Tag Archives: iF Design Award 2022

Plezmo is an Award-winning Modular IoT toy that introduces kids to the fundamentals of coding

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Ask a kid to attend a coding class and they’ll make faces, teach them how to build an Iron Man hand repulsor and they’ll probably take a better liking to the subject.

The latter is precisely what Plezmo was designed to do. A modular ecosystem of servo motors, sensors, and other interconnected tech, Plezmo lets you plug blocks together to make complex toys that rely on blocks of code, but in a simple way that kids can learn from. A recipient of the 2022 iF Design Award, Plezmo gamifies learning by providing a visually simple way to understand how blocks of code work. The Plezmo modules are, to that very end, block-shaped, and encourage kids to experiment simply by plugging blocks together to create devices that achieve different objectives.

Designer: Elephant for Plezmo

Plezmo’s ecosystem is equipped with blocks that fulfill most input and output requirements. The blocks have different input sensors for sound, color, motion, and distance, while output blocks include motors, speakers, lights, and displays. Pair them together and you can make pretty much any sort of I/O device (Plezmo’s YouTube channel is filled with examples and tutorials). Moreover, while the blocks present a simple plug-and-play approach to block coding, as kids get more and more adept and advanced at using the Plezmo blocks, a coding software allows them to unlock Plezmo’s true potential, by actually writing lines of code within Plezmo’s own app to build more advanced gadgets and experiences.

To transcend the appearance of a block-ish product, Plezmo comes with ‘Story Kits’ that also include cardboard cutouts, comparable to Nintendo’s Labo kits. However, children aren’t limited to just the story kit’s cardboard bodies. Each Plezmo ships with accessories that allow you to attach LEGO bricks and elements to expand on the IoT toy’s capabilities. For more seasoned youngsters, the Plezmo app lets you dive deep into the toy’s workings, understanding how the device works in the first place and in turn, getting an early grasp on visual coding.

Plezmo is a winner of the iF Design Award for the year 2022.

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Pet bed is a mattress, holder, and car seat in one for your fur babies

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Most fur parents that I know love getting all kinds of stuff for their doggies and kitties. It seems like the smaller the pet, the cuter the stuff that is available. Not that there aren’t cute things for regular-sized animals. But the ones created for tiny fur babies are especially eye-catching and adorable. So if you want your pet to look like a very lively burrito and at the same time have help to carry them around, here’s hoping this new product design will actually get made.

Designer: Hangzhou Kesheng Textiles

This design for a pet bed actually has several functions to fit your pet’s sleeping and traveling needs. It comes with a three-stage folding design and how you fold it or not fold it will determine how your small or medium-sized pet can use the “pet sanctuary”. They can use it as a mattress when it’s spread out fully. Fold one part and it becomes a “sofa” for the dog or cat. Put them inside the folded part and suddenly it has become a sleeping bag for them.

You can also enfold them into the whole pet bed and that’s when they look like a really cute pet burrito. It comes with hand straps so you can carry them around in it, provided they’re not able to jump out of their cage, I mean, sanctuary. If you’re bringing them on a road trip with you, you can turn it into a car safety seat for your pet by attaching the folded bed (with the pet inside) to the car seat directly. This way they’ll be safer and more comfortable when riding in your car.

The bed itself has a striped design to give it a slightly textured surface that makes it more comfortable for your fur baby. It’s made of soft recycled cotton so not only is it eco-friendly but it’s also soft enough that they’d want to lie in it all day long. The straps that you’ll need to attach it to the car is in a pouch attached to the bed in the shape of a bone. Hopefully they will not think it’s a chew toy and eat the “bone” itself.

I will probably never get a pet but I have a lot of friends who have various cats and dogs. So this seems to be a perfect gift for them for special occasions if it ever gets made eventually. Plus there will most likely be a lot of cute fur baby pictures using this which is something I enjoy looking at.

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Feebees Sock Sneakers are the perfect sock shoes for the adults

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Feebees Sock Sneakers

Footwear innovation is real and we can expect more brands and designers will join the bandwagon. It’s more than just a trend, though, as great designs for shoes and sneakers are essential for performance.

Feebees is a company that takes pride in making barefoot sock shoes. We see such kinds of sock shoes being used by babies and toddlers, but there are now adult versions available. The Feebees Sock Sneakers don’t look just like socks; they look more like sneakers because of the thicker soles.

Designer: Fees International

Feebees Sock Sneakers Design

The Feebees Sock Sneakers are also considered sustainable now because they take advantage of a recycling system that turns old shoes into new ones. However, the journey to the final version hasn’t been easy as there have been several stages of development. Here comes the adult version from the original sock shoes for the kids—finally arriving after a decade.

Feebees Sock Sneakers Concept

Several experiments have been done while designs have gone through seven evolutions. Feebees was then able to find the right elastic knitting and a high rebound PU. The result is a pair of ergonomic sock sneakers many people will love.

The Feebees Sock Sneakers can improve your running position. It can also help with your balance and maintain the elasticity of your calves. The sneakers are mainly for running, but they are also ideal for outdoor activities, walking, workout, or everyday use. Each pair gives you the feeling of barefoot walking, which has a lot of benefits.

Feebees Sock Sneakers Details

Sustainability is another goal of Feebees as old shoes are recycled and transformed into new shoes. This means reduced waste and better efficiency. In the sneaker game, sustainability seems to be a recurring theme.

Feebees has used thousands of elastic yarns to fit the parts of the foot. Keeping the shoes lightweight is an innovative PU material used for the insole. It also delivers high rebound, so the shoe performance is top-notch.

The Feebees Sock Sneakers have reached the iF Design Award 2022. The pair is under the Leisure category and is an entry by a Taiwanese company. The Feebees Sock Sneakers are available in different colors: Original 2.0-Olive Green, Purple, Gray, Blue, and Black.

Feebees Sock Sneakers Colors

Many people have already tried the sneakers, and they only have good words. One was able to finish a whole marathon with the shoes. Another shared no swelling and pain, unlike with his other runners. The barefoot feeling makes the pair an attractive choice as you can feel every landing. The sock sneakers are comfortable to wear as if you are not wearing anything at all. A pair fits any foot shape, so it doesn’t matter if you are flat-footed or have big feet because the Feebees Sock Sneakers will offer comfort and support.

Feebees Sock Sneaker Design

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This Portable Energy Storage Power Supply is ready to juice up from the sun

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Portable Energy Storage Power Supply Concept

Almost everything we know is essential to survive must be improved. In life or death situations, essential tools should work. A portable power station may not save a person, but it can help in challenging times.

This Portable Energy Storage Power Supply is designed for outdoor activities. It’s ideal for travel, hunting, or even home emergency use. This 600Wh power station offers several ports that support most gadgets and appliances. This thing comes with solar panels, so you know it’s very eco-efficient.

Designer: ShenZhen XingShiWeiLai Technology

Portable Energy Storage Power Supply Functions

Fully charging the Portable Energy Storage Power Supply with the 30watt solar panels take 30 hours with full sunlight. The power supply station is compact and durable that you can bring it anywhere. It has reached the iF Design Awards 2022 under the Sports/Outdoor/Bicycles category.

We have seen similar power stations before designed with the primary goal of bringing extra power to people who love the outdoors. There were the Flexsolar Powerleaf+ and those EnerVision Power Stations. The SOUL Power station was said to be strong enough to jumpstart your car while charging your smartphone. Of course, we also can’t forget the Generark HomePower 2, a powerful backup battery for the home.

Portable Energy Storage Power Supply Design

The Portable Energy Storage Power Supply appears like a rugged toolbox you usually bring for outdoor adventures. The case comes with a handle that makes it portable and easy to carry. It doesn’t open but the solar panels fold out to start charging. It has a pullout kickstand that makes charging easy as it allows the solar panels to be in the correct position and ready to soak up the sun. Once fully charged, you can plug most gadgets to charge and get some extra juice to last you a whole day.

There are several ports available on the side. We see USB ports, a USB-C port, AC and DC ports, and standard round charging ports. These ports have a rubber cover, so water and dust can’t get in. There is also a small display that shows the battery status or level.

Portable Energy Storage Power Supply

Even the input and output wattage levels can be shown. There are some vents at the bottom we’re assuming are for the heat to escape. The choice of lime green is a perfect and cozier contrast to the black that gives a rugged look and feel. This Portable Energy Storage Power Supply is definitely a “greener” choice since it can charge via solar panels.

Portable Energy Storage Power Supply Features

Portable Energy Storage Power Supply Product

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This circular router tries to be an island of calm and privacy in your room

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Home routers are often depicted as alien or futuristic objects in the room, but this privacy-focused design goes in the opposite direction to bring a sense of serenity instead.

Home networks have changed a lot in the past few years. The number of Internet-connected devices in our houses has multiplied, and that’s just counting the phones, tablets, and computers that connect to a single access point. Smart home devices often need to also connect to that same network, sometimes all of the time, often only occasionally. The more complex requirements of home networks have seen a rise in routers that try to spread the wireless waves across small spaces. Most of these routers are designed to look technical, geeky, and sometimes downright overwhelming. That doesn’t exactly help reduce mental and visual stress at home, which is why this router is designed to look like no other in an attempt to soothe people’s eyes and assuage their privacy fears.

Designer: Kritzer Design Studio

The minimalist and more human aesthetic that has started to grip computer accessories seems to have stayed clear of routers and modems. This class of devices has long passed a point where they could be conveniently hidden in a corner or on a shelf, especially considering how that could affect Wi-Fi network quality. Modern routers, especially the most advanced ones, seem to be designed to call attention to themselves by being more conspicuous. Often that’s through their sharp lines, multiple antennas, and dark, brooding colors.

The Island stands in sharp contrast to this conventional design by being round and white. There is probably no shape that is more calming than circles, so this router has five concentric circles that seem to ripple out of a central sphere. These circles also rise ever so slightly, creating the appearance of a low mountain on top of that island metaphor.

While the Island router is already visually calming, its features are also intended to relieve people’s stress, especially over their privacy on the Internet. The router offers a built-in VPN service that can hide you from malicious actors that try to snoop into your browsing activities and eventually steal your information. Ideally, this VPN is already configured out of the box, so no software or app is needed to get it working, another source of stress for some less tech-savvy users.

The Island smart router is an example of how form can still follow function, even for something as technical as a router. Playing on the metaphor of a resort island that is guarded against unwelcome intruders, the Island tries to invoke feelings of peace and calm that have become critical in today’s workplace and home offices. It doesn’t even need foreboding antennas to transmit its signals, much like many mesh routers today that have eschewed the stereotypical router design. Its minimalist design and more generic form also make it a decorative piece that you can set on your desk or even stick to your wall.

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This minimalist bedside table is definitely too smart for its own good

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After years of being immersed in minimalism, the design world seems to be saying in the other direction to promote the strengths of maximalism. Not everyone is ready to jump ship, however, and some are finding ways to bridge the divide. That often means putting hidden functions in what looks like a pretty bare and barren piece of furniture. IKEA, famed for embracing and capitalizing on minimalism, has already started incorporating smart features into its furniture, like wireless charging or even hidden speakers. Sometimes, however, those hidden features themselves can feel a bit overwhelming, like when a handsome bedside table turns out to have no less than eight functions you have to discover and remember since none of those are obvious at first glance.

Designer: Foshan Shunde Midea

A bedside table is where we often place a night lamp, either for reading at night or for lighting in the darkness. These days, it’s also where we put our phones on as well, sometimes charging them while we sleep. Books and other accessories can also sometimes go on or inside the table’s shelves and drawers. Apparently, those aren’t enough anymore, and some appliance manufacturers are trying to put everything except the kitchen sink inside a small table beside your bed.

There is one attempt to put a mini-fridge in that position that doubles as a bedside table, but that’s mostly to conserve space, especially in hotels. Midea’s Smart Bedside Table admittedly doesn’t go that far, but it has thrown in everything else that it says is related to bedroom activities. Or at least the ones that will help you sleep more comfortably.

The bedside table’s main functions are supposedly for air purification and humidification, something that’s not directly apparent when looking at the beautifully minimal piece of furniture. The “sub-functions,” however, are where things get a bit more out of hand. There’s a hidden wireless charging area on top of the table, but only near the front. The rear area of that surface actually flips open to reveal low-temperature storage with just enough room for a bottle or a few cans. The front area actually does open up to a UV sterilizing compartment for your gadgets or jewelry. There’s also a USB hub, aroma diffuser, and, thankfully, a bit of lighting.

On its own, the Midea smart bedside table is already quite attractive with its wooden body and clean design. You wouldn’t be able to tell that it’s actually hiding a ton of features, which is probably a good thing. “Out of sight, out of mind,” as they say, and having to keep in mind a handful of functions might be the last thing you want to have on your mind before you drift off to dreamland. Hopefully, in peace and undisturbed by thoughts of the drink you stashed away in your secret bedside minibar.

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Living Coffin makes sure we continue the Circle of Life even in death

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Very few people are comfortable discussing matters related to death. In some cultures, it’s even taboo to do that. Despite social mores and psychological hurdles, there are businesses that thrive around the passing of family members and friends. The state environment might be the last thing on people’s minds when burying their loved ones, but it might shock them to learn that, even in death, we continue to harm the planet that has given us so much in our life. Since it’s a rather morbid topic that very few probably want to broach, it took vision, courage, and ingenuity to design a product that offers comfort to the bereaved while also giving back something to the environment, making sure that we continue to live on, even if in a completely different form.

Designer: Loop

Unless we have relatives or friends in the funeral business, we probably never give much thought to what pretty much becomes the last bed our body lies in. Presuming, of course, you don’t go for cremation or other practices and traditions. Few might have given any thought to the materials used for coffins, for example, and simply presume that they eventually decompose and disintegrate along with the human body. That, unfortunately, isn’t the case, and most of our funeral practices, be it burial or cremation, actually continue humanity’s crimes against Mother Nature.

The Living Coffin, which also goes by the less morbid name of Living Cocoon, shatters those misconceptions and even offers a way for people to make amends with the planet once they’ve ended their earthly journey. Instead of the typical materials used in coffins, which often use harmful chemicals or non-biodegradable materials, the “box” is actually made of mycelium. Or rather, the coffin is grown from a type of mushroom that is known for being nature’s biggest recycler.

The idea is not only for the coffin itself to return to the soil but also to transform dead organic matter into nutrients needed to grow plants. Yes, it basically turns your dead body into compost that could nurture new life. Instead of a cemetery filled with concrete, dead matter, and pollution, a burial site can actually become the start of a new forest, with each tree forever marking where your loved one was laid to rest. Inside the coffin is a bed of moss, rather than fabric or plastic, which helps the process along without poisoning the soil.

It is admittedly a novel concept that could unsettle some folks, but it is also a simple yet effective way to make sure that we leave behind a good legacy, no matter how we have lived our life. One of the things that people are advised to do in order to live forever is to plant a tree, but few of us are able to do so during our lifetime. The Living Coffin ensures that we’d still be able to do that after our death and could even have a tree to our own name.

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Solego is a modular solar power system that’s also green in another way

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Many solar power stations and batteries claim to be green because of how they charge, but this modular solar system is really green inside and out.

A lot more people are becoming conscious of their fossil fuel use, especially when they’re actually trying to live off the grid or survive a power outage. Typical gasoline-chugging generators have long been considered to be not only wasteful but also dangerous, especially when used indoors. A need breed of portable power stations has been presenting cleaner, quieter, and greener options that use safer rechargeable batteries for power. To complete the green picture, these can even be charged via solar power. What might be a convenience for hikers, trekkers, and adventurers might be a life necessity for other people in other parts of the world, and that’s exactly what the Solego 2.0 is attempting to bring to regions where the grid is virtually non-existent.

Designer: Menhert Corporate Design

Clean, green, and renewable energy is nowhere more needed than in locations where electricity is not only expensive but also as rare as gold. These are areas where power generators are the go-to solution of homeowners and businesses, which often translates to gasoline generators. These, after all, are nearly ubiquitous, which means they’re easy to find and, more often than not, inexpensive. They are, however, also the worst in almost all other aspects, so more efficient and more economical options are always in high demand.

Solego 2.0 addresses those needs by being green in two ways, with the most obvious being how it charges its batteries from the sun. The design is modular so that each battery “pack” can be stacked or extended to provide more power as needed. There are enough ports and rod-type DC outlets to power any device, though the size of the pack will naturally determine how much juice it can actually send out. Solego itself doesn’t include the solar panels that will charge the batteries, but those are easily available in the market today.

What makes this solar system different from commercial solar power generators is how the design and composition of the product itself are environment-friendly. The top and bottom shells, for example, are made from a bio-based and biodegradable polymer, while the body uses aluminum that can be recycled later on. Although the batteries do contain chemicals, it is meant to use LiFePO4 or Lithium iron phosphate that doesn’t contain rare earths. This is also the same type of battery used in electric cars and most portable power stations.

With Solego, a small community or business can operate off the grid without feeling guilty that they are harming the environment in the process. While the total power output will depend on how large the batteries are, the system’s modular design means that they can be combined if more power is needed, avoiding wasted energy and material in making larger batteries. It’s definitely an interesting take on the current solar power generator trend and will hopefully become a more common consumer product in the future.

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StudyBook kid-friendly laptop comes with a built-in drawing slate and stylus

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StudyBook Child-friendly Laptop with Built-in Pad and Stylus

There are plenty of kid-friendly laptops available on the market, but they arrive with many limits and restrictions. They don’t come complete but that’s expected since children’s use of gadgets should always be controlled. The StudyBook has been designed to be a child-friendly laptop with added features that kids and parents will find helpful. It comes with a built-in pad and stylus, so you can do more with the device.

This StudyBook can be your kid’s very first laptop. It’s not just for watching videos as it can help them learn new lessons and activities even if the learning environment is remote. The pandemic has changed the horizon of education, so parents, teachers, and children need all the help they can get.

Designer: Compal

StudyBook Child-friendly Laptop Tablet Stylus

Everyone needs the proper tools to make learning effective. Even kids need suitable devices and an environment conducive to learning. The StudyBook offers numerous conveniences for the children and the adults as the notebook assists them in learning in clas and be free in getting creative.

StudyBook Child-friendly Laptop Notebook

The StudyBook features a large laptop display perfect for learning. There is a detachable keyboard that reveals a CLCD drawing pad underneath. The large pad works with a stylus so children can draw or write on the surface. The slate doesn’t need any charging, so your kid can use it every time without worrying it will lose power.

This particular laptop has a unique fold-out mirror and camera solution. This allows kids to show off whatever is on the CLCD and share it on screen for others to see. Perhaps it can be their homework for their teachers to see or a new drawing to showcase to grandparents. You can also use it to cover the camera if you prefer, so kids are safe. The clever design makes it an ideal gadget for school because it is convenient to use.

StudyBook Child-friendly Laptop

Since kids may not really know how to care for stuff, the StudyBook’s colorful rubber around the edge will keep the device safe and protected against bumps, scrapes, and drops. This product is undoubtedly making heads turn with its design, features, and functions. It has reached the iF Design Award 2022 and can be found under the Computer category.

StudyBook Laptop

This multi-function laptop from Compal is ready to make the parents’ and guardians’ lives more manageable because of its additional features and advantages. It’s a concept product for now, but we see the potential of this thing. There are no specs, but we can see the standard ports like a 3.5mm audio port, microSD card reader, USB Type-C, USB Type-A, and HDMI. There is a power button on the side that seems accessible and easy to press.

StudyBook

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This BUDDY Portable Lamp is one multi-function lighting solution

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BUDDY Portable lamp Faro Barcelona Design

The term buddy is widely used as it pertains to anyone or anything that can be considered a friend. This new lamp can be a buddy or a friend in times of darkness as it can be many things.

The BUDDY Portable Lamp can work as ambient light and as a flashlight. The top light serves as the primary light source when you need some illumination. The design is versatile with the light available on both sides.

Designer: Andreu Carulla

BUDDY Portable lamp Faro Barcelona Concept Details

The rubber around the light works as a cushion to protect the device when placed on its side. The rubber is available in three colors: Blue, Green, and Gray. The modern style makes it an ideal lighting solution at home and even when going outdoors. It’s a simple flashlight but the design makes it one attractive lamp. You can leave it on a counter or a desk, and it can serve as a home decor or accent light.

Buddy can let you be free and dynamic at the same time. This portable lamp boasts no cables or ties as it is completely wireless. It’s ideal for those with a busy lifestyle or people who like adventures. The design inspiration is lanterns from the 80s and 90s, while the shape is based on the R95 light bulb. The silhouette is classic and straightforward, which vintage design lovers always go for.

BUDDY Portable lamp Faro Barcelona Concept Design

The multifunction lamp goes beyond its aesthetic appeal as it offers a lot of functions if you need better illumination, a flashlight, and ambient light. The flashlight function is provided by the main light, which is ideal for when you want to read. You can also use it at night or in the darkness when you need some lighting.

The light at the bottom is enough to work as ambient lighting. It’s the perfect lighting you can put in the garden when you want to have dinner al fresco and picnic on the beach at night. Then, when you need more light, you can turn on both lights.

BUDDY Portable lamp Faro Barcelona

The BUDDY Portable Lamp comes with a magnetic charger. The lamp uses a 3W LED bulb with 2700K 260Lm and it can also support a dimmable 5V IP20 Class III bulb. The material used is a polycarbonate body with an opal polycarbonate diffuser and an opal white finish. It is priced at €98.62 which is about $108. The product design has reached and has been recognized at the iF Design Award 2022. Faro Barcelona has already listed the BUDDY Portable Lamp, so it’s now ready for purchase HERE.

BUDDY Portable lamp Faro Barcelona Concept

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