Tag Archives: DIA 2022

Newtons Magnetic Sculpture serves many purposes, offers contemplative moments

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Sir Isaac Newton is famous for laying down the laws for motion and universal gravitation. His theories will forever be discussed and compared with Einstein’s.

Newton’s theories inspired this set of wooden magnetic sculpture. Officially called Newtons, this sculpture is a set of several pieces of round magnetic wood. Some pieces are shaped like eggs, while others are perfect spheres.

Designer: StudioYO

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Newtons Magnetic Sculpture Design

Concept Newtons Magnetic Sculpture

The Newtons sculpture appears natural but it’s not. Instead, it’s something created and well-designed since magnets usually work on flat surfaces. The reason for such is that adsorption should be more stable. However, the Newtons goes against the norm because the magnets work without any fluctuation even if the shape is curved and not flat.

The magnetic sculpture seems easy to achieve and maintain. It shows strength and stability even if physics appears to be impossible. It can be “a piece of everyday art” if you decide to display it on your table for your guests to see. Like most art pieces, this can be another conversation starter. You can use the pieces separately whether to use them on your fridge. For example, use a pair to hold a picture and use it as a frame.

Newtons Wooden Magnetic Sculpture

Newtons Magnetic Sculpture Concept

The NEWTONS is made using the Shizuoka turnery. This Japanese tradition of wooden products has been widely used in the market. It involves machining small objects like knobs for furniture items. The wooden objects are then added with neodymium magnets.

The free-form idea works as Newtons’ idea can be played with. Play with the magnets and form different smaller sculptures in whatever form you want to imagine. The set was recognized at the Design Intelligence Award 2021 (DIA 2021) with an Honorable Mention.

Newtons Magnetic Sculpture

The set was designed by StudioYO and crafted by Masaki Kishimoto, who incorporated the magnets. It’s a sculpture set, but it’s also a series of everyday tools. It can be a toy or a musical instrument, or a simple decor for your coffee table. You can also use a piece of paperweight for your office table. You can be as innovative as you want when it comes to the Newtons.

The Newtons set presents several things like magnetism, gravity, repulsion, and attraction. Play with the magnetic objects, and you will be surprised at how it can be relaxing and be enjoyed contemplatively. If you’re creative and have something similar, you can join the DIA Awards 2022. Click here to enroll for the 2022 Design Intelligence Awards FOR FREE!

Newtons Magnetic Sculpture DIA 2022

Newtons Handcrafted Magnetic Sculpture

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Carbon Fiber Violin is one lightweight musical instrument

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Carbon Fiber Violin Musical Instrument Design

Designing new iterations of a product is challenging enough, but it becomes even more complicated when it comes to creating musical instruments. If you’re attempting to make an instrument, there are many things to consider.

A common goal in the redesign is to make things simpler. A more minimalist appeal is preferred these days. That’s why there is the Donner Digital Piano (DDP-80), making a beautiful impression with its minimalist wooden finish. We also remember the Nomad Guitar and that one inspired by Greta James. This time, we present to you a Carbon Fiber Violin that is obviously very strong and durable yet remains very lightweight.

Designer: James Jiang

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Concept Design Carbon Fiber Violin

Carbon Fiber Violin Colors

This carbon fiber violin comes in solid colors. The primary model is black, but the model is also rendered in other colors. There’s blue, green, red, and silver in metallic finish. We can totally imagine this in different hues like pink, gold, and purple.

Designed by James Jiang, this acoustic instrument is made using new technologies and materials. Violins are usually made of wood, but this new version is made of carbon fiber violin. Together with injection molding, the new violin’s audio quality is optimized by working on tone instability. Wood usually causes instability because of the temperature and humidity. That’s a fact, but this one eliminates those issues by changing the material.

Carbon Fiber Violin

Instead of wood, the violin is made of carbon fiber. As a result, the instrument uses new materials and new technologies. The material also makes the violin lighter and thinner. With a more lightweight instrument, means violinists can practice longer without holding all the weight on their shoulders. This also means they can enjoy those long concert performances without complaining.

A violin is not exactly a popular instrument, especially among children, but if you know how to play one, we can say you’re really good. The Carbon Fiber Violin is revolutionary as this project may inspire others to make carbon fiber instruments. Specifically, this entry has been recognized at the Design Award 2022. If you have a similar idea, you can enter and click here to enroll for the 2022 Design Intelligence Awards FOR FREE!

Carbon Fiber Violin Concept

This isn’t the first violin design we have seen. There is the IMI violin which we described as a stringless Stradivarius. The Maestro electric violin was introduced with an innovative LED learning system. There’s also that fool-proof violin and the Gavari semiacoustic violin.

Carbon Fiber Violin Musical Instrument

Carbon Fiber Violin Design

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Heirloom Thermos combines Chinese cultural heritage and advanced insulation technology

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Heirloom Thermos Details

Not many people realize this, but thermos technology isn’t really simple. Sure, you can just easily buy stainless steel water bottles from stores, but not all are made the same.

Talking about thermos is always about the outside form. It’s also mainly about insulation because it keeps liquid hot or cold inside. But, of course, it helps that Chinese technology is becoming more advanced now, so we’re not surprised about what the Heirloom Thermos can promise and deliver.

Designer: Shenzhen Yiyuan Technology Co., Ltd.

Colors of Heirloom Thermos

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The Heirloom Thermos is more advanced compared to other standard vacuum thermoses. It comes with Chinese aesthetics and boasts more advanced specs. The pure titanium liner is 0.15mm, which is about as thin as an A4 paper. In addition, the titanium material appears more durable as it can preserve freshness and even prevent odors.

Heirloom Thermos Production

Concept Heirloom Thermos

Bringing a water bottle or thermos is sustainable as it reduces the use of plastic bottles. It helps eliminate plastic globally, so it’s an easy and good start to becoming more environment-friendly. In China, drinking warm liquid is a thing, so a thermos or insulated bottle is a need.

The Heirloom Thermos is a thermos flash that marries innovation, design, and Chinese-style handwork. This comes with oriental aesthetics and yet is still ideal to use for modern everyday life. At first glance, it looks like any ordinary thermos, but this one is improved in many ways. It boasts an innovative stopper with an integrated thermometer. The latter allows you to check the inside temperature to ensure the liquid is always warm and perfect for drinking. The cover of the thermos comes with a magnetic suction, so it’s easy to close or open. It also works as a cup to always be ready to drink wherever you are.

Heirloom Thermos Parts

Heirloom Thermos Features

Red Heirloom Thermos

The Heirloom Thermos received an Honorable Mention at last year’s DIA. It has showcased the beauty of innovation and heritage together. Finally, you have this important object that allows you to carry traditions and, at the same time, has improved technology.

Just reading about the description of the Heirloom Thermos, you’d think the technology is complicated because of the mention of having 78 parts. However, a version also shows off China’s cultural heritage—the porcelain woven bamboo weaving. This folk handicraft is used as a cover for the heirloom pot, following the shape of the thermos. It actually looks like a cheongsam with its simple yet elegant form.

Heirloom Thermos Innovation

Heirloom Thermos

Heirloom Thermos Colors

If you have any concept or design you want to share, you may want to submit it as an entry to the DIA 2022. Click here to enroll for the 2022 Design Intelligence Awards FOR FREE! Who knows, your design will be the next to be recognized and then given funding. Even if you don’t win an award, being admitted to be noticed by the Design Intelligence Awards is already an achievement.

Heirloom Thermos Award

Red Heirloom Thermos

Heirloom Thermos Mint Green

Heirloom Thermos Release

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Tdot Braille Keyboard is compact, lightweight, and convenient to use

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The Design Intelligence Awards (DIA 2022) is happening soon, and we cannot wait to learn about new and innovative designs to grace the consumer market. Of course, not all designs will probably make it big, but every design has potential because every project that becomes a finalist is intelligently designed.

Last year, the Tdot Braille Keyboard was introduced as a special keyboard for the visually impaired. While the available braille keyboards are ready, they can be very expensive. Most of them are also heavy and not that convenient to use. The T-Dot enters the game by offering a lightweight experience at an affordable price.

Designer: KunYoong IBC

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Tdot Braille Keyboard Features

Tdot Braille Keyboard IF Design Award

Thanks to the modified Perkins-type structure, the T-Dot Braille Keyboard weighs only 59g and comes with a comfortable grip. The structure now is T-fold which allows the device to be smaller. In addition, it comes with one jog wheel and 12 input keys, resulting in enhanced navigation. Users are expected to type with more convenience now and added speed.

Like most Braille keyboards, this one offers convenience and portability. You don’t have to bring a heavy accessory as the T-Dot is very compact. It is one revolutionary design that the visually impaired will love.

Tdot Braille Keyboard

T-Dot isn’t just compact as it also looks trendy with all the different colors available. Moreover, with its size, you can easily wear one around your neck to bring it everywhere with you. It was also recognized at the Design Intelligence Awards and is now available in the market.

Tdot Braille Keyboard Demo

Tdot Braille Keyboard Colors DIA

Ease of use is offered because it automatically switches to a letter as soon as you type Braille on the keyboard. This lets you type characters right on your computer, smartphone, or tablet with the T-Dot keyboard. It works over Bluetooth connectivity so the connection is pretty reliable. You can also use “voice” to enter screen contents or input braille. Other notable features include Braille input, reverse braille translation, track point, and screen-control function. The device is compatible with Mac, iOS, MS, and Android.

Tdot Braille Keyboards

Tdot Braille Keyboard How it Works

You can purchase the Folding Type Braille Input Bluetooth Keyboard for Blind (Tdot) in different key regions like Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East and online HERE. And if you have similar ideas and designs, you may want to present them at the DIA 2022. Click here to enroll for the 2022 Design Intelligence Awards FOR FREE!

Tdot Braille Keyboard Colors

Tripod Folding Bluetooth Braille Input

Folding Type Braille Input Bluetooth Keyboard for Blind(Tdot)

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Theia handheld guidance device ready for the visually impaired

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The 2022 Design Intelligence Awards season is here. This means we’ll hear about new, interesting, and intelligent designs that we know someday will prove very useful.

A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned the DIA Award as a program where creatives and designers are free to submit their work and hopefully get funding. As China’s premier awards program, it aims to discover good design ideas and develop them. It’s all about entrepreneurship and innovation as plans can turn into actual, working products that will grace the consumer market.

Designer: Anthony Camu

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CONCEPT Theia Guidance Systems Design DIA 2021

With a total prize fund of $750,000 USD (¥5 million RMB), the DIA 2022 aims to discover new talents and designers. The judging process includes looking at the products if they follow the Principles of Design which refer to a technicality, aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and user experience. The next layer is the Direction of Design which pertains to a product’s contribution to the future, humanity, and the industry. Finally, Impact of Design refers to a concept’s industrial development and social influence.

Hundreds of designers have submitted their entries through the years, and we have seen quite a few notable designs. In 2020, industrial designer Anthony Camu introduced Theia. It’s a concealable and portable handheld device that can guide people through different environments. It’s like having an electronic service dog sans the risk of allergies and the responsibility of owning a pet.

Theia Guidance Systems Prototype

Theia Guidance Systems Design DIA 2021

As an Industrial Design and Technology student, Anthony Camu worked on something that could replicate what a guide dog could do. He developed this “autonomous guidance device for the visually impaired” for his final year project. The description alone tells us it is one very useful device.

‘Theia’ is a handheld device inspired by VR gaming consoles. Camu’s project was recognized at last year’s Design Intelligence Awards. It received an Honorable Mention as it made an impression with its many benefits. The product is also described as a handheld situational awareness and guidance device ideal for the visually impaired. Its advantages include sensor fusion, accurate navigation, big data, gyroscopic feedback, and machine learning. All these and more help a user’s walking pace improve by over 200%.

Theia Guidance Systems Details

Theia Guidance Systems A

With very little user input, Theia acts like an autonomous device that benefits the user. It can be programmed with routes to different destinations and even avoid accidents. It works by simply saying: “Hey Theia, take me to _______.” Theia will then take you to a saved destination.

Theia can do a lot as an IoT device. The internet of things feature allows the device to process data in real-time. It can tell you the traffic density and weather. It can assist a person when he needs to step on elevators, shops, entrances, and even pedestrian crossings. Even those busy intersections are not so scary anymore to cross with Theia.

Theia Guidance System

Theia is like having a digital cane, but this one can pull you. It tells you what you need to know and makes you aware of your surroundings. The device is designed with a remote sensing method that uses cameras and light. It is powered by built-in processors and uses a control moment gyroscope (CMG) technology. The latter is the same tech used in space vehicles and satellites.

Theia Guidance Systems Design

If you have ideas similar to Theia, you can submit them to the Design Intelligence Awards. You can receive funding to see your concept or prototype finally go into production. Click here to enroll for the 2022 Design Intelligence Awards FOR FREE!

Theia Guidance Systems Prototype Renders

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Ori Seri bio textile material is almost ready for a sustainable economy

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The Ori Seri is tangible proof that innovation can help Mother Earth. Of course, sustainable fashion must be the goal of many brands and companies, but we acknowledge it’s not an easy feat.

Ori Seri is made from algae and silk protein. It’s a biodegradable textile that combines different materials to reduce waste. The designer knew science and technology would yield achievable solutions. Unfortunately, there aren’t many ideas yet in the fashion industry, but we’ve been learning about sustainability.

Designer: Scarlett Yang

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Ori Seri Scarlett Yang Design DIA AWARD 2021

We still have a long way to go before sustainable fashion becomes a standard, but we are grateful for efforts like this Ori Seri. Scarlett Yang is a creative technologist and materials designer who has always been interested in material tactility and virtual realities. Her idea focused on developing innovative ways that may benefit fashion, technology, and design. Her background in digital fabrication labs, bio laboratories, and even couture ateliers helped this project intending to minimize waste.

Ori Seri is a bio-textile that can be used for fashion. It is a glass-like garment made from silk cocoon biowaste- sericin and algae extract. The former is the waste produced in textile manufacturing. Yang’s efforts resulted in a unique material that can grow and change shape depending on the humidity and temperature. Moreover, it’s a bio-material which means it is biodegradable in water.

The design of the textile model is created using 3D technologies. Fashion can be fully circular someday if more products are made focusing on sustainability. The bio-textile Ori Seri can no longer be reused, but it will still have what they call “virtual existence.” It’s given a digital life, so it becomes more “accessible.”

The design process and methodology appear complicated, but it aims to work with nature. It incorporates bio-design as well as digital fabrication. These are then applied with traditional fashion craftsmanship that we hope can make it to the consumer market.

Ori Seri Scarlett Yang Design

Different award-giving bodies have recognized the project that resulted in an innovative material called the Ori Seri. It won the LVMH Maison/0 Green Trail and The Mills Sustainability Prize in 2020. It was also named a SHOWstudio Class of 2020 winner and the grand prize winner at the YouFab Global Creative Award 2021. It was even shortlisted for the Lexus Design Award. In addition, at last year’s Design Intelligence Award, it was given an Honorable Mention.

Yang’s bio-material has big potential on the runway and in the real world when used in everyday clothes. There are plenty of interesting ideas and projects like this that must be recognized and given a chance. Feel free to share if you have anything related. You will never know what your idea can do for the world. Click here to enroll for the 2022 Design Intelligence Awards FOR FREE!

Ori Seri Scarlett Yang Design Images copy

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