Tag Archives: minimal design

The stork chair brings birds of all feathers together in schools and offices!

Posted on by

Storks are birds we mostly read about in childhood books, but designer Krishna Rammohan turned it into a minimal chair that is loved by children and adults alike! Accurately named Stork, this birdlike seat fits in any setting be it work or play. The idea for the chair was born alongside Rammohan’s newborn nephew and she wanted to create a space where he could play, study, and grow with the furniture that surrounded him.

While the design originally began as a chair meant to transform elementary school classrooms into more free-flowing and collaborative spaces, Stork chairs can flock together in any space – common rooms in offices, coffee shops, and homes. Stork reimagines current day seating options and addresses the pain points associated with fixed table seating typically found in classrooms. “Students should experience the 6Cs, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication, connectivity, and culture. The future classroom is about collaboration, flexibility, and sharing experiences with one another. The birdlike stool, therefore, provides kids and teachers with a moveable, highly adjustable seat to freely move and study on. I believe kids should have objects around them that seem whimsical, almost coming out of a storybook, to inspire them to dream bigger,” says Rammohan.

Stork is the result of the harmonization of two forms – the pouf is a comfortable plush seat that provides the user with 4 directions of sitting which encourages collaboration and community-building through the ease of interaction. The beak is a smooth, robust form that functions as a small desk that can conform to the user’s ever-changing seating position. “I began with two volumetric cardboard mockups. One is a modular seat that featured a side slit that could afford adaptors like backrests, personal tables, and pockets. The other mockup was an early version of Stork with a small personal table and a cylinder seat,” explains the designer. She made 3 more cardboard full-scale mockups pushing the ergonomics and human factors of the Stork seat before landing on the final design that would use ribbed plywood and woolen upholstery.

The simple chair forms an instant emotional and joyful connection with its user – you are no longer sitting in a grid of boring chairs but a flock of colorful birds!

Designer: Krishna Rammohan

stork1

stork2

stork3

One time telling dot is this minimal wrist watch’s most defining feature

Posted on by

When it comes to new concepts for iconic fashion staples, like watches, it’s important for the design to stand out. Now, sometimes that means ornate details and intricate decoration, but sometimes it’s just the opposite. As is the case for the new visual timepiece concept, Sans. Turning minimalism into the design’s distinguishing attribute, Roshan Hakkim, the creator behind it, says, “Sans is a concept watch, which [aims to distill] the watch face to the bare minimum; ‘One dot replaces two hands.’”

You won’t find any hour, minute, or second hand on this watch, in fact, the watch is named after the French word for “without.” Sans is a stainless steel concept watch that offers a relaxed alternative approach to telling time, you’ll know the hour and relative minute throughout the day, but not too much else. This is the perfect watch for outings that don’t require cell phones, time-limiting itineraries, or for those of us who prefer a bit more wiggle room when it comes to our personal schedules. Replacing the numbers that typically surround the watch face are laser etched dots and replacing the rotating clockface pointers, also known as “hands,” is a single circle that represents each hour of the day. Instead of the gradual transition from one hour to the next, this watch jumps every 5 minutes. For instance, in order to indicate a time of 2:30, number two will remain above the 30-minute marker. This minimalist approach to telling time is not so much an aesthetic decision, even though the design is both airy and elegant, but more so one rooted in a “celebration of purity,” as described by Hakkim on his Instagram.

Timepieces are classic and will most likely stand the test of, well, time. Sans brings an exciting, fresh revamp to the traditional timepiece by stripping it down to its bare essentials. Besides, checking your phone for the exact time only leads to even more time spent on the touchscreen. With Sans, you might feel encouraged to forget about the details, the seconds, the minutes, if only for a moment, and to just live from hour to hour.

Designer: Roshan Hakkim

Uncle Iroh approves of this bamboo-inspired tea set!

Posted on by

You already know Uncle Iroh would 100% approve of this simple bamboo tea set, he would probably give you a wise lesson on being like bamboo as he brews his tea! I can already hear his voice saying “Zuko be like bamboo, resilient, flexible, and versatile.”

This tea set will appeal to any minimalist looking to add zen to their kitchen and their life. Designed for a luxury hotel brand located in southern China’s natural treasure—Jintan District, it is a nod to the scenery and bamboo fields. Jintan is known to have some of the best bamboos and high-grade green tea, both these natural gems are blended into this one tea set. “We perfectly interpreted and integrated the bamboo shape with the tea set for tea ceremony. The minimal bamboo-shaped tea set showcases the elegant contour of the product and the features of the tea set as well,” explains the team. It includes a teacup, a teapot, and a tea spoon that can all be stacked on top of each other to create your own bamboo. The little leaf/green shot is a thoughtful detail turned into a spoon that highlights the elegance of bamboo.

The stacking is symbolic of the layers of different steps of a traditional tea brewing process. It gives you a chance to enjoy the gradual progress and appreciate it – as Uncle Iroh would say, the tea is the reward.

Designer: RONG Design

teaset

The MINUS calculator explores extreme minimalism without sacrificing functionality

Posted on by

How much can you take away from something before you’ve taken away too much? The MINUS Calculator is a great example of a no-frills design that’s so incredibly simplistic, it seems like a monolithic slab of plastic, but it’s a sleek, minimal-yet-fully-functional calculator.

Making a product better isn’t always an additive process, it’s sometimes also subtractive. The MINUS calculator doesn’t come with buttons, color-coded keys, or even a screen for that matter. Everything manifests within the slick, monotone block that is the MINUS. The numbers are bas-relief molded into the calculator’s front panel, and a powerful LED screen shines through the panel’s translucent plastic. The only break in the calculator’s surface is in the top left corner, where the “=” button sits. The MINUS calculator also comes with a battery gauge built into its side, and a proprietary magnetic contact-pin charging port at its base that lets you snap the charger to it whenever it’s low on juice.

Designer: Telekes Design

Turn this flat metal disc into a bowl with your bending powers!

Posted on by

Ever wanted to feel like you were a bender from Avatar or had some crazy powers like the Avengers? Well, you can pretend to have that but it will only be limited to the bending of this brass disk called Push! Fundamental Berlin runs on the philosophy of creating homeware inspired by the mathematics of nature and we are here for it.

Push is a flat brass plate that can be molded into a bowl, a shallow dish, or simply even used as a coaster. What makes it unique is that you can bend it to suit your needs. Apply the slightest bit of pressure and turn it into a tray for your accessories or an alternative for your fruit basket! The flexible disk can turn into a vessel and is actually delivered to you in a letter envelope. It is space-saving for your shelves or tables as you can easily reverse its shape and put it back, or, you could use it as an accent piece when you have guests (I would say swap that plastic toothbrush holder for Push or maybe use it as a candle stand!).

True to the company’s philosophy, Push is a combination of mathematical geometries and the quality craftsmanship that is available in three different metal finishes – brass, steel, and blue. It also comes in different sizes and sets – a large 24 cm diameter (Push) a medium size 15 cm diameter (Push Solo), a bubble shape (Push Trio), and a set of three small round bowls, one in each color (Push Mini). Level up your home decor game as well as your bending skills with this minimal, elegant metal disk!

Designer: Fundamental Berlin

Click Here to Buy Now!

A minimal black iron loft adds a modern element to this Japanese town

Posted on by

At the foot of the rolling hills in Miyazaki, Japan sits a minimalist black house designed by Atelier Kento Eto for a family of four. This black house blends in with the scenic mountains and at the same time stands out in the neighborhood of Kadogawa.

The modern loft is wrapped in black corrugated iron and is a perfect square 8×8 meter cube that reveals little from the outside. The dark exterior is a contrast to the bright white interiors that open up to the light and nature with two large sliding doors. The client wanted to accommodate their desire to host their friends into the floor plan so the house has been built around a double-height entertaining area which is where the gatherings will happen. The ground floor features an open plan living, kitchen and dining area on one side and a bathroom, washroom, and storage area on the other side. Sliding wooden doors at either end of the central hall allows it to be opened up to the outside to make the space larger and airier.

“By connecting the central hall and each room through openings on the walls and the ceilings, the boundaries between the rooms are obscured and openness is maximized within the limited volume”, explains the team of architects. A minimal white staircase leads to the second floor where the residents have their sleeping area that can be accessed via metal bridges suspended across the central area below. Aside from the central sliding doors, just one window on to an upstairs bedroom marks the building’s exterior. “In addition to connecting the east and the west wings overhead, these thin bridges function as a device to stimulate one’s physicality and curiosity in an interior space,” the architects continue, “vertically connecting with the hall and offering views at different heights”.

It is unique in the most subtle ways and makes the most of the natural setting in terms of color, ventilation, light, and styling elements. The loft almost has a mystery box feeling where there is a purposeful surprise hidden in every little detail.

Designer: Atelier Kento Eto

This Apple-inspired conceptual camera is the bridge between DSLR cameras and smartphones

Posted on by

Ever wanted more than a phone camera but less than an advanced camera? This conceptual Apple-esque iCamera perfectly fits that gap! DSLR cameras can be daunting if you are just starting out but if you want to learn beyond the simple point-and-shoot then this camera is the perfect stepping stone into your visual art journey.

Get those professional shots without having to study the manual and watch several YouTube videos, the iCamera aims at breaking down the complexity of advance cameras to make people comfortable with the idea of shooting with a gadget that is not their phone. “It increases your ability and easily leads you to the world of cameras,” says the designer about the gap he wants to bridge with this concept design. The designer wanted to simplify the existing advanced cameras’ user experience by making the body more compact and lighter. The bulk of the lens is reduced but it still includes the revolving functionality to zoom. However, now you can do it comfortably with just a finger. It also aims to make transferring your files easier through cloud-based technologies – that one tedious task every photographer hates to do but has to do. So say goodbye to HD cards, setting up Bluetooth, and keeping a track of multiple accessories that one usually needs to transfer. It charges wirelessly and has a handy flash that attaches magnetically to the body!

The idea revolves around letting you control everything with one hand. The ergonomic form and intuitive design make the process of creativity flow smoothly. The iCamera was envisioned with the latest technology like triple lenses (wide + normal + zoom) and highly calibrated sensors so you don’t have to rely on carrying additional lenses. It also features WiFi connectivity and eSim so you can share your memories from wherever you are. I love the idea of the iCamera, it is the perfect gateway into advanced photography and the right solution for businesses that have creative requirements which can be met without buying unnecessary equipment. This camera is basically Goldilock’s perfect mid-range choice!

Designer: Cha Hee Lim

Scandinavian design-inspired portable cabin that looks good from every angle

Posted on by

Unlike the SpaceX astronauts, we can’t leave this planet and 2020 behind, so we do the next best thing – get a tiny mobile home, and that way at least you can deal with your problems while having a good view. It also makes quarantine easier if you live in a big city. Tiny homes have so many advantages and their popularity is only rising, unlike their square footage. The Base Cabin is a perfect picture of the modern tiny home with its minimal Scandinavian aesthetic and sleek build.

Studio Edwards’ Base Cabin gives the micro-living designs a whole new angle – literally! The angular shape of this tiny house on wheels makes it stand out while still being subtle. Inspired by the typical A-frame cabins in the woods and airstream trailers, this little home is built on a tri-axle trailer. “The A-frame is structurally efficient and uses less material than conventional portal framed buildings. Mute in its appearance and clad in black rubber makes it blend into its surroundings,” says the team.

Don’t be fooled by its size, the Base Cabin comes fully equipped with a queen-size bedroom, living room, bathroom, and kitchenette. The angular paneling makes for a cozy bedroom setting with the A-frame roof. The roof lights help conserve energy and the accordion-like windows open up completely to make the home more spacious and airy. It is perfect for minimalists or anyone who is looking for a change of space, view, and possibly people after quarantine. Tiny homes and huge advantages!

Designer: Studio Edwards

This conceptual gadget works like Uber for parking spots!

Posted on by

How many hours of your life do you think you have spent finding parking spots? According to a study, we spend around 75 hours a year trying to find parking. The one thing I am enjoying during quarantine is not looking for an empty space for my vehicle. I am not sure how I will return to the world where there is a constant quest for parking spots but when I do, I want to enter the arena with Parkey – a conceptual shared-parking device which helps you find a spot in seconds! This Apple-esque controller can solve one of the biggest stressors of commuting.

Looking for a free spot not only wastes time but also increases gas emissions in the atmosphere. Inevitably there is a rise in traffic which raises air pollution levels given that most of our cars still run on combustion engines. Parkey uses this opportunity to design a device that can ease the stress on our lives and the environment. Many spots are not used all round the clock and by sharing these spots, the owners can make extra income while helping the community. What makes this device unique is that is doesn’t require any physical tech to be installed in the garage door, instead it uses a configurable RF controller that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth to share the spot.

The controller was designed to be minimal and portable. It has a slim build like one of your smart home appliance remotes and also features a keyring for convenience. The keyring also fits into the USB-C charging port for charging but will also be made compatible with wall chargers and wireless chargers. If you have the controller, then just post about your spot on the Parkey app and configure the gadget by activating your current RF controller. This enables the Parkey controller to recognize the frequency and securely link it to your ad on the app. You can book parking spots just like you would schedule Uber rides. Then on the day of the reservation, you would connect your Parkey controller to your phone via Bluetooth in order to match the RF frequency to open the door – simple! I now have hope for 2020.

Designer: Nacho Castillo Moreno

This article was sent to us using the ‘Submit A Design’ feature.

We encourage designers/students/studios to send in their projects to be featured on Yanko Design!

This kettle-inspired dehumidifier solves the tedious process of emptying water

Posted on by

Our home appliances are getting more efficient by the day. To stand out in the competitive market, any appliance has to be either be a multifunctional product or be a portable version of its predecessors – and if you have them both in one product, you have a winning design. That is exactly what makes the Humi Pot a product design concept set for success because it combines the best parts of a dehumidifier with an electric kettle.

An appliance is universally loved when it is easily usable which means the fewer steps or behavioral changes it takes, the faster it will become essential in our lives. That is the idealogy the Humi Pot functions on as well, it took the simple inherent gesture of tilting the kettle to pour and applied it to how we use a dehumidifier. The action and function of the two appliances were then mechanically merged to give us a dehumidifier that is inspired by the functional form of a kettle. This solves one of the most cumbersome things about using a dehumidifier – the emptying of the water which now becomes a one-step process. So to empty the water in the Humi Pot, you simply pour the collected water out by slightly tilting the appliance. Cleaning is easy too, just detach the top part and rinse the container like you would with a kettle. Unlike the traditional dehumidifiers, this does not require multiple steps to separate the product parts and put them all back. It is also is very convenient for elderly living without assistance.

Since it is portable, you can set it anywhere you like and it doesn’t have to be tied down to a plug point on the wall. The cheery ergonomic build will brighten up your space up instantly unlike the dull, bulky traditional ones. The Humi Pot serves as a modern dehumidifier while saving space and time because of its smaller, more portable form and the elimination of steps that saves time.

Designer: Seongmin Kwon