Tag Archives: Lifestyle

This cleverly designed flat-pack cardholder EDC lets you switch style in a jiffy

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Those who are always on the go love the compact holding capacity of a cardholder to stash their important stuff. Carrying credit cards, valuable IDs and cash in one small EDC has loads of advantages. So, why not level up from an ordinary cardholder that’ll in a few months seem boring?

That’s why the Clip Clop EDC Clip piqued my interest. The accessory designed for Gen-Z users comes with the flexibility of toggling the look, feel and utility. The cardholder flat packs into different modules including magnetic fasteners and five different face plates to make switching styles as easy as displaying your daily fashion statement.

Designer: Rice Mak

The EDC accessory combines the strength of magnets, fasteners and clever design to make the switch from one style to another ultra-easy. This also facilitates the opening and closing mechanism to be quite an addictive affair. When the cardholder is open the elastic bands retract within the housing without compromising the sleek and compact design. Clip Clop EDC comes with a capacity to store up to 10 cards in one go but the designer suggests using only 6 cards to maintain the elasticity of the clips for a longer time. The cards within the holder can be arranged efficiently in optimal order and accessed both from the top and bottom.

Unlike conventional cardholders, this one has a cutout secured by magnetic elastic bands, so that you can retrieve any card without opening the complete housing. If you are one of those who like to keep cash in the cardholder as well, the clip-on can be screwed to the back of the accessory. Given the level of freedom this cardholder EDC brings, you can match it to your daily style and mood to complete the look. As per Rice, Instead of simply combining traditional EDC toy elements with a cardholder, we have cleverly optimized and innovated on the original functions of the cardholder, creating a user experience that is both convenient, practical, and filled with joy.”

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Accordion paper cup concept makes carrying coffee easier and more sustainable

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The number of coffee chains spread around the world is undeniable proof of how much people desire or even thrive on the beverage. Unfortunately, that number is also an indirect testament to the waste that the industry produces, especially when it comes to to-go cups. The majority of these cups are made of plastic, though some brands and consumers are becoming wiser and opting for more sustainable drinkware. The problem, however, is when you need to carry more than one of these cups, usually in precarious trays or bags. A paper cup design concept tries to hit two birds with one stone, offering not only a more sustainable cup but a better way to hold and carry them.

Designer: Shenzhen Samore Design & Research

Although iced coffee to go is still usually served in plastic containers, unless you bring your own reusable cup, the more common hot beverage is thankfully put in paper cups with cardboard sleeves. Their designs are simple and handy for holding in one hand, but some people have the unfortunate task of buying for a group. Some stores offer cardboard trays or boxes for carrying two or four drinks at once, though some have to resort to bags that could let the coffee spill as you swing it while walking.

Neither are ideal solutions, especially for long-term use or reusable cups, so someone thankfully thought of a better and admittedly more aesthetic solution to this common problem. It doesn’t have a formal name yet, but the Accordion Paper Cup design offers a simple yet ingenious way not just to carry coffee paper cups but also to hold one in your hand. In a nutshell, the paper cup has a sleeve that expands upward, turning it into a bag of sorts.

The trick to this sleeve design is the accordion-like structure can easily expand and contract without changing its total mass. This same structure happens to also be a good insulator against heat, allowing you to wrap your hand around a hot cup. It might not be an intentional part of the design, but the alternating pattern of holes and divisions also makes it easier to grip an otherwise smooth and slippery cup.

The paper cup and its innovative sleeve are allegedly made of recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable materials, further driving home the idea of an all-in-one sustainable solution for to-go cups. But while the cup itself seems to have that brown hue typically associated with recycled paper products, the sleeve has a gradient that softly shifts from blue to brown, though other colors are also possible. Unfortunately, there is no word on whether this concept has any chance of becoming an actual product, but it’s definitely an interesting avenue to consider for large coffee chains.

The post Accordion paper cup concept makes carrying coffee easier and more sustainable first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smartphone enclosure concept helps develop good relaxation habits

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As powerful and as useful as our smartphones might be, they can also be stumbling blocks not only for productivity but also for mental health. Incessant notifications and the fear of missing out (FOMO) add to the stress and anxiety of the modern world. Of course, ditching your smartphone is no longer an option these days, which is why several designs try to meet the problem halfway, many utilizing minimalist interfaces or drab gray screens to limit our smartphone interaction. Those, however, only solve one part of the problem, leaving many people still unused to taking breaks or relaxing. This concept design for a smartphone accessory tries to do exactly that, keeping your phone safely away from your reach while also helping you get into the habit of taking good breaks from time to time.

Designer: Jeongmin Ham

The most basic strategy people use to avoid distractions from their phones is to put it away, either at a distance or inside a drawer, creating some friction or obstacle to getting the phone instantly. While it can be an effective strategy for some, it’s also a missed opportunity for the smartphone to do something, well, smart. Short of using it as a timer, which can also lead to temptations, it can perhaps be utilized for some other function while keeping its normal distracting features at bay.

FIKA is a concept design for an accessory that does exactly that, keeping your smartphone from distracting you but also putting it to good use in training you to take breaks and use those breaks wisely. It is pretty much a cage or enclosure where you put the phone in, blocking complete use of the device except for a small circular window to a part of the screen. This is the only place where you’ll be able to see the phone’s guidance on how to take a break properly, somewhat like guided meditation apps that have become quite popular these days.

The idea for FIKA is to not just simply put your phone away to avoid distractions but also to develop good habits of taking breaks. And while different people take breaks differently, not everyone has an idea of how to do so properly, so FIKA can suggest certain actions like breathing exercises. Over time, the reminders and the case might not even be needed anymore, as you would have developed the habit and willpower to do it on your own.

The concept design sadly leaves a lot of questions unanswered, like how one will be prevented from just fishing out the phone without some locking mechanism. It also doesn’t mention how the circular window actually works, whether it is just a hole that leaves a part of the phone’s screen exposed or if it’s a touch-sensitive surface that “passes” touches through to the phone inside. Still, the core idea is interesting enough to warrant further thought, especially in an age where people’s mental and physical health has been in decline due to smartphones and overworking.

The post Smartphone enclosure concept helps develop good relaxation habits first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smartphone enclosure concept helps develop good relaxation habits

Posted on by

As powerful and as useful as our smartphones might be, they can also be stumbling blocks not only for productivity but also for mental health. Incessant notifications and the fear of missing out (FOMO) add to the stress and anxiety of the modern world. Of course, ditching your smartphone is no longer an option these days, which is why several designs try to meet the problem halfway, many utilizing minimalist interfaces or drab gray screens to limit our smartphone interaction. Those, however, only solve one part of the problem, leaving many people still unused to taking breaks or relaxing. This concept design for a smartphone accessory tries to do exactly that, keeping your phone safely away from your reach while also helping you get into the habit of taking good breaks from time to time.

Designer: Jeongmin Ham

The most basic strategy people use to avoid distractions from their phones is to put it away, either at a distance or inside a drawer, creating some friction or obstacle to getting the phone instantly. While it can be an effective strategy for some, it’s also a missed opportunity for the smartphone to do something, well, smart. Short of using it as a timer, which can also lead to temptations, it can perhaps be utilized for some other function while keeping its normal distracting features at bay.

FIKA is a concept design for an accessory that does exactly that, keeping your smartphone from distracting you but also putting it to good use in training you to take breaks and use those breaks wisely. It is pretty much a cage or enclosure where you put the phone in, blocking complete use of the device except for a small circular window to a part of the screen. This is the only place where you’ll be able to see the phone’s guidance on how to take a break properly, somewhat like guided meditation apps that have become quite popular these days.

The idea for FIKA is to not just simply put your phone away to avoid distractions but also to develop good habits of taking breaks. And while different people take breaks differently, not everyone has an idea of how to do so properly, so FIKA can suggest certain actions like breathing exercises. Over time, the reminders and the case might not even be needed anymore, as you would have developed the habit and willpower to do it on your own.

The concept design sadly leaves a lot of questions unanswered, like how one will be prevented from just fishing out the phone without some locking mechanism. It also doesn’t mention how the circular window actually works, whether it is just a hole that leaves a part of the phone’s screen exposed or if it’s a touch-sensitive surface that “passes” touches through to the phone inside. Still, the core idea is interesting enough to warrant further thought, especially in an age where people’s mental and physical health has been in decline due to smartphones and overworking.

The post Smartphone enclosure concept helps develop good relaxation habits first appeared on Yanko Design.

Floating sauna beside museum is accessible and sustainable

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When visiting a museum that’s located next to a body of water, probably the next thing you think of after you’ve completed your tour is: “Hmmm, it would be nice to have a relaxing time at a sauna”. Well, that’s if you’re tired after going around the museum. If you visit the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, you will get the chance to do just that.

Designer: Estudio Herreros

Trosten is a floating sauna that you can find in the fjord next to the museum as both are designed by Estudio Herreros. The idea is to bring saunas closer to the people and make it sustainable and accessible as well. They were inspired by architectural follies but aside from it being aesthetic, the structure is still also highly functional but with a “distinct volume and silhouette with a strong, colorful component”.

The sauna’s main structure is actually constructed offsite and then placed on the prefabricated floating concrete platform. It’s made with aluminum cladding with a green tone to give off a calm and relaxing vibe, combining it with the usual wooden decking you see on saunas with large terrazzo tiled surfaces plus steel balustrades and netting. Outside there’s stepped seating so users can also sunbathe before or after using the sauna. Inside there are lockers and seating spaces and inside the sauna itself you get stepped wooden seating.

At the back, there’s also a sheltered seating space and you can access the fjord from here if you want to cool off. Since this is a sustainable structure, you get an energy system and a steam recirculation system and use of natural and recycled materials. It would be nice to heat up and cool off at something like this after a long day of exploring the museum and nearby places.

The post Floating sauna beside museum is accessible and sustainable first appeared on Yanko Design.

The TATAMI ReFAB PROJECT Is A Product Of Fusing Japanese Traditions With 3D-Printed Sustainability

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At the prestigious Salone Del Milano 2023 in Milan, Italy, the design lab HONOKA showcased their innovative TATAMI ReFAB PROJECT furniture series. This project, conceived by a team of forward-thinking product designers, leverages advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to breathe new life into traditional Japanese tatami mats. The result is a fusion of heritage and cutting-edge technology that reintroduces the essence of tatami into contemporary living spaces.

Designer: HONOKA LAB

Tatami mats have been a staple of Japanese interiors for centuries, renowned for their aromatic qualities, humidity regulation, and odor reduction capabilities. HONOKA’s project aims to integrate these traditional benefits into modern furniture design. By blending recycled tatami with biodegradable plastic, they have created a sustainable material that is both adaptable and durable. This innovative composite can be 3D printed into a variety of functional and decorative home products, embodying the future of artisanal design while retaining a distinct connection to Japanese culture.

One of the key highlights of this project is its commitment to sustainability. Traditional tatami production often results in significant material waste, with nearly half of the plant-based material discarded. Honoka addresses this issue by recycling tatami waste and combining it with biodegradable plastic, significantly reducing the environmental impact. This material is not only eco-friendly but also versatile, allowing designers to explore new aesthetic possibilities and create unique forms that enhance modern living spaces.

The collection features several distinctive pieces that exemplify the versatility and beauty of the tatami-resin composite:

SORI and MUKURI:

These knitted tatami-resin furniture pieces reinterpret traditional Japanese shapes and textures through 3D printing. The unique structure of these items offers moderate transparency and varying visual expressions depending on the viewing angle. They are sturdy enough to support glass and other heavy materials, making them ideal for dining tables.

CHIGUSA:

Inspired by the traditional Japanese “Sen-suji” pattern, this stool combines multiple 3D-printed parts. The vertical pattern of the elastic and durable tatami-mixed resin provides a resilient and comfortable seating experience.

TABA:

A lighting fixture designed to resemble bundled grass, TABA uses a dripping technique in its 3D printing process. The tatami-mixed resin diffuses light beautifully, with light spilling through the gaps in its branches, creating a soft, natural ambiance.

TACHIWAKI:

This self-standing basin, inspired by the Japanese “Tachiwaki” pattern, features multiple stripes created by varying the purging speed of the 3D printer. Its water-resistant nature makes it suitable for innovative bathroom designs.

YOCELL:

A stool that draws from the traditional Japanese “Asanoha” pattern, it uses the layer marks of the 3D printer to create unique visual effects by aligning them in different directions. The modular shape makes it sustainable even for transportation and packaging.

AMI:

Combining the aesthetics of traditional Japanese 2D weaving with modern 3D printing, the AMI stool and lampshade feature intricate designs created by dripping resin from the air. The resulting pieces change their expression based on the viewing angle.

KOHSHI:

This lattice-like vase is reminiscent of Japanese architecture and allows for flexible plant arrangements, inspired by the art of Ikebana. This design has such a lightweight aesthetic, making any room feel airy. It’s perfect for minimalistic homes.

The post The TATAMI ReFAB PROJECT Is A Product Of Fusing Japanese Traditions With 3D-Printed Sustainability first appeared on Yanko Design.

‘Is it cardboard?”: Ceramic art blurs line between perception and reality

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One of the most popular reality game shows on Netflix is “Is It Cake?” where the contestants have to recreate common objects and then trick the judges into guessing if it’s cake or not. It’s fun seeing all of these ordinary, every day things recreated as cakes and it’s also a good reminder that not everything is as it seems. This art experiment by Jacques Monneraud is of the same idea as the game show but this time it uses something even more ordinary and turns it into an extraordinary collection.

Designer: Jacques Monneraud

The Cardboard collection recreates some common household items like pitchers and vaes into ceramic art. What makes this different from others though is that the they were made from clay but made to look like cardboard. It is basically a statement of “mockery of overproduction and overconsumption” but it is also something that people can actually use if they need something unique on their dining tables and living rooms.

The designer wanted to maintain the texture and visual characteristics of cardboard while at the same time retaining the ceramic properties of the items. The basic idea of the design is to make it look simple enough, like three pieces of cardboard + two pieces of tape makes a pitcher. He had to blend three distinct stonewares for the main body while the tape-like item was crafted from glaze.

If I just saw a photo of these items without knowing the context, I really would have been fooled that they were made from cardboard. Monneraud wants viewers to actually think about how perception and reality can be inextricably linked and is more complex than just the surface. While cardboard is normally a disposable object, the designer believes his work can actually last for more than 3,000 years.

The post ‘Is it cardboard?”: Ceramic art blurs line between perception and reality first appeared on Yanko Design.

Toy-like cold aroma diffuser offers a fun way to make a room smell great

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Aroma and essential oil diffusers have become quite the fad in the past few years, offering a slice of peace and calm by stimulating one of the most underrated senses that we have: the sense of smell. There is a wide variety of designs for these products, ranging from extremely minimalist clay pots to hi-tech boxes, from garish tech products to aesthetic pieces of art. Most of these use evaporation or water vapor to spread their scents around, but a few simply rely on natural air to do the heavy lifting, so to speak. This diffuser is part of the latter group, but it does more than just stand still and hope a gentle breeze will carry the aroma around. Instead, this upside-down lollipop uses a simple yet effective trick inspired by the last thing you expect: a child’s toy.

Designer: Diptyque

Although they might be effective in diffusing the scent of aromatic oils across a space, most diffusers also have some downsides, like being fire risks or raising the temperature and humidity in a room. For smaller enclosed areas, a passive or cold diffuser might be a better and simpler option, letting nature run its course by using the air around or a breeze to carry the aroma. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to give it a little push, which is what the Culbuto does by moving back and forth like a metronome.

The name might sound foreign, but all of us will be familiar with toys that have spherical bottoms swaying back and forth to the delight of many kids and even some adults. This oscillating diffuser uses that same motion to help fan the scent emanating from its ceramic stick, sending the scent of Baies or Berries, specifically blackcurrant berries, mixed with flowery smells to all sides of a room. It requires no flame or electricity, simply a literal nudge in the right direction, creating an experience that is fun and engaging.

The Culbuto oscillating diffuser, however, is also a work of art that deserves a prominent place on your desk or shelf. The spherical body is wholly made from beechwood, crafted using traditional wood-turning techniques that bring a touch of elegance to a utilitarian product. The aroma comes from a ceramic stick that, pardon the pun, sticks out from the ball of wood, complementing and contrasting the base in a beautiful manner. The stick is “endlessly refillable,” making the cold diffuser not only simpler and more beautiful but also more sustainable in the long run.

The post Toy-like cold aroma diffuser offers a fun way to make a room smell great first appeared on Yanko Design.

Give your creativity and convenience an unconventional approach with the fresh perspective of Village projector

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If you’re living by yourself in a studio apartment, studying or working by the day only to return home to spend time in solitude, – at max with your smartphone – Village projector is designed to give you company. The vibrant home entertainment system, is unlike any usual projector you come by for three reasons: it’s essentially made for single-person households; it’s immensely portable for user requirements; and it can be used in multiple orientations to project on the floor, wall, or ceiling, as and when required.

A catalyst for harmonious experience, productivity, and creativity; the Village gives a fresh perspective to your solitude at home. Built-in with sensors, cameras and a high-end projection lens, it can be your friend in everything you intend to do from creating murals to doing a craft project. It has the ability to become your artistic and information companion, fostering an environment where creativity knows no bounds.

Designer: Seunghyun Ko, Seohyun Park, Minji Kang and YE JIN LEE

If you’re brimming with creativity and want a contemporary way to bring it to life; employ the Village at home for a fresh perspective. Installed in the curtain rail the projector follows the curtain when you draw it open in the morning to sense the weather outside and project details for you on the floor or in the ceiling – depending on how you have positioned it – so you wake up with complete information of how to plan the day.

During the day, you can remove the portable Village projector from the curtain rail and use it where you like in your tiny apartment. Project inspiring text, news, captivating art, or use it to display guides to your DIY endeavors. After working or studying, when you feel tired and want to relax, the projector can let you play your favorite video game on a sizable display.

Sitting on the desk can help you create your private sanctuary, free from distractions while working, projecting your calendar for the day on the desk. By the evening, you can project the screen on the wall and share unforgettable moments with loved ones. Of course, you can do that on the phone, however, screen on the smartphone is too small. Using it for long durations can hurt your eyes. The portable projector can connect to the smartphone and project what you want to see or learn on a bigger screen, so it’s convenient and less straining.

Made in vibrant color options, in what seems – from images – a plasticky body, the Village features a projection lens in the center with an external recognition sensor and a LiDAR camera on either side. A pair of cameras sit to the right of the sensor and a microphone to the left of the LiDAR cam. On the top – when positioned upright – you get the sliding touch control for volume.  There’s no word on the availability of the conceptual Village projector, but we can say it has versatile use cases. You can transform your workout routine by using it to project fitness or exercise instructions in front of you or on the wall and create an engaging exercise session, or carry the projector into the kitchen to project the intricacies of a dish you’re preparing so it’s cooked well enough to tantalize your taste buds.

The post Give your creativity and convenience an unconventional approach with the fresh perspective of Village projector first appeared on Yanko Design.

Give your creativity and convenience an unconventional approach with the fresh perspective of Village projector

Posted on by

If you’re living by yourself in a studio apartment, studying or working by the day only to return home to spend time in solitude, – at max with your smartphone – Village projector is designed to give you company. The vibrant home entertainment system, is unlike any usual projector you come by for three reasons: it’s essentially made for single-person households; it’s immensely portable for user requirements; and it can be used in multiple orientations to project on the floor, wall, or ceiling, as and when required.

A catalyst for harmonious experience, productivity, and creativity; the Village gives a fresh perspective to your solitude at home. Built-in with sensors, cameras and a high-end projection lens, it can be your friend in everything you intend to do from creating murals to doing a craft project. It has the ability to become your artistic and information companion, fostering an environment where creativity knows no bounds.

Designer: Seunghyun Ko, Seohyun Park, Minji Kang and YE JIN LEE

If you’re brimming with creativity and want a contemporary way to bring it to life; employ the Village at home for a fresh perspective. Installed in the curtain rail the projector follows the curtain when you draw it open in the morning to sense the weather outside and project details for you on the floor or in the ceiling – depending on how you have positioned it – so you wake up with complete information of how to plan the day.

During the day, you can remove the portable Village projector from the curtain rail and use it where you like in your tiny apartment. Project inspiring text, news, captivating art, or use it to display guides to your DIY endeavors. After working or studying, when you feel tired and want to relax, the projector can let you play your favorite video game on a sizable display.

Sitting on the desk can help you create your private sanctuary, free from distractions while working, projecting your calendar for the day on the desk. By the evening, you can project the screen on the wall and share unforgettable moments with loved ones. Of course, you can do that on the phone, however, screen on the smartphone is too small. Using it for long durations can hurt your eyes. The portable projector can connect to the smartphone and project what you want to see or learn on a bigger screen, so it’s convenient and less straining.

Made in vibrant color options, in what seems – from images – a plasticky body, the Village features a projection lens in the center with an external recognition sensor and a LiDAR camera on either side. A pair of cameras sit to the right of the sensor and a microphone to the left of the LiDAR cam. On the top – when positioned upright – you get the sliding touch control for volume.  There’s no word on the availability of the conceptual Village projector, but we can say it has versatile use cases. You can transform your workout routine by using it to project fitness or exercise instructions in front of you or on the wall and create an engaging exercise session, or carry the projector into the kitchen to project the intricacies of a dish you’re preparing so it’s cooked well enough to tantalize your taste buds.

The post Give your creativity and convenience an unconventional approach with the fresh perspective of Village projector first appeared on Yanko Design.