and twisting design of the original Nokia N90 remains a distant memory. This concept tries to answer the question of “what if?” and mixes two famed brands’ design languages to craft what could be the perfect camera phone. It makes you feel like a pro photographer or cinematographer, holding up your phone not with shame but with pride, capturing not only the moment but also people’s attention in a good way.

Pocket Book: YotaPhone Dual-Screen Phone

Designer: YotaDevices

E Ink devices are becoming more popular these days, especially after the addition of features like stylus support and color. These displays are easy on the eyes and the battery, allowing the screen to show the same thing for days without requiring a recharge. A few years back, a small company tried to bring those benefits to the smartphone in the oddest way, by putting an E Ink screen on its back. Although it can be used for reading e-books on the go, its main purpose was to have a battery-saving always-on display that is a bit more dynamic and useful than typical AOD implementations.

Alternative: Onyx BOOX Palma

Designer: BOOX

That said, a phone-sized Android device with an E Ink display might be an even more efficient design, which is what the Onyx BOOX Palma is offering. Technically, it’s an e-book reader that’s the size of a regular phone and actually runs Android, which is the standard for BOOX’s devices. This means it has access to the same apps you have on your regular phone, but without color. You also don’t have cellular connectivity via a SIM card, which might be a deal-breaker for a phone but a great deal for distraction-free reading and mobility.

Productive Minimalism: Minimal Phone

Designer: The Minimal Company

BlackBerry might have joined the likes of Nokia and LG as just parts of the annals of mobile history, but its squarish shape and QWERTY keyboard are forever etched in the consciousness of even the least tech-savvy person on the planet. Many have tried to recreate that magic, but this rather elegant yet odd phone puts a twist to it. It combines the iconic BlackBerry design with an E Ink screen and a minimalist aesthetic, promising distraction-free productivity by actually limiting what you can do on the device. It can even make it easier to actually reply to or post on social media, though the drab grayscale screen is probably going to make that a little less enjoyable anyway.

Alternative: Clicks QWERTY Case

Designer: Clicks

The idea of a BlackBerry-like experience might tickle the fancy of smartphone users, but none of them will be willing to ditch their powerful, colorful, and highly functional smartphones. Clicks is a case that tries to bring the best of both worlds, and it’s practically just a case that slides onto an iPhone to provide that tactile typing experience. You won’t have to give up your favorite apps, especially the ones you need to actually be productive, but the burden of being disciplined and ignoring distractions is now on you instead.

Shapeshifting Multitasker: Astro Slide 5G

Designer: Planet Computers

A phone that opens like a mini typewriter has actually been around since the days of the Nokia Communicator and its kin, but that design proved to be more complicated than they’re worth. After playing with that same design, PlanetComputing shifted to a slider that still provides that typing experience while retaining the exact same functions as a phone. Unfortunately, such a mechanism proved to be just as clunky and unreliable, and the software platform didn’t exactly lend itself well to a landscape screen.

Alternative: Any Foldable Phone

Designer: OPPO

These days, you don’t have to rely on a physical qwerty keyboard to have that same mini laptop experience. With foldable phones now more common, you can tap away on a more flexible on-screen keyboard when the device is only half-folded. At the same time, however, you have both phone and tablet functionality in your hands. Admittedly, the design is far from perfect, and we’re still waiting for more affordable foldables coming in the very near future.

The post Top 5 Quirky Phone Designs That Actually Make Sense first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best Wooden Furniture Designed To Add The Warmth & Simplicity Of The Material To Your Home

Posted on by

Wood has been the material of choice for furniture designers for ages galore. And no wonder! There’s something about wood that instantly adds a sense of zen and calm to any living space it is placed into. It puts your mind at ease while managing to radiate a feeling of warmth and tranquility. It’s a minimal material that holds a strong personality without any additional frills and tassels. I truly believe a well-crafted piece of wooden furniture can add a magical touch to even the simplest of living spaces. Minimal, clean, and almost always soothing, beautifully designed wooden furniture helps add the ultimate finishing touch to a room. We’ve curated a collection of wholesome wooden furniture designs for you – from a dice-inspired wooden furniture design to a desk that transforms from a work of art into a functional table.

1. Flow Wall Desk

Named the Flow Wall Desk, this innovative and one-of-a-kind furniture design is designed to be functional and decorative. It has an impressive yet basic design philosophy which makes it an excellent option for corporate and home offices with space constraints. Since it is made of wood, it is a sustainable design.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Flow Wall Desk has a flexible and unique form which allows it to be stored and folded away. When not in use, the desk looks like an interesting piece of wall art. Once unfolded, it mimics a spring caterpillar which can serve as a desk for you to work, read, and write on.

What we like

  • The Flow Wall Desk is a multifunctional and sustainable furniture design
  • Effective and convenient flatpack form

What we dislike

  • Folding and unfolding the desk whenever you need to use it means we can’t have a constant setup, which may be a hassle for some people

2. Tokyo

Called Tokyo, this minimal wooden furniture design is a multifunctional piece that functions as a shoe rack and a bench. It merges two functional furniture pieces into one ingenious individual furniture design. It has a simple Japandi-like aesthetic which adds some subtlety and class to any living space.

Why is it noteworthy?

Tokyo’s side leg is really quite unique. It seamlessly and gently curves, allowing the cushion to form a top tray to hold your everyday essentials. It serves as a neat spot to store your souvenirs and other belongings.

What we like

  • Has a bottom shelf that can be used as a storage space
  • A furniture design with multiple functionality

What we dislike

  • It’s a conceptual design, so we’re not sure how functional it will be in reality

3. Dice

Called the Dice, this unique furniture design by Zurich-based Kosmos Architects functions as a stool, coffee table, leg bench, and lamp – all in one. Based on how you turn the furniture design, it can work as any of the four furniture typologies. And this is where the dice reference comes in since the furniture piece is inspired by a dice.

Why is it noteworthy?

The furniture design is inspired by the different numbers and dots on the dice, and this is one of the key factors of the piece. Although it looks nothing like a square dice, its four-in-one piece makes it quite similar to a dice. It is a portable furniture design that can be easily moved from one place to another.

What we like

  • 3D-printed through KUKA robotics technology
  • Looks like a wooden sculpture when not being used

What we dislike

  • The eccentric aesthetics may not be preferred by everyone

4. The Cubicle

Named the Cubicle, this fascinating “bench and wall system” is created to stimulate the experience and sensation of working with your back to the wall in open-plan workspaces. It creates a against-the-wall working experience without the actual presence of a wall. How cool, is that?

Why is it noteworthy?

The Cubicle is designed to replicate and imitate the experience people seek when they sit in seats in an open indoor workspace like a library or a co-working space. They’re designed to simulate and recreate a very particular experience.

What we like

  • It is available in different variations
  • Made using as few materials as possible

What we dislike

  • Space-consuming bulky design, suitable for larger and open spaces only, hence making it a limited design

5. Centenniale Coffee Table

Created by the architect and designer Joanna Laajisto for the Finnish brand Nikari, the Centenniale coffee table is a sturdy and minimal coffee table built using 100-year-old wood. The simple yet stunning coffee table is designed to showcase the rawness and ruggedness of old timber. It is a no-frills and humble design that heavily focuses on the material used to craft it.

Why is it noteworthy?

The coffee table was designed by embracing the cracks and imperfections of the old timber. The entire coffee table was constructed from a single piece of wood, and it features a sharp-edged and elongated tabletop that is supported by blocky and chonky legs with rounded edges.

What we like

  • The table beautifully showcases the versatile textures and variations in the old timber

What we dislike

  • Aesthetics are a tad bit simple and unassuming and could have been exaggerated a bit more

6. Marumarushikaku

Kego Kuma took over Ryuichi Sakamoto’s company More Trees, and he unveiled a modular wooden shelf made up of various shapes tacked together. Called the Marumarushikaku, the furniture design looks like an art piece, owing to its unique look. It functions as a decorative shelf as well!

Why is it noteworthy?

The furniture piece is made of rectangular shelf boards and round pillar boards which have been stacked on top of each other. You can place the different parts between the shelves creating your own unique design and look. You can place books, bottles, plants, pots, and other knick-knacks on it.

What we like

  • Modular form that can be stacked up to eight levels

What we dislike

  • Massive bulky form that will occupy substantial space in your home

7. Designated Table

These intriguing wooden tables don’t look too practical or functional when you first look at them, but then you realize that using them is like playing that educational game of fitting shapes into the right holes! It reminds you of the toys that have geometric holes in them, and you need to drop geometric blocks inside them!

Why is it noteworthy?

The geometric holes aren’t just whimsical little features, but they can be used as helpful organizational tools which are also quite interesting to look at. Organizing your stuff has never been this fun and efficient. The table also has a unique aesthetic which makes it an eye-catching piece.

What we like

  • Playful yet functional furniture pieces

What we dislike

  • The tables come in different shapes, and hence may not be able to cater to all functionalities

8. Circus Coffee Table

Called the Circus coffee table, this unique table design intends to bring people together in a fun and interactive manner. The table is quite small, and it can be utilized as a regular desk if the need arises. It is pretty tall, unlike typical coffee tables.

Why is it noteworthy?

The shapes and materials of the table create a design philosophy that is chaotic like a circus. It is made from wood, and amped with metallic components which add some functionality to the table.

What we like

  • Created to be the center of attention
  • You can use it as a regular desk too

What we dislike

  • Some people may not like the unconventionality of the design, and it may not complement all interior styles

9. Kainchee

Called Kainchee, this innovative chair design translates to scissors in the Hindi language, and quite rightfully so, since it looks like a pair of scissors, which does full justice to its interesting name. And truly the chair looks like a pair of scissors from the bottom at least.

Why is it noteworthy?

What makes the Kainchee chair truly stand out is its innovative and intertwining form. The seat of the chair is essentially a band of walnut wood, which interlocks with the ash wood to build the leg of the chair, in turn forming a seating solution that is geometrically quite fascinating.

What we like

  • Has a unique form and design philosophy make it stand apart from other furniture designs

What we dislike

  • It’s still a concept, so we don’t know how ergonomic or practical the final product will be

10. Altitude Shelf

Called the Altitude Shelf, this shelving design by Evan Clabots draws inspiration from clean lines and the minimal form of traditional Japanese woodworking. The end result is a storage solution that is peak Japandi aesthetics while being extremely functional. It has loads of storage space amped by a clean and minimal vibe.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Altitude Shelf is inspired by Japanese furniture, but you can see hints of traditional Danish furniture in it as well. The design is highlighted by minimal lines and no back panels, forming a design which is open, airy, and free-flowing.

What we like

  • It is a modular design inspired by Japanese and Danish furniture

What we dislike

  • Bulky space-consuming design

The post 10 Best Wooden Furniture Designed To Add The Warmth & Simplicity Of The Material To Your Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Cutting-edge Pet Water Fountain has a 10-liter reservoir and a multi-stage filtration system

Posted on by

Would you drink water out of a glass that’s been sitting on the table for 5-6 hours? No, right? So why is it that your pet has to drink water from a bowl that’s been left standing for hours at an end? Quite like a drinking glass with stagnant water, traditional water bowls can become stagnant and harbor bacteria, requiring frequent cleaning and refills. The LALAHOME DailyFresh™ Eco-System pet fountain aims to revolutionize pet hydration by not only ensuring that your pets drink fresh water, but also ensuring they drink water that’s been appropriately filtered.

Designer: LALAHOME SMARTECH CO.,LTD

Click Here to Buy Now: $169 $299 (43% off). Hurry, only 18 left! Raised over $90,000.

DailyFresh™ and RealPura™ 5X Filtration Technology help deliver fresh and crystal-clear water, while the extra-large 10L tank and 6L waster water tank ensure fewer refills and disposals.

Sure, it’s easy to think of the LALAHOME DailyFresh as yet another pet water fountain, and there are many pet water fountains available out there… but on the inside, you’ve got a purification system so cutting-edge it could rival most regular purifiers found in homes for human consumption. Water is purified, oxygenated, sterilized, and waste/contaminated water is even discarded in a separate container that you can then use for watering/growing plants. The system is ruthlessly efficient, giving your pet the best water it can drink, and ensuring that every sip they have is as fresh as possible. Why? Because pet parents only want what’s best for their fur-babies, right?!

The overall design takes cues from Brutalist architecture of the 60s, combining those cues with the the minimal functionalism of contemporary design styles. Almost reminiscent of a self-sustaining society, the LALAHOME DailyFresh recycles, treats, and dispenses water efficiently. The twin cylinders look almost like skyscrapers, dual spouts look like meandering rivers, and waste water is diverted to grow cat grass (wheatgrass and other sprouted cereals) that help aid your pet’s gut biome and digestive system.

The pet fountain boasts a large 10-liter water reservoir, eliminating the need for daily refills. That’s up to two weeks of fresh water for your pet, providing peace of mind for busy pet owners with multiple jobs or those who travel frequently. The DailyFresh system goes a step further by incorporating automatic water renewal. This innovative technology automatically flushes, drains wastewater, and refills the fountain with fresh water, ensuring a consistent supply of clean water for your pet.

But fresh water is only half the story. The DailyFresh Eco-System Pet Fountain incorporates a rigorous 5-layer RealPura filtration system to remove impurities. This multi-stage filtration process tackles everything from pet hair to heavy metals, keeping the water fresh and healthy for your pet. An integrated UVC light provides an extra layer of protection by eliminating bacteria and other pathogens that can lurk in stagnant water. LALAHOME’s OxygenZ technology increases water flow, resulting in oxygen-rich water that tastes fresher and is more enticing to pets. This can be particularly beneficial for cats who may be more inclined to drink from a moving water source than a stagnant bowl.

All that tech delivers results that you can actually measure. The DailyFresh comes with a smartphone app to control the dispenser, check water levels, and even toggle different modes. Now, you’re probably wondering why your pet fountain needs its own dedicated app, but for the overly caring pet parent, the app gives control over the dispenser as well as allows you to track how much your pet drinks in the day. The app lets you know when the DailyFresh’s water levels are low, so you can replenish the removable water tanks, and the DailyFresh’s neat design and tight footprint let you easily place the pet fountain anywhere in you house, ensuring your furry friends get the best drinking water to stay hydrated and healthy, without depending on you to constantly replenish their water bowl!

Click Here to Buy Now: $169 $299 (43% off). Hurry, only 18 left! Raised over $90,000.

The post Cutting-edge Pet Water Fountain has a 10-liter reservoir and a multi-stage filtration system first appeared on Yanko Design.

This handheld console for disabled gamers has modular control pods for better ergonomics

Posted on by

Gaming controllers are primarily designed keeping in mind the needs of seasoned gamers who have razor-sharp reflexes and blazing reaction times. Most of the mainstream controllers don’t factor in the needs of disabled gamers who have accessibility issues. Major manufacturers like Sony and 8BitDo, however, have ventured down this road with the PlayStation 5 Access Controller and Lite SE controller respectively.

Along the same lines, this Windows-based gaming controller concept dubbed Free Play wants to give disabled gamers a level playing field when it comes to playing chart-topping games. The gadget achieves this without compromising on the form factor a normal gamepad relies on. Therefore, normal gamers can also use it without any problem.

Designer: Aiden Schutte

The intended dual functionality of the gaming controller is achieved with modular control pods that can be placed around the console. With the rise in popularity of handheld gaming consoles, attention towards accessible controllers for the disabled is imminent. The design proposed here employs the modular buttons that settle inside the metal body and the ergonomic grips having flat surfaces as the viable solution. So, one can easily swap the D-Pad buttons to reside on the front rather than the sides. Customized sticks can be attached to the controller if the disabled gamer has problems holding on to the joystick with the thumb.

To keep it simple, the modular gaming controller has multiple configurations to play depending on the comfort level of the disabled person. Whether it’s using the controller with just one hand or situations where dexterity is not an option. Aiden has designed the bottom to be flat so that people with dexterity issues can easily lift the gadget from the surface. In addition to the buttons you would find on any normal controller, this one has tactile touchpoints to navigate controls. These tactile touchpoints can be placed at the back of the console or on the front. The size of all the buttons and triggers has been intentionally kept large for easier presses and navigation.

The post This handheld console for disabled gamers has modular control pods for better ergonomics first appeared on Yanko Design.

This 10th Anniversary Apple Watch Concept comes with a camera, edge-to-edge screen, and TouchID

Posted on by

Apple is rumored to be planning something special for the 10-year anniversary of the Watch this September (quite like the iPhone got the iPhone X), although nobody really knows whether it’ll be a seismic leap like the iPhone X introducing the notch. Designer Luka Gehrer, however, designed what he believes to be the ideal evolutionary stage for the Watch’s 10-year anniversary. The Watch X comes with a few upgrades that make it even more unique than the Watch Ultra – Gehrer outfits it with an edge-to-edge screen, a hole-punch camera (which could easily function as a dynamic island), a blood pressure monitor built into the watch strap, and TouchID integrated into the crown. In doing so, Gehrer doesn’t just make the Watch better, he practically makes it a miniature iPhone… which is totally something Apple’s done before, turning the iPad into a miniature MacBook!

Designer: Lukas Gehrer (Wordsmatter.io)

For Gehrer, the watch is basically an extension of his phone, with added health benefits. You can answer audio calls on your watch, read messages on it, so why not accept FaceTime calls too? The Watch X sports an 8MP shooter on the front, thanks to a screen cutout (Apple would probably never do this), but as a compromise, Gehrer also pushes the screen to its limits, practically making a bezel-less display with edge-to-edge pixels. The result feels familiar but different, with a rather visible hole in the display that conveniently gets hidden by gradient watch interfaces that go dark as they approach the edges.

The camera serves as a crucial element for enabling FaceTime on the Watch X, but also allows you to occasionally click selfies or record videos or vlogs. I’d imagine the hole punch could easily serve as a dynamic island too, but dynamic islands on smartwatches may be a little too much too soon.

The Watch X (10th Gen) also gets a casing upgrade, with Gehrer opting for a squarish case design instead of the obvious curved case. Designed as a hat-tip to the iPhone 15, the case has flat edges, and a brushed metal finish reminiscent of the iPhone 15’s Titanium outer casing.

The presence of a camera also creates safety concerns, which is why the Watch X is the first to be outfitted with TouchID built right into its crown. Mimicking the TouchID found in the iPad Air’s power button, this adds a layer of security to the Watch X, ensuring that not everyone can access all of the watch’s core features.

In an unusual twist, the Watch X’s strap also gets is first sensor. The new Blood Pressure sensor on the strap sits on the front of your wrist under the palm, and comes based on a rumor from famed Apple leaker and analyst Mark Gurman of Bloomberg.

Apple’s iPad event ended with quite a flair last week, and Apple is gearing for WWDC soon. However, there’s a lot that’s planned for the September event. Quite a few Apple products need a refresh this year, although it’s pretty much set in stone that the September event will see newer versions of the iPhone, the Watch, and probably even the Watch Ultra. One can only speculate what the Watch 10th Gen will look like, but until then we’ve got this concept giving us dreams of being able to FaceTime on an Apple Watch without relying on the Wristcam strap from years ago!

The post This 10th Anniversary Apple Watch Concept comes with a camera, edge-to-edge screen, and TouchID first appeared on Yanko Design.

Earbuds with nano camera and smart AI are more than just music for your ears

Posted on by

Earbuds are a kind of accessory you’ll find most common in anybody’s arsenal. They isolate you from the distracting outside world and help you focus while working, exercising, commuting, or anything in between. Extending the usability of earbuds for people with vision problems or in general even the common users who like to turn on their ANC at full blast. Apart from the audio information, the eyes are the best sensors to gauge the environment.

The Cell Buds are an evolution of the good old earbuds into a wearable that assists the blind in navigating crowded spaces or even being aware of what’s around them with sound cues coming from the buds equipped with nano camera units that keep track of any information that may be vital. This eliminates the need for transparency mode to be aware of the space, or even situations where you want strong ANC while being totally aware of what’s happening around in a crowded urban area, essentially making them your eyes and mind for daily life assistance.

Designer: Minwoo Kim

https://vimeo.com/user217694550

These earbuds are loaded with an ultra-compact vision cam and AI to bring all the smart features of your smartphone to this cool gadget plugged into the ears. As a part of the Samsung Design Membership course, Minwoo conceptualized this design to dramatically improve the user’s experience. The on-device AI brings personalized interaction with information available in the cloud and the compact vision cameras keep sensing the surrounding environment around you for any signs of danger or information that might be important to you. For example, an approaching motorist from the left when you are busy crossing the street.

With smart AI, the wearables can be useful for frequent travelers or people with vision impairments. The hands-free personal assistance provided by Cell Buds keeps you from checking your phone, thereby curbing your digital life for good. Design and comfort are prime when it comes to the concept, as Kim has managed to fit a rotating camera unit inside the housing that houses the driver units, microphones, and the battery. According to him, the camera drive unit slightly protrudes from the ear to increase the camera’s field of view.

The post Earbuds with nano camera and smart AI are more than just music for your ears first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best Accessories To Make Your Bathroom The Ultimate Haven In Your Home

Posted on by

With our super hectic lives and chalked-up schedules, bathtime is probably the only time of the day when we get to truly relax and unwind. It’s that precious hour of the day when we can completely indulge in self-care, and pamper ourselves, hence it is my favorite time of the day.  Having a beautifully designed bathroom with thoughtful designs will only amplify this special time of the day. These products can make a huge difference in our everyday bathroom experience. They not only help us carry out our personal and grooming activities even more easily, but they also help us take care of ourselves and our washrooms a little better.

1. Tandem Showerhead

Dubbed the Tandem Showerhead, this interesting showerhead can be directly connected to your existing showerhead, and it functions as an easy-to-install, no-plumber-required shower accessory which creates two separate streams from your shower. The shower is a great option for couples and solo showers, offering a serene and luxurious experience.

Why is it noteworthy?

The shower features an adjustable design that can fit into most bathrooms. The little device fits into your existing showerhead’s water inlet, and this distributes the water supply between two showerheads. The Tandem Shower also includes a valve that lets you switch between both heads or use them together.

What we like

  • The water flow can be angle-adjusted
  • It has a high-velocity setting which delivers two times more force than regular showers

What we dislike

  • The Tandem Showerhead is an added installation, so it may not work for rental apartments

2. Orbital Tap

Called the Orbital Tap, this unique tap system by Orbital Systems recycles water from the sink to flush the toilet. It saves 100 percent of the basin water, and sends it over to the toilet for flushing, ensuring that clean water isn’t utilized for flushing.

Why is it noteworthy?

The tap has a smart system and it is a boon to the environment since it saves clean water from being used for flushing. Instead, it recycles water from the sink to flush the toilet. The tap comes with a control dial with a touchpad, which makes it easy to use and operate the tap.

What we like

  • Comes in a variety of finishes ranging from black and white, to brass, chrome, and brushed stainless steel

What we dislike

  • The tap is white in color, so it could easily get dirty or stained

3. MYCO-ALGA

Say hello to a really unique creation – the MYCO-ALGA interior tiling system. If you’re looking to redecorate your bathroom, then you should take a look at this tiling system. It is built from natural and organic waste, that has been upcycled with actual living organisms!

Why is it noteworthy?

The creation of this design involves multiple sustainable processes which include designing them digitally, 3D-printing, growing the actual organisms, enriching them with bio-pigment fabrication, and more. The waste materials are ground into a paste-like substrate as a foundation.

What we like

  • The tiles are strong and rigid yet lightweight
  • 100% sustainable and eco-friendly material

What we dislike

  • The tiling system has a unique aesthetic, and may not complement bathrooms with contemporary interiors

4. Formation 02

Toilets today can be quite typical and boring, but Kohler is changing the game with their Formation 02. The unique toilet immediately stands out due to its innovative shape and unconventional color. The orange color of the toilet instantly draws attention, while the faceted form adds a sophisticated touch.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Formation 02 showcases the various effects of moving water on its environment, and how it can shape and change the way things look. Water can smooth rocks into pebbles, or it can wear them down to rough surfaces. And with the Formation 02 toilet, we can see this in the sides that are smooth, and some sides which are rough and raw.

What we like

  • A smart toilet that provides a heated seat and customizable bidet cleaning

What we dislike

  • The color can be too flashy and unconventional for some people

5. Bath Bot

If you’re in the mood to relax and unwind during your bath, then you need to get your hands on the Bath Bot by Lush. This Bath Bot is designed to be your very own “digital bath bomb”, and it will offer you a “custom light, sound, and color experience” every time you take a nice long bath.

Why is it noteworthy?

It’s the same size and shape as their bath bombs but is a water-proof speaker that you can put in the bathtub with you or on the sink near your shower if you don’t have a bathtub.

What we like

  • The Bath Both creates a 180-degree sound show, letting you play your favorite music or podcast

What we dislike

  • The product is currently unavailable, so we hope it will live up to its anticipation and description

6. O-SOW

Dubbed O-SOW, this biodegradable toilet paper is created by Aviva Revisi, an industrial design student at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design. The toilet paper is quite unique and innovative as it incorporates seeds to promote plant growth. Have you ever heard of toilet paper doing that?!!

Why is it noteworthy?

Revisi came up with the product on a hiking trip in the Israeli desert, where she noticed there were often days when she didn’t come across people, but she did come across discarded toilet paper. That’s when she decided she wanted to resolve this problem. It is made from orange, and aloe vera leaves, and plant seeds.

What we like

  • Designed for hikers who prefer to sow and fertilize the earth

What we dislike

  • Not everyone may feel comfortable to use this kind of toilet paper

7. Smart Bathtub

Designed by Cloudandco Design Studio, the Smart Bathtub has been designed to offer comfort and automated relaxation. The bathtub has been specifically customized, and it doesn’t simply provide a nice bath to you, it also treats you to a personalized massage experience.

Why is it noteworthy?

The massage experience is personalized and is learned and customized according to the user’s preferences over time. This creates a bath time that is tailored and intended to be a blissful activity for you.

What we like

  • The AI is a boon here since it addresses your specific areas of discomfort

What we dislike

  • Not everyone may be comfortable having AI integrated into their bath routine

8. Kohler x SR-A Formation 01 Faucet

This limited-edition faucet from Kohler called the Kohler x SR-A Formation 01 features a unique form that combines the appeal and allure of avant-garde architecture and automotive design. It is an edgy single-piece design that defies typical expectations, and the typical boring archetypes of bathroom designs.

Why is it noteworthy?

The faucet is made from Neolast – a groundbreaking material by Kohler. The faucet features clean lines and a unique and pretty organic form. The innovative materials allows the faucet to be created in its one-of-a-kind shape, making it a true conversation starter.

What we like

  • Enables precise water delivery even through its sharp angles

What we dislike

  • The unusual color and form may not be preferred by everyone

9. usmile Y10 Pro

Called the usmile Y10 Pro, this innovative and cutting-edge device is intended to offer you an excellent and elevated dental care experience. It combines advanced technology with user-friendly features to give you a healthy and bright 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 is equipped with a long-lasting battery, so you don’t need to charge it frequently
  • Has a sleek and ergonomic design

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics are a bit boring and mundane, quite similar to other electric toothbrushes

10. VEAU LED Mask

Meet the VEAU LED Mask – a new-age LED mask designed to revolutionize skincare practices. This unique product uses LED tech to provide users with a personalized and effective skincare experience. It is the perfect way to take care of your skin, letting you get a pampering session in during your bathroom time.

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

  • The mask has multiple modes so you can pick the LED light colors that your skin needs
  • Users can wear it with ease since it can be folded

What we dislike

  • We’re not fully aware of any side effects the mask could have on the skin

The post 10 Best Accessories To Make Your Bathroom The Ultimate Haven In Your Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lofree EDGE – The World’s Thinnest Mechanical Keyboard is just 16mm, less than two iPhones thick

Posted on by

You don’t associate mechanical keyboards with sleek portability… and you don’t associate portable compact keyboards with great tactile feedback or mechanical travel. Lofree’s somehow managed to blur both those worlds into a keyboard that offers the best typing experience while weighing just a pound and being 0.6 inches (16.5mm) thick at its thickest point. Crafted from a combination of magnesium and carbon fiber, the Lofree EDGE reinvents the wheel. It uses unique aerospace-grade materials for their strength-to-weight ratio, redesigned keycaps that are thin but still feel ergonomic, and redefined Kailh mechanical switches that provide a great tactile feel that gives you the mechanical feedback of a much thicker keyboard, but in a highly portable, sleek form.

Designer: Lofree

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $249 (48% off) Hurry, only limited units at a discounted price. Raised over $270,000.

Over the years, Lofree’s developed its brand reputation for designing wonderfully retropunk tech peripherals. Whether it’s the Touch mouse with PBT buttons, the Wavy Chips mouse that looks like Italian automotive design from the golden ages, or even its Foundation and Block wireless keyboards that reinvent classic designs from decades ago to give them a proper modern revival, the company’s always pushed the boundaries of visual aesthetics, striking a fine balance between classic and contemporary. It’s no wonder that they have, as a result, developed a viciously loyal fan base of design enthusiasts and tech nerds who coalesce around the company’s vision for making great-looking tech that performs remarkably too.

The EDGE is unlike anything Lofree’s ever made before, given that its design brief is distinctly different from the company’s previous approaches to industrial design. Lofree’s thinnest mechanical keyboard yet, the EDGE boasts an ultra-low profile, with a design that’s equal parts utilitarian and aesthetic. Every material is chosen carefully, and every design detail has meticulous thought behind it, resulting in a keyboard that’s just 485 grams (1.06 pounds) light and just 15mm at its thickest point – making it both thinner and lighter than the Corsair K100 Air, which previously held the title of being the thinnest mechanical keyboard. At its thinnest point, it’s a staggering 5.4mm, making it just marginally thicker than Apple’s newest M4 iPad Pro.

The title of the thinnest mechanical keyboard doesn’t come without some intense design and engineering, backed by solid R&D. Lofree basically designed the entire keyboard from the ground up, removing non-essential components, choosing materials like magnesium and carbon fiber for their strength and low-weight, and even using custom switches. The EDGE’s construction removes components like the positioning plate, silicone pad, and IPXE foam that you’d find in most keyboards, instead opting for a unique PCB gasket structure that holds the keyboard’s internals in place. The base of the keyboard is made from machined magnesium alloy, which then gets capped off with a 3K twill weave carbon fiber upper plate that not only gives the keyboard a solid upper surface but also gives it the distinct carbon fiber aesthetic that people know and love.

The keys themselves have a unique redesigned profile that’s a combination of thin yet ergonomic, and come made from grease-resistant PBT polymer. They come with a concave top, allowing for error-free typing, and have a specially formulated Kailh POM Switch 2.0 that’s just 9.8mm thick (your average mechanical keyboard switches are 18.5mm) – and even though it’s just half the size of a mechanical switch, it still boasts a healthy amount of travel so you feel like you’re using a mechanical keyboard and not one of those uncomfortable keyboards you’d find on slim laptops. The EDGE’s wedge design does, however, reinforce a sense of slimness, which means you can even carry your wireless keyboard with you in a laptop bag.

The EDGE works in both wired and wireless formats, and is compatible with Windows as well as Mac devices. In wired mode, the keyboard operates at a staggering 100Hz polling rate, practically making latency a thing of the past for gamers. The wireless mode helps keep desks clean, and reduces cable clutter, suitable for all other professions. The EDGE also comes with Lofree’s Configurator software, which lets you change the RGB backlight, remap keys, and set macros/shortcuts (the Configurator is only available for Windows, with a Mac version rolling out at the end of this year). A built-in 2000mAh battery offers 10 hours of wireless use with the backlight on, and a staggering 130 hours if you switch the backlight off. A USB-C port charges the keyboard in just under 3 hours.

Lofree’s products don’t come without a design twist. While their previous keyboards and mice boasted quirky retropunk aesthetics that gave a distinct flair to your workplace, the EDGE comes with its own carbon fiber vertical stand that holds either the keyboard or your laptop when not in use. Each stand comes cleverly machined from the blank rectangle that gets cut out of the center of the EDGE’s carbon fiber upper plate, helping reduce waste and repurpose the material to create something functional. Each EDGE comes with the stand flat-packed, which can easily be assembled in under a minute, giving you a convenient place to dock your device when you’re done with it, so your table remains clean and clutter-free. The $129 EDGE also ships with a connecting cable, extra keycaps, and a keyboard sleeve that’s only available to people who back the keyboard on Kickstarter. The world’s slimmest mechanical keyboard ships globally starting July 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $249 (48% off) Hurry, only limited units at a discounted price. Raised over $270,000.

The post Lofree EDGE – The World’s Thinnest Mechanical Keyboard is just 16mm, less than two iPhones thick first appeared on Yanko Design.