Top 5 Note-taking Accessories To Efficiently Store And Process Your Notes

What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. And if you’re someone who works better with taking notes and jotting down your plans and ideas, then this collection of note-taking accessories and designs is for you! From a personal whiteboard that lets you take notes anytime anywhere to a levitating pen – these accessories are a must-have for your desk.

1. The Note

This small desk whiteboard is dubbed the Note, and it enables you to take notes with complete efficiency. The unique note taker isn’t an ordinary note taker, and features a few tricks up its sleeve to make your workday fun!

Why is it noteworthy?

The “whiteboard” twists or rather flips over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down. One side can have a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other can be plain, or they can have the same design on both sides. As with any vertical slate, you can also place sticky notes on it, in case scribbling notes down on paper is quicker for you.

What we like

  • Equipped with a multi-purpose vertical screen you can use to view the time, calendar, and appointments

What we dislike

  • The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that may be important in some people’s fields of work

2. Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit

If you’re looking for the perfect product to effortlessly capture, process, and store your notes, then you’ve reached the right spot! Meet Grovemade’s newest note-taking kit!

Why is it noteworthy?

Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit is essentially a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, accompanied by a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, as well as a vertical organizer that will store your notes until you’re ready to use them – this keeps your workspace neat and tidy in the meantime.

What we like

  • Keeps your workdesk neat and tidy, helping you complete your important tasks first

What we dislike

  • Will occupy a lot of precious real estate on your desk

3. Wipe

This unique and innovative whiteboard notebook is equipped with its own eraser so that you can write, erase, and write over and over again!

Why is it noteworthy?

Wipe takes this simplicity and cuts it down to a smaller and more personal size that’s a little bit smaller than A4 paper. Despite the more portable size, the idea is still the same. You write on it, take a photo that you could save or send to the cloud, erase it, and write again. It’s fast, simple, and doesn’t require preparation, just like good, old paper.

What we like

  • Features a newly developed Mag Force system that combines magnets and rubber bands to create a handle that also functions as a pen holder

What we dislike

  • You’ll need to use a dry-erase or whiteboard pen instead of a permanent marker

4. Japanese Paper Memo Block

The Japanese paper Memo Block is perfect for capturing those itinerant thoughts of yours that may otherwise escape you.

Why is it noteworthy?

With no other markings, not even grids or lines, this white Memo Block lets you focus on the simplest task at hand, jotting that note down before you get distracted again. And with its smaller footprint, it’s easy to put a block of paper anywhere on your desk, in any position or orientation, so that it will always be within easy reach when your Muse or your colleague visits you.

What we like

  • Its pure black surface challenges the mind as if daring it to put an unconventional and exciting new thought on paper
  • Uses high-quality Japanese paper revered by many stationery connoisseurs

What we dislike

  • At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad

5. Levitating Pen

Dubbed the Levitating Pen, the grand writing instrument, the pen is equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, making the pen rigid and easy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience for you.

Why is it noteworthy?

When done writing, you close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!

What we like

  • Quite easy to hold and write with
  • Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster

What we dislike

  • The pen has smooth edges that may cause it to roll off when kept on a curved surface

The post Top 5 Note-taking Accessories To Efficiently Store And Process Your Notes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 innovative + impressive products to bring the best of Japanese design to you

In the past couple of years, Japanese design philosophy and principles have been discovered by the rest of us, and since then they have slowly but surely taken over the world. There’s something about products with a Japanese touch that instantly makes you feel at ease. They have a sense of warmth and tranquility to them, one that spreads in the space that they’re placed into. There’s something surreal and relaxing about Japanese-inspired products, that just makes you want to introduce some minimalism into your life.  And we’ve got you covered with a collection of innovative Japanese designs – from wearing aids to stationery! Whether you’re looking for a lovely levitating pen or a Japanese rubber gear that helps people relearn to walk after an accident– these beautifully designed products are all you need to introduce some Japanese functionality, practicality, and peace into your daily life!

1. The Levitating Pen 3.0

The Levitating Pen 3.0 does complete justice to its name. The pen seems to be suspended in its holder at a 23.5-degree angle and is designed to be a luxurious and grand writing instrument that features a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which makes the pen rigid and also super easy to hold.

Why is it noteworthy?

When done writing, you close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!

What we like

  • The pen is super fun to interact with
  • Relatively easy to hold and write with
  • Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster

What we dislike

  • We wonder how ergonomic or comfortable the pen would be to use for longer durations of time

2. The Lightbone Floor Lamp

Designed by FÄRG & BLANCHE for Oblure, the Lightbone Floor Lamp is inspired by a bamboo forest on a trip to Japan, and features an interesting and unique focal point – the connection point between the spherical glass globes and the wooden sections, which also gave birth to the name of the lamp.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can place the lamp next to your sofa, or place multiple Lightbone Floor Lamps to create a cluster of lamps that look like a miniature and imitation Japanese bamboo forest.

What we like

  • Is available in custom color options, so you can create a lamp or group of lamps that perfectly match the interior decor style of your home

What we dislike

  • No information on how to replace the light bulbs once they die out and need to be changed

3. Mecricco Catch

Designed by Plus, these interesting elastic page-turning aids are called Mecricco Catch, and they help you turn your paper products with ease. The page-turning aids have an outer rib, that allows you to hold the paper firmly, while the inner rib ensures that your fingers don’t slip while you’re flipping.

Why is it noteworthy?

The elastic page-turning aids feature a concave curve at the bottom, that lets you freely move your fingers as you flip. It has been equipped with holes as well, to provide ventilation, so your finger has some room to breathe.

What we like

  • This is useful for those who have some sort of exquisite nail job that you need to protect even as you flip money or paper

What we dislike

  • If you have gone entirely digital, then this is something that you probably don’t need

4. Tri Light

This stunning lighting fixture is called the Tri Light, and is a modular sculptural light inspired by the Japanese shoji. What is the Japanese Shoji? It is a door, window, or room divider in the form of a paper screen, used quite popularly in traditional Japanese architecture.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Tri light features an interesting honeycomb-like structure that directly drew inspiration from a shoji. It is designed to be expanded and configured in different configurations and customizations.

What we like

  • The lighting design can be divided into multiple zones, allowing each zone to be configured to radiate different light strengths and temperatures

What we dislike

  • No personal customization options in terms of materials and colors
  • Unsuitable for homes and spaces with smaller footprints

5. The Futto

Designed by Yoshihiro Yamada, the Futto is a rather odd-looking yet ingenious wearable rubber gear that helps your muscles relearn to walk after an injury, or for the elderly.

Why is it noteworthy?

It “replaces” the muscles that you use for walking and strengthens the weak points that may need some support, as guided by a specialist like a physiotherapist. It is not a replacement for rehab exercises but it will be able to help strengthen your walking muscles.

What we like

  • Helps to “straighten” your posture by creating abdominal pressure from the corset, while the rubber stabilizes the lower limbs and stretches the spine
  • Not heavy to wear

What we dislike

  • Can seem weird to onlookers if taken out of context
  • The aesthetics can be improved

The post Top 5 innovative + impressive products to bring the best of Japanese design to you first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 sleek kitchen appliances to create the best + streamlined cooking process for you

If you’re a passionate lover of cooking, or you’ve recently kickstarted your cooking journey, and want to accelerate it even further then you’ve reached the right place. Having an efficient and streamlined cooking process is the key to preparing dishes that simply taste excellent! And the number one aid you need in having an effortless process is an arsenal of great kitchen appliances.  With the right kitchen tools and appliances, cooking can be an increasingly fun and simplified process. The right products can reduce your prep time in half, make the little cooking tasks much easier, and help you with tedious and complicated techniques. From a versatile kitchen aid that will help you cook great meals without the mess to an aesthetic coffee machine that lets you experience the brewing process – these innovative and exceptional appliances are all you need in your kitchen.

1. The COit

Designed by LG, the COit is a robot that functions as a hub in your kitchen ecosystems. The innovative robot can be used by novices and professional chefs, functioning as an autonomous device that shifts the focus from videography back to cooking – which is the primary goal of entering a kitchen.

Why is it noteworthy?

The COit features a mountable rail with a circular display that is encircled by a projector, light, camera, and an intelligent grip. All the various modules can be moved freely and independently on the small rail, covering the entire prep area or keeping them away from the fire and vapors.

What we like

  • The various clip-able modules feature built-in magnets that can be customized in orientation, depending upon your requirements

What we dislike

  • Food over the globe has such diversity, trying to standardize the recipe as per one instruction set would impact the diversity of that dish

2. The SplatterDōm

Designed by Anna & Eric Lubomirski, the SplatterDōm is a revolutionary kitchen product that completely transforms and redefines what a splatter guard can and should be. It is a height-adjustable guard that extends over the sides of your pot or pan upward, making sure that no mess is created to ruin your stovetop.

Why is it noteworthy?

What sets the SplatterDōm apart from other regular splatter guards, is that it provides complete access to the food that’s cooking inside, letting you stir, add ingredients, and watch your food get cooked. The innovative product comes in two sizes to fit 8-inch & 10-inch or 10-inch & 12-inch cookware, allowing you to use your favorite pots and pans, without missing out on the mess-free goodness.

What we like

  • Made of BPA-free, 100% FDA-approved food-grade silicone, it can withstand temperatures of up to 450°F
  • Can be used in microwaves to heat up leftovers or cook fast dishes

What we dislike

  • There is always a risk of placing the SplatterDōm on the heat directly, causing it to melt

3. The ORIGIN Health Pot

Designed by RITE, the ORIGIN Health Pot transforms the mysterious depths of Chinese tea culture into a real and tangible product. The ORIGIN Health Pot is designed to restore the ritual sense of Chinese tea culture. It beautifully incorporates the principle and aesthetics of tea ceremonies.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ORIGIN Health Pot features a detachable split tea tray, that makes it super convenient to drink tea in compact spaces or on the go. This unique and innovative feature allows the Pot to seamlessly complement various lifestyles while preserving the essence and beauty of Chinese tea culture.

What we like

  • Allows you to enjoy and appreciate the artistry and tranquility of Chinese tea culture

What we dislike

  • Not the best option for those who like a simple, quick, and prompt tea preparation routine

4. The Brew

Dubbed the Brew, this automatic coffee machine helps you prepare your coffee, while also providing you with an entire sensory experience to go along with it, including the taste, aroma, and visuals.

Why is it noteworthy?

Because it has an open dripper, the aroma that comes from your coffee beans will spread within the room, which is what coffee lovers prefer. And since the top is open, you’ll be able to have a good view of the entire process, which includes an indicator light and then a series of chimes to add to the aural experience.

What we like

  • Operating the machine is supposedly easy enough as you will be able to choose between regular, strong, and iced options

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics of the coffee machine are boxy and traditional

5. The Vario Wine Cabinet

The Vario wine cabinet is a sophisticated and elegant wine cabinet designed to create a strong and impressive architectural statement. Designed by Gaggenau, the cabinet is a well-designed, visually appealing, and highly functional option to protect your favorite wine from all the deterrents of the outside world.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Vario wine cabinet is equipped with three independently controllable climate zones that mimic the cellar environment or create the perfect wine-drinking temperature.

What we like

  • Equipped with extendable oak and anthracite aluminum wine trays and warm, glare-free LED lighting featuring five preset options to display the exquisite collection placed within

What we dislike

  • An extremely space-consuming design not well-suited for smaller kitchen spaces
  • No customization options for colors

The post Top 5 sleek kitchen appliances to create the best + streamlined cooking process for you first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 smart storage solutions to efficiently + effectively organise your home

One problem that never seems to leave us, especially if you’re living in a major city – is the lack of space! If you’re an independent millennial who recently moved out of their family home and into their own, then a major issue that you may be dealing with almost every day…is space constraints in your own home. Our modern millennial homes have many virtues, but one thing they lack is space! Space constraint is something most of us end up dealing with every day. Smart storage solutions can be lifesavers in such tricky and compact situations. And to make your lives easier, we’ve curated a whole collection of storage solutions that come in the form of furniture designs that, to be honest, are going to completely organize your home. Not only do these products comfortably store your belongings, but they’re also perfect for displaying those special items that you don’t feel like shutting away in a dusty cabinet. From a slithering sculptural table with smart storage surfaces to an ottoman stool with a built-in storage shelf– these innovative storage and display solutions are the additions your home needs.

1. The Cobra Table

Doing complete justice to its name, the Cobra table was indeed inspired by a cobra. Designed by Deniz Aktay, the Cobra table is created to be artistic and sculptural, but also functional.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Cobra table could function as a small center table or a more suitable side table. It doesn’t have much of a footprint, and it has a snake-inspired form that is accentuated by a rather meandering shape.

What we like

  • No component or surface space of the Cobra table is left useless or unused

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept!

2. The Allieva Desk

WhynotDesign designed the Allieva desk for Foppadretti – one of the most well-known Italian brands for baby products and wooden furniture since 1945. The Allieva is a foldable wooden workstation that is designed to be compact and functional and serves as an efficient and comfortable design for your home office.

Why is it noteworthy?

This sleek, foldable work desk is meant to fit in any space, making it perfect for small houses and dorm rooms. Despite compromising on size, Allieva is aesthetically pleasing. It takes up as little space as possible and measures only 7 inches deep when folded.

What we like

  • The workstation can be set up easily with a simple gesture
  • Comes with a large compartment at the base of the table that allows you to keep everything

What we dislike

  • The folding and unfolding mechanism could be considered tedious by some

3. The Overlap Table

The Overlap table seems like a pretty versatile furniture design! It looks commanding and functional enough to work as a coffee table, and also compact and cute enough to be used as a side table.

Why is it noteworthy?

I truly appreciate how the simple design prioritizes storage – something that modern homeowners will appreciate as well, considering the space constraint issues we all face nowadays.

What we like

  • Functions as a coffee and side table
  • Minimal + clean aesthetics

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept!

4. The Cheft Bookshelf

Maryam Pousti is the founder of the design and architecture practice Studio Pousti, and she put together a geometric bookshelf that is crafted from interlocking sheets of wood. The Cheft Bookshelf can be assembled without utilizing nails, screws, or glue.

Why is it noteworthy?

Besides functioning as a practical bookshelf, it can also be used as a room divider, or as a form of shelving for other items in your home. To be precise twelve interlocking sheets of wood were used to build Cheft. The bookshelf is also accompanied by a table and bar stool which all together form the Cheft furniture collection.

What we like

  • All three furniture pieces are inspired by the geometrical patterns of traditional Persian architecture
  • The bookshelf’s warm wooden aesthetics allow it to merge with the interiors of any modern contemporary home harmoniously

What we dislike

  • Extremely space-consuming design, not suited for smaller homes

5. The Berliner

Designed by Tugce Sonmez Evin, the Berliner is a visually eye-catching pouf that doubles up as a storage shelf owing to the wormhole-like cavity running through the middle of the furniture piece.

Why is it noteworthy?

The cavity doesn’t affect the pouf’s comfort in any way, but it adds a unique feature to it, giving you the perfect place to store books, magazines, and remotes, or even use it as a lounging space for small pets!

What we like

  • Features a concave inner surface, spacious enough to store reading material like books, magazines, newspapers, or even regular living room items like chargers, pet toys, etc

What we dislike

  • Space-consuming design

The post Top 5 smart storage solutions to efficiently + effectively organise your home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 home appliances you need to create the ultimate automated setup and routine

With time, patience, and trial and error, I’ve realized that the key to having a neat, tidy, and organized home is an arsenal of nifty and handy appliances. A couple of innovative and unique home appliances can ensure that your home is always in order and that you’re able to complete your everyday tasks with ease and efficiency.  If you’re in the mood to Marie Kondo your home or simply want to complete your chores effectively and efficiently, these handy appliances will perfectly assist you in doing so. From an AI-powered robotic pool cleaner to an elegant smart device that keeps your home cool and saves you money – this range of diverse and super-functional appliances is all you need to create the ultimate living setup.

1. AIRROBO PC100

AIRROBO recently unveiled the new PC100 cordless robotic pool cleaner, which promises to deliver stress-free and sweat-free maintenance of pools just in time for summer!

Why is it noteworthy?

The AIRROBO PC100 is a true wonder, with two brushes scrubbing your pool floors and a powerful suction of 55GPM (Gallons Per Minute) that makes short work of leaves, dirt, debris, and even fine sand along its path, ensuring a clean and healthy swim every time.

What we like

  • It can clean walls and waterlines, crawling up walls up to 90 degrees
  • Its large 4L filter basket lets it give the pool a thorough cleaning before you need to pick it up

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag

2. Klima

Meet Klima, the ultimate accessory to upgrade your old AC! You don’t need any hardwiring to install Klima, simply attach it to your wall, point your AC’s remote control at it, install the BOLDR mobile app, and you’re all done! You have an instant smart AC for the faction of the price and effort.

Why is it noteworthy?

The scratch and fingerprint-resistant mirrored glass surface gives an instant aesthetic upgrade to any room, while the recycled aluminum shell and recycled plastic bottom give it durability and longevity without harming the environment in the process.

What we like

  • Easy to install, no hardwiring required
  • Elegant minimalist style

What we dislike

  • There is no battery-operated version available for a completely wireless wall-mounted option currently.

3. The COit

The COit was designed by LG to function as a robot that can serve as a hub in your kitchen ecosystem. The robot can be easily used by both novices and professional chefs alike, and it functions as an autonomous device that shifts from focus from videography back to cooking – which is the primary aim behind entering a kitchen.

Why is it noteworthy?

The COit features a mountable rail with a circular display encircled by a projector, light, camera, and a smart grip. All the various modules can be moved around freely and independently on the small rail, covering the entire prep area or keeping them away from the fire and vapors.

What we like

  • These modules – that clip onto the rail with built-in magnets – can be customized in orientation, depending on user requirements

What we dislike

  • Food over the globe has such diversity, trying to standardize the recipe as per one instruction set would impact the diversity of that dish

4. Abell

Called Abell, this air purifier is designed to be both functional and decorative. It is designed to be a device that helps purify the air inside your room or house. But instead of just standing there in the room, it is actually a lighting device.

Why is it noteworthy?

It will not take up space on your floor or on your table but it can be hung up wherever you want and it will give you cleaner air and also light up the room. And if you’re into the minimalist, monochromatic look, then it can also serve as an aesthetic addition to your room.

What we like

  • Multifunctional product
  • Minimalist and visually pleasing design

What we dislike

  • The concept is shown having a very minimal controller which does not specify on how the air-purification function is customisable.

5. The Luvia Jug

The Luvia Jug lets you watch your water being purified! It’s built from glass and has a good-looking minimal appearance which makes it great to place on your tabletop or kitchen counter.

Why is it noteworthy?

Usually, water purifiers tend to look quite industrial, however, the Luvia has a rather decor-worthy appearance, with a compact catalytic carbon filter suspended in the center, and a chic bamboo lid, that helps you keep it covered.

What we like

  • The jar has a double-walled construction with two levels – one for the water you pour in, and another for the water that gets purified by the Luvia jar
  • Environment-friendly + somewhat recyclable design

What we dislike

  • It seems to be easily breakable

The post Top 5 home appliances you need to create the ultimate automated setup and routine first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 products to create the ultimate bathroom you’ll never want to leave

With our super hectic lives and chalked-up schedules, bathtime is probably the only time of the day when we get to truly relax and unwind. It’s that precious hour of the day when we can completely indulge in self-care, and pamper ourselves, hence it is my favorite time of the day.  Having a beautifully designed bathroom with thoughtful designs will only amplify this special time of the day. These products can make a huge difference in our everyday bathroom experience. They not only help us carry out our personal and grooming activities even more easily, but they also help us take care of ourselves and our washrooms a little better. From the world’s first flush toilet built from wood chips to an odor-free, absorbent, and quick-drying towel – these well-designed products are all you need to elevate your daily bathtime!

1. The Tandem Shower


The Tandem Shower is designed to be directly attached to your existing showerhead, functioning as an easy-to-install, no-plumber-required shower accessory that divides your shower into two separate streams. The showerhead is great for couples, but also for solo showers which could provide a more luxurious and immersive 360° shower experience.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Tandem Shower comes with an adjustable design, allowing it to fit in most bathrooms. It connects directly to your existing showerhead’s water inlet, which effectively distributes the water supply between the two showerheads. A valve on the Tandem Shower then lets you effectively switch between either of the showerheads or run both simultaneously. It’s worth noting that the Tandem Shower was also designed keeping other considerations in mind – for starters, it comes with a flexible hose that lets you mount your Tandem with plenty of clearance, allowing for a second showerhead that’s much higher than your current one (especially useful for taller people).

What we like

  • The Tandem showerhead also comes mounted on a ball and socket joint, letting you angle-adjust your water flow as you would with the existing shower
  • The high-velocity setting in particular delivers nearly two times more force than standard showerheads

What we dislike

  • It’s an added installation, making it difficult for people living in rental apartments

2. The K-25 Bath Towel

Cast aside your terrycloth napkins and towels, and say hello to the K-25 Bath Towel. Designed to be a large, absorbent, quick-drying, and odor-free towel, the K-25 Bath Towel features a waffle-weave fabric that is soft on the skin and absorbs water much faster than your regular ‘fuzzy’ towel.

Why is it noteworthy?

The large waffle texture of the towel is quite interesting and useful, as it gently exfoliates your skin at the same time, before distributing the absorbed water back into the air in minutes, ensuring you’re never left with a damp and smelly towel.

What we like

  • The square-shaped waffle pattern does a clever job of giving the towel much more surface area than it otherwise would – this allows for easier absorption as well as drying

What we dislike

3. Portable Washing Machine

Designed by Kai Xia, this portable washing machine may look like a collapsible cup, but it was designed for a specific purpose. It may have a deceptively simple appearance, but its functionality is quite unique and streamlined.

Why is it noteworthy?

Its low power consumption and limited capacity mean it can run at gentler speeds, providing the perfect settings for washing smaller clothes or ones made with sensitive material.

What we like

  • Designed specifically for single-person households that are trying to economize both space and expenditures
  • Doesn’t occupy too much space

What we dislike

  • May seem unnecessary to have another washing machine, if you already have one

4. Block

Finland-based design company Woodio designed a toilet built entirely from wood composite. The wood composite was used to create everything from the seat to the toilet.

Why is it noteworthy?

Wood composite is supposed to be a pretty sustainable material since it produces 99% fewer emissions in its production than ceramics. The toiled is called ‘Block’, and was built using a material that Woodio founder Petro Lahtinen developed himself.

What we like

  • The material is supposed to be 80 percent wood by volume and was created using locally sourced aspen and offcuts from the Finnish forest industry

What we dislike

  • Woodio claims that the material generates 99% lesser emissions as compared to ceramics, this claim does not involve any emissions from material sourcing or disposal, which do have a major impact on the complete footprint of a product

5. Jacqueline Tap

This unique yet good-looking tap is called the Jacqueline tap, and its been built from segments of bamboo. Crafted with immense precision, and attention to detail, the tap was built with the same care and concern given in the manufacturing of high-end fashion accessories.

Why is it noteworthy?

Bamboo is a sustainable, flexible, weather-resistant, and strong material that is a boon to the planet. It is a great alternative to the marble or concrete faucets we usually install in our bathrooms, hence making the Jacqueline tap a sustainable and eco-friendly fixture for your bathroom

What we like

  • Sustainable and eco-friendly
  • Extremely good-looking

What we dislike

  • There is not much information on how to maintain the tap and keep it in a good + clean condition

The post Top 5 products to create the ultimate bathroom you’ll never want to leave first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 solar-powered designs to incorporate into your daily life

One resolution that we should all be striving towards collectively by now – is to start living more consciously and in an eco-friendly manner, which includes paying attention to, and giving consideration to our energy sources. Curbing fossil fuel consumption has now become a priority, and we have a more positive energy source in mind as an alternative – the Sun! Solar energy has pretty much won over the world, and we see it being utilized in all aspects of design, whether it’s solar-powered kitchen appliances, homes, or even hotels. And, we’ve put together a collection of ingenious solar-powered products that will make a MAJOR difference in your everyday life. From a versatile solar-powered light that charges your phone and folds flat when you travel to Garmin’s new solar watches – these solar-powered designs are bound to make some eco-friendly waves this year.

1. Sunne Light

Marjan van Aubel and Dutch lighting brand Sunne teamed up to create a self-powered solar light that energy by day to light up your home at night. This is their first product and it is called the Sunne light. It is a sunlight-mimicking lamp that gathers solar energy and is exclusively powered by it. It aims to bring the power of the sun into your home!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Sunne light has been equipped with photovoltaic cells and is meant to be hung before a window. The suspended lighting fixture collects solar energy through the entirety of the day, and at night it utilizes this energy to illuminate your home. It features an integrated battery that stores the solar energy it collects, eliminating any reliance on an external or additional power source.

What we like

  • Inspired by the horizon
  • The lamp remains suspended in the air

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag

2. The MEGAPUFF

The MEGAPUFF is the Solarpuff’s bigger sibling and is designed especially for camping enthusiasts, travelers, trekkers, or anyone living in an area prone to power outrages. The MEGAPUFF is larger in size, and teams up with a larger battery that doubles up as a power bank, illuminating your surroundings pretty well and keeping your gadgets charged at all times.

Why is it noteworthy?

Since it has a larger design, the MEGAPUFF  provides a brighter light, capping at 3oo lumens (more than thrice as bright as the Solarpuff). It features adjustable brightness as well as color temperature, letting you choose between 7 different light settings, varying from a cool white light to a warm yellow light, a deep red light (for repelling mosquitos), or a blinking red light for emergencies.

What we like

  • Powered by a solar panel, making it an eco-friendly design
  • Once fully juiced, it can charge your phone from 2%-82% in under an hour

What we dislike

  • Requires 8-10 hours of direct light to charge

3. Garmin Instinct 2X Solar models

Garmin released the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar and a Tactical Edition of the Instinct 2X Solar. The Instinct 2X Solar was created for outdoor enthusiasts who love spending time in the great outdoors, while the Tactical Edition was designed for their military and law-enforcement clients who require extra charging capability.

Why is it noteworthy?

The new edition Instinct 2X Solar comes in a relatively large, 50mm polymer case which is designed with military-grade shock, water, and thermal resistance. Designed for military ops, the Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition does a little more: It features night vision compatibility and has Garmin’s Jumpmaster mode for calculating high-altitude points during skydiving or parachute jumps.

What we like

The Instinct 2X Solar models are added with a new feature for tracking the wearer’s performance during obstacle course events

What we dislike

  • The watch strap comes with only one option

4. The Invisible Solar

The Invisible Solar are panels that look like these clay tiles but actually have cells underneath them that will be able to generate solar energy and power the building they are placed on.

Why is it noteworthy?

The common monocrystalline silicon cells are made from non-toxic materials and are the “invisible” part of the solar panels. Each panel is able to reach a 7.5-watt peak (peak energy capacity) and weighs around 2 kilograms each.

What we like

  • The ceramic tiles look opaque but are still able to absorb the sun rays that will power the cells
  • They are even self-cleaning as it has photocatalytic properties

What we dislike

  • Aesthetics are unassuming

5. SAMMANLÄNKAD

IKEA and Little Sun teamed up to create SAMMANLÄNKAD. It is a collection of solar-powered lighting accessories that includes an aesthetically designed table lamp and a cute portable light bringing the spotlight to an “alternative source of energy to power everyday objects,” according to IKEA.

Why is it noteworthy?

The solar-powered table lamp piqued our interest due to its cohesion with the movement of planet Earth at an angle and path around the sun. Thus, the half-sphere-shaped light is encapsulated by a reflective metal plate and the Earth’s planetary motion is closely mimicked by the two metallic rings.

What we like

  • The lighting accessory doubles as a pendant lamp thanks to the adjustable metal frame
  • The light source can be removed from the housing for use as a torch if need be

What we dislike

  • The products look difficult to clean + maintain

The post Top 5 solar-powered designs to incorporate into your daily life first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 unusual bicycle designs that completely challenge traditional wheel designs

I’m team bicycle through and through! They are the most eco-friendly means of transportation, and also really fun to ride. They create zero emissions and encourage people to ditch the fossil fuel consuming and pollution-causing automobiles. And not to mention, not only are they healthy for the environment but for us as well. They promote good health and ensure you get your daily dose of exercise done, without even hitting the gym. In an attempt to encourage and celebrate bicycles, we’ve curated a collection of unique and innovative bicycle designs that will cater to everyone’s diverse bicycle-riding needs. These bicycles are super unusual and completely out-of-the-box and we doubt you’ve seen such cycle designs. From bikes with square-shaped wheels to bikes with triangle-shaped wheels – these cycles will completely catch your attention!

1. Q’s Wheelless Bike

The US-based YouTuber The Q recently pulled all the stops with his bicycle that has NO wheels! Q’s bicycle doesn’t have wheels, but it features rotating elements that help it move forward. The bike has been amped with two sets of wheel belts that are mounted at absurd angles to produce extremely attention-gripping silhouettes. As a result, the Wheelless Bike works like a tank, with the rotating wheel belts driving you and the bike forward.

2. Gordieiev’s Bicycle with Square Wheels

Sergii Gordieiev designed a bicycle with square wheels! What is really interesting to note is that the wheels on the bicycle don’t actually roll, but instead, the rubber on the conveyor belt-like platform rotates as you hit your foot on the pedal! If you want accurate representation – imagine a war tank moving on its metal tracks without any wheels, only it’s a bicycle, and the wheels are square-shaped!

3. Infinity All-wheel Drive Bicycle

Stuttgart-based designer Stephan Henrich, this innovative and uniquely shaped bicycle is one of the most out-of-the-box automotive designs I’ve seen in a long time. The all-wheel cruiser moves forward with the help of a monotyre-clip chain system that forms a temporary rim in the wheel sections, as well as a dental belt drive in the interior groove. The monotyre is powered via the central wheel as the crank generates the force required to churn the wheels.

4. Gordieiev’s Bicycle with Triangle Wheels

Designed by Sergii Gordieiev, this innovative bicycle features triangle-shaped wheels! The ingenious bicycle riding on wheels with rollers moves in a linear manner, forming adjacent lines between each one of the rollers and the flat surface it’s riding on. This enables the triangle wheels to overcome their limitation and roll more comfortably than presumed.

5. IEDEX

Called IEDEX, this electric bike is amped with sufficient space to store camping essentials without creating any sort of visual disparity. The e-bike has been designed with ad-hoc space to store two luggage bags in the frame itself. The bicycle frame doesn’t adopt the usual triangular or connected shape for structural integrity but rather adopts a unibody design.

The post Top 5 unusual bicycle designs that completely challenge traditional wheel designs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 unique accessories to adorn your work desk with

Whether you’re working from home, or in a corporate office, the one thing that’s pretty much consistent in both these scenarios is a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, it’s really important that your desk be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home/corporate office. From the perfect lighting design for your desk to an everlasting all-metal pencil – these ingenious desk accessories are all you need to achieve your desk setup goals!

1. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil

This everlasting metal pencil is like a Wacom stylus, whose tip you never have to replace, and nor do you need to barely sharpen it! It’s the kind of pen that allows you to focus less on the lead and more on your creative process.

Why is it noteworthy?

At first glance, it looks like the all-metal cousin of the second-gen Apple Pencil, and that is almost an accurate assessment. The octagonal shaft is made of aluminum and houses a special alloy core. Knowing that, you might think that all it will do is leave heavy grooves on your paper, but your mind might be blown away when it draws like a real pencil without seeing the tip wear down even after dozens of marks.

What we like

  • It uses metal for the core rather than the usual clay or charcoal, so it wears down so slowly that you might think your all-metal pencil will actually outlive you

What we dislike

  • It doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does. That might be a bummer for those who use smudging techniques

2. The Echo Desk Lamp

Designed by Simon Busse for the German brand Caussa, the Echo desk lamp is inspired by the shape of a tuning fork! The Echo Desk Lamp features a rounded LED light source that can be swiftly rotated at 360-degree angles for a whole range of lighting options.

Why is it noteworthy?

The head of the lamp can be adjusted along a two-pronged stand, allowing you to change the height of the lamp. The two-pronged stand of the lamp is quite interestingly shaped like a tuning fork.

What we like

  • Emits a glare-free light and is a versatile lighting design that can be utilized as a table lamp, reading lamp, or ceiling spotlight

What we dislike

  • Will occupy a substantial amount of space on your desk

3. The KNOB.

Designed by Changho Lee, the KNOB. is a clean, minimal, and sleek pen tray with rounded edges. It’s the kind of uber-cool and well-designed product that adds a whole ounce of personality and character to your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

But despite its simple good looks, the KNOB. pen tray has quite a unique functionality. The pen tray was inspired by the knobs you find on a gas burner. Lee borrowed the design language of gas burner knobs, and replicated it in his tray creating a piece of stationery with intriguing-looking ‘control buttons’ or ‘knobs’.

What we like

  • The knobs or multiport radar allow you to adjust the internal space of the pen tray

What we dislike

  • Does not have a chance to accommodate unusually shaped objects

4. The Nebula Desk Lamp

The Nebula desk lamp was designed by COG Design Studio in collaboration with the lighting brand Bonakia. The desk lamp was designed by constructing a basic form of lighting through repetition, transformation, and a combination of varied geometric shapes.

Why is it noteworthy?

The lamp was created by providing a subtle formative beauty to flat shapes via three-dimensional changes in the form of bending and direction. It presents a new and interesting form for a lighting design by playing around with geometric figures and giving them an emotional aesthetic.

What we like

  • The brightness and light of the first element contrast beautifully against the second darker element giving the impression of a nebula in space, in turn resulting in the name of the design

What we dislike

  • There is no option to change/customise the design as needed

5. The Work Fence

Designed by Changho Jeong, the Work Fence is an interesting modern-day symbolic partition that adds an element of amusement and whimsical fun to the hectic days of corporate employees.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is an intuitive and decorative object for your desk to add some fun to your monotonous office routines. It has a comical and light-hearted approach. The interesting work fences are designed to inform your co-workers and the people around you about your mood – it gives them a quick glimpse or notification about your status and mindset.

What we like

  • Fences can be customized using letter plates to accurately convey your mood and state of mind

What we dislike

  • Collecting the necessary cards to create your status may not always be possible

The post Top 5 unique accessories to adorn your work desk with first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 summer essentials you absolutely need for summer 2023

Summertime means there is excitement in the air, pina coladas in our hands, and of course beads of sweat on our foreheads. As much as I love and thoroughly enjoy summer, I’m almost always on a mission to beat the heat. I’m all for experiencing summertime to the max, while also ensuring and taking care of my own comfort. And, having a band of summer essentials by our side is always a great idea! From a battery-operated ice maker that you can carry anytime anywhere with you to an AI-powered robotic pool cleaner – these fun yet functional product designs are all you need to be completely prepared for Summer 2023. Have a fun and safe summer!

1. The FLEXTAIL EVO ICER

Meet the ultimate ice maker – the FLEXTAIL EVO ICER ice maker. The innovative ice maker is the world’s first to feature a built-in battery. It promises to tackle all the issues that you could possibly face with traditional portable ice makers, which tend to have slow speeds and annoying power cords.

Why is it noteworthy?

Right off the bat, you can immediately see that the EVO ICER is meant to be carried anywhere. Weighing only 20.9 lbs and smaller than most portable ice coolers, the ice maker can be easily lifted and positioned where you can easily make and grab as much ice as you need.

What we like

  • The 200Wh battery inside means you don’t have to worry about power sockets, and the EVO ICER can run for as long as three hours on a full charge

What we dislike

  • Doesn’t have the option to chill drinks inside if needed

2. AIRROBO PC100

AIRROBO recently unveiled the new PC100 cordless robotic pool cleaner, which promises to deliver stress-free and sweat-free maintenance of pools just in time for summer!

Why is it noteworthy?

The AIRROBO PC100 is a true wonder, with two brushes scrubbing your pool floors and a powerful suction of 55GPM (Gallons Per Minute) that makes short work of leaves, dirt, debris, and even fine sand along its path, ensuring a clean and healthy swim every time.

What we like

  • It can clean walls and waterlines, crawling up walls up to 90 degrees
  • Its large 4L filter basket lets it give the pool a thorough cleaning before you need to pick it up

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag

3. The Orfo Lounge Chair

Designed by Miray Özlem ER, the Orfo lounge chair and sunbed is quite a quirky and eccentric-looking piece of furniture. The designer drew inspiration from Mother Nature herself while designing the chair.

Why is it noteworthy?

If you look at the chair closely, it may remind you of a leaf or an exotic-looking plant. The woven pattern of the chair and its dusky green color were characteristics that Miray picked up from nature.

What we like

  • The bands were built using a polyester-based technical fabric, and they have a high mechanical resistance to the sun and strong color stability

What we dislike

  • There is no option to fold the chair and stow it away when not in use

4. The Viuu Bottle Opener

It’s high time the traditional bottle opener got a redesign! And this is exactly what YUUE Design Studio did – they revamped the age-old bottle opener. Although the Viuu Bottle opener looks like a decorative piece, it doesn’t compromise on any of the functionality. You can now get your drinks ready in a really unique + effective manner with the Viuu Bottle Opener.

Why is it noteworthy?

The design is inspired by window grill patterns, specifically those from classic Chinese architecture. There are three shapes featured: one hexagonal, one rectangular, and one with a semi-circular design. All of them have these patterns that may remind you of windows in old houses if you live in such a place influenced by this kind of architecture. While there are no handles to grip while opening a bottle, the grill design can help you with the grip problem.

What we like

  • Inspired by classic Chinese architecture

What we dislike

  • Tiny items like a bottle opener have a tendency to be lost, and there is no magnetic element that helps us stick it to a noticeable place

5. The Yuanye

Say hello to The Yuanye, a portable outdoor barbecue grilling pan that you NEED on all your outdoor adventures and picnics this summer. The Yuanye looks like a simple old portable projector, but it is, in fact, an extremely functional and useful outdoor kitchen appliance that features a gas tank, fire source, and oil storage module.

Why is it noteworthy?

When you open it up, you’ll see two partitions where you can grill your meats on one side and your vegetable on the other. The design of this portable grill is inspired by the usual suitcases we bring when we travel, from the foldable design to the handle and all the accessories. But instead of being storage for clothes and other stuff we need, it’s actually for the food we need when going on a picnic or camping out in the middle of nature.

What we like

  • You can cook steak and barbecue all kinds of meats as well as different types of vegetables with the Yuanye, allowing you to prepare a balanced and well-rounded meal
  • Fashionable + good-looking appliance

What we dislike

  • Looks a bit heavy to be carrying around, better suited for your backyard or close distances

The post Top 5 summer essentials you absolutely need for summer 2023 first appeared on Yanko Design.