Cup noodles are a popular and quite common meal in Japan, although they are not limited to Japan anymore. They’ve become a quick and fun meal for people all over the world, and I’m no exception. I love a cup of hot and spicy noodles that are ready in a matter of five minutes – I mean how cool and convenient is that?! The right way to eat noodles from a cup is with the help of chopsticks and a spoon, that really is the best way to enjoy some noods! But of course, that is the tough way, and most people prefer forks. But, the typical fork that accompanies cup noodles is often un-ergonomic and really uncomfortable to eat with! The angle just doesn’t sit right, and it is difficult to scoop noodles and veggies with it. This is where Nissin teamed up with Nendo to create an obsessively ergonomic fork quite simply dubbed ‘The Fork’.
The Fork was designed after taking into consideration hours of user observation, to create a piece of cutlery that makes your noodle-eating experience smooth and hassle-free. The fork features a 128-degree arch at the neck which is perfect for scooping up noodles. The arch effectively limits the strain of lifting your elbow when scarfing down noodles. The left and right sections of the head have rounded edges, that perfectly fit against the walls of the cup, making it easier to lift up and consume the noodles.
The neck of the fork is marked with a shallow dip that is great for scooping up veggies and toppings, so you don’t miss out on them! There are little bumps between the various slots to ensure the noodles don’t slip off, while a small clip holds down the lid, as you wait for the hot water to prepare your instant noodles. What makes the Fork even more interesting and useful is that it comes in two variants – one for lefties, and one for righties! Nendo and Nissin really thought of everything. The left-hand version comes in a bold red color, while the right-hand version is available in white.
Any more advanced and the FBI would probably put you on a watch-list for purchasing it…
If the idea of recreating scenes from Top Gun in your flight simulator program excite you, you’re aware that a keyboard or gaming controller probably won’t cut it. Meet the VelocityOne Flightdeck from Turtle Beach, a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) controller that gives you the most lifelike flight control experience money can buy. Aside from simulating G-force during flight, this bad-boy is capable of putting you front and center of the action. Maybe pair it with a VR headset and you’re golden!
Designer: Turtle Beach
Designed as a comprehensive control system, the VelocityOne Flightdeck ushers in the future of flight and space combat simulation on Windows 10 and 11 PCs. While it’s unfortunate that it doesn’t extend to Xbox consoles like its predecessor, the VelocityOne Flight, PC gamers will rejoice at the prospect of diving into their favorite flight simulation titles with this true-to-life setup.
Featuring 15 axes and a staggering 139 programmable functions, the VelocityOne Flightdeck offers a level of customization that caters to the diverse needs of virtual pilots. Whether you’re soaring through the skies in X-Plane, navigating the intricacies of Microsoft Flight Simulator, or exploring the vastness of space in Elite Dangerous, this HOTAS setup has you covered.
Central to the Flightdeck’s appeal is the innovative Flight Touch Display, a first-of-its-kind feature that combines real-time simulation status with advanced customization capabilities. This allows users to configure up to 39 extra button functions, enhancing the HOTAS experience across major combat simulation titles. The device boasts 139 programmable functions, offering an unmatched level of customization.
The VelocityOne Flightdeck is engineered for precision and durability. It utilizes non-contact Hall effect sensors for the main movement controls on both the stick and throttle, ensuring long-lasting accuracy and performance. This technological choice is crucial for maintaining consistent, precise control over time, setting the Flightdeck apart from competitors.
Beyond its core functionalities, the Flightdeck enhances user experience through additional features like adjustable RGB lighting and Turtle Beach’s signature audio advantages. Users can connect any 3.5mm headset to the system, enjoying functionalities such as Superhuman Hearing®, audio EQ modes, mic monitoring, and game and chat volume balance. The adjustable RGB lighting allows users to customize the ambiance of their gaming setup, further immersing themselves in the virtual skies.
The Flight Hangar companion app is a significant value add, enabling deep customization and performance tuning. Available for Windows PCs, it allows pilots to create and transfer comprehensive configuration profiles directly to the Flightdeck. This feature ensures that the system not only meets the immediate needs of users but is also future-proofed through easy firmware updates.
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck commands a premium price tag of $399.99. While this may seem steep, the investment is justified by the device’s unparalleled performance and feature set. Pre-orders are currently open, with the HOTAS setup set to hit store shelves on February 23, 2024. The VelocityOne Flightdeck is also part of a broader ecosystem that includes headsets, controllers, and other gaming peripherals, all designed to enhance the gaming experience.
We all know how glued children are to screens lately. In such times where children are often immersed in the digital realm, it’s imperative to find innovative ways to encourage them to go outside in the real world and explore. The BINO mixed reality (MR) device emerges as a solution, seamlessly connecting the virtual and real worlds, empowering the ‘IPad kids’ to explore their surroundings with curiosity.
The increasing use of electronic devices from an early age has confined children’s worlds to screens. This digital immersion raises concerns about the limited physical activity vital for their holistic development. To address this challenge, BINO aims to redefine the concept of play by expanding children’s playgrounds beyond screens.
Curiosity serves as the driving force for children to explore and question the world around them. BINO is designed to engage and satisfy children’s curiosity actively, promoting physical activity as a natural byproduct of exploration. By igniting interest through playful activities, the device strives to contribute to healthier and more active lifestyles for children. It is a revolutionary MR device that serves as a companion for curious children, seamlessly connecting the virtual and real worlds. It features two lenses – a normal lens and a wide-angle lens – allowing children to observe close and distant subjects.
Features of BINO:
Photo & Video:
The device enables children to capture and preserve their exploration moments through photos and videos. It captures various moments encountered in nature or the city center, including plants, animals, transportation devices, and various objects, allowing them to cherish these memories and fostering a sense of connection with the real world while learning.
Built-in Projector:
BINO has a built-in projector, allowing children to share their recorded adventures and moments throughout the day with family without needing an additional display. It enhances the collaborative aspect of exploration.
AI Interaction:
BINO acts as a responsive companion, answering questions and explaining the world as children experience it as a blend of the real and virtual worlds. This AI interaction ensures that children maintain interest and curiosity throughout their adventures.
Constellation Exploration:
Through the MR device, the night sky comes to life with an illuminated display of numerous stars. This constellation feature enhances the immersive experience, making every exploration unique. I believe if we were taught constellations like this, I’d know them better!
BINO challenges the norms of traditional MR devices that require wearing hardware on the head or body. By seamlessly connecting virtual and real experiences in a flexible and natural way by eliminating the need for continuous wear, it breaks free from the limitations of confined spaces, enriching the stage of virtual and real interactions. This flexibility expands spatial experiences, allowing users to navigate both realms and the space where they converge.
Considering the target audience of children, the device prioritizes safety with soft mesh cushions and a detachable strap for easy portability. It also has a very visually cute form The design incorporates smooth curved surfaces to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
BINO emerges as a groundbreaking MR device designed to encourage outdoor exploration among children. By seamlessly connecting the virtual and real worlds, it not only satisfies children’s curiosity but also promotes physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, BINO is a beacon of innovation, bridging the gap between digital curiosity and real-world exploration for the next generation.
We all know how glued children are to screens lately. In such times where children are often immersed in the digital realm, it’s imperative to find innovative ways to encourage them to go outside in the real world and explore. The BINO mixed reality (MR) device emerges as a solution, seamlessly connecting the virtual and real worlds, empowering the ‘IPad kids’ to explore their surroundings with curiosity.
The increasing use of electronic devices from an early age has confined children’s worlds to screens. This digital immersion raises concerns about the limited physical activity vital for their holistic development. To address this challenge, BINO aims to redefine the concept of play by expanding children’s playgrounds beyond screens.
Curiosity serves as the driving force for children to explore and question the world around them. BINO is designed to engage and satisfy children’s curiosity actively, promoting physical activity as a natural byproduct of exploration. By igniting interest through playful activities, the device strives to contribute to healthier and more active lifestyles for children. It is a revolutionary MR device that serves as a companion for curious children, seamlessly connecting the virtual and real worlds. It features two lenses – a normal lens and a wide-angle lens – allowing children to observe close and distant subjects.
Features of BINO:
Photo & Video:
The device enables children to capture and preserve their exploration moments through photos and videos. It captures various moments encountered in nature or the city center, including plants, animals, transportation devices, and various objects, allowing them to cherish these memories and fostering a sense of connection with the real world while learning.
Built-in Projector:
BINO has a built-in projector, allowing children to share their recorded adventures and moments throughout the day with family without needing an additional display. It enhances the collaborative aspect of exploration.
AI Interaction:
BINO acts as a responsive companion, answering questions and explaining the world as children experience it as a blend of the real and virtual worlds. This AI interaction ensures that children maintain interest and curiosity throughout their adventures.
Constellation Exploration:
Through the MR device, the night sky comes to life with an illuminated display of numerous stars. This constellation feature enhances the immersive experience, making every exploration unique. I believe if we were taught constellations like this, I’d know them better!
BINO challenges the norms of traditional MR devices that require wearing hardware on the head or body. By seamlessly connecting virtual and real experiences in a flexible and natural way by eliminating the need for continuous wear, it breaks free from the limitations of confined spaces, enriching the stage of virtual and real interactions. This flexibility expands spatial experiences, allowing users to navigate both realms and the space where they converge.
Considering the target audience of children, the device prioritizes safety with soft mesh cushions and a detachable strap for easy portability. It also has a very visually cute form The design incorporates smooth curved surfaces to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
BINO emerges as a groundbreaking MR device designed to encourage outdoor exploration among children. By seamlessly connecting the virtual and real worlds, it not only satisfies children’s curiosity but also promotes physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, BINO is a beacon of innovation, bridging the gap between digital curiosity and real-world exploration for the next generation.
Ever been typing away on your workdesk, only to find your mind flitting away to some far-off memory, as boredom and melancholy slowly creep through your system? Spending 8 hours on your desk can become quite tedious, and sometimes boosting your mood and upping your productivity can seem nearly impossible. But this is where a tiny thing like an adorable stationery design on your desk can truly come in handy. Cute little stationery items carefully dispersed on your desk can add little sparks of joy to your otherwise mundane day. They can bring a smile to your face, no matter how dreary your day feels. And one such lovely design is the Planet Pins by Duncan Shotton.
These colorful quirky little creations are hand-painted planet pins inspired by the solar system. This adorable stationery set includes eight extraterrestrial shapes, each one hand-painted in Tokyo and then presented in a compact polished acrylic display case. Accompanying the main case, are little moon pins, with realistic astronomical craters on their surface. The moons are concrete cast.
The adorable pins include Mercury in metallic silver, Venus in metallic gold, Earth in painted blue and green, Jupiter in yellow, dark orange, and translucent orange, Mars in red, Saturn in yellow with a metallic silver ring, Uranus in a metallic blue with a metallic silver ring, and Neptune in blue and a lovely white. The pins are beautifully delivered in serial-numbered display cases, so even when they aren’t in use, you can store them neatly in boxes, leaving them out to showcase.
For lovers of outer space and astronomy, the Planet Pins will make for a wonderful addition to their desk or home office, allowing them to integrate their love for the astral spheres into their daily lives and routines. The accompanying moon pins are a bonus, creating a full-fledged and complete solar system for you. Besides featuring little craters, the moons also have a tiny arrangement, representing the iconic “the man on the moon” image. The US flag has also been printed on a card insert, and placed behind each pin, making it a part of the famous setting.
If you’re currently in school or university, then you know how important the right set of stationery designs is. You need to have a collection of stationery designs that provide you with value and make your everyday tasks easy to complete with efficiency. These are the objects that are gonna help you get through your day, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. From an everlasting all-metal pencil to minimal Japanese drawing pads – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs at school.
1. Pen Fan
Called the Pen Fan, this nifty and unique stationery design is a must-have school supply. It is designed to be a cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set, accommodating 8 different flat-head sketch pens in a nifty, compact, and pretty easy-to-carry set.
Why is it noteworthy?
The various flat pens are interconnected, creating a cute little Japanese-fan-style layout that proudly showcases all 8 colors, letting you pick and choose from them. The pens are detachable, and you can easily snap on and off the pens, to create a palette that caters to you.
What we like
Easy-to-carry portable set
Reduces the risk of losing any of the pens
What we dislike
There are only 8 colors to pick from, which can be limiting. There could have been more color options
2. Everlasting Metal Pencil
If you’re looking for a pencil to carry to school, you could consider the Everlasting Metal Pencil. It is a Wacom-like style with a tip that doesn’t need to be sharpened or replaced. It is a unique and one-of-a-kind pen that lets you focus on the task at hand – whether it is writing, drawing, sketching, etc.
The pencil’s octagonal shaft is built from aluminum, and it has a special alloy core. This may make you feel that it might just leave heavy grooves on your paper, but it draws like a real pencil, without the tip getting worn down, even after dozens of marks. It’s a great tool for school, where you constantly need to be scrolling or sketching something away.
What we like
Features a metal core, not a clay or charcoal one, so it wears away quite slowly, and might even outlive you
What we dislike
If you’re someone who uses smudging techniques at school, this pencil isn’t recommended, as it doesn’t smear or smudge like normal graphite
3. Japanese Drawing Pad
If you’re a true stationery connoisseur, then you are well aware of the value and beauty of Japanese paper. It’s a wonderful material that has been revered by artists and designers for its quality. And if you want to take some lovely Japanese paper to school with you, then you could get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad.
The Japanese Drawing Pad is a premium-quality pad that freely lets you jot down your thoughts, and sketch out your innovative ideas without the worry of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers. The Drawing Pad is a catalyst for the explosion and outpouring of your exciting and vivid ideas. It creates a smooth, cohesive, and engaging writing/sketching experience for you.
What we like
The Drawing Pad is microperforated, making the sheets of paper easy to tear and separate from the pad
It is available in different sizes and colors, letting you pick the pad that meets your stationery needs
What we dislike
The aesthetics of the pad are quite simple, and it seems like an ordinary pad with no USP. But its high quality and value can only be experienced, not simply seen
4. Bowl Sharpener
Designed by Jiachun LV, this adorable Bowl Sharpener is shaped like a cute little soup bowl. The base of the bowl includes a sharper opening, through which you can slip in the pencil, and sharpen it. As you sharpen the pencil, the pencil shavings and residue are collected in the bowl, creating an interesting visual.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you sharpen colored pencils in the bowl, then the multicolored shavings create a beautiful visual. Since all the shavings and residue are collected in the bowl, it is quite easy to throw them away, and they don’t fall or scatter anywhere, causing a little mess.
What we like
Collects the shavings in one place, and no shavings go astray
Minimalist form and pastel color options add an adorable touch to your desk
What we dislike
It is larger than typical sharpeners and isn’t an easy design to carry around
5. Gravity Pen
Called the Gravity Pen, this unique pen is the perfect sidekick to carry to school with you. It places the center of gravity closer to your fingers, creating a cohesive writing experience for you, where the pen is easy to hold and easy to make agile strokes with. It has a larger grip than the barrel, creating more space for a comfortable hold.
The grip has a faceted form, making the pen easy to hold, while providing a more stable grip. The Gravity Pen has a super ergonomic design since it was designed using the smart application of physics and minimalist design principles. It is a no-fuss and no-nonsense stationery design!
What we like
Ergonomic design that is easy to hold with a sturdy grip
A durable and lightweight body that is easy to carry around
What we dislike
There isn’t a variety of color options to choose from, limited choice of product
6. Serenity Pen Stand
A pen is one of the essentials we need to carry when we’re at school. However, a pen can be quite easy to lose, and if you’re always losing track of your prized pen, then you could procure the Serenity Pen Stand. It is a minimal design with a metallic hint designed to hold your pen upright, keeping it ready for you to use!
The Serenity pen stand ensures you always have easy access to your pen, safeguarding it, and ensuring you never lose it. Made using aluminum and copper, it forms a well-balanced cylinder, that adds a pop of subtle color and character to your study desk.
What we like
Features a heavy copper bottom that lowers the center of gravity, offering it a stable form
Sleek minimal design that is easy to carry and set up
What we dislike
The pen stand is quite small in size and could be easily misplaced if not handled carefully
There isn’t availability in different color options, you are limited
7. ForeverPen
Dubbed the ForeverPen, this pen is made of Ti + Ag, and it sits neatly on your keys! It resolves the issue of you needing a pen and never being able to find one. It is said to be the world’s smallest inkless pen, and it never needs refilling. In fact, it is not just a simple pen, you can even write underwater with it, or open boxes!
Why is it noteworthy?
The pen is made from specialist Silver composite, combined with the choice of material you choose. It is only one inch in length, but strong enough to jot down all your notes, while also letting you slide open packages and boxes, and prying open lids.
What we like
Portable and easy-to-carry design
Multifunctional tool that can be used as much more than just a pen
What we dislike
Not well-suited for users with big hands, can be difficult for them to hold and use it
Since it is quite tiny, you can easily lose or misplace it
8. The Horizon Helvetica®
If you’ve come across the Horizon Helvetica®, then you know that it is an artist-oriented piece of EDC that is designed to be an interesting alternative to conventional stationery kits. It is said to be one of the most creative-oriented EDC multitools on the market!
Why is it noteworthy?
It has a credit-card-shaped form that lets you sketch and doodle, form grids and circles for drawings, measure distances, and angles, and even feature a dedicated measuring scale for pixels and picas! It is also an excellent tool for graphic and interface designers who can utilize it to create UI sketch prototypes on paper.
What we like
Using the tool you can sketch, ideate, plan, and measure anywhere
Portable and easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
It is only available in metal, there are no other material options
9. ColorPik Pen
Meet the ColorPik Pen – a super cool and extraordinary pen that accommodates 16 million colors! With the ColorPik Pen, you don’t need to buy different pens, you can simply use it and have fun with an unlimited number of colors. You simply need to scan the item whose color you want to imitate, and then doodle with it.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ColorPik Pen uses a smart color, that is light fast, and water resistant, and can’t just be weathered away. You can control the texture and dimension for writing by selecting any of the multiple tips, allowing you to beautifully and write as well as draw.
What we like
Combines 16 million colors into one nifty pen
Features re-fillable smart cartridges
What we dislike
10. World Clock
Do you ever find yourself lagging in school, not able to complete your tasks in the expected duration?! Well, this is where this unique clock design comes in, but with a twist. The World Clock isn’t your typical desk clock, and has a dodecagonal shape, with only one hand on its clean minimalist face.
The design and form of the World Clock is intentional, as it gives you the right information about your country, but also some additional and fun details on the time in other parts of the world. One quick look and you can instantly tell the hour, while a closer inspection will tell you which quarter of the hour it is.
What we like
The 12 sides of the clock have individual markings for a city that represents a particular timezone
The foldable phone market is still very young, which means there’s plenty of room for design improvement across the board. We can expect manufacturers to experiment with different combinations that try to cram as much hardware as possible inside super-thin bodies. Change is inevitable but not every change will be welcomed with open arms. Some are bound to be controversial, especially when they involve removing something that people have grown fond of. That might be the case with Google’s second foldable phone, which will trade its somewhat iconic “visor” camera design for a rather unusual spin on the common camera bump that might prove to be quite unappealing if these unofficial renders are correct.
Granted, the Google Pixel’s rear camera bar isn’t exactly loved by everyone, but it still gives the smartphones a distinctive appearance that can be considered Google’s signature design. That’s not exactly easy to pull off on a foldable phone like the Pixel Fold, so Google had to modify it to be less elegant but still shouted “Pixel” nonetheless. Whether you liked that design or not, it might not be sticking around on Google’s foldable for long, and maybe not even on its future smartphones.
Renders based on leaked information reveal the alleged Pixel Fold 2 design that is so different from the first-gen foldable. Gone is the horizontal bar, replaced by what almost looks like a more conventional rounded square in the corner. That illusion quickly breaks down, however, when you notice the two horizontal pill-shaped cutouts for the camera lenses. In addition to possibly being very thick, this could easily be one of the least attractive camera designs today.
The more subtle changes can be found in the sizes of the two screens. Not only are they larger, they also have different aspect ratios. The external Cover screen, for example, is a bit narrower and taller, resulting in an unfolded shape that is more square than the first Pixel Fold. The bezels around the internal display are also much thinner, which leaves no room for a camera. Apparently, this could also be Google’s first phone to use an under-display camera as well.
None of these details are guaranteed, of course, and Google might surprise us with a Pixel Fold 2 that looks almost exactly like the Pixel Fold 1, except more refined. It is definitely within Google’s right to change its designs as it sees fit, but there are also times when you’re just left scratching your head at the oddity of it all. Fortunately, the Pixel Fold is hardly the only foldable phone available, especially with OPPO confirming it’s still in the race.
Think of it as a ViewMaster, but instead of a small viewfinder that lets you see images up close, the LEGO Magic Lantern can cast blurry yet discernible images onto your wall, making it an incredibly engaging and entertaining build for you and your curious child.
In the time before TV, before movies, and even before bright stage lights, a Dutch scientist developed a machine that could make pictures move right in front of you. People were amazed by it, and they called it the Magic Lantern. Jump ahead 400 years and we’ve got the LEGO version! However, the LEGO Magic Lantern by Norders doesn’t use candles or gas or quicklime as its light source – it uses something much more modern that everyone has in their pocket: the flashlight from your phone!
Designer: Norders
Inspired by the original Lanterna Magica from the 17th century (around the time when the greatest minds were devoting their time towards exploring optics and lenses), Norders’ LEGO creation is a tiny tabletop device with steampunk-retro-esque details. Styled like a lantern, the contraption has a lens on the front that shoots images out onto any wall, using the light from your smartphone. Given its fixed focal length, the projector does need to be adjusted to ensure the image on the wall isn’t blurry or washed out. At the right distance, you’re left with a clear, bright image with a little vignetting around the sides, giving it an incredibly vintage appeal. Imagine how advanced this must have been during the 17th century!
The way the projector works is by putting a translucent slide into its mounting slot, causing light passing through the projector to cast the image on a wall. The slides are removable and replaceable, letting you play out a literal slide show by changing the individual images every few seconds! In fact, the 17th-century magic lantern is where we get the word ‘slide show’ from!
By LEGO-build standards, Norders’ Magic Lantern takes a few unconventional liberties. It uses parts that aren’t found in the LEGO catalog, like lenses, mirrors, and printed images. The lenses play a rather integral role in shaping the beam of light, which travels upwards from your smartphone to a 45° mirror, which then channels it forward towards the front of the projector. The printed image is mounted on a transparent LEGO brick, and light passing through it hits a final lens before going through a shadow mask to help create that final circular image. In LEGO parlance, these techniques are ‘illegal’ because of the use of non-LEGO components. However, we can chalk it down to ‘creative liberty’.
Keeping the Magic Lantern 150cm (59 inches) far from the wall results in an image 60cm (23.5 inches) in diameter
The Magic Lantern’s schematic features an adjustable mirror because the flashlight isn’t located at exactly the same place for every smartphone
The Magic Lantern is made from 513 LEGO bricks, making it much easier than some other detailed LEGO construction kits. Each additional slide requires 7 bricks, allowing you to expand on your slide collection to display through the lantern (you’ll still have to print your images on transparent sheets). Norder’s creation is a part of the LEGO Ideas forum, where independent creators can submit their ideas for LEGO builds and have the global LEGO community vote to select their favorite. As of writing this, the LEGO Magic Lantern has a staggering 8,355 votes, putting it just inches behind the 10,000-vote finish line. You can help by voting for it on the LEGO Ideas forum and with luck, help turn it into a buyable set!
A wonderful twist on how crockery gets stored in cabinets, the Gere Multifunctional Crockery Shelf turns your plates into decorative panels that contribute to the furniture’s aesthetic. The Gere Multifunctional Crockery Shelf looks like a gorgeous piece of furniture with abstract art on the front… but what appears to be art is, in fact, a series of partitioned plates for eating different food. Each plate has a uniquely different partition design, which not only contributes to the shelf’s eye-catching facade, but also makes eating a rather fun experience! Behind each plate lies a storage area for your other crockery, giving you a fun, yet functional shelf for your kitchen!
The inspiration behind Gere stems from the growing trend of minimalism and the need to optimize small living spaces. The project focuses on addressing the issue of large shelves filled with round plates that result in wasted space. The goal is to create a crockery shelf that is compact yet caters to the storage needs of individuals in smaller households.
To achieve this goal, the design team employed a comprehensive research process that included surveys, market analysis, interviews with the target audience, and the creation of a user journey map. The insights gained from this research provided a deep understanding of kitchen storage preferences, structuring items in the kitchen, and interaction points with shelves and plates.
Gere seamlessly combines shelves and plates, utilizing the plates to form a relief-like front for the shelf. This unique design creates additional interior space that can be efficiently utilized to store more crockery, cups, glasses, and other kitchen essentials. The gridlike structure of Gere allows for scalability, enabling larger or smaller versions to cater to different household sizes.
Ideal for placement in kitchens or dining rooms, Gere can be hung on the wall. The individual rows of plates can be folded down, providing easy access to stored items or allowing the removal of a plate from the front. The plates themselves feature segments, enabling users to separate main courses and side dishes on a single plate for convenient transportation. In addition to the front storage, Gere offers additional shelf space for storing crockery, cups, glasses, and more, making it a modularly expandable crockery set.
The functionality of Gere relies on the careful consideration of material properties. The shelf is crafted from local oak wood, chosen for its sturdiness and resistance to water. The plates, conceptualized using 3D graphic software, are 3D printed, translated into plaster molds, and ultimately cast in porcelain.
Specifications for Gere include 240mm x 240mm x 20mm dimensions for the plates and a prototype shelf measuring 1200mm x 200mm x 1300mm. The customizable size of the shelf ensures that Gere can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of different users.
Gere stands as a testament to the marriage of form and function in the realm of kitchen storage. Its innovative design not only maximizes space utilization but also brings an element of aesthetic appeal to the utilitarian aspect of crockery storage. As the demands of modern living continue to evolve, Gere offers a practical and elegant solution for those seeking to optimize their living spaces without compromising on style or functionality.
In the realm of design, every product tells a story, weaving together elements of inspiration and functionality. The KIWI Headphone Stand is no exception, offering a unique blend of creativity and purpose that transcends the ordinary. As we delve into the backstory of this captivating creation, we find ourselves drawn into a narrative where nature, aspirations, and practicality converge.
Designers: Jeongjun Kim and Jinhyoung Choi
At the heart of the KIWI Headphone Stand’s conception lies the tale of a Kiwi bird with a desire for change. This peculiar bird, known for its short legs, yearned for the elegance and grace that came with longer limbs. Every day, it dreamt of standing tall alongside other magnificent birds, its imagination soaring with the possibilities of elongated legs.
One fateful day, the Kiwi bird awoke to a startling realization—its wish had come true. To its astonishment, the once stubby legs were now elongated, granting the bird a newfound stature. However, as reality often proves, ideals and wishes can have unintended consequences.
The Kiwi bird, now burdened with the challenges of its elongated legs, found itself in difficulty. The very feature it had longed for had become a hindrance. In a quest to revert to its original form, the Kiwi bird pondered creative solutions, leading to a unique association with everyday objects.
Taking inspiration from the Kiwi’s plight, the designer of the KIWI Headphone Stand ingeniously incorporated elements from various birds, including the Kiwi and the duck. The elongation of certain parts of these birds served as the foundation for a headphone stand that seamlessly merged functionality with aesthetic appeal.
To maintain a harmonious blend with nature, the designer opted for wood as the primary material for the KIWI Headphone Stand. This choice not only adds warmth and elegance to the product but also pays homage to the organic inspiration derived from the Kiwi bird and other avian counterparts.
In a stroke of brilliance, the designer introduced two similar design iterations, allowing the KIWI Headphone Stand to cradle not just one but possibly two headphones at a time or maybe use that as a hook for something else. This thoughtful addition enhances the product’s appeal, making it a practical and visually striking accessory for any workspace.
The KIWI Headphone Stand is more than just a functional accessory for your desk; it’s a testament to the symbiotic relationship between design and nature. By intertwining the story of the Kiwi bird with the practical needs of headphone storage, this product is a conversation piece that resonates with those who appreciate the artistry behind everyday objects.
