We’ve become more aware of the quality of the air we breathe indoors, which has led to an uptick in air purifier products and purchases. While that mostly works for the general population, the appliance isn’t always a good fit for all kinds of people, especially the most sensitive and at-risk members of our families: babies and toddlers. They also need to breathe clean air, perhaps even more than adults do, but most air purifier designs are clearly made for grownups. This product concept envisions one that is intended for the little ones, not only in the way it looks but in how it can keep watch over them when parents aren’t in the room or at home.
Designer: Swarali Satpute
Until recently, the majority of air purifying machines looked simply like large cans or boxes that shouted their presence to everyone in the room, both visually and sometimes even audibly. The growing demand for these appliances, however, also meant that they needed to start catering to the aesthetic needs of customers. Fortunately, this has given rise to better-designed air purifiers that blend well with the rest of your home decor or, at the very least, look like a design object rather than an out-of-place appliance.
Airo is a concept air purifier that takes that trend in a slightly different direction, designing for the youngest members of the family rather than a general audience. It has a fun appearance, with a dome-like body and head topped by two ears, clad in soft pastel colors that are easier on the eyes, especially for babies whose eyes can easily latch onto bright colors and sharp shapes. But despite appearances, Airo is still meant to function as a proper air purifier, albeit one that is specifically tuned for the needs of babes and tots.
That isn’t the only function it serves, however. Since the appliance will be staying in the child’s room 24/7, it is also in the perfect position to monitor the baby remotely. To that end, it has a built-in camera, exactly where the face is, and comes with an app that has the expected bells and whistles for remote camera control. Thus, Airo offers a multifunctional package that offers parents some assurance that their babies are breathing clean air and are safe from harm.
The concept design admittedly focuses on the form of the device as well as the user experience, so it leaves plenty of room for the actual implementation of the features. An air purifier for kids, for example, will need to be extra quiet, especially at night, and should be childproof from accidents. The latter might be a bit more difficult to ensure given how the toy-like design of the product could make kids actually want to play with it.
While decorating our homes, we always focus on the furniture we place in them or on the interior decor style we prefer, but focusing on home decor accents is equally important. These little decorative items can truly uplift the aesthetic appeal of a space, adding a personalized touch that will resonate with you and your visitors. A well-selected set of home decor accents can truly set the perfect tone for your home, and if they’re minimal and super-functional, well they tick all the boxes then! We’ve put together a collection of functional, nifty, and visually pleasing home decor accents that you need to check out!
1. Pop-up Book Vase Edition 4
Called the Pop-up Book Vase, this pretty vase holds and displays your flowers in a lovely, fairytale-ish style. As you open the cover, a 3D cutout of the vase is revealed, and it beautifully displays your elegant floral arrangement. You can even flip the age to unveil a different vase design, so you can have a fresh presentation whenever you want.
The book can be turned upside down to get lovely views from another angle. The book vase is quite simple but still, an interesting way to make your everyday flowers truly stand out, bringing a pop of personality to your living space. Start your home decor adventure with this ingenious pop-up book vase.
What we like
Amped with three pretty pop-up vase designs
It is made from 100% natural pulp with a water-resistant coating
What we dislike
The vase seems a bit tough to clean, and there seem to be no clear instructions on how to do so
2. CD Jacket Player
Meet the CD Jacket Player – a unique design that allows you to relive priceless moments with CDs, while also appreciating the album art that comes along with it. The CD Jacket Player stores your classic audio CDS, while also enhancing their aesthetic appeal by seamlessly including their accompanying jackets.
The CD Jakcet Player showcases the CD jacket art, and it can be wall-mounted as well, serving as a decorative element in your home. You can proudly show off your favorite album art, while also adding an interesting and visually appealing decorative item to your living space.
What we like
Perfect design for music lovers, allows them to add an aesthetically pleasing musical element to their home
What we dislike
It can be a bit redundant for people who prefer using digital music streaming platforms
3. IKEA JETSTRÖM
Designed by IKEA, the new JESTRÖM is a single-piece lighting panel in the form of a 30cm x 30cm square. However, it is not a simple square but features rounded corners and curved edges, which softens the harshness you may perceive from straight edges and inorganic forms. The lamp design has plenty of smart lighting features, and the white light can be shifted to warmer to set the mood.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can even set different colors to complement a particular theme. You can control these settings from the IKEA Home mobile app, and sync the lamp with other IKEA smart lights via the DIRIGERA hub, allowing you to create your own unique concert of lighting designs.
What we like
Economically priced for a large smart LED panel
What we dislike
Only one color is available for the diffuser cover
There is a dedicated remote for it, but you need to purchase it separately, which increases costs
4. Invisible Shoehorn
Dubbed the Invisible Shoehorn, this innovative product will save your back and your socks as it harmoniously vanishes into the background once you’re done using it. It has a long stainless steel body that will prevent tears and snags in socks and stockings. It has a transparent and minimal form which is easy on the eye and on the interior style of your home.
The Invisible Shoehorn is pretty unique as it artfully disappears into the background when it is not being utilized. It is equipped with a transparent stand, and the two elements partner up to form an interesting and visually appealing decoration for your home. The Invisible Shoehorn has both practical use, as well as decorative value.
What we like
Functional design with decorative appeal
Easily disappears into the background when not being used
What we dislike
Hefty price tag which may be beyond someone’s price range
5. Oakywood MagSafe Collection
This is the Oakwood MagSafe collection, and it uses Apple MagSafe charges to support actual charging function, while also offering visually appealing aesthetics. The collection includes products with solid and multi-functional bases which keep your iPhone and Apple Watch in place, while also adding some minimalist design ethos to your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
With a mix of wood and matte aluminum materials, these stands and mounts look handsome on any motif you might have going for your desk, providing eye-catching ornaments without being distracting.
What we like
The charger they accommodate can be removed and used separately
Reduces e-waste in the long run
What we dislike
The accessories do not come with an Apple MagSafe charger
7. Moon Rock Clock
If you share a love for the Moon and outer space, then you can welcome them both into your home with the Moon Rock Clock! The Moon Rock Clock is minimalist, yet quite striking, allowing you to embark on space travel fantasies within your own home. The clock is built from specially polished stainless steel and has. circular shape which perfectly represents the moon.
The various numbers wane and wax about much like the moon, and the clock serves as a reminder to you, urging you to live life with an adventurous spirit, like the rocket ship moving around the moon. It features a moon travel-inspired aesthetic which is a gentle nudge to follow your dreams.
What we like
The printed numbers seem to float and vanish around the moon
What we dislike
A large and bulky product that will occupy substantial space on your desk or table
8. Gramophone Lamp
Named the Gramophone Lamp, this pretty and subtle home decoration design utilizes vinyl as material, featuring a retro and minimalistic aesthetic. It features a curved base that reminds you of the stands for an Apple monitor and is amped with a single aluminum stand that slopes at the back. The vinyl serves as the main light source.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Gramophone lamp also has a trackpad-like surface that holds the controls, and you can use it to switch the ambient lighting on and off, to increase and reduce the brightness. It has a polycarbonate diffuser disk which is considered the “star”, and it magnifies the light owing to its translucent quality.
What we like
Amped with a 4000 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery that you can use for up to 24 hours even when not plugged in
What we dislike
Seems like a desk lamp, but not really well-suited to be used as one
9. Modular Flower Tubes
Dubbed the Modular Flower Tubes, these pretty little tubes are an incredible alternative to the typical old vases we all tend to use. The container is made from metal and wood, delivering flexible creativity to the users, and allowing them to build their own flower arrangements according to their own tastes and requirements.
The Modular Flower Tubes are equipped with thin copper pipes that can be arranged in different positions and patterns, in turn creating lovely floral displays. Users can develop different patinas with time, elevating the aesthetic sense and value to the vase. The base is wooden, and hence quite sturdy, offering stability and durability to the product.
What we like
Offers users creative liberation, letting them create their own personalized arrangements
What we dislike
The unique patinas that develop over the tube need to be maintained well, and not everyone may like them
10. Tray & Incense Holder
Designed by Songpa-gu in collaboration with the Seoul Design Foundation, this beautiful tray and incense holder represents the beauty of the Hangseong period of the Baekje Dynasty’s cultural legacy, as well as the aroma of tradition. The tray and holder perfectly complement all kinds of interior decor styles, while displaying the Baekjeasty’s beautiful art and cultural elements.
Why is it noteworthy?
The white finishes of the product create a zen and minimal aesthetic, which is pleasing to the eye, and also calming to the mind. The neutral colors elevate one’s mood, while also helping you to focus better, and complete tasks with more concentration and precision.
What we like
Create a cozy, calming and soothing ambiance at home
What we dislike
It features a wavy design which limits the type of items it can hold, hence impacting usability
It’s always fun to see public art things that people can actually touch and interact with. Where I live that is a rarity for a lot of reasons so I envy places that have an abundance of public art exhibits. If you’re in London, particularly the Chelsea area this summer, you can check out this interesting part of the art trail where something seems like one thing but is actually another thing.
Love Continuum is a large piece of typographic art that inspires its viewers (kids and kids at heart) to actually climb on it and play on it (safely of course). It is located on the Duke of York Square in Kings Road as part of the Kensington + Chelsea Art Week celebration which runs until August. At first it just looks like a huge red spring or swirly thing that may be a random piece of art in the city.
But if you actually look at it from a certain angle, it spells the word “love” in cursive. When viewed in other angles, it’s hard to see the word as it’s just a red worm that you can climb on, sit on (maybe not so comfortably), or just look at. But when you finally see the word it spells out, it’s a “eureka” moment that you’ll enjoy. You can also invite other people to discover this not so secret secret.
The “red squiggly worm” is 7.5 meters in length and is the latest in Alter’s continuing work of colorful concepts that invite people to play with it and enjoy his art. And with the “secret” word that is part of the sculpture, it adds another dimension.
Have you ever wished lawn care could be easy and almost effortless? TerraMow, the AI-powered robotic lawn mower, is about to change your life. Picture a world where your lawn is perfectly manicured without you lifting a finger. TerraMow is designed to take over the hard work of lawn maintenance, offering you more free time to enjoy your yard rather than laboring in it. Whether you have a sprawling garden with intricate landscaping or a simple, straightforward lawn, it handles it all with ease. Its advanced technology ensures every blade of grass is trimmed to perfection, navigating obstacles and tough terrain effortlessly. Forget about spending weekends pushing a noisy mower around. The intelligent system makes lawn care as simple as pressing a button.
What sets TerraMow apart is its wire-free AI vision design. Say goodbye to those annoying perimeter wires and RTK stations. There’s no need for manual mapping or complicated installations. Its advanced AI vision system autonomously maps your lawn, navigates around obstacles, and even cuts right up to the edges. Whether you have a simple yard or a complex garden with flower beds, bushes, and trees, expect it to navigate your yard like a pro.
Setting it up is a breeze. Just place it on the base station, which takes about five minutes to configure, and you’re ready to go. No complicated installations. TerraMow does all the hard work for you right from the start.
At the heart of TerraMow is the TerraVision system. This innovative vision system uses three high-performance automotive-grade cameras combined with cutting-edge AI vision technologies. It allows TerraMow to see and understand its surroundings just as you would. It maps your lawn in incredible detail, senses 3D obstacles, and avoids them in real-time. No more worrying about your mower bumping into things or missing spots.
Utilizing three high-performance automotive cameras and cutting-edge AI vision technologies, TerraVision enables TerraMow to navigate and interact with your lawn in unprecedented ways.
One of the most impressive features of TerraMow is its customizable edge-cutting. Traditional mowers, especially those relying on RTK signals, often struggle with precise boundary identification and edge-cutting due to signal issues. TerraMow, however, uses its advanced AI vision system to ride the edge of your lawn, achieving zero-distance cutting from lawn boundaries whenever possible. This means TerraMow can cut right up to the edges of your lawn, ensuring no blade of grass is left untrimmed. It precisely identifies lawn boundaries and can be customized to cut at various distances along the edges, adapting perfectly to the unique contours of your yard. This ensures stable and optimized edge cutting, leaving your lawn looking immaculate and well-defined.
Customization is where TerraMow truly shines. You can set different mowing schedules for various parts of your lawn, adjust the cutting height from 25 mm to 75 mm (1 inch to 3 inches), and even mark no-go zones to protect your flowerbeds. All of this is done through a simple app on your phone. It’s that easy.
TerraMow’s sleek, modern design isn’t only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The robust construction ensures durability, while the compact form allows it to navigate tight spaces with ease. Equipped with four key sensors—an obstacle detection sensor, a slope sensor, a rain sensor, and a tilt sensor—TerraMow is designed to handle all kinds of terrain and weather conditions. The obstacle detection sensor helps it avoid collisions with garden objects, the slope sensor ensures it can manage steep inclines, the rain sensor detects moisture and sends it back to the base station to avoid mowing in unsuitable conditions, and the tilt sensor halts the blades if the mower is lifted or tilted, ensuring safety.
Envision a mower that doesn’t just mow in random patterns but follows a precisely organized path. TerraMow’s visual positioning system, driven by visual SLAM technology, ensures it navigates under thick tree covers, roofs, or narrow pathways with ease. This guarantees precise real-time positioning and optimal lawn care even in the most challenging conditions.
Its ability to handle complex gardens is remarkable. Its precise visual system plans optimal paths, avoids obstacles in real-time, and delivers exceptional mowing results even in lawns filled with flower beds, unpaved borders, bushes, and trees. Its agility allows it to navigate through narrow passages as tight as 60 centimeters wide.
Not to mention, there’s also a feature that allows it to pause and resume tasks smartly. If it encounters unsuitable conditions like rain or low battery, it will pause its task and return to the base station. Once the conditions improve, it will resume right where it left off. This ensures that your lawn care is continuous and efficient, no matter the circumstances.
TerraMow automatically pauses tasks and returns to the base station when it detects unsuitable conditions, such as rain or low battery. Once conditions improve, it resumes the tasks right where it left off.
You can choose from different operation modes to fit your needs. The standard mode is perfect for mowing a single-zone lawn or segmented lawns connected by pathways. If you have dispersed and distant lawns, the multi-base mode will serve you well with one base station per lawn. For tiny dispersed lawns, the spot mode lets TerraMow handle the job instantly without needing a base station setup.
And for those who love having control at their fingertips, the dedicated app for TerraMow is a game-changer. You can customize mowing height, schedule tasks, monitor real-time status, use the remote control feature, and enjoy many other exciting options for a personalized lawn care experience.
TerraMow stands out in both connectivity and safety. Equipped with 4G cellular and Wi-Fi options, it allows for remote management and precise location tracking. Security is enhanced with integrated GPS and a 4G module, providing robust anti-theft measures. If someone attempts to steal TerraMow, its location can be tracked effortlessly. Prioritizing safety, it detects any lifting or tilting, automatically stopping the mowing blade to protect both the user and the equipment.
One of the coolest things about TerraMow is its ability to handle slopes up to 45% (or 24 degrees). Whether your lawn has hills or flat areas, TerraMow can mow it all efficiently. Plus, it’s built to be durable and waterproof with an IPX6 rating, so it can handle rain and humid conditions without any problems.
Ready to transform your lawn care routine? It’s time to let TerraMow take the wheel. Picture weekends free from the noise and effort of traditional mowing, replaced with the quiet efficiency of TerraMow gliding over your lawn, doing all the hard work for you. With its advanced technology and user-friendly features, TerraMow offers a seamless, stress-free solution to lawn maintenance. So sit back, relax, and watch TerraMow create the perfect lawn you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t wait—make the smart choice for your yard today. Simplify your life and delegate the mowing to TerraMow.
Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Sure, your first instinct is to think of the famed sculptors and painters of the Italian Renaissance… but for a very specific generation, these names conjured up images of four turtles, fighting crime while snacking on NY slices in their sewer bunkers. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were an absolute craze in the 80s and 90s, rivaling He-Man, GI Joe, and the Transformers for air-time on television. The premise, absurd at best, but it resonated wonderfully with a section of pre-teens and teens looking for something to validate their sense of rebellion. Four vigilante turtles, mutated to have humanoid characteristics, fought crime on the streets of NY using only an eclectic blend of martial arts and martial weapons. LEGO builder Teljesnegyzet decided to give these crime-fighting creatures their very own LEGO-based action figure set. Behold the LEGO Ideas TMNT kit, a rather accurate representation of the four turtles in their superhero garb. The set features the turtles in their four colored bandanas and bands, with their weapons of choice. Each turtle has a belt with their initials labeled on the buckle, and they’re even color-matched to their originals, showcasing four shades of green!
Designer: Teljesnegyzet
The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles burst onto the scene in the late 1980s, captivating audiences with their unique blend of action, humor, and teenage angst. The concept revolved around four anthropomorphic turtles, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo, trained in the art of ninjutsu by their rat sensei, Splinter. Together, they battled the villainous Shredder and his Foot Clan in the sewers of New York City, fueled by their love for pizza.
The LEGO Ideas MOC (My Own Creation) captures the essence of the classic TMNT characters. The concept features buildable figures of all four turtles, each equipped with their signature weapons. Leonardo wields his katanas, Raphael his sai, Donatello his bo staff, and Michelangelo his nunchakus. While official build instructions aren’t available, judging from similar LEGO minifigure designs, we can expect the figures to stand around 4-5 inches tall and feature a range of articulation points for dynamic posing. Designer Teljesnegyzet does mention that the entire superhero quartet takes about 2522 bricks in total, which makes it a fairly complex build, but then again, nobody under the age of 20 will probably even remember the TMNT craze, right? (Not even the atrocious 2014 film with Megan Fox)
Teljesnegyzet’s fan-made build currently sits on the LEGO Ideas forum, an online community where LEGO enthusiasts gather to share their creations and vote for their favorites. With just over 1,700 votes, Teljesnegyzet’s MOC is looking to gradually hit the coveted 10,000 vote mark, following which LEGO’s internal team may turn it into a box-set that anyone can buy. You can vote for the LEGO Ideas Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle set on the LEGO Ideas website here.
The world is filled with many things that have the potential to become materials for creating products, and yet we still prefer typical materials like plastics, metal, or wood. Not all of these are sustainable, and those that are sustainable aren’t always easily renewable or require a lot of energy to process or recycle. Admittedly, looking for alternative sources of materials isn’t an easy task, but once in a while, we come across a promising solution both in terms of sustainability and beauty. This rope light and Ikebana vase, for example, are already quite striking in their unique shapes, but they are made even more significant by the fact that they are made using a biodegradable material based on one of the most common and simplest kind of plant on the planet: algae.
Designer: Su Yang Choi
One of the problems with supposedly more sustainable or recyclable materials is that the process of making or treating them isn’t always sustainable, requiring more energy and water than usual. In contrast, this algae-based material isn’t treated with harmful chemicals, has reduced energy consumption during manufacturing, and can easily be shaped using heat. Even better, leftover scraps from the production process can be collected and recycled to reduce material waste at every step.
While the material itself is quite impressive, putting it to good use is the real test. For this purpose, a pair of everyday objects were made not just to demonstrate the usability of this algae-based material but also to show off the complicated designs that can be made with it. And nothing can perhaps be more complicated than knots, especially the beautiful traditional Korean knots known as Maedeup.
This knotting is best exemplified in this Ikebana vase that loops around itself a couple of times in an almost random fashion, symbolizing the unpredictability and cyclical nature of life. In addition to this rather intriguing structure, the biodegradable material used here is mixed with coffee grounds, another sustainable material, to give it that earthy brown color.
On the opposite end of the color spectrum is a long string lamp that uses the algae-based material in a four-faced linear braid that wraps around a flexible LED strip. This segmented structure was inspired by Korean stone pagodas that rise in majesty and grandeur, characteristics carried by this string lamp. These two objects, part of the Slow series of artworks, embody the ingenuity and creativity that spring from combining modern material science and traditional craftsmanship to produce breathtaking designs that do no harm to the planet in return.
We’re quite used to buying gifts for our loved ones – from our romantic partners to family members and our beloved friends. We spend precious time picking out the perfect present for them, ensuring they don’t get disappointed, and truly like what we select for them. But how often do we actually spend time and money picking thoughtful little presents for ourselves? Not a lot of time, right? Well, it is time you pamper yourself, and if you don’t have plenty of free time on your hands, worry not, we’ve curated a collection of functional and fulfilling products for you! These well-designed and clever products will make for wonderful self-gifts. Not only are they high-value, but they’re also well-priced, and visually appealing.
1. LEGO Tetris
Sometimes the best form of self-care is taking some time off from your hectic day, and indulging in a whimsical game or two. This LEGO Ideas set is a tribute to the world’s most influential digital game – the Tetris. Designed by LEGO builder ‘victorvey300′, the LEGO set celebrates Tetris’ 40th anniversary and features a box with a lid that serves as the game’s screen. It takes you back down memory lane, with a container filled with bricks, controls on the bottom right, and a leaderboard on the top right.
Why is it noteworthy?
This unique LEGO build has a lot of attention to detail on it. It is a vault-shaped kit with cool Tetris graphics and branding on the outside, while the inside is filled to the brim with features and various details which allow 6 players to game a whole game of Tetris. The box also features brick generators which tell you what the next brick should be.
What we like
Lets you play a refreshing version of the iconic game
What we dislike
You need to select each brick’s orientation and position yourself before you drop it into the channel
2. Elevate Stand (For CD Cover/Jacket Player)
If you own the Portable CD Cover Player or CD Jacket Player, then you may want to get your hands on the Elevate Stand as well. The minimal and compact stand is designed to hold your Portable CD Cover Player or CD Jacket Player. You can use the stand to display these products in an effortless and timeless fashion. It is essentially a sleek L-shaped aluminum stand with an elegant silver finish.
The classy-looking stand will add an element of contemporary elegance to your home. It is ideal for windowsills, shelves, or any spot where you can’t wall-mount the players. It serves as a clever product that adds flexibility and style to how you choose to enjoy your music.
What we like
Has a chic and contemporary look that suits modern homes
What we dislike
It is only available in one finish option, and there is no scope for personalization
3. Japanese Lantern Candle
After a long day at work, sometimes I just love to sink into a warm bath, with a lovely little candle giving me company, and offering illumination. If this sounds like the perfect experience for you, then you may want to add the Japanese Lantern Candle to your self-care session. This pretty little lantern is inspired by the traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, and has a lovely pillar form.
The candle is designed to be a modern and elegant version of an age-old iconic Japanese lantern design. It radiates a surreal and calming glow while showcasing a minimal and compact design language that will complement different interior styles. The Japanese Candle Lantern is handcrafted by artisans in Kurashiki, Japan.
What we like
The outer wax is quite a handle and doesn’t melt easily, forming a clear body on the candle
What we dislike
Since it has an open flame, it is a fire hazard and must be used around kids and pets with care and caution
4. Sony Walkman MW-A306
Meet the Sony Walkman MW-A306, a neat Walkman device that delivers high-quality digital music in dynamic range, with original records guaranteed. It is designed to upscale compressed music files from streaming services in real time to provide CD-like audio playback that you can enjoy in your leisure time.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can enjoy CD-like music through headphones or wireless earbuds, creating a music-listening experience that feels authentic and seamless. It features Edge-AI and DSEE Ultimate technology, which allows the Walkman to compress files with complete accuracy and in real-time.
What we like
Has a richer and more dynamic music playback
Elevates the user experience on any streaming service of your choice
What we dislike
Equipped with only 18GB available space to store your favorite tracks
5. Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass
This beautiful glass is called the Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass, and it is inspired by metallic hues, creating a rather mesmerizing light and color interplay. The glass offers a lovely visual experience since it has a 1/f fluctuating pattern that resembles a murmuring stream. It is built from pure titanium, enhancing your drinking experience, and making for the perfect self-gift.
It is made using cutting-edge technology which builds an interesting color play. The glass is biocompatible and safe, in fact, even more than platinum or glass. It is resistant to odors and stains and maintains long-term hygiene.
What we like
Utilizes advanced space development technology
What we dislike
You cannot see how much you’re pouring, or how much liquid is in the glass from far, as it is a solid glass
6. MagSnap Wallet
Called the MagSnap Wallet, this wallet has a magnetic and modular design, that lets you attach extra modules, allowing your wallet to hold more cards, cash, or even EDC tools. It is sleek and can be docked on the back of your iPhone, to enable easy carrying. It features an all-metal design and is RFID-blocking as well, something that Apple’s MagSafe wallet doesn’t have either.
Why is it noteworthy?
However, the MagSnap Wallet isn’t MagSafe compatible, it comes along with a magnet-enabled iPhone case or an adhesive MagSnap plate which you can attach to your phone. “Our magnet array and locking pin are much stronger than MagSafe”, say the designers at OhSnap.
What we like
You can attach extra modules giving your wallet a cool storage upgrade
A digitally secure product, owing to its RFID-blocking abilities
What we dislike
Has a slightly less streamlined approach than Apple, which may not be preferred by some users
7. Couch Console
We’ve found the perfect gift for you – to gift yourself! This is the Couch Console the perfect product to hold your snacks and drinks and ensure they remain intact, as you sit and binge-watch your favorite show. There is something so comforting, wholesome, and yet extremely functional about this clever design. You need it in your living room!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Couch Console includes a cupholder that contains a mechanical gyroscope with a counterweight to keep your drinks safe and secure on different surfaces. It also features a clever little compartment to store knick-knacks, as well as a phone stand, snack holder, charging dock, and a dedicated remote tray.
What we like
Features a modular design, letting you customize the layout according to your needs
Features a USB C hub to hold the battery and juice up your phone
What we dislike
The design is quite bulky and space-consuming, we would have preferred smaller and more compact configurations as well
8. Bookish Bookmark
Named the Bookish Bookmark, this clever little product lets you enjoy a hands-free reading session, keeping your book open, without you resorting to any uncomfortable workarounds. Since it keeps your book open and accessible for you, you don’t need to hold your place using something heavy and bulky. It features a transparent design for anyone who likes to follow cookbooks or has a constant vision of their favorite books.
The Bookish Bookmark is ideal for you if you also like to showcase your prized books in your home. Since it has a transparent form, you can keep your book wide open, and let it serve as a visually appealing component to your desk, bookshelf, or coffee table.
What we like
You can display your favorite books in a visually appealing and tidy manner
What we dislike
The bookmark may be too big for small books, and not preferred by people who like discreet and subtle bookmarks
9. OutIn Nano
Dubbed the OutIn Nano, this little flask-shaped product helps you prepare a hot cup of coffee anywhere, and anytime. The espresso maker can be used indoors, outdoors, or even up in the sky! You simply need to pull out a shot of espresso, prepare a cuppa, and enjoy a steaming cup of coffee without any worries.
Why is it noteworthy?
The OutIn Nano also includes its own water heater, so it warms up the water while brewing your coffee. This simplifies the process for you, and you don’t need to prepare anything except an empty cup, and your wish to make some freshly brewed coffee!
What we like
It is a portable espresso maker, so you can carry it wherever you like
Equipped with an easy-to-use single-button interface to prepare your coffee
What we dislike
The product takes a while to heat up between shots
10. Wooden Pen Holder
Called the Wooden Pen Holder, this block of wood is the perfect little holder to store your powerful pen. There is something truly fascinating and satisfying about picking up a pen and putting your thoughts and ideas on paper. This pen holder adorns your desk, adding an element of tasteful elegance to it while storing your pen.
The pen holder is essentially a wooden block, and it is quite simple and unassuming, yet quite beautiful, as minimal designs tend to be. It is built from genuine maple wood, and each piece is marked with unique grains and patterns, making them all special, and of course one-of-a-kind.
What we like
Features a gently curving depression that can hold any pen with a standard-size
Minimalist and compact design ethos
What we dislike
It occupies precious real estate on a bench that cannot be adjusted/reduced
The aesthetics of modern and futuristic technologies often revolve around hard metallic surfaces, straight lines and edges, and an almost inorganic characteristic, as if all the opposite qualities are considered antiquated or even medieval. Of course, design trends come and go and sometimes even come back, as proven by the retro craze that has gripped many industries, especially consumer electronics. Duality has always existed in many facets of human existence, but that doesn’t mean those seemingly contrary elements cannot work together. In fact, contrast is an important factor in creating a beautiful composition, and this combination of a desktop computer and natural wood offers one such expression that creates a unique atmosphere around what would normally be a nondescript machine, combining past and present, natural and artificial in a harmonious blend.
They may be called “personal computers,” but the desktops and laptops of today sometimes feel more impersonal than paper notebooks and stationery. Part of it is due to the very design of these products, adhering to a language often considered sharp, harsh, cold, and distant. There is no shortage of attempts to soften that image, either with customization options or skins that give the semblance of more natural and organic materials like wood.
The Limited Edition Apollo Collection, however, is no faux wood. Utilizing genuine Walnut, Cherry, or Maple, these bespoke computers enclose three important parts of the device to create a striking visual that beautifully contrasts the straight-edged aesthetic of modern technology with the more organic shapes found in nature. It makes the PC not only truly personal but also personable, making it an art object as much as it is an electrical appliance.
The Apollo Collection computers come in three parts, with the keyboard housing the computer itself. A portable screen connects to the keyboard via a cable, while the third part, a magnetic screen stand, completes the configuration for a more typical desktop computer. If typical desktop computers came housed in wood, that is. Each part is made to order by hand, and it utilizes custom circuitry and a bespoke operating system to truly give the computer a unique feel.
Beyond the wooden materials, the design also adds details that not only enhance the computing experience but also add a bit of humanity to the use of the computer via more tactile feedback. Unsurprisingly, the keyboard utilizes mechanical switches, but there are also physical dials for adjusting the volume and brightness of the computer. The exact specs of the computer are, at the moment, not completely known, but the limited edition bespoke design’s true appeal won’t be in its computing power but in its ability to create a new kind of relationship between man and machine.
The rise of remote work has drastically changed our workspaces. The boundaries between work and play have blurred, and modern hybrid workers switch seamlessly from spreadsheets to gaming to Netflix—all from the same setup. Yet, when you think of an ergonomic chair, a mesh design like Herman Miller’s Aeron probably comes to mind. These chairs developed in the 1970s have become synonymous with corporate offices worldwide. However, is it time for us to consider other options?
Historical Context and Evolution of Ergonomic Chairs
The journey of ergonomic design began in the 1970s with chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron, which quickly became the gold standard for office seating.
Everyday workers rarely gave much thought to their sitting habits. Their typical workday meant long hours at the desk with minimal movement. Conversations about sitting often focused on achieving the perfect posture.
The rise of the tech industry and the shift to remote work blurred the lines between work and leisure. As work environments evolved, the need for more dynamic seating became clear. A good chair shouldn’t just do one thing — they must support everything from long hours of sitting to more relaxed, casual postures, no matter what you’re doing at the desk.
One company is leading this shift forward, recognizing the need for modern ergonomic solutions that meet the diverse needs of today.
The Evolution of Ergonomic Seating
Secretlab was founded in 2014 by Ian Ang and Alaric Choo, both avid gamers and StarCraft II professionals. Their journey began out of personal necessity— they needed chairs that could support their extensive practice sessions, often lasting up to 16 hours a day. Existing market options fell short of providing the required comfort and durability. This gap inspired them to design their own solution, leading to the creation of a new standard in seating.
The success of these designs among professional gamers brought Secretlab into the spotlight, but the company’s dedication to ergonomic science and high-quality materials also quickly expanded their user base beyond just the gaming community.
Today, Secretlab chairs are trusted by over 3 million users worldwide, reflecting their commitment to excellence. Despite its roots in designing chairs for esports players, the flagship chair, the Secretlab TITAN Evo, is making significant inroads into spaces traditionally dominated by mesh office chairs. From global esports stages to home offices and corporate boardrooms, it is fast becoming a top pick for anyone needing an ergonomic chair that can support long hours of sitting.
The appeal of the Secretlab TITAN Evo extends to a diverse range of users, including some of the most distinguished figures in various fields. Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, is among its users, having scored his iconic scores in movies like “Dune” and “Top Gun: Maverick” in the comfort of a Secretlab TITAN Evo chair in his studio. Similarly, World No. 1 chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has also adopted the Secretlab TITAN Evo, further highlighting its versatility and appeal.
The Secretlab Difference
What sets these chairs apart in a crowded market? While the Secretlab TITAN Evo might resemble other gaming chairs at first glance, a deeper inspection reveals significant differences. Every design choice is informed by extensive real-world data on how people actually sit. This commitment to evidence-based design is bolstered by collaborations with leading ergonomic experts and regular consultations with an independent Ergonomics Advisory Board to refine their products.
Central to their philosophy is the understanding that the human body is not meant to remain in a single, static posture for prolonged periods. Conversely, traditional ergonomic chairs often emphasize one “optimal” posture, which can lead to muscle and soft tissue strain over time.
Dr. Stuart McGill, professor emeritus at the University of Waterloo and a foremost authority on back pain, underscores this point. “Tissue loads must be migrated from tissue to tissue to minimize the risk of any single tissue accumulating microtrauma. This is accomplished by changing posture,” he explains.
Its proprietary pebble seat base exemplifies this philosophy. It features gently sloping sides that guide users towards the center for balanced pressure distribution while still allowing freedom to sit in various positions—whether leaning to one side or sitting cross-legged.
In comparison, most gaming chairs adopt a far more restrictive bucket seat design inspired by racing seats. These designs work well in race cars to help drivers remain snug and secure in their seats when racing at 220 mph, but they have no place in ergonomic chairs, says Secretlab.
Instead, they prioritize flexibility, allowing users to transition between different tasks and postures effortlessly.
Settling the Debate: Mesh vs. Foam in Chair Design
The choice of upholstery materials plays a critical role in chair comfort and support. While mesh is favored for its breathability, foam offers substantial support, particularly for extended use.
Research from the University of California, Berkeley, found no significant differences between foam and mesh in terms of comfort, pain, and fatigue. However, participants reported finding foam chairs more supportive over long hours, with better pressure distribution.
That said, not all foam is created equal. Secretlab engineered their own patent-pending cold-cure foam to provide uniform weight distribution and consistent density. They cured their foam at lower temperatures, resulting in a medium-firm texture that resists sagging and reduces strain on the back. By ensuring even pressure distribution, it enhances long-term comfort, making it a strong contender against traditional mesh.
Mesh chairs, on the other hand, excel in breathability, keeping users cool during long periods of sitting. The choice between foam and mesh ultimately depends on individual preferences and specific needs, but both materials have their distinct advantages.
A New Type of Computer Chair
Recognizing the shift in workplace habits accelerated by the pandemic, Secretlab leads the way in adaptable furniture design. Their chairs support various activities, from video calls to streaming, by prioritizing movement and versatility.
This approach meets the needs of today’s workers and paves the way for future ergonomic innovations, ensuring comfort and productivity in a world where work and play often overlap.
The vision behind this LEGO project was to create a stylish art model tailored to a sophisticated adult audience. Surprisingly, the realm of luxury mechanical wristwatches remained unexplored in the LEGO universe. The Rolex Submariner, with its iconic status and unparalleled cachet in pop culture, emerged as the perfect candidate for this venture.
Designer: LEGO + ROLEX
The robust and angular aesthetic of the Submariner’s “super” case design seamlessly translated into the LEGO system. This transformation resulted in an impressive and eye-catching exhibition piece, perfect for display in a home study or office.
The gold Rolex Submariner is a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Introduced as a premium variant of the classic dive watch, it embodies both robust functionality and opulent design. Originally launched in 1969, the gold Submariner combined Rolex’s innovative diving technology with a striking gold finish, appealing to those who sought both performance and prestige. Over the years, it has evolved with enhancements in materials, movement, and design, maintaining its status as an icon in the world of horology.
The LEGO Rolex Submariner boasts several distinctive design features, including:
Signed Brevet Crown: This detail captures the signature element of the Submariner, highlighting its luxury heritage.
Functional Rotating Bezel: A fully operational bezel that replicates the functionality of the real Submariner.
Gilt “Mercedes” Hour Hand: The iconic hour hand, meticulously recreated to reflect the original design.
Sword Minute and Lollipop Second Hands: These hands add to the authenticity, ensuring that every minute detail is accounted for.
Luminous Applied Indices: Using glow-in-the-dark LEGO pieces, the model mimics the luminescent markers of the actual watch.
Date Window: An accurately positioned date window adds to the realism of the model.
This model, with its 1,622 pieces, perfectly showcases how design and engineering come together, highlighting both brands’ dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.
Visual Appeal
The detailed construction of the LEGO Rolex Submariner captures its stunning attention to detail and faithful recreation of the original timepiece. The combination of gold and black elements, along with the intricate design of the bezel and bracelet, highlights the luxurious feel of the Submariner while celebrating the playful creativity inherent in LEGO constructions.
A LEGO Rolex Submariner blends the world of high-end horology with the playful and creative spirit of LEGO. This collaboration pays tribute to an iconic watch while offering a unique building experience that bridges luxury and creativity. The result is a collectible masterpiece that resonates with enthusiasts of both brands.
