Tag Archives: industrial

Blocky Wi-Fi router concept is inspired by smokestacks factory

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Usually, we don’t really think of where to place WiFi routers since they just look like ordinary devices. It doesn’t matter where they are placed as long as it does what it’s supposed to do. They’re also not that well-designed anyway so it’s better to hide them away. But what if the router’s design is actually well thought out and can actually be part of your decoration?

Designer: In Je Lee

This is the idea for the Wi-Fi router concept called Complex ‘1’ which has found inspiration in the most unlikely places: a factory smokestack. The designer says that just like the chimney diffuses the smoke, the antenna of this router spreads the Wi-Fi signal throughout your space. There is really no direct correlation between the two of course except that he got the cylindrical shape inspiration from the smokestacks.

Instead of the usual slim antennas that you see on routers, this one actually looks like a lego piece, with the square body and the two cylindrical and asymmetrical antennas. It also comes in a bright, yellow color so if you display it on your desk or shelf, you can get a spot of color in your space. It also has a clock on it so you can use it for another purpose. There’s a small, orange button at the back for resetting or toggling the clock on and off.

This is an interesting take on the common router, which is usually hidden under or behind stuff because it’s not that aesthetic. This way, since you’ll display it in the open, there’s no interference with the signal reception. Well, hopefully there will also be other colors since not everyone is fond of this kind of yellow.

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Library Lamp puts a sleek modern spin on a classic lighting fixture

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It might be a foreign concept to those born in the age of the Internet and smartphones, but libraries were once the only place where you could get voluminous amounts of correct information. Of course, these institutions still do exist, especially in schools and universities, but the image of a quiet room with shelf after shelf of books might seem odd and even eerie to some. There are aspects of this imagery that have almost become iconic over the decades, such as the archetypal metal-encased lamp used not just in libraries but even in banks. Those lamps would naturally look antiquated on modern desks, so this design reinterprets that classic concept into something that pays homage to the past while also embracing the aesthetics of the present.

Designers: Ben Kicic, Emilio Halperin

The Library Lamp or Banker’s Lamp had a singular purpose: to illuminate the reading material or papers in front of the user without disturbing or distracting others nearby. As such, it often has a softer, less glaring glow than most desk lamps would have today, while still offering enough brightness, especially at night. Of course, these lamps reflected the design trends of that period, which were often more ornate than practical. It would make for a good decorative desk piece, but would still look out of place in today’s workplaces.

This redesign takes the spirit of the library lamp and inserts it in a form that embodies more modern industrial aesthetics, particularly the use of simple shapes and curves as well as unpainted milled aluminum. Instead of a single elaborate stand, the trapezoidal lamp shade is held aloft by two slim arms that also serve to hide the lamp’s internal wiring from plain sight. These parts stand on a horizontal block of metal that has a subtly concave surface that serves not only to diffuse the light but also to hold small objects like keys, pens, and other knickknacks.

In addition to its sleek modern appearance, the Library Lamp also incorporates modern technological conveniences. In particular, the base, arms, and even the lampshade itself are touch-sensitive, providing physical controls without the need for disruptive buttons and switches. Just like its forebear, the lamp gets the job done with minimal fuss and confusion. It also looks quite striking as a representative of the dominant design trend of its period, adding a touch of beautiful minimalism and industrial design to any desk, workspace, or shelf.

The post Library Lamp puts a sleek modern spin on a classic lighting fixture first appeared on Yanko Design.

Library Lamp puts a sleek modern spin on a classic lighting fixture

Posted on by

It might be a foreign concept to those born in the age of the Internet and smartphones, but libraries were once the only place where you could get voluminous amounts of correct information. Of course, these institutions still do exist, especially in schools and universities, but the image of a quiet room with shelf after shelf of books might seem odd and even eerie to some. There are aspects of this imagery that have almost become iconic over the decades, such as the archetypal metal-encased lamp used not just in libraries but even in banks. Those lamps would naturally look antiquated on modern desks, so this design reinterprets that classic concept into something that pays homage to the past while also embracing the aesthetics of the present.

Designers: Ben Kicic, Emilio Halperin

The Library Lamp or Banker’s Lamp had a singular purpose: to illuminate the reading material or papers in front of the user without disturbing or distracting others nearby. As such, it often has a softer, less glaring glow than most desk lamps would have today, while still offering enough brightness, especially at night. Of course, these lamps reflected the design trends of that period, which were often more ornate than practical. It would make for a good decorative desk piece, but would still look out of place in today’s workplaces.

This redesign takes the spirit of the library lamp and inserts it in a form that embodies more modern industrial aesthetics, particularly the use of simple shapes and curves as well as unpainted milled aluminum. Instead of a single elaborate stand, the trapezoidal lamp shade is held aloft by two slim arms that also serve to hide the lamp’s internal wiring from plain sight. These parts stand on a horizontal block of metal that has a subtly concave surface that serves not only to diffuse the light but also to hold small objects like keys, pens, and other knickknacks.

In addition to its sleek modern appearance, the Library Lamp also incorporates modern technological conveniences. In particular, the base, arms, and even the lampshade itself are touch-sensitive, providing physical controls without the need for disruptive buttons and switches. Just like its forebear, the lamp gets the job done with minimal fuss and confusion. It also looks quite striking as a representative of the dominant design trend of its period, adding a touch of beautiful minimalism and industrial design to any desk, workspace, or shelf.

The post Library Lamp puts a sleek modern spin on a classic lighting fixture first appeared on Yanko Design.

Industrial Design Trends: From Past Innovations to Future Possibilities

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The field of Industrial Design (ID) revolves around crafting products and services that are intuitive for users worldwide. Industrial designers prioritize aesthetics, functionality, and ease of manufacture, striving to enrich daily interactions. Whether for personal or commercial use, every item undergoes this transformative process, aimed at enhancing lives through thoughtful design.

Designer: Tamarit Motorcycles

Lets delve into the history of Industrial Design:

What historical factors and practices contributed to the evolution of industrial design as a distinct field?

Designer: Allbirds

• Before industrialization, product design was primarily determined by individual craftsmen’s skills, client requirements, and experience.
• The division of labor was evident in pre-industrial times, with specialized workshops producing standardized goods.
• In the 16th century, pattern books emerged, providing decorative designs for a variety of products, and fostering competition.
• Drawing became a method for specifying construction details during the Italian Renaissance.
• By the 17th century, centralized monarchies like France were backing large government-operated manufacturing facilities such as the Gobelins Manufactory. This patronage extended to court porcelain factories in the 18th century, but with the scale of production increasing, individual craftsmanship often suffered.

Who is the founding father of Industrial Design?

Image courtesy of: Linnean Society of London

Christopher Dresser (1834-1904) is considered the pioneer of industrial design. He was the first independent industrial designer, recognizing the potential of the Industrial Revolution before his German counterparts in the Modern Movement. Dresser’s groundbreaking journey to Japan, appointed by the British Government, reshaped his design approach and inspired the Anglo-Japanesque style in England. His diverse portfolio spanned furniture, textiles, ceramics, glassware, and metalwork, showcasing his versatility and forward-thinking mindset. Despite the conservative Victorian society, Dresser’s courage and vision propelled him to success, establishing him as a design icon with tastes beyond his time.

This silver teapot was created by Christopher Dresser and crafted by Hukin & Heath in Birmingham, with its design registered on May 6, 1878, and the production took place between 1878 and 1879.

Images courtesy of: Daniella on Design

The teapot, designed by Christopher Dresser and produced by James Dixon & Sons in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Created around 1879, it features electroplated nickel silver and ebonized wood.

The glazed earthernware bowl, envisioned by Christopher Dresser and crafted by the Linthorpe Art Pottery in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire was produced between 1879 to 1882.

What is the history of Industrial Design?

Industrial design’s roots stretch to the early 1900s amid the industrial revolution’s onset. The 1920s witnessed flourishing design across sectors like automotive engineering and electrical appliances, with artists enlisted to elevate aesthetics. The term “industrial design” may have originated in The Art Union journal in 1839. Make a note that the Industrial Revolution, originating in late 18th century Britain, rapidly spread worldwide, transforming agrarian societies into industrialized economies marked by mechanization and urbanization

Designer: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (Weissenhof Estate)

The Deutscher Werkbund, founded in Munich in 1907, united architects, artists, industrialists, and designers. It aimed to boost German companies’ global competitiveness by integrating mass-production techniques with traditional craftsmanship. Hermann Muthesius, a German architect, is credited with conceiving the idea.

Designer: Walter Gropius (Bauhaus building, Dessau)

The Bauhaus, founded by Walter Gropius in 1919, was a pioneering school in Germany that fused fine arts and crafts education. It significantly influenced industrial design, typography, interior design, and architecture, emerging as a dominant force in modern design. Operating in Weimar (1919-1925), Dessau (1925-1932), and Berlin (1932-1933), it left an indelible mark on creative disciplines.

Amidst the Great Depression of 1929, industrial designers seized an unforeseen chance to demonstrate their abilities. This severe global economic downturn, spanning the late 1920s to the 1930s, brought widespread unemployment, poverty, and a drastic decline in industrial output, along with major disruptions in global trade. In this challenging era, Frederick W. Taylor, a mechanical engineer, played a pivotal role in bolstering industrial efficiency.

What are the current trends of Industrial Design?

The top industrial design trends include:

1. Sustainable Industrial Design

Designer: Ikea

Sustainable design encompasses developing products or services based on economic, ecological, and social sustainability principles. This E3 variable, emphasizing Equity, Economy, and Ecology, sets it apart from eco-design, which focuses solely on environmental sustainability. It involves responsibly using natural resources to meet present needs without compromising those of future generations. Sustainable design plays a crucial role in achieving design strategies that support a high quality of life, sustainable production, and environmental awareness.

2. Technology and Innovation

Advancing technologies like 3D printing, virtual and augmented reality, generative design, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing industrial design. 3D printing enables rapid prototyping and complex designs, while VR and AR enhance visualization and collaboration. Generative design leverages algorithms for innovative solutions, and IoT embeds smart functionality into products. These technologies not only streamline the design process but also foster creativity, efficiency, and sustainability, shaping the future of industrial design across diverse sectors.

3. Human-Centered Design

Designer: Stan Deng

Human-centered design (HCD) is an approach to problem-solving utilized in process, product, service, and system design, focusing on involving the human perspective in all stages of the problem-solving process. It aims to make systems usable and beneficial by prioritizing user needs, and requirements, and applying human factors/ergonomics, as well as usability knowledge and techniques. HCD enhances effectiveness, efficiency, human well-being, user satisfaction, accessibility, and sustainability while mitigating potential adverse effects on human health, safety, and performance. It involves stages like observing the problem within its context, brainstorming, conceptualizing, and implementing solutions.

4. Minimalism

Designer: BKID co

Minimalism has become increasingly popular in industrial design, emphasizing the removal of excess elements to focus on essentials, resulting in intuitive, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing products and spaces. This approach resonates with consumers drawn to the sleek, uncluttered aesthetic. Simplicity defines minimalist designs, making them easy to use and understand. By stripping down designs to their core features, minimalism maximizes impact while reducing clutter and improving functionality. Additionally, this design concept can reduce costs and production time by eliminating unnecessary features.

5. Inclusive Design

Designer: Quantum

Inclusive product experiences are shaped by a thorough understanding of user backgrounds and abilities, promoting a sense of belonging. Inclusive design methodologies aim to cater to diverse user needs, considering factors like accessibility, age, culture, economic situation, education, gender, geographic location, and language. By empathizing with users and adapting interfaces accordingly, inclusive design generates inclusive design patterns, ensuring a more accommodating user experience.

6. Biomimicry

Designer: John Mauriello

Nature serves as a rich source of inspiration for many designers, offering evolved intelligence and innovative solutions. Biomimicry in industrial design involves emulating characteristics or strategies from nature to address various challenges. From materials to systems and technologies, nature provides valuable insights for creating sustainable and efficient designs. By studying natural forms and processes, designers can develop innovative solutions that mimic the efficiency and effectiveness of biological systems. This approach not only offers aesthetically pleasing designs but also promotes sustainability and resilience.

7. AI in Industrial Design

Designer: Shail Patel

AI-generated product design involves leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to generate novel product designs, presenting a transformative opportunity for designers by streamlining the process of conceptualization. While current technology has its limitations, it proves most beneficial in the initial stages of innovation, enabling rapid visualization and testing of new concepts, thereby expediting the design process.

Industrial design encompasses a transformative process wherein design principles are utilized to conceive products, subsequently manufactured through specific procedures. This multifaceted career field involves crafting a diverse array of globally utilized items, spanning from equipment to objects and services, fostering creativity in the creation and production of goods.

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Screw-shaped table lamp offers a unique and tactile way to control your light

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There are some designs and interfaces that seem to be so intuitive that there’s almost no question about how to use them. Babies have an inborn knowledge on how to breast feed (even if they have no clue why or when), lever-type switches leave no doubt about what to do to turn something on or off, and the grooves on a screw’s body, a.k.a. its “threads,” hint that it’s something that needs to be rotated or twisted. These intuitive interfaces often have a fixed purpose and use, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be applied to something totally unrelated. This industrial-style table lamp, for example, uses not just the metaphor of a screw but even its mechanism to offer a more personal and direct way to dim or brighten your surroundings.

Designer: Jamie Wolfond

Even when it comes to appearances, the Set Table Lamp already sets itself apart from the crowd. Especially when its lampshade is at its lowest point, it looks nothing more than a gigantic screw standing on your table or shelf. Apart from the standard tall body and wide shade composition, it’s not exactly a design you’d expect from a lamp, even one with a striking industrial style. Unlike lamps that just let you look at it to appreciate its design, this one looks like it’s inviting you to interact with it, which is exactly the point of the design.

The lamp’s screw design isn’t just cosmetic but is actually a key part of its function. The light that comes from the lamp’s cylindrical body shines upward toward the lampshade and is bounced off to illuminate your surroundings. The shade’s shape isn’t typical either in that it’s a very flat cone with its tip facing downward instead of the umbrella-like shades of most lamps. This not only reflects light around the lamp rather than just downward, it also mimics the design of a screw head more closely as well.

Most lamps these days have a dimming feature that often requires turning the lamp on and off to cycle through different brightness levels. It’s an unintuitive and tiring method that leaves no room for finer adjustments. In contrast, the Set Table Lamp’s unique design works in its favor because you can simply turn the shade to lower or raise it, thereby dimming or brightening the light it gives off, respectively. And you do this not with a switch but with an easy motion of “screwing” the cap around the body’s grooves.

With today’s smart lighting products, such a design might seem impractical or even obsolete, but how many such smart lamps can boast of such a beautiful and “personal” lamp? The remote and indirect control of smart lamps takes out the human element in designs, somewhat ironic for products made for human living space. Set Table Lamp offers a more tactile experience that gives humans the feeling of agency and control that they are losing little by little to automation and AI.

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Palais de Tokyo artisanal objects are open-ended art and functional pieces

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When it comes to furniture and accessories, most people probably look for things that are functional rather than just decorative. Of course it would be nice if it can be both but for those that are more concerned about budget and usage, then the former is more important. But there are also products that serve more as decoration or art pieces that also has a secondary function as an actual piece of furniture or accessory that you can use.

Designer: Aequo Design

The OBJ Collection from the Palais de Tokyo is one of those that are derivative products that look more like art pieces that belong in an actual museum. They were commissioned to present the essence of the modern and contemporary art museum into miniature artwork that can still serve some function if the user so wishes to use them. But their purpose or function are actually “open-ended” so it’s up to the user to use them whichever way they want, therefore making them part of the creative process.

For example, the travertine stairs sees several blocks put together as “stairs” so you can use them as a candle holder, bookends, or whatever else you can use it for. The Zinc container, which is made from actual zinc pipes, can serve as a flower vase, pen holder, or even just as a design for your desk if you’re into the aluminum aesthetic. There are other things in the collection like concrete columns, powder coated rod, and a stainless steel pin, which you can use whichever way you want.

The design company says that there are two levels of reading the objects in the OBJ Collection. The first is to your “memory of the place”, which probably means how you interacted with the artwork in the Palais de Tokyo. The second level is where the function of the object comes in. It would be interesting how they will actually be used by people who buy these artisanal pieces.

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Industrial Product Design Trends For 2024

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Industrial design is always at the forefront of innovation with a perfect blend of creativity and functionality. As industrial design continues to evolve, here are some developments that are shaping the future of industrial design. Discover how creativity and functionality blend to shape the future of products and experiences.

Designer: ErgonBand

Human-Oriented Design

Human-centric design is driving industrial innovation, with designers prioritizing user needs, emotions, and behaviors. By integrating user perspectives into the design process, industrial designers are brilliantly creating solutions that deeply resonate with consumers. The best part about human-centric design is that it integrates user research, empathy mapping, and testing to create intuitive products. This trend is evident in smart devices, wearables, and adaptable interfaces, enhancing user experiences.

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Wearing watches on wrists is standard, but discomfort can arise, especially with smartwatches. An Apple Watch accessory relocates the device to the back of the hand, reducing wrist strain. Its ergonomic design benefits athletes and those needing frequent wrist movement. However, practical challenges exist, such as the need for alternative screen activation methods. Despite this, the accessory offers a unique solution for individuals seeking a more comfortable way to wear their smartwatch.

Biomimicry

Nature inspires bio-design and biomimicry in industrial design. Bio-design incorporates living organisms into the process, creating innovative materials and structures. Biomimicry emulates nature’s patterns and processes to solve design challenges, resulting in breakthroughs like self-healing materials and sustainable manufacturing.

Designer: Rishikesh Sonawane

Drawing inspiration from the fog-basking beetle, the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter embodies biomimicry, advanced materials, and smart technology for a sustainable future. It transcends functionality, merging aesthetics with innovation through its modular design. Crafted meticulously from Plexiglas and Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), it ensures durability and water retention. The aluminum 6063 base provides stability and corrosion resistance.

Sustainable Design

With a focus on environmental concerns, sustainability has become paramount in the design industry as sustainable practices are being adopted to cut waste, reduce carbon footprints, and foster a circular economy. This involves maximizing material and product lifespan through recycling, upcycling, and waste reduction. Designers are exploring eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient manufacturing, and product life cycle analysis. Integrating renewable energy, smart energy systems, and recycled materials showcases industrial design’s role in creating a greener future.

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Designer: Fuhua Wang, Weichih Chen

Lamps and lighting fixtures not only illuminate but also shape ambiance, often through their shades or materials. While conventional lampshades are commonly made of glass, metal, or plastic, innovative alternatives exist. The Ondina sustainable pendant lighting utilizes recycled ocean-bound plastics, resembling terrazzo with vibrant specks. Its translucent blue layer, evoking ocean pollution, complements its wavy shape reminiscent of water waves, creating a visually captivating design.

AI Integration

The integration of AI and machine learning in product design opens up new avenues for customization and user interaction. These technologies analyze vast data sets, informing designers’ decisions and facilitating personalized products and experiences. The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT) has profoundly influenced industrial design. These tools are employed to develop highly personalized and interactive products while also enhancing production processes for greater efficiency.

Designer: Joss Fong and Áron Filkey/courtesy Space10

Despite varying opinions on Artificial Intelligence, exploring creativity in this era is captivating. While AI won’t replace creatives, it offers tools for innovation. Space10, funded by Ikea, explores AI, augmented reality, and Web3. Using generative AI, they experimented with futuristic designs based on old Ikea catalogs, potentially inspiring future products. However, human intervention remains crucial for practicality and functionality. Collaborating with generative AI, like Ikea’s partnership with Space10, can inspire new product development while emphasizing human creativity alongside technology.

Designer: Ostloong

Skiing gear has evolved, but there’s still room for augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the experience. Zurich-based Ostloong’s Sirius smart goggles integrate AR and AI seamlessly, providing skiers with vital information directly in their field of view. With a full-color AR display designed for outdoor use, the Sirius goggles revolutionize safety and communication on the slopes, showcasing the transformative power of AI in augmented reality.

Celebrates Minimalism

This trend emphasizes minimalist design principles, incorporating clean lines, basic shapes, and subtle aesthetics to produce products that are both timeless and highly functional.

Designer: Julian Topor

Furniture occupies space, often unused. However, designs like the KURVE collection combine aesthetics with functionality by incorporating storage spaces. Utilizing minimalist curved plywood layers, these designs create hollow areas for storing items without complex construction. The KURVE chair features a backless box for its bottom half, all crafted from a single sheet of layered plywood bent to form support structures.

Designer: Addi

Sometimes, finding a place to sit can be a challenge, especially when space is limited. Perching seats offer a solution by providing a brief respite without the commitment of sinking into a full chair. Lumber takes this concept further with its minimalist design, offering style and comfort without monopolizing space. Its flame-proof wool upholstery ensures easy maintenance, while color-matched metal legs add a touch of elegance. With a built-in side table, Lumber enhances both relaxation and functionality in any setting.

Inclusive Design

By prioritizing the full participation of people with disabilities and other marginalized groups in society, inclusive design takes into account the varied needs of users, aiming to create products accessible to all.

Designer: Nick Fitzpatrick

The handle-on-one-end design of kettles poses challenges for disabled individuals or those with reduced strength or dexterity. Nick Fitzpatrick’s ‘Inclusivitea’ kettle addresses these issues by redesigning the traditional shape. Featuring two handlebar-shaped arms, it simplifies both filling and pouring. The kettle comes with a stand for brewing and dispensing tea directly into cups, preventing spills. Each set includes containers for various ingredients and a cup with an extended rim for comfortable gripping.

Personalization

With the increasing demand for personalized and bespoke products, designers are providing more customization choices to cater to individual user preferences.

Designer: Min Soo Kim

This toaster redefines the act of “raising a toast” with its customizable features. Designed by Min Soo Kim, the Home Party Hoaster lets users personalize their toast with pre-engraved messages, images, or emojis. Resembling a Vifa speaker, it features slots for bread and stencil plates, with a touchscreen panel for adjusting toast crispiness. Once toasted, the unique message is reverse-etched onto the bread, offering a novel and personalized start to the day.

Digital Fabrication

Digital fabrication and prototyping technologies, including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, and robotic arms, allow industrial designers to swiftly create physical models or products from digital data. These tools streamline the experimentation, iteration, and refinement processes, offering faster, more cost-effective, and more accurate results than traditional methods. They also empower designers to develop complex, customized, and innovative solutions tailored to diverse user needs.

Designer: Martin Zampach

Traditional 3D printers have size limitations, hindering the creation of larger designs. However, the LOOPS collection of coffee tables utilizes 3D printing robots to overcome this obstacle. By employing a looping motion, the robot arm constructs intricate layers of composite material, enabling the formation of organic geometric shapes. This innovative approach expands the possibilities of 3D printing beyond conventional boundaries, allowing for the creation of larger and more complex objects.

In conclusion, industrial design is rapidly evolving due to technological advances, changing consumer behavior, and a growing focus on sustainability. Designers must prioritize blending aesthetics with functionality and integrate sustainable practices with the digital revolution.

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Wedged-shaped full metal keyboard is inspired by the Flatiron NYC landmark

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Computer keyboards are designed for utility primarily, with aesthetics often coming in second place if at all. Considering its purpose, that’s not exactly puzzling, but there are thankfully fresh new designs that are giving keyboards more refreshing visuals without changing the standard formula in any way. There are, however, also bolder attempts at carving a completely different character for the humble keyboard, without losing any of its functionality, of course, creating a product that is as much a work of art as it is a piece of engineering. One such piece is this all-metal “Icebreaker” keyboard, presenting a rather radical approach that aims for maximum impact by distilling the design down to its bare essentials, resulting in an almost brutalist form that takes its cues from that iconic steel-framed building in New York City.

Designer: Denis Agarkov (Serene.Industries)

The earliest computer keyboards came with a chunky wedge shape, not for the sake of appearances but almost out of necessity. It offered a naturally inclined plane that was more ergonomic than typing on a flat surface, although the designers of that period may have not been completely cognizant of that. It’s a design convention that today’s keyboards implement using foldable stands in order to accommodate varying user preferences as well as sleeker styles and thinner profiles.

The Icebreaker, in contrast, is unapologetic in embracing that wedge shape and does so in an almost extreme way. It’s actually more of a triangle than a wedge, with the angle facing the user presenting an edge that looks sharp enough to chop wood or even break ice, hence the name. The inclined plane naturally forces your hands to type at a fixed angle, but unlike the first keyboards of old, the design comes with built-in wrist support. When viewed from certain angles, like when the keyboard stands upright on one of its sides, it resembles the Fuller “Flatiron” Building in New York, a piece of architecture that is famed for its unusual shape that represents a cast-iron clothes iron.

Just like that building, or perhaps even more so, the entire keyboard is machined from aluminum, including the keycaps. Unlike your typical keycaps, these are completely concave circles. Even more interesting, the marks on the keys aren’t in the middle but are off to the corners, created using 300-micron micro-perforations. There are no other markings on the keyboard, no color or even backlighting, giving it an industrial aesthetic that borders on brutalism because of its raw, full metal appearance.

Of course, The Icebreaker isn’t just for show and it actually has one feature not found on most keyboards. There’s a programmable dial off the left of the keyboard, a useful tool for creators who constantly scroll through menus and options. It’s definitely an interesting piece of computer equipment, at least visually. Its actual usability and ergonomics, however, are still to be judged when the product actually becomes available for purchase.

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NEOM coastal resort and hotel concept looks straight out of a sci-fi movie

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High-rise buildings seem to be the trending design in architecture, but some visionaries plan to take that to the extreme. Concepts and even actual construction of buildings seem to defy logic and physics in order to create a striking skyline that will be remembered for centuries. With their riches and resources, countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia seem to be in a race to erect towering structures that will provide not only shelter but also the ultimate luxury, unlocking vistas that would be unimaginable by current standards. The latest dream to be revealed would take root on the Gulf of Aqaba in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where not just one or even two but three towers will rise like sharp needles that pierce the heavens to offer a lavish escape from the stresses of the future.

Designer: NEOM

The Gulf of Aqaba, which forms one of the northern tips of the Red Sea, paints quite a dramatic picture because of the marriage of two geographical extremes: a coastal strip and a desert plain. Erecting skyscrapers would mar this picturesque scenery, but having just two creates an even more striking effect, like alien obelisks rising from the sands to act as portals to other worlds. It is perhaps not by coincidence that NEOM describes the Epicon as a gateway to the future, particularly the future of hotel and resort tourism for the region.

The main structure of the hotel concept is two asymmetrical towers, one 275 meters (902 feet) in height, the other only 225 meters (739 feet). The 41 key hotel and luxury residences comprise 14 suites and apartments and the two towers are connected by an elevated platform with exposed structural beams. In fact, the entire design of the Epicon towers has this industrial aesthetic from a distance, enhancing the mystique of the structure and creating a distinctive skyline that easily promotes the resort by itself.

This key motif is also employed in the Epicon resort that lines up the coastal shore, featuring 120 rooms and 45 residential beach villas. The single tower mirrors the twin hotel skyscrapers on a smaller scale, creating a play on perspective that serves to magnify the imposing presence of the twin towers. The distance between these two amenities generates an atmosphere of adventure and travel when going from one location to the other as if journeying between different worlds connected by a common vision and culture.

This otherworldly theme is especially evident at night when those structural beams are illuminated to create a visual not unlike futuristic towers from science fiction. It’s designed to invoke feelings of awe, wonder, and curiosity, inviting people from all walks of life to lose themselves in a luxurious experience away from the mind-numbing routines of daily life. The resort and hotel may be envisioned to offer first-class experiences and world-class service when it finally opens its doors, but Epicon’s design alone already entices visitors with epic moments of luxury, peace, and inspiration.

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