Tag Archives: Concept Designs

Earbuds with nano camera and smart AI are more than just music for your ears

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Earbuds are a kind of accessory you’ll find most common in anybody’s arsenal. They isolate you from the distracting outside world and help you focus while working, exercising, commuting, or anything in between. Extending the usability of earbuds for people with vision problems or in general even the common users who like to turn on their ANC at full blast. Apart from the audio information, the eyes are the best sensors to gauge the environment.

The Cell Buds are an evolution of the good old earbuds into a wearable that assists the blind in navigating crowded spaces or even being aware of what’s around them with sound cues coming from the buds equipped with nano camera units that keep track of any information that may be vital. This eliminates the need for transparency mode to be aware of the space, or even situations where you want strong ANC while being totally aware of what’s happening around in a crowded urban area, essentially making them your eyes and mind for daily life assistance.

Designer: Minwoo Kim

https://vimeo.com/user217694550

These earbuds are loaded with an ultra-compact vision cam and AI to bring all the smart features of your smartphone to this cool gadget plugged into the ears. As a part of the Samsung Design Membership course, Minwoo conceptualized this design to dramatically improve the user’s experience. The on-device AI brings personalized interaction with information available in the cloud and the compact vision cameras keep sensing the surrounding environment around you for any signs of danger or information that might be important to you. For example, an approaching motorist from the left when you are busy crossing the street.

With smart AI, the wearables can be useful for frequent travelers or people with vision impairments. The hands-free personal assistance provided by Cell Buds keeps you from checking your phone, thereby curbing your digital life for good. Design and comfort are prime when it comes to the concept, as Kim has managed to fit a rotating camera unit inside the housing that houses the driver units, microphones, and the battery. According to him, the camera drive unit slightly protrudes from the ear to increase the camera’s field of view.

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VR controller concept for artists and designers offer a more intuitive design

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The Apple Vision Pro’s take on spatial computing would have us imagine a seamless integration of the physical and digital worlds. That dream of the future is shared by virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies, and they almost deliver that promise when it comes to the visual aspect. The illusion, however, breaks when you start interacting with and manipulating those virtual entities, an experience that quickly becomes less natural compared to how we do it with physical objects. The problem lies in the tools we use for this, which are often a game controller or two sticks that function in the same way. This concept for a virtual reality controller tries to reshape that standard design into something that, while still technically the same, offers a more familiar form for artists and designers.

Designer: Jiwoong Yan

When you think about it, it’s almost amazing how digital creatives are able to make do with the input tools available to use in the present. At the very least, a stylus approximates the experience of drawing with a pen on paper, though some people are even able to create mind-blowing art using a keyboard and a mouse. On the one hand, it’s pretty convenient that we don’t have to deal with a dozen different pens, brushes, and other tools when creating digital art, but, at the same time, the disconnect between the tool and the desired outcome is often jarring.

This is especially true in a world that tries to have some fidelity with reality like VR. It’s even worse because it makes us believe we’re seeing virtual objects we can touch, but we can never really touch them and have to be satisfied with pointing and clicking with both hands. Medium is a concept design that offers a compelling compromise for artists and designers. It still has that same two-piece approach that puts a controller in each hand, but ones that are designed to actually mimic the tools that artists would be familiar with.

The right hand, for example, can be held either like a paintbrush or a can of spray paint, and the handle can be rotated to accommodate different ways people hold these tools. The left-hand controller, on the other hand (no pun intended), is like a painter’s palette, though it will probably show more than just colors in the virtual representation that you’ll see through VR glasses. Using these two pieces might feel intuitive for some artists familiar with painting, with the “palette” providing tools and options for the “brush” that you draw with.

Such a design is theoretically already possible with today’s technologies, but it requires a manufacturer to take the risk of actually producing a device that might appeal only to a small segment of VR users. But with these companies trying to push mixed reality and spatial computing harder, it might only be a matter of time before more specialized variants of controllers become available, at least as a stopgap measure until we can directly manipulate those virtual worlds with nothing but our hands.

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Ring light lamp concept has an interesting way of spreading its light

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The young live-streaming industry has introduced a standard lighting technique to the masses, giving birth to the now popular “ring light” that’s even making its way to smartphone cameras. The literal ring of light is meant to provide more natural-looking illumination while minimizing the casting of shadows due to both its shape and its position in relation to the camera. It’s a visually interesting piece of lighting equipment, but its design is extremely focused and limited to that use case. This lamp, however, tries to take that same idea but gives it an even more interesting interpretation, generating light that doesn’t shine in just one direction but goes almost everywhere except where the lamp is facing.

Designer: João Teixeira

Although circular lamps have been around for decades, ring lights are still a bit of a novelty to those outside the professional photography world. After all, circular lamps are often mounted on ceilings and walls, but this “halo on a stick” can be placed almost anywhere it’s needed to have a well-lit shoot or stream. It also uses LEDs versus the traditional fluorescent, though it technically can be any light source as long as it can take a circular form.

“Spot” is a concept for a lamp that is inspired by the shape of these ring lights but almost does in the opposite direction. Despite a ring light’s circular shape, it still shines its light mostly forward, with some illumination scattered around it only as a side effect. In contrast, Spot’s light comes from the structure’s side, and there is actually no light from its front or even its back.

The design shares the same basic combination of a ring on a stand, but the key difference is that an LED strip runs outside along the edges of the shape. This strip is supported by an internal structure that is sandwiched between two opaque covers, making sure the light is really projected only from the sides of the lamp. Another key design element is that Spot makes it easy to take the product apart in order to replace the LED strip, making maintenance and repair trivial.

Because of the way it illuminates from the sides rather than in a single direction, Spot functions more as a decorative lighting fixture or a night lamp at best. The contrast of the dark body and the lighting shining around it creates an almost eerie appearance, one that will easily grab attention and serve as a conversation starter, despite its seemingly simple design.

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Wobbling rocking chair adds a playful twist to an everyday piece of furniture

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We expect chairs to be stable, otherwise, we will never have the confidence or even the courage to take a seat on them. There are seats that are designed to move, though, from the wheels on office chairs to the rocking motion of a rocking chair, swing, or hammock. But what if the instability is actually an intentional part of the design, generating not fear but a sense of thrill and even playfulness? That’s the kind of experience that this odd-looking chair concept tries to offer, with a design that makes it look like a cross between a spacecraft seat and a child’s toy top. It turns out, it even moves like one as well!

Designer: Ellie Kim

A wobbling chair is probably the last thing you’d want to rest your body on, but if you’re actually looking for a more engaging and dynamic experience, this almost spherical seat is probably something you’d want to try out. After all, no one sits on a swing to relax but to actually be pumped up, enjoy, and maybe even trigger one’s creativity and imagination. At the same time, however, it has to be not only comfortable but also reassuring, as you don’t want your wobbling experience to be your last.

Designing a chair that rocks in all directions isn’t easy, even after you get the idea to use a concave base. You have to make sure you don’t completely tip over to any side, which is what a lip or ridge around the base is for. You’ll also have to come up with a design for the rest of the chair that not only provides support but also properly conveys the design’s more dynamic nature.

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Thus, a circular chair is born with fins extruding from the middle like spokes on a wheel. The chair looks more like a turbine than a piece of furniture, but the design of each part is by no means based on whimsy. The top fins better cradle the seat and integrate it with the circular bottom half, while the bottom fins actually support the forces that the ridge will encounter with its rocking motion. Plus, it looks a lot more interesting, and its radial design immediately conveys the idea that it can move in almost any direction. As a bonus, the structure of the base and the ridge make it look like the chair is floating, adding to its sci-fi identity.

The end result is a chair that wobbles with pride and confidence, allowing the person on top to experience childlike play in every movement. It’s not going to replace any office or home chair, and it’s hardly an ergonomic design. But no one’s going to blame you for having a bit of fun rocking and spinning around on a chair that’s clearly designed to help you enjoy the lighter moments in life.

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Earbuds case doubles as fidget toy for your anxious fingers

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There are things that we need to have with us everywhere we go, depending of course on your personality. In fact, there’s a term for that – EDC or everyday carry. These are things like watches, pens, lighters, notebooks, utility knives, etc. But the past few years, they’re really more of our digital tools – smartphones, tablets, laptops, earphones. There are also those that have to carry fidget toys around with them to help relieve anxiety or boredom. What if you get a combination of a device that can also become a fidget toy for your restless fingers?

Designer: Eric Cheng

This concept for an earbuds case may be that combination you’re looking for. The EDC 1.0 Lucky Push is a concept case for the D-Mooster truly wireless earbuds that uses “card pushing” mechanism to open and close it. The motion of the sliding up and down and snapping is supposedly addictive enough that you would want to do it repetitively, even if you’re not using your earbuds at the moment. Hence, it becomes a fidget toy as well if you need to keep your hands busy.

There are three designs for the EDC 1.0 Lucky Push: Big Monster, Become Wealthy, and Become Happy. For the superstitious, doing the repetitive motion will let you accumulate luck and wealth, or at least that’s what the designer thinks it will bring you. I understand with the last two designs as we all want to be wealthier and happier, but I wonder what the Big Monster concept will bring you, other than a cute fidget toy with monsters engraved on it.

Earbuds cases are usually really more functional as you use it to store your earbuds or charge them once they run out of juice. So this is an interesting idea to make the case itself a bigger part of your EDC pack as it becomes a fidget toy as well. If the designs are also interchangeable, it will make it even more interesting.

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Odd pen holder has a unique way to showcase your favorite writing tool

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The key design elements for a pen holder or pen pot are pretty simple. It just needs to be tall enough to support writing instruments of different heights without them tipping over and would have enough room for at least a handful of pens, pencils, markers, and the like. Beyond that, the designer is free to interpret the shape of the container, and some even have dividers to segregate the different tools. But while pen holders are a convenient way to keep your pens together, they don’t really make it easy to pick out your favorite one from among the bundle. Some people would use a separate stand just for that single pen, which takes up unnecessary space on your desk. This concept design has a rather curious answer to the problem, one that pretty much leaves a conspicuous hole in the middle of the pill-shaped pot.

Designer: Liam de la Bedoyere

Usually, having a hole in the middle of a container is considered to be a defect, one that not only weakens the structure of the shape but also mars its visual integrity. After, something that cuts through an otherwise clean and whole form is sure to bother one’s aesthetic sense. In this case, however, that hole is not only intentional but also functional, setting the Void Pen Pot apart from your run-of-the-mill pen holders.

The hole that runs through the body of the pill-shaped container actually provides a convenient resting place for your most-used pen or pencil. Instead of wasting time and effort looking for that pen among half a dozen similar-looking rods, you can simply pull it out from its hole and start using it immediately. And when you’re done, you can just shove it back in to wait for the next time you need it.

Since that hole practically bisects the container, it also acts as a built-in divider that lets you group your pens into two. That said, this also means you’re not able to maximize the entire space of the container for your pens, specifically the area above and below the “tunnel” made by this hole.

The concept comes in two flavors, four if you consider the pen holder can be pill-shaped or a conventional can. One design employs a polished chrome body, while the other tries to adopt Japanese minimalist brand MUJI’s signature frosted polypropylene, both with cork bottoms. While the function of having an odd yet special place for your favorite pen is definitely useful, it still raises the question of whether such a quirky design will be appealing or off-putting instead, with a pen sticking out from an otherwise blemish-free surface.

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Mini drum washing machine concept lets you clean small loads of clothes

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Washing machines are normally pretty big and bulky, especially since you want to put in as many pieces of clothing as possible in one load. It has made washing clothes easier of course but it’s still a pretty tedious chore. If you live in a tiny space though, having a full sized machine may not be so feasible. Or if you have a child or children, constant washing and disinfecting of clothes is required, not necessarily needing the whole traditional machine.

Designer: Az

This concept for a mini drum washing machine may be the answer to space and size problems. Augenstern looks more like a rice cooker at first glance but it is a portable and smart machine that can disinfect clothes for babies and young children. It has a carrying handle since the idea is that you can carry it anywhere in the house or maybe even outside of your house if needed. There is a mention of wall-mounting by the designer but the renders don’t really show that.

The machine probably doesn’t fully function like your usual washing machines since there isn’t any of the usual tubes and things that you see. There seems to be a bottom suction cup somewhere there that is supposed to reduce the vibration and noise of the machine which should be useful if you have babies that wake up at the slightest noise. This means you can wash or disinfect their clothes even as they’re napping or sleeping.

It’s a pretty interesting concept especially for those that don’t have enough space to have a washing machine. But it may be a bit too small and therefore it means that you’ll have to do several loads, which may defeat the purpose. It would also be nice if there could be more information about the features but the design itself seems to be interesting and feasible.

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Futuristic car interior concept makes you feel like you’re driving a giant robot

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A great deal of interest has been poured into future car designs, most of which are envisioned to be self-driving vehicles. The reason for this is pretty simple, visionaries want to turn car cabins into moving hotel rooms, delivering luxurious and stylish comfort that lets passengers relax, enjoy, and ever socialize without having to pay attention to the traffic. We’re still far away from the future, however, and some car owners might prefer a different kind of ambiance and experience when driving. This car interior concept, for example, offers a different view of the future, one that makes you feel more like you’re inside the cockpit of a spaceship or, more accurately, a giant robot.

Designer: Advait Taware

Of the many Japanese franchises that became a big hit worldwide, Gundam is perhaps the most iconic when it comes to giant piloted robots. Although the brand has a wide variety of robot designs, perhaps the most popular ones involve a particular white, blue, and red theme with plenty of flat panels, sharp edges, and polygonal surfaces. Gundam has inspired generations of toy collectors, enthusiasts, and even designers, one of which turned that motif into something that can actually be realistic, even if you don’t have a mecha to pilot.

A giant robot cockpit is probably the last thing you’d imagine for the car of the future. After all, those robots were often used for militaristic purposes, though some might say that daily commute traffic makes them feel that way. That said, the Gundam Interiors concept does have a certain charm to it, providing a futuristic driving experience that is, ironically, more steeped in present reality than the self-driving concepts that automobile makers and tech companies are trying to paint. In other words, it still requires the driver to be in control, providing seats in front and a steering wheel.

Of course, the designs of these components are anything but typical for this concept. The U-shaped steering wheel, for example, looks more like the controls of a plane than a car. A tall display in the middle of the wheel provides immediate information and controls, which is important since the instrumentation dashboard is quite far in front, too far to reach for any interaction. The seats are also atypical of car seats, adopting an almost angular shape that looks aerodynamic, almost like a small aircraft itself.

The cabin of this futuristic car is filled with such hard, edgy design elements, but the use of lighter tones like white and light gray softens the visual to some extent. Ironically, the exterior of this futuristic car is the thematic opposite of its interior, sporting a smooth and curved chassis not unlike the typical self-driving car concepts you’d see lately. It’s an interesting juxtaposition that does give the design a bit of character but could also prove to be a bit incoherent in terms of overall themes.

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Sleek futuristic game controller concept removes almost all buttons

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The recent years have put gaming under the spotlight, from the hit mobile games like Pokemon GO to innovative consoles like the Nintendo Switch, to the messy adaption of iconic video games into films or TV shows. Of course, this has also given rise to interesting new product designs, especially those riding on the retro trend that’s bringing aesthetics from the past to the present. That said, we can’t always be looking backward trying to relive a so-called “golden age” of design. In order to move forward, we sometimes have to break away from standards and tradition to pave the way for the future. That may sometimes result in unusual designs that may or may not work as intended. This futuristic-looking game controller, for example, aims to simplify the user experience and give the product a more aesthetic flair, but it also raises questions about the usability of the redesign.

Designers: Sami Azfar, Salekin Piash

The basic design of game controllers has changed little over the decades. Yes, they vary depending on the platform or generation, but the existence of buttons, directional pads (D-pads), joysticks, and triggers has always been a standard. For now, it’s the only way you can express a multitude of actions with a limited number of controls, but it’s hardly the most effective or convenient. Unfortunately, we will have to stick with such conventions for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean we can change how they are implemented.

Moenix is a design concept that tries to simplify the form of the controller, thereby allowing it to take on a completely different aesthetic. It specifically takes inspiration from the design of steering wheels and gearshift which are examples of simple yet powerful user interfaces. Unsurprisingly, the Moenix takes on a shape that’s not unlike the steering wheel of a vehicle but utilizes more organic shapes to give it a less mechanical appearance.

The most striking aspect of the controller’s design, however, is the lack of any visible interfaces. There are only two explicitly mentioned in the design, and both come under your thumb. These are touch-sensitive buttons whose actions can change depending on the game being played. One could act as a trigger in a shooter or as the gas pedal in a racing game, while the other can be mapped to movement or camera controls. Given the shape of the controller, it wouldn’t be surprising if it had motion controls so that you can turn your character or your car just by turning the controller itself.

This concept allows the game controller to take on a simpler and more approachable design, but it seems to come at the price of actually providing enough controls to the player. The dynamic buttons can be changed, but unless it can provide more than 2 or four actions, it will definitely be insufficient for most modern games. Alternatively, it might be possible to include buttons behind each handle, providing the same amount of expressiveness but in a more ergonomic position.

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Space-saving bookends double as a modular wireless speaker system

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We seem to always be running out of space on our desks. Any free area that we get often quickly becomes occupied by a new thing, a tool, or a book, that we can always justify as necessary. And then there are purely decorative items that, while not serving any practical function, serve to put us in a good mood. Sadly, those reasons don’t remove the fact that they still take up precious space that could have been used for other things. Cutting down on the amount of “stuff” on your desk is one possible solution to this conundrum, but another is to use multi-functional products that serve more than one purpose, like these rather aesthetic bookends that are actually speakers in disguise.

Designer: Liam de la Bedoyere

If there are two things that are standard on a modern desk, it would be books and speakers. The former is often essential for work, even if just for appearance’s sake, while the latter is necessary to keep our minds sane with our favorite music and podcasts. They might even be necessary for the video meetings that are becoming more common these days. Naturally, these things will need some space on your desk, so why not combine them in a way that still retains each product’s identity while also bringing a fresh twist to their designs?

The Beat Bookends concept does exactly that by transforming bookends into two parts of a speaker system. Specifically, the triangular shapes that sit on either end of a row of books act not only as stable structures to keep your reading materials upright but also serve as front-firing speakers. Although it probably would have been enough to just have two wireless speakers performing this function, the design concept actually includes one or two more speakers for an even better audio experience.

The bookend speakers are actually just the “satellite” speakers, and a rectangular block serves as the main unit you connect to. This piece can stand in the middle of your row of books to add a bit of variety to the composition, or it can even be placed anywhere else to set up a spatial audio arrangement of sorts. Another rectangular speaker block can even be added to the mix for an even louder and more distributed audio output.

What’s interesting about the Beat Bookends concept is that it isn’t limited to actually being used as bookends only. With a flexible building block concept, you can mix and match pieces and arrange the speakers in different ways, even if you don’t have books to stand on your desk or shelf. You can combine the speakers in more interesting arrangements to provide not only audio but also a bit of decoration on your desk, hitting two birds with a single stone.

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