Tag Archives: pod

Futuristic-looking chair concept immerses you in a world of sound

Posted on by

People are now becoming more aware of how poor-quality audio can ruin an otherwise impressive movie or game, but we can only do so much when we’re trying to experience these activities at home. Headphones and earbuds try to use smart algorithms to recreate the effects of 360-degree surround sound, but that’s only an approximation at best. You can also deck your TV room with the latest in Hi-Fi audio equipment but also lose some privacy in the process. There’s almost no middle ground, at least if you think of conventional solutions. This odd spherical chair is one such unconventional solution that tries to offer the best of both worlds to plunge you into your own personal listening space.

Designer: Swift Creatives Studio

The problem with ordinary home speakers and earbuds is that they often just blast sound in a single direction, either from our front or our sides. The way we naturally hear, however, is to take in all the audio waves around us, Which is why surround sound systems put multiple speakers around the room to emulate that effect, but at the expense of everyone within hearing range knowing what you’re doing. It would be nice if you could just sit inside a bubble and have the 360-degree listening experience without sacrificing your privacy, which is exactly what the XEO POD is promising.

Looking like a hollow polygonal sphere with its front chopped off, the pod-like chair actually hides as many as 20 speaker cones underneath the textile surface that lines the interior of the futuristic-looking furniture. It’s like having a mini surround sound system, one that’s confined to your immediate personal space to prevent sound from leaking out and bothering others. There’s a retractable overhead camera that can track your head’s movement and adjust the delivery of the sound instantly, giving the illusion of being in the middle of the scene whichever way you look.

The XEO POD isn’t just made for listening, though; it’s also made to make that activity as comfortable as it can be. Despite the hard, spaceship-like exterior, the upholstered interior offers comfort and style, regardless of the way you sit. A few extras also take the experience to whole new levels, like a swivel arm mount for a 42-inch TV and a side table with a built-in cup holder and wireless charging.

As a chair, the XEO POD isn’t limited to just one position either. You can sit upright while playing games or recline comfortably when watching a film. The pod will support you and make you forget about your surroundings, fully immersing you in the audiovisual experience in front of your very eyes and ears.

The post Futuristic-looking chair concept immerses you in a world of sound first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Single-Person Acoustic Pod Offers Solo Workspaces In Modern Offices

Posted on by

Honestly, in time I’ve really come to love office pods or work booths. Office pods have gotten supremely popular ever since COVID-19 hit, not only do they create little isolated spaces to work in, but they also provide a whole other level of privacy, that would have been otherwise unimaginable and completely unattainable in a commercial office. There are quite a few versatile options on the market when it comes to office pods, and a pretty neat one I recently came across is the Phone Booth Acoustic Pod.

Designer: Room

Acoustic pods have become a pretty common sight in corporate offices these days, and I hope this initiative is here to stay. Workplace furniture brand Room recently made an addition to the arena of acoustic pods in the form of the Phone Booth Pod. The Phone Booth is a single-person acoustic pod that offers solo workspaces in open-plan offices. The Phone Booth is the first product designed in Room’s catalog and it features three sound-dampening material layers that reduce noise by 30 decibels, to create a quiet and peaceful work environment.

The Phone Booth is clad in sound-blocking MDF and lined with a sound-absorbing PET which is created from recycled plastic bottles. These features in addition to 100 percent natural wool finishes help to control the noise levels and form a soothing workspace. A LED light has been mounted in the ceiling, alongside two super quiet fans to maintain a clean air level inside the booth. The light and the fans can be controlled and operated via a smart sensor.

The Phone Booth acoustic pod is available in two colorway options – light and dark, both of which are accentuated with oak accents. The acoustic pod is delivered in a flat-packed form and can be assembled within an hour by two people with the help of only one tool. The acoustic booth can also be easily moved between locations with ease once it has been assembled. The Phone Booth acoustic pod would make an excellent and functional addition to modern workspaces, providing employees with solo work booths where they can enjoy some peace and quiet without being disturbed.

The post This Single-Person Acoustic Pod Offers Solo Workspaces In Modern Offices first appeared on Yanko Design.

Kia Pod concept separates into three modules for work, socializing and relaxation

Posted on by

In the ever-evolving dynamics, we are secluded when it comes to social interactions in the real world. Partly attributed to the overindulgence in mobile devices and hectic work-life. Traveling is the only time when there’s scope for interacting with your loved ones or having the much-needed Me Time in the utmost relaxing environment.

The Kia Pod embraces the work-life balance in perfect harmony with the idea of a concept that is divided into three separate modules. That freedom of multiple modules fused into a vehicle is only feasible in complete autonomy, and we are talking of the possibility once Level 5 autonomy becomes a standard sometime in the future.

Designer: Junseok Park

The idea revolves around a compact mobility design that brings forth a new experience in a monotonous daily routine. This is done with the three separate pods for socializing, working and resting. Junseok imagines a large fleet of such Kia vehicles that permit the user to perform their preferred activities in interaction with others.

Separating into a Work Pod, Meeting Pod and Relaxation Pod – the Kia concept employs movable support wheels to stay in place. In the work mode, the front seat reconfigures into a desk to place the laptop, while the side desk is raised up from the vehicle floor for having a good talk. When it’s time to relax after a long journey, the seats recline for relaxing in peace.

In the normal driving mode, all three separate modules attach autonomously for the next long drive. While there are other similar pod concepts that take relaxation and lounging to another level, in a constricted space, the Kia concept opens another dimension of openness.

The post Kia Pod concept separates into three modules for work, socializing and relaxation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sleek + good looking acoustic pods are the future work booths of modern offices

Posted on by

Honestly, in time I’ve really come to love office pods or work booths. Office pods have gotten supremely popular ever since COVID-19 hit, not only do they create little isolated spaces to work in, but they also provide a whole other level of privacy, that would have been otherwise unimaginable and completely unattainable in a commercial office. There are quite a few versatile options on the market when it comes to office pods, and a pretty neat one I recently came across is the Arche acoustic pod.

Designer: Leet Design

Designed by the French workplace brand Leet Design, the Arche acoustic pod is a high-tech, soundproof, and sleek-looking work booth. It was designed in collaboration with designer Marouane Sadki. The Arche acoustic pod comes in two intriguing variants – a two-seater meeting pod, and a single-person phone box-style booth. Although, both of the booths do share similar aesthetics, and have a distinct rounded exterior silhouette made from recycled steel. The two versions feature glass panels on both sides and smart ventilation technology which ensures a steady air flow inside the booths, to prevent them from getting hot and stuffy.

The pods have also been equipped with other features such as adjustable lighting, a thermal presence detector, a decibel sensor, an LED vacancy indicator, and a ‘confidentiality threshold’ – which notifies users when noise levels inside the pods become too loud. All the various features can be controlled using a digital dashboard, which allows convenient calibration, based on the user’s individual preferences, as well as remote updates to maintain the steady performance of the booth.

“With its innovative features, adaptability, and emphasis on sustainability, the Arche + pod is poised to redefine workplace privacy and comfort, making it an essential addition to the offices of the future,” said Leet Design. The booths have been developed and built in France while laying a strict emphasis on sustainable materials. The pods can be disassembled and assembled for maintenance purposes, or to lengthen the lifespan of the product, making it quite easily manageable design. The interior finishes of the pods can be customized with a diverse range of upholstery and colored finishes to ensure the pods harmoniously merge with the interior style of the office.

The post Sleek + good looking acoustic pods are the future work booths of modern offices first appeared on Yanko Design.

This minimal white office pod can be folded down in three steps and stored away when not in use

Posted on by

Honestly, in time I’ve really come to love office pods. Office pods have gotten supremely popular ever since COVID-19 hit, not only do they create little isolated spaces to work in, but they also provide a whole other level of privacy, that would have been otherwise unimaginable and completely unattainable in a commercial office. There are quite a few versatile options on the market when it comes to office pods, and a pretty neat one I recently came across is the Mono study pod.

Designer: Philip Bogaerts and René Vullings for Bogaerts

Designers Philip Bogaerts and René Vullings designed the Mono study pod for the office furniture brand.  The Mono study pod functions as a sound-dampened workspace that can be folded and stored away. The designers designed the Mono pod to be a flexible and mobile furniture piece, that can be folded down in three simple steps. The minimal white study pod features a high back and is available in an option of single or double-sized seat which has been neatly integrated into the back wall.

“Mono is ideal for usage in spaces where temporary extra working settings are needed or it can be installed permanently. By using the integrated linking system, the Monos can be placed facing the front or front and back to create a more individual setting,” said Bogaerts. The Mono pod also comes in different variations, for example, the T version has a fold-out table and has been amped with optional wheels for easy transportation. Whereas the Mono Desk and the Mono Phonebooth versions feature desks on the back wall – at both seated and standing heights.

The pods have been constructed from plywood and recycled PET felt which provides them with their sound absorption quality. The various individual pods can be linked and connected together to create a unified workspace configuration. The Mono pod has the ability to provide employees with their own private workspace, allowing them to veer away from workplace distractions. However, at the same time, since the pods can be linked together, it does create a unified sense of space, where employees have their own personal space, while staying connected with the rest of the office.

The post This minimal white office pod can be folded down in three steps and stored away when not in use first appeared on Yanko Design.

This versatile garden office pod will help millennials strike the work-life balance they so badly need

Posted on by

Anthony Hodson designed the Dzome to tackle the frustration and boredom people began to feel while working from home during the pandemic. Although offices have slowly begun to open up, there are a large number of people who still work from home, or follow a hybrid model of working – one which involves working at home, and at the office. In such a scenario, it can still be difficult to maintain a work-life balance, since you do tend to spend a lot of your time confined to your home. Hodson’s Dzome is an effort to help us strike some work-life balance, and alleviate some of the monotony and stress we experience with the same old daily schedule.

Designer: Anthony Hodson

So, what is the Dzome? The Dzome is a versatile garden office pod, that provides you with some personal space and time when you need a break from the everyday hustle-bustle. It offers a moment of rest on an otherwise hectic day. The pod is inspired by nature and the Fibonacci sequence’s Golden Ratio. It features a geometrically intriguing curved facade crafted from weatherproof steel segments.

The steel components have been made to overlap, creating a rather interesting arrangement. The steel used to build the segments is galvanized, which allows the light to reflect, and also provides resistance to harsh weather. The space functions primarily as an office, however, it can be used as a sleeping pod, or to simply chill, or even play games in! You could also use the versatile space as a yoga room.

The interiors of Dzome are well-lit, creating a space that is conducive to productivity and is imparted with a sense of tranquility Light plywood finishes add a warm and minimal feel to the pod. Double-glazed windows define the structure, and a dome accentuates the curved pod even further. The dome features a peaking skylight as well. The pod took over four years to be conceptualized, and the first prototype was a 1:15 scale model that was set up in eight weeks! All the various components were prefabricated in Hodson’s workshop, arranged in a kit, and then assembled and set up on site. And this year, we will see a limited collection of 10 pods being released. Grab one if you’re interested!

The post This versatile garden office pod will help millennials strike the work-life balance they so badly need first appeared on Yanko Design.

Porsche Design lounge chair is a geeky napping pod for workaholics

Posted on by

Porsche Design’s timeless elegance and functional design reflects in the fair share of furniture pieces the creative house has released so far. Adding to the growing list of furniture designs in Ferdinand Alexander Porsche’s brand collection for home and office.

Taking the elegance of the brand name into the smart furniture design territory for public spaces, or for that matter, Porsche’s own lounge space is this relaxing sofa pod that can be oriented in any set of configurations.

Designer: PDF Haus and Suhyeon Kwak

The design team has penned this lifestyle office furniture for Porsche Design’s resting area to create a balance between work and rest. The design of the pod completely secludes the user from the rest of the world, and doesn’t miss out on the geeky aspect. This ergonomically comfortable chair supports the user’s lower back and shoulders depending on the body shape for complete relaxation during breaks. It also comes with a recliner function for the odd nap to recharge the body’s battery.

There’s space on one side of the chair to keep books, tablet or snacks. A wireless charging island gives you complete freedom to stay put in place in the pod if you get anxious when the mobile device battery starts to dip. On the outside of the lounge chair, the ambient light changes color depending on the active status of the user. Each of these lounge chairs can be used individually or arranged in any configuration as desired.

Contrasting monochrome color variations of the lounge chair in light and dark grey will go well with any amenity space. Of course, it keeps up with Porsche Design’s signature monochrome hues, matched with the clean lines. The leather upholstery is elegantly done to keep up with the Porsche Design DNA, and maintain the definitive element of automotive sportiness too.

The post Porsche Design lounge chair is a geeky napping pod for workaholics first appeared on Yanko Design.

This reconfigurable travel pod is your personal lounge, reading nook or even a gym

Posted on by

We are slowly inching towards a future where smart mobility dominated by social spaces will be the hot trend. Of course, autonomous driving is going to be the ruler all along, since you as a rider get some me time to unwind after a long day at work.

Just imagine sipping coffee with close buddies on a mobile café, reading your favorite novel while heading to your parent’s place, or even working out in a mobile gym to make the most of your spare time while in commute back from the office.

Designer: Jin Jin

The PIX Robobus moving pod for urban mobility is a prototype resulting from the deep desire to have moving zen-like interiors suited for the mood. All this while commuting with 4-5 other fellow passengers. The idea of the designers is to have a broad network of PIX Robobus fleet that makes connected city commuting feasible. This is why the ultra-agile four-wheeler is tailored for urban commuting – specifically for 3-5 kilometers of travel, making it the perfect shared mobility solution for sightseeing, industrial parks, university campuses or airports.

It’s not just about transporting people from point A to point B, but rather a moving environment for individuals to enjoy daily adventures of life. The Robobus doesn’t isolate the riders from the outside world – as in, they can enjoy the outside views. It’s more about “Intelligent Mobility”, according to the designers. There are two rows of seats on each side in one configuration with elements incorporated to bring an airy feel to the interiors.

The platform that the moving pod sits on is designed in a way to leave maximum space for riders to use and the in-wheel motors further assist in this build. These wheels can move individually for tight city commuting or parking in tight spots.  There’s a skateboard-like chassis that makes the wheelbase and wheeltrack reconfigurable. Thus, the pod can also be assembled together to have more platform space, for it to be used as a lounge area, gaming space, or a makeshift motel. That’s if someone wants to buy it for personal use. The possibilities are limitless.

PIX Robobus will have an estimated range of 70-100 km on a single charge and speeds anywhere between 15-30 km/h. So, we can expect a very deep-rooted network of Robobus pods in passenger transport configuration, dotting the metropolis of the future.

The post This reconfigurable travel pod is your personal lounge, reading nook or even a gym first appeared on Yanko Design.

This autonomous travel pod boasts minimalistic design + organic social interactions

Posted on by

Lately, we’ve seen a number of mobility concepts that promote lounging and interiors advocating social interaction. The Agora-e mobility concept is yet another future-forward city commuter that lays emphasis on personal social interaction. Envisioned to bring a zero-emission autonomous means of transportation to Hong Kong and the thickly populated suburbs of Southern China, the pod will set the example for sustainable transportation in the other major metropolis as well.

Dubbed Agora E, the electric ride is inspired by the public gathering spaces in Greek cities. The naming convention comes from the word “agora” which means to “gather together.” More like a pod, the autonomous four-wheeled public transport vehicle has an interior that triggers instant conversations and meaningful interactions. There’s a continuous circular seating in green color, wherein the passengers sit facing each other, and the inward space is left open for luggage, wheelchair, or standing passengers.

Designer: Andrea Ponti

For the standing passengers, there’s a circular rail on top of the roof to hold onto for those bumpy rides. Agora E, unlike other similar travel pods – envisioned for future cities – this concept keeps things to the bare minimum. There are no interactive screens or over-the-top inclusions that in practical usage will not make much sense. There’s only one display that shows the current routes in the waypoints to keep passengers updated about their destination, and the real-time weather. There are clear glass doors and a tinted roof to keep the interiors of this travel pod well lit. This makes sense during peak hours of traveling so that passengers don’t feel bogged down or congested.

Cities in the future will undoubtedly be more crowded than ever, so Andrea has kept the design compact – more on the elongated side and with less width. The wheels on the electric commuter are on the smaller side for agility and a shorter turning radius. Agora E will help in breaking the ice for travelers after a long day’s work – that is, if they’re not glued to their smartphones, ignorant about what’s happening in their periphery!

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!

The post This autonomous travel pod boasts minimalistic design + organic social interactions first appeared on Yanko Design.

Headspace POD gives you space for distraction-free meditation

Posted on by

In one of the episodes of the now-canceled (but brilliant) Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, their office had these pods where an employee could lock themselves in if they wanted to take a nap or get away from everyone else. It seemed like a perfect thing to have at the office except that it looked pretty claustrophobic since you had to close the “cover” to get yourself away from everything. But a pod that could help you relax and have some me-time seems like a good idea, especially now when some companies are going back to work at their headquarters.

Designers: Mike & Maiike

A “progressive industrial design studio” has partnered with meditation app Headspace to create the Headspace Pod, a piece of furniture that can help you meditate without any distractions. It looks like a giant mailbox with its arc-shaped structure but with a comfortable-looking cushion seat inside. There is also a cushion at the back so you will feel more relaxed as you try to calm yourself down or wash the stress away with the appropriate meditation.

There are no screens within the pod or any device to plug in your headphones or earphones. The idea is to not bring anything with you while you meditate and to not have any distractions while you do so. They installed a built-in directional audio that you will only be able to hear when you’re inside the pod. Within it, you will only see three buttons that you can choose from: relax, refresh, and focus. Each meditation lasts 10 minutes, which may be enough time to give you time away from your work.

They designed the Headspace Pod not for your living room or bedroom but for public places like in offices, universities, building lobbies, hotels, co-working spaces, event places, and other spaces where people might need to take a break. While you can always plug in to the Headspace app on your phone, there’s something about sitting upright inside a pod and listening to curated meditations depending on what you need at the time.

The fact that it’s still partially open may not be comfortable for some people but for someone who’s not such a fan of tiny, enclosed spaces, this is the perfect pod to have. If you do see a Headspace Pod somewhere in your area, would you try it out?

The post Headspace POD gives you space for distraction-free meditation first appeared on Yanko Design.