Tag Archives: Product Design

CATIA Visual Scripting gets its biggest update in 2024 with smart suggestions, modules, and modifiers

Posted on by

At their annual Design Masterclass, CATIA unveiled some exciting new features for 2024 that lie within their broader push towards ‘Visual Scripting’. The broader effort aims at combining CATIA’s powerful design features with a newer, more intuitive interface that allows practically anyone to build and model cutting-edge products, intricate textures, and unique algorithm-driven details through an easy, no-code approach. While Visual Scripting was CATIA’s big push for 2023, the year 2024 brings a few noteworthy and interesting features to the industry-leading CAD software.

Sign Up to Receive an Exclusive CATIA Visual Scripting Video FREE!

Visual Scripting becomes even easier with ‘Operator Suggestions’

Users now get suggestions as they build out their node-based operations, making it much easier to go through your workflow instead of meticulously selecting node after node every single step of the way. The software intuitively recognizes what you’re building and suggests appropriate nodes to you, eliminating errors and reducing the time taken during the design process. This suggestive feature works as you build out your script node-by-node, but it also works when you’ve selected multiple nodes, functioning almost like an assistant that knows what’s on your mind before you do.

Python Scripting (and the ability to use GPT in design)

Although Visual Scripting is, by definition, made to be a no-code approach to generative design, CATIA lets you add Python scripts to create complex designs and patterns. Sure, you could learn Python (or rely on your existing Python knowledge) to build out your designs, but CATIA’s demo even shows how users can leverage AI like Bing Chat or ChatGPT to create Python scripts for them, helping aid and accelerate the design process with a stronger focus on creativity than technical prowess.

Analyzing your Node Structure

Complex node structures can sometimes become confusing to look at, with multiple nodes and pathways often looking like organized chaos on a screen (no matter how neat you are). The new Analyzer panel turns your entire node structure into a table, allowing you to quickly scan through your design sequence to identify areas of improvement or optimization. Multiple views are available to access display status, update time, errors, operator versioning, etc.

Reusing User Features within Design Sequences

Imagine building a family of products with the same design elements, or wanting to skip hours of work by applying design elements from older projects into newer ones – Visual Scripting now lets you set ‘user features’ that you can easily reuse in different projects, saving you time and effort. Build out a template and the Visual Scripting dashboard lets you reuse it over and over again, creating complex designs in less time. User Features have to be declared in the Resource Table beforehand to enable this ability.

Intuitive Visual Scripting Modifiers

The Visual Scripting interface greets you with a dedicated User Assistance window that lets you access new and relevant information that may aid you in your project. While in your project, modifying your design can be done directly in the 3D Viewport rather than controlling parameters in the node view. Just the way you edit 3D objects using a gumball in regular CAD software, CATIA’s modifiers allow you to manipulate your design by doing just that – manipulating your design instead of staring at nodes, numbers, and parameters. This intuitive approach lets you scale, extend, rotate, extrude, and move items directly within your design viewport.

Modified designs can now be saved as ‘Variants’

Easily one of the most understated features in Visual Scripting, ‘Variants’ allows you to save variations of the same design in a dedicated section. This gives you the power to quickly compare different design variations in mere seconds without switching layers, opening/closing files, or spending extra time hiding/showing other objects in the scene. A simple click lets you quickly toggle between different variants for an overall comparison, helping you assess alternatives as you experiment within your design process.

Enrich CATIA modules with Design Sequences

With the R2024x release, it’s now possible to enrich the CATIA modular approach of Concept Structure Engineering with design sequences of Visual Scripting. The Module is a new concept in a 3DShape helping to improve specific use cases like:
A. Improving your Design structuration in the 3DSHAPE and edition thanks to the Module Manager.
B. Easily managing the creation of Design Variants in a few clicks.
C. Creating auto connections based on semantic interfaces that improve collaboration in the concept phase.
D. Building templates as you go, so when reusing specific templates, you have a direct view on link to the external world outside the module.

These new features mark a BIG shift for CATIA’s Visual Scripting program, making the powerful software even more intuitive, efficient, and easy to use. The R2024x version is available on premise, and is also rolling out on cloud environments, allowing creatives to focus on the things they do best – letting their imagination run wild and not be limited by software constraints…

Sign Up to Receive an Exclusive CATIA Visual Scripting Video FREE!

The post CATIA Visual Scripting gets its biggest update in 2024 with smart suggestions, modules, and modifiers first appeared on Yanko Design.

Disney’s intuitive solution to physically moving around in metaverse is the HoloTitle floor

Posted on by

Virtual reality and augmented reality are going to set the tone this decade without a semblance of doubt. Moving around your avatar in larger-than-life worlds tickles your visual senses but you always realize it’s not the real thing since you are sitting or standing still while the character moves around in a virtual environment.

The Virtuix Omini was a good attempt at elevating your multi-dimensional experience in the metaverse but it didn’t fare well owing to its hardware and software limitations. After that things went back to square one, that is till now. The legendary Disney legend Lanny Smoot who’s got over 100 patented inventions has finally created something that’ll interest the most finicky of geeks.

Designer: Disney

This HoloDeck-inspired VR accessory is that’s an omnidirectional treadmill project that’s going to change how virtual reality is experienced. Dubbed the HoloTile, this creation has individual rotating tiles that actuate the real moment of the user corresponding to the movement in the VR world. The modular, expandable treadmill floor lets the user move in an infinite direction without walking off the surface. Lanny who’s currently a Disney Research Fellow has developed this system to create a deeper connection between the VR world and the body movement.

The treadmill can be expanded if multiple users want to use it, without bumping into each other. A good example of this would be several people in a room able to “be somewhere else collaboratively and moving around, seeing, doing sightseeing,” according to Smooth. Another application would be in theatrical stages, where multiple artists can collaborate in virtual worlds for a spectacular performance.

The HoloTile floor is still a work in progress and as we can see from the video it looks promising. Smoot walks in VR wearing the Quest Pro headset, as if walking on a real tarmac. The technology aims to address the locomotion problem without hitting obstacles or feeling clumsy enough to not walk naturally on the surface.

The post Disney’s intuitive solution to physically moving around in metaverse is the HoloTitle floor first appeared on Yanko Design.

GoChip Gets A Sustainable Design To Track Your Dog And Remain A Stress-Free Pet Parent

Posted on by

Isn’t it tiresome to constantly run around your furry friends and keep a tab on them? Well, say hello to GoChip – the ultimate digital passport for your pet that makes being a responsible pet parent a breeze! In cahoots with city governments, vets, and shelters, GoChip is rocking the digital pet ID game. Just attach a GoChip to your pet, and you’re all set to manage them right from your phone. It’s like your pet’s passport, always updated, always with you. Plus, it’s not just smart; it’s a style statement inspired by Japanese minimalism and the cool vibes of Bali and Goa. With GoChip, your pet is not just found; they’re Always Found.

Designer: ANCORD Design Co (for GoChip)

Pet owners are always stressing about their furballs. Traditional pet IDs like collars and tags are easily lost and often outdated. And don’t even get me started on the emotional rollercoaster of trying to track down a missing pet. Shockingly, over 10 million pets in the U.S. go missing every year, with a whopping 65% never making it back home. Nobody expects it to happen to them, but it does. However, even in this case this chip is installed on the collar and can lose its value if it comes out, but it is surely a better option than the traditional collar tags.

ANCORD Design’s mission was to change the pet safety game. They went from brainstorming to a product that’s both cool and functional. They delved deep into the competitive landscape, analyzing a myriad of tracking products, from pet-specific devices to general-purpose trackers. This comprehensive research allowed them to identify gaps and opportunities that GoChip could uniquely fill.

Sustainability and functionality were at the forefront of material exploration. The designers considered options ranging from silicone to ocean plastics, ensuring durability without compromising aesthetics—a crucial balance for a product meant to accompany pets on their everyday adventures. They drew inspiration from Japanese minimalism, natural elements, and exotic vibes and curated a mood board that served as their aesthetic North Star. This guided the product’s look and feel, ensuring a globally appealing design. They chose 3D printing as their mode of manufacturing for optimum use of materials.

The design development involved iterative refinements based on client feedback. This collaborative approach ensured that every design choice was intentional and aligned with GoChip’s overarching vision. The final tag consists of a tracker, and a QR code to access all the information.

The post GoChip Gets A Sustainable Design To Track Your Dog And Remain A Stress-Free Pet Parent first appeared on Yanko Design.

This electric Pinnifarina hot rod boasts hubless wheels and aerodynamic design

Posted on by

Pininfarina has been at the forefront of future automotive trends influencing the steady design evolution of brands Ferrari, Alpha Romeo, Maserati and Peugeot. Having its roots as a coachbuilder for prancing horses, the Italian marque has personified luxury and elegance with customization dating back to the 1930s.

The in-house developed electric hypercar Pinnifarina Batista (a tribute to the owner) is a testament to that fact. Now, yet another concept proposed for the brand caught our attention. It’s a compact urban microcar targeted for people who are tech-savvy, health conscious and prefer a minimal lifestyle.

Designer: Kanishq Palav

This two-seater electric vehicle riding on hubless wheels and a high ride height has a very compact footprint to navigate crowded city sections with ease. Unlike some similar previous designs, this concept pokes the realms of practicality. The riders are encapsulated within the cockpit-like compartment to have an aerodynamically optimized shape for minimum drag.

In more ways than not this Pininfarina concept seems like a modernized hot rod ready for any drag race challenges. Of course, the electric motor can provide the needed torque for short sprints but if think it’ll beat anyone on the Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe track, you’ll be disappointed. Coming onto the swingarm suspension ensures easy turning and maneuverability at respectable speeds. The luxury compact mini car is made for short trips in the metropolis and the city limits.

That elevated rear section and the muted front section make it a treat to drive with a more than optimal view for the driver. This EV carries Pinnifarina’s signature design language in a clean hue that complements the aggressive yet classy stance, and it shows.

The post This electric Pinnifarina hot rod boasts hubless wheels and aerodynamic design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sunglasses with real glass lenses deliver unparalleled clarity and protection

Posted on by

It might sound like an oxymoron, but your run-of-the-mill sunglasses don’t actually use glass. To comply with certain legal regulations, “shades,” as we sometimes call them, have to use plastic or resin materials that are more resilient but have poorer optical quality. That’s true even for those expensive sunglasses, which will probably make you feel a bit cheated, especially when you notice how unclear your vision behind these plastics really is. Thankfully, the optics industry has reached a point where we can have the best of both worlds of durability and optical clarity, creating the industry’s first modern sunglasses made from actual glass, designed to deliver clarity, comfort, and protection to your eyes with an accessible price point.

Designer: Ilija Melentijevic, PhD (founder of Kolari Vision)

Click Here to Buy Now: $169. Hurry, offer ends soon!

These ‘plastic’ and ‘resin’ lenses come with a lot of responsibilities, given the fact that they’re tasked with protecting your eyesight. When you wear tinted sunglasses outdoors, your pupils dilate to let more light in – which effectively also exposes your eyes to more harmful rays… and while most lenses will block out UV rays, current sunglasses (even the expensive ones) aren’t designed to block infrared light from hitting your retina. It’s ironic that you can find IR-blocking lenses for your expensive cameras… but not for the most priceless camera we have: our eyes.

Enter Kolari Shades, a pair of sunglasses that is shaking up the market by bringing the highest-quality materials to a product you can actually afford. Harnessing more than a decade of experience in the photography space, Kolari brings a new kind of lens that is actually made of glass, providing the optical clarity that your eyes need all the time, whether you’re wearing sunglasses or not. But it’s not just plain glass, either, but the same ultra-strong Corning Gorilla Glass that has been protecting smartphone displays for years. And with 51 layers of anti-reflective and anti-smudge coating, your new premium specs are protected against scratches, dirt, dust, and more. Plus, it’s easy to clean the smudges off, too!

Kolari Shades are truly color-neutral and protect your eyes from all damaging wavelengths of light.

But while Kolari Shades’ glass lenses provide extra-clear vision, it doesn’t forget the protection that sunglasses are expected to bring. In fact, it levels up this aspect by blocking not only high-energy UV light but also low-energy infrared, both of which can be harmful to your sensitive eyes. It can even protect your privacy by blocking security cameras that use IR for face recognition. And it brings this superior protection without turning your world into a dreary shade of gray or brown. By using color-neutral coatings, you can stop worrying about those harmful and blinding rays and continue enjoying the world in full color.

Preserve your anonymity — Kolari Shades block infrared-based facial recognition systems.

Corning Gorilla Glass and titanium frames make the Kolari Shades extra tough.

The best part about the Kolari Shades is their affordable price tag, even though Kolari Shades are more costly to manufacture because of the premium materials used in the frames and lenses. It’s significantly less than luxury sunglasses that use plastic lenses, offer poorer optical quality, and strain your eyes in the long run. Why settle for plastic products that harm rather than protect your eyes when you can enjoy the optical quality that real glass lenses have to offer? With the Kolari Shades, you can enjoy durability, clarity, and protection in stylish sunglasses that don’t change the colors of your world.

Click Here to Buy Now: $169. Hurry, offer ends soon!

The post Sunglasses with real glass lenses deliver unparalleled clarity and protection first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best Desk Gear Designed To Achieve Peak Productivity

Posted on by

It doesn’t matter where you’re working, whether at home or in a commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!

1. POD

This minimalist timer lets you enjoy the simple benefits of a Pomodoro timer without relying on a clunky analog timer, especially one that looks like an awkward little tomato on your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

Dubbed POD, this unique tool combines the feeling of an analog timer with the convenience and utility of an electronic device in a simple, minimalist, and appealing form. The only control it has is pushing the puck down like a button, which then starts the countdown.

What we like

  • Minimally distracting, utilizing only flashing lights to get your attention rather than sounds or vibrations

What we dislike

  • Replacing the battery seems a bit tedious and annoying
  • It is quite tiny, so can be easily misplaced

2. Grovemade Note-Taking Kit

Named the Grovemade Note-Taking Kit, this innovative kit helps you effortlessly and efficiently capture down, process, and store notes, hence boosting your daily productivity, and ensuring your process feels simple and free-flowing.

Why is it noteworthy?

The kit includes a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metallic base, alongside a display rail to hold and store your notes and devices, while also offering a vertical organizer that stores your notes until you need to use them.

What we like

  • Provides a neat workdesk, that helps you complete the important tasks at hand, and elevate productivity

What we dislike

  • Occupies a substantial amount of real estate on your desk, not well-suited for smaller desks

3. Quick-Access Organizer

Dubbed the Quick-Access Organizer, this minimal and compact organizer is designed to ensure you never lose all your essentials. It is a well-designed organizer that helps you perfectly organize your essentials so you’re never in fear of losing them, allowing you to have a tidy desk that boosts productivity.

Why is it noteworthy?

This smart organizer isn’t simply a storage solution, it revolutionizes your desk, using magnetic wizardry to keep your essentials organized and easily available. It perfectly combines form and functionality, offering an excellent 21st-century design philosophy.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69

What we like

  • Equipped with a rotating mechanism that will take all the annoying guesswork out of storage
  • It is a lid and tray, making it a dual-functional product

What we dislike

  • Those who possess a larger array of items will find this organizer limiting and may need a bigger one
  • It can be concerning having magnets around certain electronic devices or cards, hence you need to be selective about what you store

4. Nemonic Gen 2

Dubbed the Nemonic Gen 2, this inkless, thermal, and wireless printer lets you effectively and efficiently print your notes and even images on Ultra Sticky Notes, and they won’t easily fall off!

Why is it noteworthy?

The tiny printer can be connected to your desktop and mobile devices allowing you to print out any notes that you may have written, drawn, or typed on the connected app. You can even integrate it with the Microsoft Office apps, and Slack and Zapier too, allowing you to maintain smooth productivity.

What we like

  • It lets you print out your notes directly and has a de-curl feature too

What we dislike

  • They don’t sell refills individually at this point, which is inconvenient if you run out of the notes

5. Fold

Designed by Ganti and Teixeira Design Studio, Fold is a 3D-printed lamp that casts its light downwards and upwards serving as a functional lamp, as well as a source of some good lighting. It’s a unique lamp that helps you work properly, while also letting you relax.

Why is it noteworthy?

The wall light doesn’t need to be turned on or off, nor do you need to adjust it, as the design itself brings two kinds of light together. It is a space-saving design as it can be mounted on the wall, or placed on a small desk or side table.

What we like

  • Offers both ambient light and direct light, helping you save up on owning multiple lamps

What we dislike

  • It looks a bit bulkier when used as a desk lamp, as compared to when it is wall-mounted

6. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter

Having an organized desk is quite important, as it helps you work efficiently while boosting your daily productivity. Having the right tool can help you create the ideal organized desk, and one such tool to add to your desk is this unique letter cutter.

Why is it noteworthy?

This innovative letter cutter reimagines a standard office tool, and efficiently slices through paper, while also doubling up as a chic paperweight ensuring there is no unnecessary clutter on your desk. A decluttered desk is the best solution for boosting productivity!

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

What we like

  • Has a precision cut that ensures that no messy scraps are left behind
  • Doubles up as a paperweight, ensuring there is less clutter on your desk, making it a dual-functional product

What we dislike

  • While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail, so you may need a separate letter cutter for those

7. The Note

Called the Note, this small desk whiteboard lets you take notes with the utmost efficiency. Except it’s no ordinary note taker, it has a few tricks up its sleeve and adds some fun and spice to your work.

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique whiteboard can twist or flip over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down effectively and efficiently. One side features a dotted grid surface, while the other side can be plain, or they could have the same design on both sides.

What we like

  • Features a multi-purpose vertical screen that allows you to view the time, calendar, and appointments synced with your phone

What we dislike

  • The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that some people may need for their work

8. SCROOM

Dubbed SCROOM, this portable keyboard looks like a wireless mechanical keyboard at first glance, however when you slide down the keyboard or slide up its bottom, it unveils a display that’s almost the same size as the keyboard.

Why is it noteworthy?

This unique display is a touch screen that’s filled with large-sized buttons, sliders, and other controls that can help you multitask on a tablet that has otherwise pretty limited space for multitasking.

What we like

  • Features a to-do list so that you don’t have to switch back and forth between apps

What we dislike

  • The sliding mechanism is a risk, especially for devices that get carried around a lot

9. Current Task Light

Called the Current Task Light, UK-based Jones and Partners designed this simple, minimalist, and highly functional lighting design that would make an excellent addition to your work desk. It occupies minimum space while helping you work better and more efficiently.

Why is it noteworthy?

The award-winning task lighting + charging concept is a multifunctional product to aid in your daily multitasking and is perfectly complementary to both residential and commercial spaces.

What we like

  • Allows coworkers to plug their devices across a large desk while working together

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept right now, so we don’t know how the final product will turn out

10. Wipe

Dubbed Wipe, this unique and innovative whiteboard notebook features an eraser allowing you to write, erase, and write things over and over again. This helps you note down all your precious ideas and thoughts, letting you work in a streamlined and efficient manner.

Why is it noteworthy?

Wipe has a comfortable personal size that is a tad bit smaller than A4 paper. It is portable, and you can write on it, take a photo that you could save or send to the cloud, erase all of it, and write again. You don’t need any preparation to use it, it is a fast and effective product!

What we like

  • Equipped with a newly developed Mag Force system that combines magnets and rubber brands, building a handle that also doubles up as a pen holder

What we dislike

  • You need to specifically use a dry-erase or whiteboard pen, and not a permanent marker

The post 10 Best Desk Gear Designed To Achieve Peak Productivity first appeared on Yanko Design.

This beeswax chess set literally burns down without a trace of its existence in time

Posted on by

Chess sets have evolved over the centuries. We have been through really nice, modern sets, some backed with AI and others made from various sorts of materials, but one thing they all have in common is that they become mundane over time. Not that they lose shape and horses become pawns; the time makes them bland, such that the eyes stop wanting and the hands don’t desire to make the next move on them.

If your chess set, essentially, the chess pieces have lost their luster and are getting too familiar with long-term usage, you can change the set! When you are considering the swap, spend a moment to reflect, and if the thought allows, go ecological with your choice. Presenting a worthy case is the FAUM’s new beeswax chess set that burn down without a trace of its existence in time.

Designer: FAUM

FAUM is a Sydney-based candle manufacturer that thrives on the innovative use of beeswax to create natural candles with minimal effect on the ecosystem. The sculptural candle-making for the Aussie manufacturer has reached a point where the ancient war-board game has been realized from beeswax and it leaves a lasting impression until you play to leave the opponent’s army burned in defeat.

Fancy as it may sound, and as dramatic the gameplay may seem; there is always an element of caution to go with this chess set. If you manage to speed past the burning wicks of your infantry, you can win the game on the usually fashioned 64 square board. Each square has to be assembled at home and together they give you a board measuring roughly 16- x 16 inches.

The set itself comprises the regular 32 pieces, each measuring 2- to 3-inches in height. The board and the pieces are all hand-poured with beeswax sourced from independent beekeepers in Northern New South Wales. The beeswax used (FAUM notes) is obtained without disturbing the beehives and the honey production. Since there is no use of additives, the chess set and piece made from beeswax arrive in the natural pigmentation of beeswax: light Ivory and dark yellow. The former is obtained from bees feeding on farm flowers, while the latter comes from bees that feed on eucalyptus.

Since this game of chess will include little bloodbaths and more fire, the chess pieces are bound to fade out. The company provides refills of beeswax to go into your pieces so the game can go on even after the burns of defeat. Each add-on costs AUD 20, while the chess set itself is priced at AUD 880. If you are in a dilemma of burning your hands at the war on board, you can gift it to yourself; for it is bound to look safe and equally pleasing – just sitting there – in the room.

The post This beeswax chess set literally burns down without a trace of its existence in time first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Sustainable + Elegant Tableware That Deserve A Spot On Your Dining Table

Posted on by

One of the most intimate and bonding experiences you can have is sharing a meal with someone. And, when it’s at your dinner table, the pressure to create an enjoyable and comfortable environment is higher than ever. A component that you can never truly ignore in a dining setup is tableware (the little things truly do count). Having excellent tableware is important. It has the potential to completely transform your dining experience, taking away attention even from the food! And if they happen to be sustainable then they’re a perfect match made in heaven. We’ve curated a collection of innovative and exciting tableware designs that are sure to be the highlight of your next dinner party!

1. Hida-Cedar Bowls

Designed by Higashi Shunkei, these stunning wood bowls were created using cedarwood sourced from the forest in Takayama. They’re sustainable, eco-friendly, and renewable, and not to mention drop-dead gorgeous! They would make a wonderful addition to your dinner table.

Why is it noteworthy?

Called, the Hida-Cedar bowls they are spun, finished, and lacquered within Higashi Shunkei’s workshop, and showcase a beautiful dark finish with light-colored bands, bringing to mind the image of a tiger’s striped skin.

What we like

  • Perfectly incorporates aesthetics and sustainability
  • Each bowl has a unique distorted pattern

What we dislike

  • There don’t seem to be a lot of options in color and size

2. Earth-Friendly Tumbler

PAPLUS is a new kind of thermoplastic resin that mixes biodegradable paper to add durability, heat resistance, and moldability which normal PLA lacks. This unique earth-friendly tumbler is made using this material

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

This earth-friendly tumbler uses an environment-friendly material to create a unique texture that is much like the surface of ceramic or wooden cups. Each sip from this tumbler brings forth a wonderful flavor to your tongue, while also creating an engaging sensation to your lips.

What we like

  • Uplifts the simple act of drinking water to a whole new sensory experience for your lips and tongue
  • Equipped with a heat resistance of 120°, allowing you to enjoy piping hot as well as ice-cold drinks

What we dislike

  • The natural color does become uneven and fade from use, which everyone may not like or prefer

3. Walnut Shell Tableware

If you mix walnut shells, pine resin, and Canauva Power you get NOS, which provides new CMFs with a wide range of colors, patterns, and light transmissions, since it involves grinding large volumes of walnut shells into different sizes.

Why is it noteworthy?

Pine resin is used to bind the NOS. Once the shell of the walnut is separated from the kernel, it is discarded as waste. This waste is being transformed into entire plates by designer SooA Choi! The plates are sustainable and eco-friendly!

What we like

  • A sustainable and excellent alternative to ceramics

What we dislike

  • Not the most aesthetically pleasing tableware, so won’t make a visually appealing addition to your dining table

4. Kreis Cup

Dubbed the Kreis Cup – this sustainable, durable, and eco-friendly coffee cup is designed to elevate and enhance your coffee-drinking experience. It is available in a cup and travel-mug style!

Why is it noteworthy?

The cup is heat-resistant and designed to keep your coffee hot for a longer time. It is a much better alternative to plastic mugs and breakable ceramic mugs, it is an excellent biodegradable option!

What we like

  • Made from spent coffee grounds
  • You can smell the faint unmistakable scent of coffee from it, making it a sensory experience for coffee lovers

What we dislike

  • There is currently no scope for personalization, which can be inconvenient for users who want their personal needs to be catered to

5. Wasteware Collection

Viennese designer Barbara Gollackner collaborated with Australian chef and restaurant owner Martin Kilga to create the ‘Wasteware’ collection, a range of tableware made using leftover food! The duo created a collection of bowls, plates, and cutlery using industrial and personal food waste.

Why is it noteworthy?

The tableware items were made using food waste such as pork skin and old bread, both acquired from personal and industrial waste. The waste was dried out and then blended into a smooth paste held together by mycelium.

What we like

  • Provides an effective solution to the issue of food wastage
  • Colorful and vibrant aesthetics, that will add a boost of color and life to your dining table

What we dislike

  • We’re unsure how durable the products are, and what is their lifespan

6. McDonald’s Reusable Tableware

French global design studio Elium Studio teamed up with McDonald’s France to build reusable tableware that can be used in the fast-food chain’s restaurants. The tableware collection is colorful and cute and made using Tritan – a plastic resin that is similar to glass and ceramic.

Why is it noteworthy?

The tableware was integrated with vents, graining, and striations to impart improved functionality and elevate the customer’s dining experience. The project has been in the works for almost two years, and it is truly commendable.

What we like

  • Retains McDonald’s original essence and design philosophy while being more eco-friendly

What we dislike

  • Plastic resin isn’t the most eco-friendly material out there, they could have picked a more sustainable alternative

7. Earth-Friendly Stacking Cup

You can now enjoy your favorite beverage in a stylish and minimal stacking cup that you know is saving the environment! It is made from eco-friendly synthetic materials and has a unique texture.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique texture of the cup is much like ceramic or wood, and it offers a sensory experience to your lips and mouth. It embodies minimal aesthetics and sustainable practice and produces a soul-enriching drinking experience that you’ll never forget.

What we like

  • Made from plant-derived biodegradable resin
  • The material biodegrades into water and carbon dioxide through natural microbial action

What we dislike

  • Aesthetically quite common to other cups on the market, nothing to set it apart

8. Smogware

The Smogware is an elegant minimal porcelain tableware collection that is really quite unique and innovative, and unlike any other tableware designs you may have seen.

Why is it noteworthy?

The designers harvested dust, notably air pollution from Rotterdam, Netherlands, and integrated it into utensils such as plates, cereal bowls, and coffee tables by harmoniously glazing the particles onto the items.

What we like

  • They harvest dust and incorporate it into the tableware, without it looking like dust

What we dislike

  • The backstory of the tableware may make one lose their appetite

9. Calzone

Calzone is a reusable folding plate, inspired by the Italian crescent-shaped turnovers that are a crowd favorite. The colorful and quirky product is perfect for picnics and hikes, because not only can it store food, but it also functions as a plate, making it a versatile multifunctional product.

Why is it noteworthy?

When folded, and closed in half, Calzone functions as a nifty little container, but when opened, it takes on a flat form and can be used as tableware to serve food. It’s the perfect replacement for one-time-use zipper bags and plates! Created from medical-grade silicone, Calzone is safe enough to be placed in the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and oven.

What we like

  • Multifunctional product that serves as a plate and food container

What we dislike

10. Grass-Fed Bone China

Ceramist Gregg F Moore collaborated with Dan Barber, the chef and co-owner of Blue Hill restaurant to create a line of tableware that is essentially grass-fed bone china. This is china or ceramic created from the bones of grass-fed cows and the cows that Barber raises on his farms.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Blue Hill cows consume grass, instead of following the typical grain-based farm diet. Since they devour grass, they move and roam freely in search of greener pastures. This ensures that their bones are much stronger as compared to the cows found on other conventional farms, leading to stronger, creamier, and more durable ceramics.

What we like

  • The ceramics are stronger and more durable compared to the regular ones

What we dislike

  • Highly priced as compared to other chinas
  • Won’t be appealing to vegans and vegetarians

The post Top 10 Sustainable + Elegant Tableware That Deserve A Spot On Your Dining Table first appeared on Yanko Design.

Thinking of buying the Galaxy S24? TORRAS made a stunning 9H hardness Screen Protector to go with it

Posted on by

Almost like clockwork after CES wrapped up, Samsung took the stage to debut all their new products. New Year New Gear, people say… and it seems like Samsung is prepared to equip all Android lovers with their next smartphone – the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra. However, with great phones come great responsibilities, and that means ensuring your cutting-edge smartphone is shielded by some cutting-edge cases, covers, and clear screen protectors. It’s a good thing the folks at TORRAS came well prepared too, especially after a pretty exhaustive CES (where they built a 15-foot clear phone stand case as a part of their booth). Lining up perfectly with Samsung’s Unveiled event, TORRAS has announced two new products – the Diamond Shield Screen Protector with a game-changing 9H on the hardness scale and 3-step easy setup, and their iconic O Stand case, which gives your smartphone its dedicated grip-stand for easier, ergonomic, and hands-free use.

Click Here to Buy Diamond Shield Screen Protector Now: $25.99
Click Here to Buy O Stand Ring Case Now: $35.99 $49.99 (28% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Installation of screen protectors has often been a tedious task, but the Diamond Shield changes this narrative. Designed with a 3-step setup process, it ensures a perfect, bubble-free fit in just 15 seconds. This ease of installation is facilitated by the Tora-Airfree molecular glue technology. This adhesive, paired with the protector’s plastic armature, ensures a seamless application while maintaining the sensitivity and responsiveness of the touchscreen – an essential feature for the interactive experience of the Galaxy S24 series, especially for features like fingerprint scanning and S Pen usage.

The cornerstone of the Diamond Shield’s effectiveness lies in its exceptional hardness, rated at 9H on the Mohs scale. This level of hardness is achieved through the innovative Tora-CRC strengthening process. All that technical jargon aside, the Diamond Shield screen protector’s incredibly high hardness rating means it can easily fend off everything from being dropped on gravel or even having to deal with keys and cables scratching against your phone inside your pocket or laptop bag. The 9H rating makes the Diamond Shield 3x stronger than standard tempered glass, giving your premium smartphone the premium protection it deserves. Beyond protection, the Diamond Shield excels in preserving the visual fidelity of the Galaxy S24 series display. It guarantees 100% color accuracy, ensuring that users experience the screen’s original brilliance without any color deviation. This clarity is complemented by the protector’s ability to allow maximum light transmission, maintaining the display’s vividness and sharpness.

While durability and hardness are often the primary focus for a screen protector, the tactile experience hasn’t been overlooked either. The NanoScale pressure structure combined with the Tora-Silk coating technology provides a smooth, sleek oleophobic surface that repels fingerprints and reduces smudges. This technology ensures that the touch experience is as fluid and responsive as the device’s original screen, a crucial aspect for users who interact with their phones constantly throughout the day.

Alongside the Diamond Shield, TORRAS also unveiled the Galaxy S24 Series’ very own O Stand case. Following last year’s Ipsos report that put TORRAS at the forefront of the burgeoning phone stand trend, the O Stand for the Galaxy S24 is a slim yet protective cover for the phone that comes with its own built-in kickstand. The hollow circular ring is designed for comfortable holding and reducing forearm stress, a blessing for those endless scrolling sessions. Functionality wise, the O Stand doubles as a MagSafe stand and supports your phone in both portrait and landscape modes. Whether you’re video calling, watching a movie, or even using the S Pen remote control on your Samsung S24 Ultra, this stand has you covered.

What makes the O Stand special is its versatility. It supports angles from 0 to 120 degrees, ensuring that you always have the best view. And for those who prefer to keep their tech gear sleek and minimal, the O Stand’s design complements the sophisticated look of the Galaxy S24 series, while measuring a mere 2.5mm in thickness so that the stand folds flush into the phone case, leaving you with nothing except a slick, smooth luxurious surface that doesn’t add any bulk or weight to your new smartphone.

Click Here to Buy Diamond Shield Screen Protector Now: $25.99
Click Here to Buy O Stand Ring Case Now: $35.99 $49.99 (28% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post Thinking of buying the Galaxy S24? TORRAS made a stunning 9H hardness Screen Protector to go with it first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best LEGO Builds To Try Creating At Home If You’re A True LEGO Fanatic

Posted on by

Creating and building precise and intricate LEGO structures as a child was one of my favorite hobbies. I could spend hours sitting and creating the little builds, and I still hold those memories dear to my heart. I’m sure most of us have nostalgic and heartwarming memories associated with LEGO blocks from our childhood, as well as the not-so-heartwarming ones of stepping on them with our feet and feeling an insane amount of pain shoot up our legs. But nowadays LEGO is no longer considered child’s play. Master builders and LEGO enthusiasts all over the world have been creating impressive LEGO builds, and we’ve curated a few of our favorites for you!

1. LEGO Popcorn Machine

Built by Dimexart, this charming and adorable LEGO Popcorn Machine is built using LEGO blocks! This build brings to mind the vision of the iconic popcorn machines you usually see in movie theaters. It features a glorious retro-style theme and is made using 955 pieces. Even the popcorn is made from LEGO blocks! How cool is that?

2. LEGO T-Rex Offline Game

There was a time when users who browsed the web on Google Chrome noticed that when they couldn’t connect to the internet, it would display a “You are offline” message with a pixelated dinosaur standing amidst the desert terrain. If you pressed a key, it would kickstart a hidden game – where you could get the dinosaur to dodge obstacles and keep yourself busy. LEGO builder Brick Dangerous transformed this iconic game into a LEGO brick set made using 449 pieces!

3. LEGO Ramen Bowl

Made using LEGO bricks, Micdud’s LEGO Ramen Bowl looks super realistic! “The model was designed, as a fully customizable construction, thanks to a wide selection of ingredients,” says LEGO builder Micdud. It includes all of the basics – a “bamboo” roll-out pad, a beautiful “ceramic” bowl made with subtle and intricate details, as well as chopsticks that are concealed in a decorated “paper” wrapping. It also includes a special chirirenge spoon!

4. LEGO Cherry Blossoms

These lovely LEGO Cherry Blossoms are designed to get you ready for Spring! The LEGO build features two buildable cherry blossom twigs that can you mix and match to create some pretty white and pink blooms. You need to build the flowers with the 438 pieces that come with the set, to build two twigs that measure up to 14 inches.

5. LEGO A-frame Cabin

The A-frame cabin is truly an icon in the architecture world and is one of the most appealing home styles since its inception in the 1950s. LEGO user Norton74 captured the beautiful essence of the A-frame cabin with this adorable and captivating LEGO build. It feels amazingly real and features precise detailing inside, with each corner revealing something new and exciting. P

 6. LEGO Polaroid SX-70 Fold-Flat Instant Camera

Minibricks Productions converted the Polaroid SX-70 fold-flat instant camera from the 1970s into a LEGO build made using 516 bricks. It is partially functional, but you can’t click any real-time photographs with this camera. LEGO converted the submission into a legit brick set that was slated for release on January 1, 2024.

7. The LEGO® Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: T. Rex Skull

The LEGO® Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull (76964) is designed to be the first Jurassic World set intended for museum-like display. The 577-piece set consists of a T. Rex skull with an opening jaw, and a stand to display it. The unique build also comes along with an info plaque, an amber piece at the back, and a fossilized footprint.

8. LEGO PS One

Built by LEGO Builder GoofySwan099, this LEGO-based PS One is a tribute to Sony’s first-ever gaming console. We’re unsure how many bricks this build uses, but it features all the bells and whistles you could imagine, including a memory card and controller inputs on the front, an opening CD tray, and RCA ports on the back.

9. LEGO Mineral Display

The LEGO Mineral Display is truly an interesting build as it converts plastic bricks into precious gemstones. The display relies on the geometric nature to mimic the beauty of the crystals forming under the extreme pressure of the earth’s crust. The crystals are created in a myriad variety of shapes and styles and were created by LEGO builder Dario Del Frate.

10. LEGO Ideas Tabletop Air Hockey Kit

The LEGO Ideas Tabletop Air Hockey kit is designed to perfectly capture the fun and joy of slinging a puck from the left to right, as you try to score a goal while protecting your post! There is no air involved in this unique creation, and it is fan-made by LordFamousTulip100 and got almost 100 votes on the global LEGO forum.

The post 10 Best LEGO Builds To Try Creating At Home If You’re A True LEGO Fanatic first appeared on Yanko Design.