Tag Archives: accessories

Remember Aerogel? This insulated outdoor jacket has an aerogel layer, giving you -40°F protection

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Anyone who even vaguely remembers the late 2000s remembers Aerogel, the ‘wonder material’ that was 99% air, and had the incredible ability to insulate against high heat or cold because of its thermal absorption properties. Aerogel got all the press back in the day, but didn’t really see much consumer application because of how difficult it was to produce. Cut to the year 2024 and a Tokyo-based company has managed to find a fitting application for Aerogel. Meet SpacePeak, an outdoor jacket that sits on the bleeding edge of technology with its own aerogel insulation layer that can protect you in temperatures as extreme as -40°C (-40°F). What’s more, it has a 3-in-1 design with removable inner layers, allowing you to wear it in regular weather too, and it has over 20 pockets for all your EDC and essentials.

Designer: Tatsuya Dobashi

Click Here to Buy Now: $299 $479 ($180 off). Hurry, only 8/170 left! Raised over $115,000.

SpacePeak has perfected aerogel technology to retain the most heat from your body. From there, heat circulates throughout your whole jacket keeping you warm and dry even in the harshest conditions.

The SpacePeak comes with a two-part design that gives you 3 jackets in one. On the inside, it features a functional puffer jacket, insulated with Aerogel and a thermal layer that helps keep you warm and snug in pretty much any weather. The outer jacket is a waterproof wind-breaker with a hood that helps ensure you stay dry in the rain or during a blizzard. Wear them individually based on what the weather is, or combine them together to give you a jacket powerful enough to brave all the elements. The outer layer is rated 20,000mm waterproof and keeps you from succumbing to rain, storm, sleet, and snow, while the inner aerogel jacket helps build an impermeable barrier between your body temperature and outer temperature.

You can finally ditch your puffy jacket and start wearing something that keeps you warmer with less weight and fluff.

The jacket is rated to protect you in temperatures as low as -40°C (also -40°F), although lab tests show the SpacePeak can easily endure temperatures as low as -196°C (-320°F). While there’s really no place on Earth where humans would endure those temperatures, it’s good knowing that the jacket can handle pretty much the coldest weather possible without giving up. That being said, it’s worth noting that the aerogel doesn’t physically warm you – it creates a thermal barrier between the cold environment and your warm body, so you don’t lose any body heat to the cold outdoors.

Store your laptop or tablet in the back pocket to carry your valuables safely and efficiently.

Chances are that places that hit -40°C aren’t the kinds of places you want to be carrying massive backpacks to either, which is why the SpacePeak packs more than 20 pockets for pretty much all your gear. Strategically placed all across the jacket’s inner and outer surfaces, the SpacePeak has every slot imaginable, with large pockets big enough for iPads, protected pockets for gadgets like cameras and phones, waterproof pockets for bottles and food, and quick-access pockets for keys and money. The 20+ tactical pockets turn your jacket into a backpack of sorts, without all the bulkiness associated with backpacks. Your belongings are strategically placed across the jacket, making them A. accessible, but more importantly B. less likely to weigh your shoulders down because of the distributed weight. Besides, who wants to rummage through a backpack in sub-zero temperatures, right?!

The enhanced 20,000 mm waterproofing doesn’t just stop the rain from getting to you, Its waterproofing makes it wind resistant, and it easier to brush dirt, snow, mud and other muck off your jacket.

That being said, you’d expect a jacket with this laundry-list of features to be extremely bulky, but the implementation of aerogel allows the SpacePeak to be thinner and lighter than your average down jacket. Down (or feathers) works exactly like aerogel, using trapped air to create a thermal barrier – however, what down does with an inch of thickness, the Aerogel does with 1/10th the amount, giving you an extreme-weather jacket that doesn’t turn you into the Michelin man or a human marshmallow because of all that padding.

The aerogel used within the SpacePeak was developed by S. Kistler, a company founded after the American scientist and chemical engineer credited with inventing the material in the first place. The aerogel, despite being highly insulating, is breathable, durable, and will retain its thermal properties even after a 100 washes (even with regular use the jacket can probably use a wash once a year). The SpacePeak comes in 4 sizes, ranging from M to 4XL, with a starting price of $299 and global shipping – just in case you want your jacket dispatched to the Arctic Circle!

Click Here to Buy Now: $299 $479 ($180 off). Hurry, only 8/170 left! Raised over $115,000.

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REDMAGIC DAO 150W GaN Charger looks straight out of a cyberpunk game

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If there was a design style that fits the gamer aesthetic almost perfectly, it would probably be cyberpunk. Bright RGB lighting, geometric patterns, and panel-like decals give a somewhat futuristic tech vibe to many gaming products, be they devices or even just accessories. That’s true not just for PCs and consoles but, lately, also for smartphones. Gaming smartphones have been trying to grab the attention of mobile gamers with their sometimes over-the-top designs. That, however, mostly applies to the phone itself but rarely to the accessories you use with it. As one of the big mobile gaming brands, REDMAGIC is trying to fill in that gap with a charger that doesn’t just look hi-tech but also promises advanced features as well.

Designer: REDMAGIC (nubia)

Phone chargers are often minimalist yet uninspiring blocks of plastic that get the job done and nothing more. Thanks to advancements in charging technologies, specifically GaN or Gallium Nitride, it has been possible to shrink charger sizes or, more importantly, implement less conventional designs and features. This charger, for example, still comes in a traditional rectangular shape, but its visual and technical features are almost out of this world.

For one, it has those RGB lighting effects that gamers just love, shining in different hues in the dark. This goes perfectly with the transparent design of the charger’s metal chassis, making the REDMAGIC DAO look almost like a miniature desktop PC. Its fanciest feature, however, is the LCD screen that is used to display details like current or charging status as well as dynamic wallpapers to truly bring out a sci-fi feel.

That’s not to say the charger is just all looks, at least not on paper. Its 150W output can charge many devices, including laptops, sometimes even simultaneously. It even has a rare DC out port that can be used for devices or laptops that use connectors other than USB. GaN technology promises that all that power won’t turn the charger into a fire hazard, at least with proper use and care.

As eye-catching as the REDMAGIC DAO 150W GaN charger may look, it also raises concerns about reliability, especially with so many extraneous features. The charger will still continue to work even if the RGB lights or screen doesn’t, but it also means paying for features you may end up never using. Still, the accessory is a nice break from the usual black and white affair that chargers seem to be locked into, and hopefully, other brands will start getting similar ideas in the near future.

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A Headphone Stand To Bring In a Tale From Nature To Your Desk

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In the realm of design, every product tells a story, weaving together elements of inspiration and functionality. The KIWI Headphone Stand is no exception, offering a unique blend of creativity and purpose that transcends the ordinary. As we delve into the backstory of this captivating creation, we find ourselves drawn into a narrative where nature, aspirations, and practicality converge.

Designers: Jeongjun Kim and Jinhyoung Choi

At the heart of the KIWI Headphone Stand’s conception lies the tale of a Kiwi bird with a desire for change. This peculiar bird, known for its short legs, yearned for the elegance and grace that came with longer limbs. Every day, it dreamt of standing tall alongside other magnificent birds, its imagination soaring with the possibilities of elongated legs.

One fateful day, the Kiwi bird awoke to a startling realization—its wish had come true. To its astonishment, the once stubby legs were now elongated, granting the bird a newfound stature. However, as reality often proves, ideals and wishes can have unintended consequences.

The Kiwi bird, now burdened with the challenges of its elongated legs, found itself in difficulty. The very feature it had longed for had become a hindrance. In a quest to revert to its original form, the Kiwi bird pondered creative solutions, leading to a unique association with everyday objects.

Taking inspiration from the Kiwi’s plight, the designer of the KIWI Headphone Stand ingeniously incorporated elements from various birds, including the Kiwi and the duck. The elongation of certain parts of these birds served as the foundation for a headphone stand that seamlessly merged functionality with aesthetic appeal.

To maintain a harmonious blend with nature, the designer opted for wood as the primary material for the KIWI Headphone Stand. This choice not only adds warmth and elegance to the product but also pays homage to the organic inspiration derived from the Kiwi bird and other avian counterparts.

In a stroke of brilliance, the designer introduced two similar design iterations, allowing the KIWI Headphone Stand to cradle not just one but possibly two headphones at a time or maybe use that as a hook for something else. This thoughtful addition enhances the product’s appeal, making it a practical and visually striking accessory for any workspace.

The KIWI Headphone Stand is more than just a functional accessory for your desk; it’s a testament to the symbiotic relationship between design and nature. By intertwining the story of the Kiwi bird with the practical needs of headphone storage, this product is a conversation piece that resonates with those who appreciate the artistry behind everyday objects.

The post A Headphone Stand To Bring In a Tale From Nature To Your Desk first appeared on Yanko Design.

No More Scratchy Tags! This genius device removes care labels from clothes and digitizes them

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I hate the fact that I get an entire booklet attached to my clothes every time I buy something. Especially with global brands, those care labels can be multiple pages long, covering as many as 5-7 languages. Nobody I know has ever read any of those tags, and let’s face it, they’re an absolute liability. They cause itches, and sometimes pop out from the back, making for a rather embarrassing moment when someone else has to point out to you that your shirt’s tag is sticking out. Sure, it’s not the biggest problem in the world (or even in the fashion industry), but that doesn’t mean it’s a problem not worth solving. Meet LUKE, the world’s first device that easily removes care labels. It slices them off right at the hem, leaving no residual label at all… but more importantly, it comes with an app that digitizes the care label for you, allowing you to refer to the instructions if you ever want to wash/dry/care for them exactly how the manufacture intended. LUKE obviously isn’t for everyone, but for people with sensitive skin, with expensive/delicate clothes, or with good fashion that doesn’t benefit in any way from those godawful tags… LUKE is a perfect tool to have sitting in your wardrobe!

Designer: Stefan Pabst

Click Here to Buy Now: $36 $43 (15% off).

Designed to be a rather compact, intuitive, and incredibly safe gadget, LUKE is no larger than a chunky stapler. It runs on 3 AA batteries that power the heated wire which comfortably slices through up to 4 labels at a time (for those pesky multi-label clothes). To use LUKE, simply slide it onto your garment’s care tag, placing one edge of it right near the hem (or the stitching). Hit a button to activate LUKE, and it simultaneously cuts the label off and seals the seam too, removing the tags without any evidence while ensuring your clothes don’t get damaged in the process. Take it from Stefan Pabst, who designed the product in Switzerland, and engineered/manufactured it in Germany.

The LUKE app creates a digital twin of one’s wardrobe and the data is available for a number of applications with just one “click”.

However, removing the tag is just half the process, since LUKE helps you digitize the tag too, just in case you want to refer to it for proper care instructions. The app takes a photo of the tag, scanning it for all the instructions, as well as a photo of your outfit, creating a digital wardrobe with all the information you need. You can access the tag through the app for laundry tips, helping you take good care of your clothes (and helping them last longer), but additionally, the LUKE app also lets you re-order clothes you’ve tagged, and also helps curate outfits based on your digital wardrobe, becoming your fashion assistant in the process.

As impressive as the tag-removing device’s underlying tech is, the app really uplifts the experience, adding a layer of meaningful AI insights to help you organize your wardrobe better, take sustainable care of your garments, and honestly, mix and match your clothes to look like a million bucks. You’ll feel like a million bucks too, now that you don’t have those annoyingly scratchy tags ruining your outfit and your comfort! LUKE starts at €33 (roughly $36 USD), comes with a free app, and ships globally.

Click Here to Buy Now: $36 $43 (15% off).

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Minimalist desk lamp is a flexible and functional space saver

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For people who spend hours (or more than half the day) at their desk, having proper lighting is a major factor for productivity. If the room you’re in doesn’t always have the best lighting, having a proper desk lamp is also important. Sometimes though, lamps can be bulky and take up precious desk space. This concept for a desk lamp solves that problem and also brings a bit of sustainability to the table, so to speak.

Designers: Simone Guglielmetti, Tommasso Rossi, Andrea Tomaciello, Nikia Kirilovs

The Tars desk lamp is a minimalist concept that shouldn’t take up real estate in your work space. That’s because it’s designed to be clipped to the edge of the table so you’ll have space for all the important things you need to do on your desk. The design also makes it more flexible and gives it a wide range of movement so you can easily place the light where you actually need it. You can twist it around and probably also stretch it to a certain extent so it can reach the parts of your space that needs lighting.

Even the controls are pretty minimalist but also easy to use. The interface is on the bottom of the head so it’s easy to reach wherever you’ve placed the light. The circle button is to turn it on and off while the other button is to adjust the light temperature. They’re both edgeless and can be seen from both sides. The designers also said that it’s easy to assemble and disassemble, also keeping in mind the repairability when choosing the materials to create the lamp.

They were able to do a 3D printed model to make sure that all the functionalities that they designed were working. I for one would want to have a desk lamp like this since one of my problems in my home desk is space. As they say on the internet, “shut up and take my money” if this ever goes into production.

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This RFID-blocking Smart Wallet has the most Satisfying Opening Mechanism

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Select a card from the Shuffle Wallet, and it’s no surprise if it evokes the familiar feel of a deck of playing cards. The concept of the Shuffle Wallet resonates widely, given the universal experience of playing cards, adding a touch of brilliance to its conception. When Stephen’s co-founder Jack asked him how he came up with the idea, his simple response, “It was an accident,” made me chuckle. He said this while wearing a neck brace. While I like minimalist wallets and shuffling cards, will combining the two make for a great form and functional wallet? Let’s explore further and discover why this product is the perfect solution for the most personal accessories you carry daily.

Designers: Jack Yao & Stephen Ng

Click Here to Buy Now: $79 Hurry, only 5/285 left! Raised over $190,000.

The Shuffle Wallet is cleverly designed as an ideal solution for those looking to simplify their lives and protect their cards, especially those with NFC chips, from unwanted scans. Consider a common situation that I’ve experienced, where I’ve flustered my children in front of their friends by fumbling through cards and old receipts to locate the Starbucks card when treating them to drinks at Starbucks. While this may have only lasted seconds, it felt mortifying to a teenager with their friends watching. Another costly example where the Shuffle Wallet could have saved me time and money occurred during my visit to Tokyo. When riding the subway there, you must retain your exit ticket. Otherwise, you’re required to pay again if you lose the ticket. This situation becomes even more problematic when riding the bullet train, where the ticket price can exceed $80. These instances underscore the shortcomings of traditional wallets, and it’s these everyday inconveniences that the Shuffle Wallet aims to eliminate.

The Shuffle Wallet is thinner, classier, and more fun than your thick leather bifold

The Shuffle Wallet, created by the innovative team at Mobile Pixels, stands out for its practicality and elegant design. It includes a unique opening mechanism reminiscent of a deck of cards, which allows you to easily browse and select one of the six or eight cards (if you use the silicone pouch). The quick-draw slot provides swift access to your most frequently used card.

Your cards fan out in a satisfying way, allowing you to easily pick the right one every time.

This feature isn’t just about speed; it’s also a security measure designed to keep your cards securely in place, preventing them from accidentally slipping out. It also comes with a sleek money clip for those who prefer to carry cash, providing a minimalist yet organized way to keep your bills secure and accessible.

The creative features of the Shuffle Wallet continue with its unique opening mechanism. It also incorporates RFID-blocking technology. This feature provides a secure barrier to protect your cards from potential digital theft, ensuring your sensitive information is safe from unauthorized RFID scans.

The Shuffle Wallet is entirely RFID-protected, so digital scammers can’t scan your cards without your permission!

RFID blocking creates a barrier or shield around your cards that operate using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This technology is commonly found in credit cards and passports, allowing information to be read wirelessly via radio waves. While this provides convenience, it also opens up the potential for unauthorized access or theft of sensitive data.
An RFID-blocking feature, like the one integrated into the Shuffle Wallet, prevents this unauthorized access. It uses materials that interfere with radio waves, making your cards ‘invisible’ to a scanner and securing your information.

This feature is crucial because digital theft is becoming increasingly common. Criminals can use portable RFID readers to steal information from your cards without you even knowing. The RFID-blocking feature in the Shuffle Wallet protects your cards against such potential digital theft, ensuring your sensitive information is safe from unauthorized RFID scans.

Want to share your contact card? The Shuffle Wallet has a built-in NFC business card that lets you share with a tap.

Networking is essential for everyone, from new graduates to accomplished entrepreneurs. That’s why the exchange of contact information must be swift and efficient. The Shuffle Wallet offers a perfect solution that combines convenience and technology. This innovative wallet features an NFC chip inside a silicone pouch, allowing you to embed your digital business card. You can easily share your contact information with a friendly tap of the wallet.

Recognizing the diverse needs of its users, the Shuffle Wallet offers a range of optional accessories to enhance its utility. An AirTag holder is available for those who want the added reassurance of being able to track their wallet, a feature that merges technology with peace of mind. For added convenience, there’s also a flashlight attachment with two brightness levels, a keychain capable of holding up to 10 keys, and a multifunctional credit card tool that includes a range of tools from a screwdriver to a bottle opener, all designed to be TSA-approved for trouble-free travel.

The wallet also provides an optional non-RFID silicone pouch for those who need quick access to specific cards without RFID protection. This is especially useful for items like subway passes or gym cards, which you might need to swipe or scan frequently.

Frequently used cards can sit in the Quickdraw slot, allowing you to instantly access them in under a second

The Shuffle Wallet is available in two durable materials: aluminum, which weighs 4.7oz, and titanium, weighing slightly more at 6oz. The aluminum version is offered in various appealing colors, including neon black, polar ice, gunmetal, and diesel green, while the titanium version showcases the sleek, raw beauty of titanium. Despite its compact size of 4.25 x 2.44 x 0.5 inches, the wallet is designed to be functional and stylish, with an aluminum keychain extending to 9cm in length.

From a broader perspective, the Shuffle Wallet provides more than just a storage space for your money and cards. It is a thoughtfully designed accessory that blends security, style, and practicality, catering to individuals who prioritize efficiency and grace in daily life.

Click Here to Buy Now: $79 Hurry, only 5/285 left! Raised over $190,000.

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Mac mini wooden organizer stand uses a mini tambour door to hide your stuff

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The Mac mini and its more powerful cousin, the Mac Studio, offer an Apple computing experience that prioritizes flexibility and your desk space over functionality you might not even need. Its compact form allows you to place it anywhere you want while also offering the freedom to connect any kind of monitor, keyboard, or peripheral you need to get done. At the same time, however, the mini PC form factor doesn’t have enough space to keep all these external devices always connected, and you will often find yourself repeatedly attaching and detaching bits and pieces as you work. Over time, these dongles, cards, and whatnot start to pile up and make a mess on your desk, which is where this handmade wooden organizer and riser comes in, offering a uniquely elegant solution to keep those tiny objects out of sight and out of mind.

Designer: Kostiantyn Andriiuk

Although Apple designed the Mac Mini and Mac Studio to stand on their own, there are some desk setups and designs that require elevating these minimalist boxes a bit higher. In fact, their small bodies make it easy to place them on top of anything, but that doesn’t mean they’ll look good on it unless that “thing” was specifically made for the mini Macs. This handcrafted riser is made to match the dimensions of the Mac mini and elevates the metal box not just in height but also in style.

Made from Cherry and Alder veneers, the wooden stand exudes a warmth that contrasts with the cold silver exterior of the Mac mini while also perfectly complementing it at the same time. Both pieces carry an air of elegance, despite their different materials and creation processes. While the Mac mini is mass-produced in a factory, each piece of this wooden riser was measured and crafted manually.

The most interesting part of the riser, however, is the drawer inside that’s hidden behind a tambour door. Unlike a simple organizer that exposes its container for everyone to see, you have to slide the row of vertical slats out of the way first before you can pull out the drawer. The mechanism offers functionality that doesn’t take away anything from the design’s aesthetics, a philosophy that is perfectly in line with Apple’s own approach to designing products.

The design for this unique and distinctive tambour organizer stand is fortunately available for everyone to follow, but the painstaking process will probably scare all but the most seasoned makers. That said, it could be a source of inspiration for other accessory makers to make their own spin on the idea, especially the brands that pay a lot of meticulous attention to details, materials, and finishes that would perfectly match an Apple product.

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Ergonomic mouse concept oddly looks like a familiar home appliance

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Computer mice have been around for decades, and despite their form making no objective sense, they remain the most basic and most common pointing device that we now use intuitively. The core design of the mouse hasn’t changed significantly since its inception, which unfortunately means they’re still one of the biggest causes of repetitive strain injury or RSI for many people. Ergonomic mice are starting to gain traction, particularly the vertically oriented designs that promise a more natural and comfortable grip for your hand. This device concept builds on that same premise, but the execution is a bit puzzling considering how it looks less like a mouse and more like a miniature clothes iron.

Designer: Pranav Kuber

The rationale behind vertical mice is that the normal orientation of human hands has the palms facing inward rather than downward. With a regular mouse, users are forced to keep their hands at an unnatural angle, whether or not they’re moving the mouse at that moment. Of course, a vertical mouse would still need to provide the basic functions of a conventional mouse, which includes left and right buttons as well as a scroll wheel.

At first glance, the Ergo ergonomic mouse concept is just like any other vertical mouse now available for purchase, but examining its form and silhouette generates a slightly different image. The top plane’s wide surface tapers sharply toward the front, while the wide middle section looks rectangular when viewed from above. If not for the actual bottom of the mouse, which merges two vertical sides like the keel of a ship, the Ergo looks almost like a clothes iron, albeit one without a handle to grip.

Aside from the peculiar shape, the mouse design also raises a few other questions. The buttons on the outer or right side are clearly marked, but they don’t look like buttons you can physically click at first glance. The position of the mouse wheel on the opposite side is even more puzzling, as it will require a lot of swinging movement from the thumb that could actually put more strain on its joint. The rather wide rear might also make it harder to grasp the mouse, potentially resulting in more discomfort in the long run.

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Innovative modular shoe insole lets you switch between comfort, pain relief, and athletic performance

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With a modular design that lets you add and replace inserts under your heel and metatarsal area, the EcoDasher is perhaps the only shoe insert to let you choose exactly how much support or shock absorption you want in your footwear. Perfect for pretty much any occasion, these replaceable pads let you customize your shoes to suit your exact needs, whether it’s for all-day comfort, foot-alignment, pain relief, or even endurance and athletic performance. The same insole transforms to help assist your foot and posture, working remarkably well for work, sports, leisure, and everything in between, giving your shoes the practical edge they need. The EcoDasher shoe insole makes fashion functional again!

Designers: Ethan Lin & Johnny Lv

Click Here to Buy Now: $39 $69.99 ($30.99 off). Hurry, only 7/30 discounted pairs left!

Most insoles just provide lift or arch support, but the EcoDasher isn’t most insoles. The distinct difference in the EcoDasher’s design lies in the two removable pads at the base, and the multiple pad options that come with each insole. Each pad bestows different properties on your insole. Think of your insole as a camera, and the pads as different lenses. Some lenses give you telephoto capabilities, others let you go ultra-wide, and some allow you to go up-close in macro… the pads work the same way, giving your foot just the right amount of support it needs throughout the day and through different activities.

The EcoDasher’s design takes inspiration from the shape of a horse saddle, with curves that support the arches of your foot. The insole’s flexible design provides the right balance between adaptability as well as foot support, letting you get the most out of the shoes you wear. The pads on the bottom help provide the right amount of cushioning depending on your activities. Harder pads give support, softer ones give long-lasting comfort, and special shock-absorbing pads help provide that bounce while running, training, or engaging in any activity.

The two pads sit at strategic positions, right underneath the impact points of your feet. The heel pad, as its name rightfully suggests, sits directly underneath the heel, while the other metatarsal pad sits underneath the transverse arch, or the area between your toe and heel that comes in contact with the floor when you stand on tip-toes. The metatarsal pad comes in 3 varieties – an Oceanfoam pad that offers mild support, the Rebound pad for moderate support, and a FIT pad for extra support. Meanwhile, the heel pad boasts 4 options, Oceanfoam, Rebound, FIT, and an additional Comfort MAX that’s perfect for pain relief.

Together, the 7 pads offer up to 20 unique combinations that you can experiment with to find the ones that suit your requirements the best. Depending on your foot shape, body type (height and weight), fitness, and the activity you engage in, you can choose which pads serve your needs the best (or even use the EcoDasher without pads if all you want is a foot-hugging insole). The interchangeable pads help overcome a variety of scenarios, from daily wear to athletics, or from pain-relief to just simple foot-alignment (for people with flat feet or bad posture). With time, you’ll be able to understand exactly what your feet need throughout the day, helping you adjust your insole accordingly for unmatched comfort.

The EcoDasher still manages to have one more trick up its sleeve, and the clue sits right in its name. While most insoles are made from virgin synthetic memory foam, the EcoDasher is made from a combination of algae-based materials and recycled plastic waste. The insole itself is designed using broken-down plastic waste, and is made to be entirely recyclable, ensuring it never ends up in a landfill or the ocean. Meanwhile, the Oceanfoam pad inserts are derived from algae, and are designed to degrade into natural materials when discarded. Overall, the entire insole is made from 80% recycled materials, and comprises 47% biodegradable elements, while the remaining 53% can be recycled into other plastic products. Unlike other natural materials like cork, the EcoDasher insole is also designed to be flexible without cracking/breaking, and is also breathable and innately anti-bacterial.

Each EcoDasher offers 5 different colors to choose from and is available across 10 different sizes (which can further be trimmed to fit perfectly into your shoes. The pair of insoles ship with 14 pads in total (7 per foot), along with a nifty guide that helps you understand which pads to use based on need. The entire kit comes packaged in a plastic-free FSC-certified paper box which can be recycled after you receive your EcoDashers. The EcoDasher ships globally, starting at a Kickstarter-special discounted price of $39.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39 $69.99 ($30.99 off). Hurry, only 7/30 discounted pairs left!

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Wireless earbuds concept suggests a novel and weird way to clean it

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Wireless earbuds, particularly the so-called True Wireless Stereo or TWS earbuds, have now become a common sight, in no small part thanks to Apple retiring the headphone jack and pushing the AirPods as a solution. These accessories come in different shapes and sizes, but the one common design they share is that the buds are enclosed in a container that acts as their charger as well. As any user of these tiny buds has experienced by now, both the buds and their are often exposed to dirt and grime that could become a health issue over time. Cleaning the earbuds themselves might be trivial, but when that dirt gets deep inside the case, the task becomes significantly more difficult. This concept tries to solve that problem by practically overhauling the charging case design, and it takes inspiration from the weirdest source to implement the strangest cleaning method.

Designer: Seungjae Lee

For TWS earbuds that store the buds’ stems vertically like with the Apple AirPods, the charging cases have a small and deep tunnel where dirt and bacteria can get in and fester. It’s not impossible to clean but it does take some effort, requiring you to really stop and use some tools to wipe the dirt deep inside. If only you could blow the dust and dirt away quickly when you need to, just like with many other objects you might have with you.

The Double Barrel Bluetooth Earbuds concept offers that convenience by turning the charging case into two hollow tubes with openings on both ends. The inspiration for this design was, apparently, a double-barrel shotgun, which is probably the last thing you’d expect to associate with non-violent wireless earbuds. As a visual embellishment, inserting and removing the earbuds would light up LEDs inside the barrel, as if you were shooting bullets.

For this to work, however, the buds themselves have to be straight, which would have been awkward to wear inside our ears. The concept proposes to make the tips foldable so they would take the form of typical earbuds that you can comfortably wear in your ears. And because of the double-ended opening, you can actually put in or remove the buds in either direction.

While the concept design is definitely interesting, it is based on the rather shaky premise that cleaning the earbuds case by blowing into them is actually a smart idea. Our breaths aren’t exactly clean and, more importantly, they also carry with them small saliva particles that could damage the charging contacts inside. And by keeping both ends open, the case would actually invite even more dirt and particles inside, making regular cleaning even more of a chore.

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