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.
I hate the fact that I get an entire booklet attached to my clothes every time I buy something. Especially with global brands, those care labels can be multiple pages long, covering as many as 5-7 languages. Nobody I know has ever read any of those tags, and let’s face it, they’re an absolute liability. They cause itches, and sometimes pop out from the back, making for a rather embarrassing moment when someone else has to point out to you that your shirt’s tag is sticking out. Sure, it’s not the biggest problem in the world (or even in the fashion industry), but that doesn’t mean it’s a problem not worth solving. Meet LUKE, the world’s first device that easily removes care labels. It slices them off right at the hem, leaving no residual label at all… but more importantly, it comes with an app that digitizes the care label for you, allowing you to refer to the instructions if you ever want to wash/dry/care for them exactly how the manufacture intended. LUKE obviously isn’t for everyone, but for people with sensitive skin, with expensive/delicate clothes, or with good fashion that doesn’t benefit in any way from those godawful tags… LUKE is a perfect tool to have sitting in your wardrobe!
Designed to be a rather compact, intuitive, and incredibly safe gadget, LUKE is no larger than a chunky stapler. It runs on 3 AA batteries that power the heated wire which comfortably slices through up to 4 labels at a time (for those pesky multi-label clothes). To use LUKE, simply slide it onto your garment’s care tag, placing one edge of it right near the hem (or the stitching). Hit a button to activate LUKE, and it simultaneously cuts the label off and seals the seam too, removing the tags without any evidence while ensuring your clothes don’t get damaged in the process. Take it from Stefan Pabst, who designed the product in Switzerland, and engineered/manufactured it in Germany.
The LUKE app creates a digital twin of one’s wardrobe and the data is available for a number of applications with just one “click”.
However, removing the tag is just half the process, since LUKE helps you digitize the tag too, just in case you want to refer to it for proper care instructions. The app takes a photo of the tag, scanning it for all the instructions, as well as a photo of your outfit, creating a digital wardrobe with all the information you need. You can access the tag through the app for laundry tips, helping you take good care of your clothes (and helping them last longer), but additionally, the LUKE app also lets you re-order clothes you’ve tagged, and also helps curate outfits based on your digital wardrobe, becoming your fashion assistant in the process.
As impressive as the tag-removing device’s underlying tech is, the app really uplifts the experience, adding a layer of meaningful AI insights to help you organize your wardrobe better, take sustainable care of your garments, and honestly, mix and match your clothes to look like a million bucks. You’ll feel like a million bucks too, now that you don’t have those annoyingly scratchy tags ruining your outfit and your comfort! LUKE starts at €33 (roughly $36 USD), comes with a free app, and ships globally.
If you thought your iPhone was protecting your privacy, I have a bridge to sell you. Sure, Apple doesn’t sell your data to third-party data brokers, advertisers, and governments… but it does still collect your data. And hey, maybe Instagram and TikTok can’t track you across apps, but they can still track you on their own app. I’m not fear-mongering, although even if I did, it probably wouldn’t work because you (and I) have made peace with the fact that we’re giving away our data for convenience. There isn’t really any alternative, to be honest, aside from probably the quintessential ‘dumb-phone‘… and renowned dumb-phone makers Punkt have realized that there needs to be a better way. To that end, meet the MC02, Punkt’s first proper 5G smartphone that’s designed with data-security and privacy-protection in mind. It sports a minimal UI that tries not to inundate/addict you, has a built-in international VPN to keep your data from reaching the wrong hands (and even access geo-blocked content), and even runs Punkt’s Apostrophy OS, which individually partitions user data, restricting them to each individual application (so not even the OS can see your entire digital footprint). Your data also gets stored on a cloud server in Switzerland, far away from governments and state actors.
The MC02 isn’t shy about its capabilities. It promises a secure, smarter way of using a mobile device, steering clear of the prying digital eyes that seek to profit from personal information. With over 90% of smartphone apps tracking users across the internet, the MC02 offers a unique choice: a digital sanctuary where user data is stored under Swiss jurisdiction, ensuring GDPR, HIPPA, and PCI compliance, and where a suite of on-device tools—email, calendar, contacts, notes, storage, and VPN—operates free from advertising-based data infiltration.
The phone itself is a marvel of minimalist design and intentional functionality, breaking the addiction cycle with tech while still being fairly modern. It features a 6.7” full HD+ screen, 64MP back and 24MP front cameras, 6GB RAM, and a long-lasting 5,500 mAh battery. But the MC02’s real allure lies in its operating system and ecosystem. Powered by Apostrophy and designed for data sovereignty, it includes a built-in VPN for secure browsing, a suite of secure communication tools, and a Carbon & Data Ledger for monitoring the privacy risk and environmental impact of individual apps.
Punkt takes a step further in personalizing the mobile experience with the MC02’s subscription model. The first 12 months of Apostrophy Services—a suite of security and privacy tools—are included in the purchase price, with a subsequent monthly tariff that ensures users know exactly what they’re paying for: privacy, not ads.
And as for the price of reclaiming your digital autonomy? The €699 ($755 USD) MC02 comes with a clear subscription model for the OS, the first 12 months of which are included in the initial purchase, followed by a $17 monthly fee for continued access to Apostrophy’s secure ecosystem. So, if you’ve ever wished to dial back the digital noise and take control of your tech life, the MC02 might just be the tech equivalent of finding that quiet corner in a bustling café—a sanctuary where your data, your choices, and your peace of mind are all part of the service.
Given how much of it is exposed for everyone to see, skin conditions can easily become a source of embarrassment or even depression for anyone. This is especially true for diseases that require prolonged treatment where afflicted people have to endure not only physical but also mental and emotional suffering during that period. Those with chronic conditions such as psoriasis might feel forced to cover up those blemishes, which might not be good for treatment. Those treatment options often revolve around the technical aspects of the medicine or the physiological condition of the patient, disregarding psychological effects. This wearable medical patch, in contrast, offers a solution that isn’t just innovative but, more importantly, human-centric as well.
Psoriasis patients often feel more than just the discomfort or pain brought about by their long-lasting condition. They also feel some level of hopelessness and anxiety from living with the disease. Treatments for psoriasis do exist, ranging from ointments to injections, but patients still have to endure the sight of their disfigured skin while that treatment is still ongoing. Worse, they can’t cover up those affected patches of skin, at least not without unfavorable consequences in the long run.
The 3M Psoriasis Prescription Patch design tries to alleviate patients’ suffering by hitting two birds with one stone. For one it’s a medical-grade skin wearable that easily lets people apply the patches in affected places, and although the prototype is shown to have a transparent or translucent surface, it’s not hard to imagine 3M applying its technologies and patents to make the patch seemingly blend with the skin or cover up those areas with more aesthetic designs.
More importantly, the patches can actually administer medicine to the skin, making it trivial to apply the right amount of dosage needed for treatment. In other words, these are patches you will actually have to wear to get better, which will hopefully help increase the patient’s confidence while undergoing treatment. The patches also employ a perforated honeycomb design that makes it easier to tear off sections to match the specific shape of the area that needs to be covered. Perhaps it can even be used to create interesting patterns that call attention to the patch in a more favorable way.
On the surface, it doesn’t seem like a medical patch is something ground-breaking, but it’s an innovation that puts a paradigm shift in dermatological treatment. Rather than just the application of medicine, it focuses on the effects the processes have on the mental and emotional well-being of the patients. And with a disease that everyone will be able to see, it’s even more important to take a human-centered design approach that will not only heal people’s skins but also their spirits.
Japanese design is just so quintessentially functional, thoughtful, and pretty-looking too! I have a soft spot for Japanese product designs as they always manage to be – simple, sophisticated, and high-value. I love incorporating Japanese products in my home space, they have such a soothing effect and can add an elegant touch to any home. I also enjoy using Japanese kitchen appliances and tools. Not only are they adorable to look at and gentle to use, but they’re also high on functionality and very rarely give you any trouble. They’re foolproof designs that you can depend on to tackle your cooking prep and other kitchen tasks, and we’ve curated some top-notch Japanese kitchen tools for you!
1. Mitsubishi Bread Oven
Mitsubishi’s Bread Oven is created to serve you the perfect toast! Looking like an adorable waffle maker, the toaster features a veneer brown look that seems to be straight out of the ’80s. It has a sealed thermal-insulated structure and can toast your bread without releasing any moisture, preparing a soft and fluffy toast for you!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Bread Oven is equipped with two plates that can go up to temperatures as high as even 500 degrees Fahrenheit. These nifty plates seal the piece of bread, transferring heat to it, and creating a slice of toast that is anything but dry.
What we like
It has four cooking settings – Toast, Frozen Toast, Topping, and French Toast
Sleek good looks, making it a great fit for your dining table
What we dislike
You can only toast one slice of bread at a time, which can be inconvenient
It takes longer to toast bread with low sugar content
2. Slim Fold Dish Rack
Named the Slim Fold Dish Rack, this innovative dish rack has a portable design, allowing you to carry it anywhere with you. It features a patent-pending spring mechanism, that lets you adjust and shrink the rack from 14″ to 1.2″ in no time. The rack can be easily deployed, making it quick to set up and use.
The Slim Fold Dish Rack has a minimalist yet durable design, perfectly capturing the highlights of Japanese design. It ensures adequate ventilation and offers plenty of space for cookware, utensils, and plates of any shape and size. Since it has a convenient portable form, it is great for camping outdoors too.
What we like
Collapsible and flexible form that ensures clean and dry utensils in the nick of time
Portable design that is easy to clean and dishwasher friendly
What we dislike
Since the rack has slim wires, it’s not the best option to hold heavy utensils like pots and plans
3. Black Kitchen Knives
These Black Kitchen Knives are fashionable and sophisticated featuring a sleek black blade that makes them stand out from other typical knives. The black sheen offers the knives a refined look, adding a touch of Japanese class to your kitchen and cooking process. They’re the upgrade you need from your mundane knives.
The Black Kitchen Knives feature a clean and sleek form, with only a subtle “i” logo, ensuring there are no loud distractions on its body. The knives remind you of a ninja in the shadows, which goes straight for the kill, cutting your ingredients with stealth, grace, and deadly precision.
What we like
The knives are crafted from molybdenum vanadium steel, making them quite durable and sharp
They’ve been coated with titanium to provide increased wear resistance
What we dislike
The knives are only available in black, with one uniform design, so there aren’t a lot of colors to choose from to match our kitchen
4. Rassen Chopsticks
Designed by Nendo for Hashikura Matsukan, the Rassen (spiral chopsticks), perfectly marry fun and functionality, to create a product that is quintessentially Japanese. The pair of chopsticks can be attached together to form one convenient single unit, and they can be separated whenever you need to use them.
Why is it noteworthy?
Bringing the chopsticks together and then separating them feels like you’re playing with a jigsaw puzzle. Using the chopsticks becomes a fun and interactive experience, bringing joy to your daily meal. And since you can easily combine the pair, you never have to live in fear of losing one!
What we like
The perfect culmination of fun and functionality
Handmade by artisans
What we dislike
May not be preferred by those who like traditional chopsticks, and could take a while for them to get used to the product’s unique form
5. Iron Frying Plate
If I had to pick one kitchen product that truly captures the sensible yet interesting Japanese design philosophy – I would pick the Iron Frying Plate. This unique kitchen design doubles as a serving plate and a frying pan, all thanks to its innovative removable handle, which allows the product to change forms.
The Iron Frying Plate marries both a frying pan and a serving plate to create a functional and unique kitchen tool. Made using durable materials, the plate cooks and serves, while facilitating direct-from-the-pan serving. It introduces an ingenious and novel new way of cooking and serving.
What we like
The plate’s wooden handle can be attached and detached, allowing it to double up as a frying pan and serving platter
What we dislike
It’s made from iron, making it quite a heavy pan in comparison to traditional frying pans. Hence it could be difficult to store and handle in small kitchens
6. Magemono Tumbler and Bread Tray
The Magemono Tumbler and Bread Tray are beautiful Japanese-style serving dishes. The tumbler features a Hasamiyaki porcelain inner vessel and a Magemono Japanese cedar wood sleeve on the outside. The bread tray is a thin tray crafted from a fir tree and is available in two sizes.
Why is it noteworthy?
The bread tray is perfect for serving those breakfast sandwiches, while the tumbler can hold a brewed cup of coffee. Both the dishes represent the serene and untouched perfection of Japanese craftsmanship, while also providing sustenance to the craftsmen and their families, and also allowing this art to be passed down to younger generations.
What we like
Preserves and boasts Japanese craftsmanship
The bread tray can even toast the bread for longer according to the designer
What we dislike
Available in a single colorway only
7. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors
Named the Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors, sleek black kitchen shears feature a curved serrated blade that slices through your food in a quick and easy manner. The precise scissors are excellent for cutting up some steak on the dining table, allowing you to showcase your meat-cutting skills.
The Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors have an aura and image of power and style, owing to their jet-black shade. The position they’ll occupy in your kitchen will be impressive and intimidating, while skillfully chopping through veggies, pizza, steak, and more.
What we like
The scissors are equipped with a curved serrated blade that cuts meat safely, effortlessly, and swiftly
Makes cutting an easy and hassle-free step of the food prep process
What we dislike
The scissors are only available in black, so there aren’t many color options to choose from and match with our kitchens
8. Playful Palm Grater
The Playful Palm Grater is what you need to add some Japanese functionality and whimsical fun to your kitchen or dining table. The little grater can fit perfectly into the palm of your hand, marrying fun and functionality to create a product that is lightweight, full of value, and transforms a simple cooking process into an interesting experience. Click Here to Buy Now: $25
Why is it noteworthy?
The Playful Palm Grater is a charming and functional product that resembles a curled piece of paper. It is made from a single aluminum alloy plate and is available in different color options. You have a wide range of colors to pick from, allowing you to add a pop of color and sparkle to your boring old kitchen and dinner table.
What we like
Has a unique and ergonomic form that offers a strong and sturdy grip
Transforms the simple of act grating into a fun and playful experience, while also making it easier
What we dislike
The Playful Palm Grater has a tiny size, which isn’t suitable for grating large amounts of food or larger food items
9. PARTAYAKI
The PARTAYAKI is an innovative tabletop grill designed to bring the flavors and experience of a Japanese Steakhouse to your kitchen table. It lets you be the chef, and cook up your own steaks for your friends and family. You don’t need to step out of your home to experience a Japanese Steakhouse.
Why is it noteworthy?
The PARTAYAKI is modeled after the same professional grills that you see in Japanese Steakhouses. It lets you prepare delicious meals and create a Japanese Steakhouse-like experience for your family and friends in the comfort of your own home and kitchen.
What we like
Equipped with dipping sauce trays and one-quart hot pots to prepare traditional Chinese-style Hot Pots
Features molded chopstick holders
What we dislike
It is quite a space-consuming design, so you’ll need sufficient space in your kitchen
It does seem a bit difficult to clean and maintain
10. Thanko Electric Bento Rice Cooker
Meet the Thanko Electric Bento rice cooker – a portable cooker that lets you prepare a bowl of warm rice wherever you are. This little cooker is designed to make rice an omnipresent food item no matter where you go. It is excellent for cooking single-serve rice in a short period of time. The LED light glows once the rice is ready!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Thanko Electric Bento rice cooker is great for those who travel or want fresh rice at the office instead of takeout or repacked meals. The rice cooker can prepare 6 ounces of rice in one go. It even comes with a measuring cup for convenience!
What we like
Depending on the ounces of rice, it will be cooked between 14-20 minutes
Portable, easy-to-carry design
Lets you eat rice straight from the container
What we dislike
There doesn’t seem to be variety in sizes and colors
Select a card from the Shuffle Wallet, and it’s no surprise if it evokes the familiar feel of a deck of playing cards. The concept of the Shuffle Wallet resonates widely, given the universal experience of playing cards, adding a touch of brilliance to its conception. When Stephen’s co-founder Jack asked him how he came up with the idea, his simple response, “It was an accident,” made me chuckle. He said this while wearing a neck brace. While I like minimalist wallets and shuffling cards, will combining the two make for a great form and functional wallet? Let’s explore further and discover why this product is the perfect solution for the most personal accessories you carry daily.
The Shuffle Wallet is cleverly designed as an ideal solution for those looking to simplify their lives and protect their cards, especially those with NFC chips, from unwanted scans. Consider a common situation that I’ve experienced, where I’ve flustered my children in front of their friends by fumbling through cards and old receipts to locate the Starbucks card when treating them to drinks at Starbucks. While this may have only lasted seconds, it felt mortifying to a teenager with their friends watching. Another costly example where the Shuffle Wallet could have saved me time and money occurred during my visit to Tokyo. When riding the subway there, you must retain your exit ticket. Otherwise, you’re required to pay again if you lose the ticket. This situation becomes even more problematic when riding the bullet train, where the ticket price can exceed $80. These instances underscore the shortcomings of traditional wallets, and it’s these everyday inconveniences that the Shuffle Wallet aims to eliminate.
The Shuffle Wallet is thinner, classier, and more fun than your thick leather bifold
The Shuffle Wallet, created by the innovative team at Mobile Pixels, stands out for its practicality and elegant design. It includes a unique opening mechanism reminiscent of a deck of cards, which allows you to easily browse and select one of the six or eight cards (if you use the silicone pouch). The quick-draw slot provides swift access to your most frequently used card.
Your cards fan out in a satisfying way, allowing you to easily pick the right one every time.
This feature isn’t just about speed; it’s also a security measure designed to keep your cards securely in place, preventing them from accidentally slipping out. It also comes with a sleek money clip for those who prefer to carry cash, providing a minimalist yet organized way to keep your bills secure and accessible.
The creative features of the Shuffle Wallet continue with its unique opening mechanism. It also incorporates RFID-blocking technology. This feature provides a secure barrier to protect your cards from potential digital theft, ensuring your sensitive information is safe from unauthorized RFID scans.
The Shuffle Wallet is entirely RFID-protected, so digital scammers can’t scan your cards without your permission!
RFID blocking creates a barrier or shield around your cards that operate using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This technology is commonly found in credit cards and passports, allowing information to be read wirelessly via radio waves. While this provides convenience, it also opens up the potential for unauthorized access or theft of sensitive data.
An RFID-blocking feature, like the one integrated into the Shuffle Wallet, prevents this unauthorized access. It uses materials that interfere with radio waves, making your cards ‘invisible’ to a scanner and securing your information.
This feature is crucial because digital theft is becoming increasingly common. Criminals can use portable RFID readers to steal information from your cards without you even knowing. The RFID-blocking feature in the Shuffle Wallet protects your cards against such potential digital theft, ensuring your sensitive information is safe from unauthorized RFID scans.
Want to share your contact card? The Shuffle Wallet has a built-in NFC business card that lets you share with a tap.
Networking is essential for everyone, from new graduates to accomplished entrepreneurs. That’s why the exchange of contact information must be swift and efficient. The Shuffle Wallet offers a perfect solution that combines convenience and technology. This innovative wallet features an NFC chip inside a silicone pouch, allowing you to embed your digital business card. You can easily share your contact information with a friendly tap of the wallet.
Recognizing the diverse needs of its users, the Shuffle Wallet offers a range of optional accessories to enhance its utility. An AirTag holder is available for those who want the added reassurance of being able to track their wallet, a feature that merges technology with peace of mind. For added convenience, there’s also a flashlight attachment with two brightness levels, a keychain capable of holding up to 10 keys, and a multifunctional credit card tool that includes a range of tools from a screwdriver to a bottle opener, all designed to be TSA-approved for trouble-free travel.
The wallet also provides an optional non-RFID silicone pouch for those who need quick access to specific cards without RFID protection. This is especially useful for items like subway passes or gym cards, which you might need to swipe or scan frequently.
Frequently used cards can sit in the Quickdraw slot, allowing you to instantly access them in under a second
The Shuffle Wallet is available in two durable materials: aluminum, which weighs 4.7oz, and titanium, weighing slightly more at 6oz. The aluminum version is offered in various appealing colors, including neon black, polar ice, gunmetal, and diesel green, while the titanium version showcases the sleek, raw beauty of titanium. Despite its compact size of 4.25 x 2.44 x 0.5 inches, the wallet is designed to be functional and stylish, with an aluminum keychain extending to 9cm in length.
From a broader perspective, the Shuffle Wallet provides more than just a storage space for your money and cards. It is a thoughtfully designed accessory that blends security, style, and practicality, catering to individuals who prioritize efficiency and grace in daily life.
How many times have you had to buy a separate smaller bottle of your favorite shampoo for travel? Even if you rely on those tiny shampoo bottles that come complimentary with your hotel room, it’s still an extra bottle that you now have to worry about. The Carry On is a simple, borderline-genius solution that gives you a dedicated travel mini-bottle with your existing at-home shampoo bottle. With a compact design that conveniently comes packaged with your regular bottle of shampoo, the Carry On’s mini bottle can be carried around with you on your travels, and refilled whenever you’re running low, so you don’t need to stress out about buying an additional smaller bottle separately to travel with.
Designer: Yeo Seo Koo
A winner of this year’s Asia Design Prize, the Carry On is an economy-sized 1 liter (33.8 fl oz) bottle of shampoo that comes with its own handle built into the bottle’s design. Except, when you buy it off the shelf, the handle has a perfectly-fitting carry bottle nestled into it like a jigsaw-puzzle piece. When you buy one larger bottle, you get a small one for free that’s the ideal size for your toiletry kit. At 50ml (1.7 fl oz), the shampoo bottle easily gets you through a week-long holiday (you won’t shampoo everyday, obviously) comfortably, allowing you to use your favorite shampoo instead of using those substandard ones that come free with your hotel room.
There are a few things about Carry On that are definitely award-worthy. For starters, getting a smaller bottle free with a larger bottle isn’t new – but Carry On’s implementation is genius. It fits the tiny bottle right in the negative space created by the larger bottle’s handle design. This is usually dead space that gets wasted during logistics, but the clever integration allows the Carry On to use that hollow area efficiently. Moreover, let’s also appreciate the fact that the mini bottle (either by coincidence or by design) has a rounded design that looks like a bar of soap, immediately creating that toiletry-based association! Clever, no?!
In the dynamic world of sustainable design, Jonas Edvard stands out with his innovative approach to integrating organic materials into functional and aesthetically pleasing objects. His latest creation, the Myx Sail / Floor, unveiled at the Mindcraft Project 2023, is a sound-absorbing panel that showcases the remarkable properties of mushroom mycelium, hemp, and willow. This 1m x 1m panel not only exemplifies the structural possibilities of composite biomaterials but also represents Edvard’s commitment to responsible design practices.
The Myx Sail / Floor project is a testament to Jonas Edvard’s dedication to exploring the symbiotic relationship between design choices and their impact on nature. Collaborating with a living material – mushroom mycelium – throughout the design and production process, Edvard creates a flexible room divider within a pre-designed mold. As the mycelium gradually grows and bonds with a plant fiber mixture, the panel takes shape, marrying flexibility with rigidity.
The designer draws inspiration from the natural role of mushrooms as recycling agents, breaking down plant matter into soil. His design philosophy revolves around a deep respect for nature, evident in his exploration of the intricate relationship between raw materials and human life. The Myx Sail / Floor prototype serves as a modular design that aims to emphasize how organic materials like mycelium can seamlessly integrate into our living and working spaces.
Jonas Edvard’s broader research study, conducted in collaboration with Arup Engineers in Germany, delves into the sound-absorbing qualities of mycelium. The panels are meticulously designed to absorb frequencies between 200 and 2500 Hz – the standard range of human conversation and interaction (same as glass wool). Edvard envisions the potential for natural, organic materials to become integral components of our buildings and interior architecture, contributing to a more sustainable life cycle.
The design philosophy revolves around responsible design choices and their impact on nature. His open-minded approach to design leads to experiments that yield new materials and objects from local or organic sources, often embracing a circular and sustainable ethos. In his testing phase, Edvard explores various material combinations to understand the design, appearance, and functionality of mycelium-based sound-absorbing material.
The Myx Sail / Floor sound-absorbing panel invites people to touch and feel the natural qualities of mushroom mycelium, hemp, and willow. Edvard aims to create an immersive experience, allowing individuals to sense the porous, lightweight, and stiff characteristics of the materials. By reshaping these materials into functional forms, he hopes to spark conversations about the value and aesthetics of natural origins, encouraging a new understanding of how these materials can be incorporated into our homes and living areas. Now the acoustic installation won’t just be on the walls and ceilings conventionally, but the floors too!
The Myx Sail / Floor is more than just a sound-absorbing panel – it is a tangible embodiment of sustainable design principles and a testament to the possibilities that arise when designers collaborate with nature. As Edvard continues to push the boundaries of material innovation, his work inspires the integration of organic, natural materials into our built environment, fostering a harmonious relationship between design and the natural world.
Minimaliste originally designed Nomad – an all-weather tiny home with a small and easy-to-tow package. And recently they unveiled a newer version – the Nomad 30. The Nomad 30 is an upgraded tiny home with a newly improved interior layout and an adventure-ready off-grid design. This tiny home is perfect for those who want to adopt an off-grid lifestyle and have an adventurous life on the road.
As its name quite aptly signifies, the Nomad 30 has a length of 30 feet. It is founded on a double-axle trailer that is adjustable, hence the wheels can easily be moved forward or backward on the trailer, allowing the weight to be balanced effectively, making the home quite easy to tow. The tiny home has a sleek yet warm appeal to it, and it is finished in steel sheets and faux wood steel, which is intended to be low maintenance.
You can access the cozy home via a folding deck, and steps at its rear which can be operated with a winch and a remote control. A double glass door leads you from the living room to the outside. The living room in the Nomad 30 is more spacious as compared to previous Nomad models, and it contains a lot of storage space, as well as a sofa bed and a wall-mounted TV. The space also includes a mini-split-air-conditioning system and a heat recovery air exchanging system.
Adjacent to the living room is a kitchen, and it accommodates a dining area that can seat up to four people. The dining area also includes integrated storage space. The kitchen is amped with a propane-powered oven, a four-burner stove, a washer/dryer, a double sink, and a fridge/freezer. The cabinetry also locks up to facilitate safer travel, and a folding extending countertop is also included. The tiny home has a bathroom as well, lined with a composting toilet, a small bathtub and shower, and a sink.
If you’re a true blue audiophile, or you have a few true blue audiophiles in your life, then you know that all they need are a couple of awesome audio devices to set their mood. All they require is an arsenal of excellent audio devices to blast out some groovy music at their parties or to sing along to their favorite tunes alone in the comfort of their room. Whatever your musical need may be, it is integral to own clear, distortion-free, nifty, and interactive audio devices. And, we’ve curated a collection of unique and innovative audio designs to cater to people’s diverse range of diverse audio requirements. From an invisible turntable to a Nothing-inspired resurrected iPod – there’s an ideal audio device in here for everyone!
1. Nothing x AIAIAI Headphones
The Nothing x AIAIAI’s headphones is a conceptual design that displays how two company’s visions can be merged to create one beautiful and functional product. The headphones feature individual details as seen in the AirPods Max, but they also have the transparent flair and beauty of Nothing.
Why is it noteworthy?
The headphone concept is made up of modular parts that can be easily replaced and swapped out on the fly. They feature stunning transparent housing on the cans, on the ear stem, and on the ear cushions as well. This transparent cushioning on the headrest truly makes the headphones stand out.
What we like
Equipped with slide-out cans, removable ear-cups, and detachable aux cable
What we dislike
There are only two color options – the usual black and white. Since it is a conceptual design, would have been fun if they’d experimented with different colors
2. Black Wheel
Called the Black Wheel, this unique innovation is the latest version of the Wheel design by Miniot. It smartly hides the electronic and mechanical components beneath the record, which seats all the different parts within a thin circular body, which disappears, the second you put a record on.
Why is it noteworthy?
When the Black Wheel is placed upright, the illusion created by it becomes quite obvious. It has a minimalist charm that pulls you in, even if it is placed horizontally. The Black Wheel also has a unique control system, that is felt but not really seen.
What we like
Features an incredibly thin and subtle body without compromising the audio quality
Space-saving design, that doesn’t occupy too much space
What we dislike
The Black Wheel has an old-fashioned charm which may not be preferred by those who like modern aesthetics and contemporary style
3. Wall Hanging CD Cover Player
Meet the Wall Hanging CD Cover Player – a minimalist CD player with an innovative retro design that offers you a distinguished listening experience combined with the beauty of visual art. You don’t need to hide away the CD jacket, you just need to slip it inside the specially-designed pocket, and put it on display!
What makes the Wall Hanging CD Cover Player so unique, is that showcasing this CD player equates to physically displaying digital album art. It also lets you show off the fact that you have your own physical original CD!
What we like
Portable design that you can carry around with you, which also boasts a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit
Has a 1800mAh battery that provides 7-8 hours of excellent audio experience
What we dislike
Only offers an analog style of listening to music, it does not facilitate syncing music or playlists with any digital medium
4. Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeaker
Meet the Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers – this portable battery-free iPhone speaker is an innovative and unique version of the typical no-power smartphone speaker. It is made using metal, and offers a product with enhanced functionality and value, unlike other typical speakers on the market.
The Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers are made using Duralumin – a type of aluminum alloy that is used in aviation and aerospace industries, as it has vibration-resistant properties. All you need to do is insert the smartphone into the speaker and let the sound completely envelop you.
What we like
The speaker is electricity-free and doesn’t need any power
Features a minimalist and unique aesthetic that is quite captivating to look at
What we dislike
Will not fit with bulky smartphone cases
5. ERA
This retro-modern portable cassette tape player features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 3.5mm jack that can you plug into your headphones of choice. Called ERA, this unique device features a retro aesthetic with modern functionality, and it truly merges the best of both worlds.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ERA is equipped with a small display beside the physical play/pause and track change buttons. This display adds modern functionality to the device. But, on the other hand, the volume knob looks like the knobs from radio sets of the past.
What we like
ERA can by synced to your smartphone via Bluetooth
Merges modern functionality with old-school aesthetics
What we dislike
It isn’t designed for users who have a bias towards the medium they’re currently consuming music on
6. Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose teamed up with Kith – a fashion and lifestyle brand to create the Ultra Open earbuds. The earbuds were launched at CES 2024, and they mark the integration of Ronnie Fieg, the founder of Kith with Bose – where he will be responsible for merging fashion, culture, and sound to create interesting products.
Why is it noteworthy?
The earbuds are open-style, and they feature a distinctive design amped by a clip-on configuration which is not at all intrusive if you put on glasses or sport sunglasses on a hot day. The buds are cuff-shaped and can be easily hooked onto the outer ear for all-day-long comfort wear.
What we like
Has an easy on-and-off fit for active individuals
Designed to be a “breakthrough audio wearable” for enjoying music while “still hearing the world around you.”
What we dislike
Technical specifications are limited at the moment
7. Urbanista Second Gen Headphones & Earbuds
Urbanista has launched the second edition of their Los Angeles headphones, and Phoenix TWS earbuds. Both the audio designs are currently in production and are expected to be launched in mid-2024. And what’s even better is that they are going to cost slightly less than their first-generation variants.
Why is it noteworthy?
The devices absorb natural sunlight, as well as light from artificial sources to charge the battery. The amount they are charged depends on the intensity and duration of exposure to light. But if exposed to a good share of sunlight, they can offer a week of non-stop listening.
What we like
Feature better-designed components for improved efficiency so they can stay charged for longer
What we dislike
They are still in production, so we are unsure how the actual products will turn out to be
8. Nothing Npod (1)
Named the Nothing Npod (1), this resurrected iPod by Shreyansh Onial and Aditya Pandharpure is designed as a tribute to Apple’s iconic iPod Shuffle and Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic and glyph interaction. The design signifies how Nothing could transform the music industry by employing tech and nostalgia.
Why is it noteworthy?
It features a signature control panel on the front, as well as a matching circular glyph interface on the back, truly functioning as a fan-made reinterpretation of the iPod Shuffle. It also has a wireless charging coil on the back, as well as a USB-C charger on the bottom.
What we like
The concept perfectly merges the design language of Apple and Nothing, to build an innovative audio device
What we dislike
Lacks a pocket clip that you could attach to your clothes for easy use and control
9. CD Jacket Player
Meet the CD Jacket Player – a new minimalist CD player that merges functionality with visual appeal, creating an innovative product that provides users the freedom to listen to and enjoy their CDs anytime anywhere. It is a true blue portable design, that gives you access to your favorite tunes wherever you are.
The CD Jacket Player serves as a minimalist piece of art, which looks like a picture frame or an oversized Polaroid photo owing to its boxy shape. It also features a transparent middle section. The transparent component unveils the CD’s spinning body, which is an excellent spot to place the CD’s cover jacket.
What we like
Besides being a CD player, it also functions as a decorative element
Portable and easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
10. The Earbugs
Called the Earbugs, this innovative audio accessory offers a unique audio experience, where the goodness of in-ear sound isolation of wireless earbuds is combined with the abilities of bone conduction technology to create a comfy and excellent listening experience for users.
Why is it noteworthy?
Bone conduction teams up with the earbuds’ dynamic drivers to form a 3D soundscape that offers a never-before audio delivery. The earbuds are ergonomically shaped are excellent for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts, and have a decent water-resistant rating.
What we like
Equipped with bone conducting technology, offering superior transparency mode
What we dislike
The Earbugs aren’t great for bedtime listening, as they don’t seem comfortable to use while lying on your side or sleeping
