Tag Archives: Concept Designs

Open-ear earbuds concept transforms a common gadget into a fashion statement

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TWS or True Wireless Stereo earbuds have become such a common sight that their no longer weird to see something sticking out from people’s ears these days. It’s not a pretty sight, no matter how minimalist or sleek they are. Unfortunately, limitations of acoustics and technology also limit the possible designs for these tiny accessories, but what if such restrictions were loosened up a bit?

This concept design for open-ear earbuds try to explore that possibility, offering a product that isn’t just functional but also aesthetic. With just a few changes to the basic formula, earbuds become chic fashion accessories you won’t feel ashamed to wear, almost like wearing large but stylish earrings, without the piercings, of course.

Designer: Zhang Yunxib

The basic earbuds design evolved from humble earphones to the point that the Apple AirPods were even ridiculed for looking like EarPods with their wires cut off. Other wireless earbud today don’t sport such dangling stems, but the basic mechanism remains the same. You stick part of the buds inside your ear canal and hope they won’t fall off thanks to the fit of the buds or their shape.

The are, however, other ways to bring sound waves to your ear without blasting them directly into your ear canal. Some “open ear” headphones, for example, use bone conduction to deliver vibrations directly to the bones in your head that you “hear” as sound, while other use simpler but more refined air conduction that won’t tickle your temples.

This earbuds design concept uses the latter to fashion earbuds that wrap around your ear to secure its position, leaving the actual speaker just a few millimeters away from the ear canal opening. This is a similar design to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds launched early this year with one important difference: it’s made to look really good.

With an elegant matte texture and a mirror-like finish on the ball-shaped tips, these earbuds look more stylish than the typical rugged or sporty earbuds in the market. The way they hang on the sides of the ears rather than sticking down with a stem makes them look more like ear clips or earrings, giving them the appearance of fashion accessories or even jewelry.

The sleek and thin body doesn’t take up too much space or shove distracting forms, so you can still wear your favorite earrings that complement the earbuds. It’s a simple change to a tested formula, but one that completely changes the appeal and purpose of the product, from simple tech accessories to an expression of your taste and personality.

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Cubicle concept proposes a personal bunker for rest, focus, and collaboration

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Open floor plans have become the trend after painting office cubicles in a negative light, blamed for the breakdown of human communication and social connections between colleagues. At the same time, however, these “borderless” arrangements also bring about distractions, tensions, and even stress, not to mention the complete lack of privacy when you do want it.

It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing solution, though, and cubicles don’t have to be the anti-social cages they’re made out to be. This personal bunker concept, for example, does put up barriers to let you focus and relax in peace, but literally leaves a window open when you do need to mingle with other people for work or study.

Designer: Ma. Camilla Isabel Reyes

Personal pod designs are becoming more common these days. People are realizing that open spaces aren’t all that they’re cut out to be and want to have some personal space from time to time. Being able to block off distractions in a visible and physical way can help improve concentration, especially when the pod includes features like soothing music and relaxing lights to help set the mood.

BrainBunk is a design concept for a personal pod intended to maximize focus and rest, while still leaving the option for communication without leaving the space. Unlike a normal desk cubicle that simply puts up walls around the table, it’s pretty much a miniature room complete with a reclining chair. The idea is to be able to work, eat, rest, or even sleep inside, all within your own personal bubble.

What makes the design a bit different from totally enclosed pods is that it has a sliding window mechanism that opens a corner of the cubicle. This would allow the person inside to communicate with others face-to-face without having to get up and walk out. And when they’re done and want to have their solitude back, they can simply slide the panel back out.

BrainBunk can have three configurations that take advantage of this unique feature. A lone cubicle would be great for the solitary worker, but groups of two or four allow that collaborative option among workers or even students. It’s a simple yet effective design for a personal space that doesn’t go over the top in terms of features and amenities, though it could probably do with a bit of improvement in the choice of more sustainable materials.

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Aesthetic speaker concept adds decorative value to your home entertainment setup

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As people become more aware of the role that sound plays in immersive content, the number of speakers in homes also begins to rise. This means that these audio equipment are starting to make their presence not just heard but also seen, and sometimes not in pleasing ways. Fortunately, manufacturers are also becoming more sensitive to this aspect of product design, and we’re seeing a growing number of speakers that extol aesthetics as much as audio quality, though the side effect of this trend means getting locked into a specific design the moment you make your purchase. This customizable speaker concept, on the other hand, offers some flexibility that not only lets you decide how the speaker will look but where you want to put it as well.

Designer: Eshant Kumbhakarn

Compared to TVs, the true value of speakers lies not in their appearance but in their audio output. Unfortunately, these products still take up physical space, and hiding them doesn’t exactly work because that can negatively affect the way sound travels. Some audio equipment brands try to disguise speakers as art objects or minimize their footprint as soundbars, but this speaker concept design tries to combine both ideas to deliver the best of both worlds.

Aura is a concept for a speaker panel that delivers audio in 360 degrees. Rather than pushing sound from the front as you might expect from a flat box, the actual speakers are located around the edges. Thanks to this design, it is possible to place Aura anywhere and in any orientation, whether vertically on a wall, horizontally below a TV, or even lying flat on a long meeting table.

To help make this flexibility more practical, Aura has a special feature that very few speakers have. It has physical controls as well as input ports on both long sides of the speaker, letting you control it directly regardless of the position or orientation. Admittedly, that does add a complication to the internal implementation of the speaker, but it’s not entirely impossible given today’s technology.

That alone already makes it notable, but Aura’s real value comes from its customizable and interchangeable front panel. In theory, this lets you select a design that would match the motif of the room or even the material of the table on which it will be placed. Whether it’s a marble-like finish, wood, or a typical gray mesh, Aura puts the owner in control of how the speaker looks and blends into the background. Even better, you can always change that panel when you change your interior design, prolonging the speaker’s usefulness for years to come.

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Modular cat furniture system helps save space in small households

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People these days are adopting more and more pets, sometimes more than their homes can accommodate. Dogs might have no problems staying in outdoor doghouses, but domesticated felines tend to prefer indoor accommodations. Of course, there’s no shortage of furniture for cats, ranging from litter boxes to scratching posts to climbing trees. The problem is that the majority of them are all designed to take up space on the floor, which leaves less room for human furniture. Just like how humans realize they have plenty of unused vertical space, this cat furniture concept grows upward rather than sideways to let you comfortably accommodate one or more furry felines, even if you don’t have much space for yourself either.

Designer: Arthur Zheng (Kuang Hsu)

Vertical furniture is definitely becoming a trend as we realize how precious little floor space we actually have. Unfortunately, that’s only part of the solution, because just like floor space, the vertical situation in our homes can change as well. Unlike regular furniture, however, vertical designs often have a fixed height and configuration, preventing us from easily rearranging these pieces of furniture.

FROHZ Cat Castle is a design concept that solves both those problems with a simple modular design. The furniture system is made of five pieces that can be freely rearranged as needed. Of course, they have certain limits given their fixed shapes, but you can, in theory, combine them in many ways without permanently committing to a particular configuration.

The largest part of the modular furniture system is the cat litter box, a tall cabinet with two doors at the top, one of which has an oval opening for the cat to crawl into. A “Play/Rest” box has a slightly similar design, except it’s a simpler and smaller box designed only to be a resting spot. An even simpler version of this is an arched structure with openings at the front and the back. There’s also an L-shaped scratching “post” and a simple storage box to keep kitty toys and accessories.

Arranging these pieces is as simple as stacking them on top of each other or putting them side by side, with some connectors to keep them from easily falling apart from the cat’s movement. The open-ended design even allows for more than one piece of each type to accommodate more than one feline in the house. And should the number of pets you own increase or decrease, you can quickly add or remove modules as needed. You might even be able to challenge yourself to come up with a creative design, one that would truly make your cat feel like a king or queen in its own castle.

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Based on Logitech EDU research, this interactive AAC device can be a learner’s best friend

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Technology is today bridging gaps between thought and expression in more ways than previously possible. This is especially true in the case of people facing limitations with verbal speech and expression thereof. Many who resonate with the thought that every person – irrespective of their limitation – deserves a voice or perhaps a way to communicate have been working with neurodiverse learners facing communication challenges to facilitate their lifestyle with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices.

Whether it’s due to developmental, neurological, or physical conditions, the struggle to communicate verbally no longer has to limit someone’s ability to connect with the world around them. Modern ACC communication devices – like this Logitech EDU multifunctional device – have stepped up to make it easier for those struggling with verbal communication to connect with the world around them not through words, but through the use of symbols and pictures.

Designer: Monica Bhyrappa and Fan Fang

More than 2 million children and adults use AAC to communicate on a daily basis. Such tools support those with difficulties communicating using speech to communicate their requirements, attend classes and participate in them, and also socialize with peers and society easily without words. The project by Monica and Fang is based on the preliminary research within the Logitech EDU team catering to the adaptive needs of students, especially those on the autism spectrum.

This computer mouse-like pocket-sized AAC device that measures 4-inches tall is based on a picture symbol system and wears the Logi branding. It is created and tested for the K-12 age group. The autistic learners in this age segment are trained to use symbols instead of words to communicate and this device intends to make that more interactive and convenient, overcoming the limitations of other AAC devices. For just convenience and interactivity, the accessory is made of interchangeable pieces rendering it an adaptable device in a student’s daily life. For instance, it has loops to wear as a lanyard, swap in the clip and fasten it to a book or folder, or strap it around the wrist to be worn as a watch.

The device features different modes comprising a set of words or phrases displayed on its interactive screen. The learner can access and click on their choice of interaction at any point of the day. These symbols are imported from the learner’s primary AAC device so that at no point there is a chance of an unfamiliar message that they do not associate with. The parents and educators can have control over this device and customize the interaction models at any time. To make it easy to be accepted as a device the learners would like with them, Monica has designed these in muted colors and minimal textural inundations.

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Sleek clock and wireless charger concept offers a distraction-free experience

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Thanks to Apple’s adoption and improvement of the technology, wireless chargers for smartphones have grown and thrived. There are quite a number of different designs, though the majority of them have a common purpose. They make it easy to still use the phone even while charging, or at the very least see its display. That could be useful in some cases but it is Kryptonite for those who actually want to keep their phones out of sight. That’s especially true in bed when phones tempt you to scroll all the way to morning. This concept design proposes a simple yet elegant solution that keeps the phone out of sight while charging but still displays the most important information you need to see at a glance.

Designer: Ahmed Rashad

Although flat horizontal “beds” are the most common design for wireless chargers, the most popular put the phone at an angle so that you can still see the phone’s screen while charging. This position is useful for taking video calls or watching a video, and some even have special modes that show a minimalist UI like a clock. Unfortunately, this also increases the potential for distraction, or at least the temptation to reach out for your phone. You could, of course, simply charge your phone far away, but then you lose access to important and timely information like your next appointment.

This wireless charger concept suggests a solution that is simple yet also ingenious. It combines the functionality of a simple, horizontal wireless charger with a digital clock. The clincher is that the clock also displays data like the weather, today’s most important event, and your next appointment. The concept doesn’t exactly make it explicit, but this information is possibly taken from the charging phone itself, whether through NFC or Bluetooth.

The big difference here is that the wireless charger lies behind the clock, so the phone will not only be hidden from view but also difficult to reach. It puts physical and conceptual barriers that discourage instant gratification by increasing the friction and amount of effort to do that action. The design would be best used on a bedside table, ensuring that the phone is really out of reach but still charging conveniently.

The wireless charging clock also carries a striking aesthetic that will fit many minimalist motifs, including and especially Apple designs. The sleek curve gives it a rather elegant appearance, while the clean and white finish makes it stand out against most furniture colors and materials. There’s also a distinct absence of extraneous features, including buttons aside from the power and charging switches, making the accessory effortless to use.

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Smart ceiling fan concept takes its design cues from a customizable smartphone

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Home electronics aren’t just getting smarter, their designs are also getting more sophisticated. It’s not just the usual culprits such as lamps and TVs either, as appliances with less presence like air purifiers and speakers become more conspicuous in the space they occupy. Designs vary widely from minimalist to elaborate, though most seem to use nature as a source of inspiration. In contrast, this design concept for a ceiling fan takes a page from a distance cousin in the consumer electronics market, mixing interactive functionality with minimalist aesthetics to provide a user experience that can be personalized to one’s preferences.

Designer: Eshant Kumbhakarn

Nothing’s new sub-brand appropriated the popular “CMF” acronym to indicate its heavy leaning towards a design-centric approach. By putting an emphasis not just on looks but on the color, material, and finish of the design, CMF by Nothing aims to elevate the prestige of products often simply seen as technological tools. So far, the brand’s designs have revolved around making exceptional design more accessible, which is what this ceiling fan concept tries to achieve as well.

FanPro brings that attention to detail to a smart home appliance, one that seems to be the least likely recipient of such a treatment: a ceiling fan. At the same time, however, it also offers the perfect opportunity to put into practice the design theories put forward by CMF. This design, for example, pays close attention to the engineering involved in the design process, making sure that the four blades are precisely angled at 15 degrees for optimal airflow and minimal noise.

A particularly interesting twist to this design is the full screen display on the base that can show not only information like operational modes or the time, it can even show emotions through simplified faces to give the appliance a more personal touch. All these can be controlled through a remote designed with intuitive use in mind. An easily accessed dial, for example, lets you instantly change the fan speed, while navigating menus is done through directional buttons.

The first CMF Phone garnered fame for its modular and customizable design, something that FanPro also adopts both for the fan itself as well as the remote control shell. Although it’s probably not as easy or probably safe to change the fan’s parts, it does leave the door open for more personalized experiences, even if it means just changing colors.

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Sleek coffee machine concept has the elegance of a high-performance sports car

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Gone are the days when kitchen tools and appliances were simply seen as utilitarian objects. With a greater awareness of product design, consumers have become more meticulous in picking products that do more than just serve their advertised functions. Aesthetics and tactile experiences have also become important buying considerations, especially for those who consider the kitchen as their little castle. Even something like a coffee maker can have a profound impact on the ambiance of a space, which is why this particular concept design takes inspiration from one of the most impactful brands in the automotive market.

Designer: V R Viru, Hari Krishna

When it comes to cars, Porsche is a name that is immediately associated with elegance, luxury, and performance. Its sports cars are known not just for their speed but for their regal presence on any type of road. Characterized by smooth curves and aerodynamic forms, Porsche’s design language has been the inspiration for designers across various industries outside of vehicles.

nair is a coffee machine concept that is a result of such inspiration. Most coffee maker designs gravitate toward two extremes. On the one hand, you have the typical black and silver kitchen appliance that dominates even the luxury market. On the other hand, you have vibrant and colorful models that inspire playfulness and curiosity. Somewhere in the middle is nair, embracing a spirit of dynamism and style that is more commonly seen in Porsche cars than kitchen tools.

There are very few straight lines in nair’s design, for example, preferring the smooth and gentle curves that give Porsche sports cars their aerodynamic properties. The choice of materials isn’t determined by durability alone but also by the texture and aesthetic that adds to the enjoyment of the product even when not in use. Also adhering to the brand’s minimalist design language, there is no wasted space or extraneous detail. From its handle to its interface, every part is born from meticulous attention to detail that balances functionality and form.

The result is a coffee machine that goes beyond just making coffee. It transforms the experience into something that is both visual and tactile, adding value to the object without burdening it with unnecessary features. The design concept might not make your coffee taste better, but it elevates the whole brewing experience and turns it into something more like an art form.

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Cloud-inspired power strip concept wants to bring calm to your wire-tangled desk

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Nothing can be more distracting or disconcerting than a mess of cables on your desk. Even if you decide to ignore them, the clutter leaves an imprint on your subconscious that can affect your mood and productivity without you knowing it. Power strips can offer some semblance of cable management, but their bland and clinical designs often leave a poor impression on people’s minds, leading to the same unconscious effect. There’s no rule that even mundane consumer electronics like these need to be uninspiring and impersonal, and this concept design tries to give the power strip a more approachable appearance that looks as soothing as fluffy clouds in the sky.

Designers: Yui Xue, Yien 子梁, Neville 初九. 冯 康奕, Huang Luo

Most power strips, even those with USB ports, are long and boxy, designed to maximize space more than anything else. While there’s definitely nothing wrong with being efficient, there’s also a multitude of ways to hit two birds with one stone. With a little creativity and inspiration from Mother Nature, one can also design a product that’s both functional and pleasing at the same time.

The Cloud Air power strip concept is an example of this design, putting the focus not just on practical functions but also aesthetics. Although not exactly soft and fluffy as a cloud, the design’s smooth curves, soft hues, and glossy finish do bring positive vibes. The power strip almost looks like it’s encased in some rubbery cushion, negating the harshness that’s often associated with these devices.

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Cloud Air isn’t like your regular power strip either, as it functions more like a charging hub. It has three USB-C ports in front and two AC power outlets on top. Admittedly, these might not be enough for heavy computer users, but it’s sufficient for charging a few devices simultaneously. The design isn’t limited to a two-outlet configuration either, those a longer strip might defeat the purpose of having a compact and cute “cloud” on your desk.

At the end of the day, the purpose of the concept is to have a power strip you’ll actually want to see. Yes, it will have cables running out of its front and power bricks sticking at the top, but the jelly-like aesthetic of the design also balances that out. It’s not a perfect solution, but it does break the stereotype of power strips, charging hubs, and other accessories that look cold and stiff for very little reason other than tradition.

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Cyberpunk-themed power socket box concept removes a reason to hide your cables

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Cable management and hiding is not only a trend; it has even become an art form. Messy cables don’t just get in the way but are also an eyesore. But what if the cables become part of the desk’s aesthetic? What if the power strip or socket box actually gave you a reason to have those charging wires out in the open? That’s the idea behind this socket box design that appeals to gamers, geeks, and gadget lovers by giving their desks a cyberpunk aesthetic. At the same time, it also makes cable management simpler by not having to hide wires and cables in the first place.

Designer: PTPC

It has become en vogue to hide power sockets and charging ports from view, whether disguising themselves as part of the desk or simply placing them behind tables. While that may be an effective way to reduce the visual mess, it also means most of these outlets are harder to reach. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice convenience for aesthetics, especially if the aesthetic you’re aiming for isn’t the kind that adheres to clean and tidy arrangements.

Trozk is a “hardcore” socket box that makes you want to actually have your wires in plain sight by embracing the popular cyberpunk theme. As the name itself implies, this genre’s design language is sometimes messy, unrefined, and even garish. You have tangled cables, neon lights, and geometric shapes in abundance, though still executed in a stylistic and intentional manner.

The socket box concept is aptly big, boxy, and flashy. On the top, you have six universal power outlets arranged in a 2×3 grid that can accommodate almost any plug type. Beside them is a square with small LED indicators and a square LCD display for information such as power input, output, and the like. Off to the side are USB ports for charging mobile devices. The concept incorporates GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology to handle the load of having 10 ports putting out power.

Like any cyberpunk-themed gadget, Trozk has RGB lighting that highlights the top surface of the box as well as the branding in front. Because of its interesting visual, the socket box is clearly designed to be shown off, even when there are cables coming out of it. That makes it easier to plug and remove chargers at will, while also giving your desk or shelf a sci-fi vibe. Of course, you’ll still have to make sure your cables don’t get tangled up, but at least now you’ll have a cyberpunk excuse for the mess.

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