Tag Archives: top 5 designs

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Top 5 ultimate desks for your home office

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At Yanko Design, we believe in constantly innovating, creating, and evolving. It’s a philosophy that serves as a lifeline for us, and one of the results of this lifeline is the YD x KeyShot Inspiration Hub! The Inspiration Hub is our ‘ever-expanding encyclopedia’ of design work for you to participate in, to inspire designers, and to get inspired by. Created in collaboration with KeyShot, the Inspiration Hub is your one-stop space for inspiration where designers like you can submit your impressive designs and be awarded to stand out in the crowd and to inspire other like-minded designers.

To kickstart your journey and send some motivation your way, we’ve curated some of our favorite desk submissions from the Inspiration Hub. These unique and uber-cool desk designs will motivate you to create something spectacular and submit the design, as a gateway to sharing it with the best of the design world. Additionally, we will also be picking our favorite Design of the Week, Design of the Month, and Design of the Year – every week, month, and year from the submissions on the Inspiration Hub. Keep an eye on our Instagram page and the Inspiration Hub to see if your design gets picked. Fingers crossed!

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1. Stretch Desk

This stunning and minimally designed desk is called the Stretch Desk, and it was created by João Teixeira. The simple yet heavily detailed desk features a spinning leather bookstand, that swivels through a pivot point, enabling you to change the depth of the desk according to your work needs. The bookstand can be efficiently flattened on the tabletop, creating more space for you to work in. The various intricately designed wooden elements impart a sense of elegance and sophistication to the desk.

2. Allieva Desk

Designed by WhynotDesign, 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. The workstation can be set up easily with a simple gesture. It comes with two detachable, multipurpose trays which offer a convenient space to hold accessories when the work desk is closed and become a practical tablet holder during a video call when you flip the desk open.

3. The Tabs Desk

The Tabs Desk was designed by Pelin Özbalcı for those who easily get distracted from their daily work. Today, all of us are constantly distracted and consumed by different forms of content, and focusing on the task at hand can get difficult for us. To combat this issue, Pelin designed the Tabs Desk to feature various different tabs, much like the Windows tabs on our laptops. There are three tabs built using three different materials – the Fabric tab, Felt tab, and Cork tab.

4. The Tailor Armchair/Desk

Designed by SUNRIU Design, what makes the Tailor armchair super interesting, and a rather unique design is that it can be used as an armchair and a desk. If you want to use it as an armchair, you can simply rest and place your back on the raised panel or plank of plywood that is placed at the center of the chair. The raised panel is further supported by a vertical curved panel. These panels function as the back support, allowing you to comfortably sit back against the armchair. If you wish to use it as a desk, you can instead use the raised panel as a tabletop, and fit your legs into the blank spaces created by the intersection of the raised panel with the vertical curved panel.

5. Hollow Desk

Designed by SUNRIU Design, the Hollow Desk is a simple table designed to meet all your work-from-home needs. The desk is built from a piece of metal, that was artfully cut and bent to create various openings and sections. The recessed section functions as the main working space, and can hold various items such as your desktop, mouse, keyboard, notes and etc. The left side of the desk can be used to hold your stationery items, while the right side can hold heavier tools. The storage space beneath the tabletop has been left open, allowing you to glance at all your desk accessories in one go.

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The post Top 5 ultimate desks for your home office first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 campers designed to kickstart your dream camping trip

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After a tiring week at work, with the weekend joyfully looming ahead of me, I often find myself fantasizing about a short sweet getaway! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. And I do think Camping is a plausible plan! There’s nothing more comforting or exciting than lounging about in a cozy camper while you explore the countryside. You never feel out of place, because these little campers manage to feel like a home on wheels. Fill it up with your dear belongings, and it’s your home away from home. Not to mention the camper designs today are super innovative and inventive! From VW ID Buzz electric camper to a Toyota Hilux camper that is the most rugged two-bed, pop-up roof overland rig you’ll ever ride – these resourceful campers manage to cater to almost all of our needs, solving various problems, and turning our camping experience into a fulfilling and comfortable one.

1. Love Campers VW ID. Buzz Camper Van

Love Campers and Wild Drives teamed up to create the Love Campers VW ID. Buzz camper van – a head-turning automotive that is available to rent in the UK. The fun-looking camper features a lime yellow and bright white dual-tone exterior and a matching interior. You will feel like you’re stepping into a literal work of art!

Why is it noteworthy?

The interior of the VW ID. Buzz is designed to maximize space. The sofa slides out to transform into a snug double bed, and the kitchen area – bang opposite – includes a sink with a foldaway faucet and an induction hob.

What we like

  • Sustainable design perfect for couples or solo travelers
  • Outfitted with a 77KwH battery and rooftop solar panel to take care of the power needs of the electronics onboard

What we dislike

  • It only has a portable toilet, which is not a comfortable option for everyone

2. Emma

A camping trailer with a distinctive personality, Emma is designed to make those scenic rides in the city outskirts more exciting. The trailer is fashioned with a glass door on the passenger side. Kuckoo will give adventurers an option to customize the camper with a glass door on the driver’s side as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

Emma is the second desirable camper from Kuckoo. Bruno, the first variant, is a lovable option in the rugged camper market in Europe. Emma borrows the acceptable mechanics and layout of the Bruno and scales it down in size to make the micro camper easier to tow using a vehicle of choice.

What we like

  • Easier to tow using a vehicle of choice
  • The glass sides of the Emma along with the rear glass window and a skylight in the living area, make this camper a day rider’s delight

What we dislike

  • It’s not yet on the market!

3. BR75

Called the BR75, this SUV adventure camper is a Toyota Hilux that has been transformed into an amazing camper for four people. The Toyota Hilux is an extremely robust and mobile vehicle, which makes for one of the most rugged truck campers there is, making it extremely easy to drive to places that would usually be out of reach.

Why is it noteworthy?

Direct Cars has mounted a camper module to the back of the Hilux, without altering the mechanics or form factor of the five-seat pickup. By combining a full-fledged pickup and a camper, the Japanese SUV Adventure Camper BR75 becomes an all-terrain overland rig to keep you cozy no matter how remote a place your journey takes you to.

What we like

  • Laid out with seats and a folding table, which can transform into a double bed on demand
  • Comes with an optional pop-up roof

What we dislike

  • There is no reference to a toilet onboard, you’d probably have to carry a portable seat along

4. The Tune M1

The Tune M1 is a lightweight, adventure-ready camper that compromises little on comfort and functional versatility. The innovative camper is designed to take you anywhere you like during the day while providing you with complete comfort and rest within the truck’s pop-top canopy extension by night.

Why is it noteworthy?

The lightweight truck camper, starting at just 360 lbs, allows the cabin to be used for sleeping, cooking, remote working, or even for toy hauling when you’re venturing out for a ski, fishing, or snowboarding adventure.

What we like

  • The camper has a sleeping loft, while the pop-up roof (up to 6ft 10-in of interior headroom) ensures you can stand up in the living area with ease

What we dislike

  • The expanded cloth structure may not be protective enough in case of bad weather

5. The Tuktut

The Tuktut is designed to transform mid-sized pickups into fully functional campers. It is a convenient, efficient, and affordable way to embark on outdoor adventures without having to give up mobility and comfort. The hardtop rig is apt for seamless integration with mid-sized pickups without breaking the budget.

Why is it noteworthy?

Tuktut attaches to the truck bed, creating a cozy living space that can comfortably accommodate two people. The camper’s lightweight construction ensures it remains agile, allowing for easy maneuverability, both on and off the road.

What we like

  • The camper is equipped with a sizeable lithium battery and a 175W monocrystalline solar panel system so that adventure seekers can power their electronics, charge devices, and run essential appliances

What we dislike

  • Built specifically for the Ford Maverick – it’s a limited design

The post Top 5 campers designed to kickstart your dream camping trip first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 innovative + functional appliances for your modern kitchen

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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 the ultimate smoker 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

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 that is 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

2. Fender Amp Lunchbox

This super cute lunchbox is inspired by the Fender Amp whose lasting legacy is really something to consider! The brand Aquarius created their music-inclined lunchbox series around this amp, making it quite timeless and an absolute joy to carry around.

Why is it noteworthy?

The tin box features embossed dials on the front along with immaculate detailing of the Fender relief logo, the grill, and even the screws holding the front frame to the cabinet. The back, on the other hand, features a graphic of a 1/4″ jack and the Fender label… and that handle almost exactly copies the one seen on top of Fender’s amps!

What we like

  • The amp’s naturally boxy shape lends itself perfectly to the lunchbox’s design too

What we dislike

  • It is limited to people who love music or are musically inclined

3. The SMOKER-X

Measuring only 24 x 24 cm by 21 cm, the SMOKER-X allows you to smoke wherever you like whether indoors or outdoors! The smoker has been equipped with a compact body that works well with all kinds of stovetops. Whenever you feel the craving for a good smoked dish, you can quickly whip out the SMOKER-X to satisfy your appetite.

Why is it noteworthy?

The SMOKER-X is portable, and also extremely versatile, as it allows you to smoke any kind of food or ingredient. If you want a traditional hot barbecue, you can simply place some wood chips within the main frame, and light up a fire underneath. Equipped with a built-in thermometer, the smoker gives you a precise readout of how hot is it inside.

What we like

  • The smoker’s unique design creates a narrow 6mm pathway for the smoke to pass through the saucer, making it possible to create all types of smoked foods

What we dislike

  • Aesthetics are a bit boring and unassuming

4. Brew

This automatic coffee maker is called the Brew and it looks super cool. It not only helps you prepare your coffee, but also provides you with an entire sensory experience 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. 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

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Top 5 futuristic footwear designs for sneakerheads to go gaga over

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With our hectic lives which pretty much involve us running around all day, the right footwear can make a world of difference. Shoes started off as functional designs meant to protect our feet, and yes we need to pick ones that do exactly that, BUT, they should also reflect our style statements and represent our personality and our personal fashion sense. After all, don’t they say that you can tell a lot about a man by the state of his shoes? Personally, I love a good pair of sturdy and stylish sneakers, ones that can get me through the day without giving me any shoe bites, and also match my outfits. However, I do know that this isn’t the case with everybody. People have high demands and expectations when it comes to their footwear, hence designers are unleashing all of their creative juices, leaving no stones unturned in making unique, innovative, and ergonomic shoes. From Balenciaga high-heel sneakers to Marvel x Nike Football sneakers – these footwear designs are as futuristic, inventive, and fashionable as they can get!

1. Marvel x Nike Football Sneakers

Paul Parsons managed to concoct the ultimate Marvel X Nike football sneakers using MidJournye’s AI. These innovative sneakers successfully capture the grandeur of some of the MCU’s most memorable heroes and antiheroes. The series features 9 different footwear models, dedicated to distinct characters from the Avengers movie and Wolverine as well!

2. Balenciaga High-heel Sneakers

Designed by Ollie of OBJ Studio this fantastic Balenciaga high-heel footwear concept was created while paying heed to potential future technologies. “In this Balenciaga concept, [current] manufacturing boundaries and constraints were excluded, with freedom and imagination leading the way”, Ollie of OJB Studio told Yanko Design. “This process enables a fast and efficient way of experimental aesthetic ideation, providing some rather wild, yet desirable designs.”

3. EXPLR 02

Matthew Blunt designed the EXPLR 02 – a pair of shoes that look like the wireframe you see in 3D modeling software, although it has an even higher resolution and a number of empty spaces. The design takes inspiration from the nature of those digital artifacts. Repeating patterns, organic forms, and an almost chaotic composition all come together to create footwear that is both beautiful and intriguing.

4. Modern Synthesis’s Shoes

Modern Synthesis is using bacteria to create a pair of shoes! The biotechnology company is now looking at growing or cultivating “microbial textiles” in its laboratory and using this to create a more sustainable material for shoes and other kinds of footwear. They are using the sugar you can derive from plant waste and microbes and then turn it into nanocellulose.

5. The Heaven’s Door

The Heaven’s Door features a unique and innovative design that merges the close-toe design of a shoe with the open ankle aesthetic of a slip-on sandal. The leather body of the shoes is complemented by an elastic strap that runs along the side, connecting the rear flap to the main shoe. A rubber outsole hints at comfortable outdoor use in an urban environment while hiding the springs away in a recessed channel running along the length of the shoe.

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Top 5 Apple Vision Pro-inspired concepts that need to be brought to life ASAP

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Apple has completely turned the tech industry topsy turvy with its announcement of the Vision Pro headset right at the end of its WWDC keynote. The revolutionary Mixed Reality Headset advocates “spatial computing” – an upgrade from the personal computing abilities of the laptop and smartphone. The MR headset has two Apple Silicon chipsets (including the new M2 chip), dozens of cameras and sensors, an iris recognition system that scans your eye for biometrics, directional audio units in the strap, two postage-stamp-sized 4K screens on the inside for immersive viewing, and a curved OLED display with a lenticular layer that lets other people see your eyes while you’re wearing the headset. And quite obviously such an innovation is bound to send ripples of inspiration across the tech world and designers! Designers and innovators have been tampering with ingenious Apple Vision Pro-inspired conceptual designs, and we’re presenting a few of our favorites to you. Have fun!

1. Apple Vision Joystick Pro Max

Alex Casabò designed the “Apple Vision Joystick Pro Max” – a conceptual design of the Apple Vision Pro Controllers. The controllers have been designed to perfectly complement the headset’s modern aesthetic, and are geared up to provide smooth functionality irrespective of what open-world title you throw at them. The joysticks will maximize the gaming experience for all kinds of modern games keeping in mind the VR environment. The controller features a top surface amped with a touch-sensitive surface for smart controls such as swaying the sword or reloading a potent sniper rifle.

2. Bandwerk’s Headband

German accessory provider Bandwerk designed handcrafted leather headbands for the $3,500 Apple headset slated for launch early next year. The sophisticated and premium headband will be available in five color options – Grey, Creme, Beige, Orange, and Brown, and it will subtly adapt to the silhouette of the final commercially available headset.

3. Ortolani’s AirPods Max Concept

Parker Ortolani designed this Apple Vision Pro-inspired AirPods Max concept. The innovative and redefined design features Vision Pro elements to provide improved comfort and functionality. It will offer new software functionality such as Adaptive Audio, and will be available in a variety of stunning new finishes to perfectly complement your other Apple devices.

4. Dark Knight Apple Vision Pro Case

Max Arnautov decided to create the ultimate Batman x Apple crossover! He designed an attachable case concept for the Apple Vision Pro that draws inspiration from the Dark Knight. Slip this case onto the Apple Vision Pro, wear your headset, and you’ll look like Dark Knight Jr! This will be a hard yes for the lovers of the Batmanverse.

5. Mode Indicator

Moe Slah created this conceptualized feature for the Apple Vision Pro to upgrade and elevate the user experience for not only the wearer but also the onlookers. Called the “Mode Indicator”, this app will quite interestingly beam visual indication of the wearer’s current activity. The user can also choose from in-app text or design custom animations to have a more personalized experience.

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Top 5 LEGO creations for LEGO lovers to build at home

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As a child, I loved sitting and spending hours excruciatingly and lovingly building little LEGO block structures. But, watching my sister bump into them, causing them to fall apart completely was truly heartbreaking. We all have heartwarming memories associated with LEGO blocks from our childhood, as well as the not-so-heartwarming ones of stepping on them with our feet and feeling an insane amount of pain shoot up our legs. Despite these wonderful childhood memories, LEGO is no more considered child’s play! Master builders, artists, and LEGO enthusiasts all over the world are creating impressive LEGO builds that’ll blow your minds away. They are a result of their hours of dedication, attention to detail, hard work, and creativity. And we’ve put together some mindblowing LEGO builds that recently took our breath away…for you!

1. LEGO “The Moon: Earth’s Companion”

Called the LEGO Art space poster “The Moon: Earth’s Companion”, this fan-made creation was built using 2360 bricks, and it celebrates the beauty, mystery, and brilliance of the moon. The build features a brick-built Moon that was created with immense precision and attention to detail, which was further heightened by realistic craters and terrains.

2. LEGO Harry Potter “Dobby™ the House-Elf”

The LEGO Harry Potter “Dobby™ the House-Elf” build is meant for kids above the age of 8 years and uses a mere 403 bricks (making it one of the easier builds in the LEGOverse). The house elf has been amped with a few distinct and special details. It has moving limbs, a rotating head, adjustable ears, and repositionable fingers that allow Dobby to look around, snap and point fingers, or even grip items!

3. LEGO Ferrari Monza SP1

LEGO has created a full-scale version of the Monza SP1, which was released in 2018 by Ferrari. This is the work of LEGOLAND Denmark, and it is a part of the new interactive exhibit at LEGO’s Billund Resort. The Ferrari Monza SP1 is nonfunctional but is fully operational in a digital avatar version, where a 3D scan of a fully-assembled LEGO model is tested.

4. The LEGO Icons Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The LEGO Icons Chevrolet Camaro Z28 lets you rebuild an iconic piece of American history! Building this classic vehicle is truly fun, and the finished piece even lets you lift up the hood and have a peek inside. You can pick from the hardtop coupe or convertible options, curating the look that perfectly matches your automotive tastes. The detailed V8 engine and working steering team up with the opening side doors, hood, and trunk beautifully, creating a realistic LEGO build that works!

5. LEGO The Fairground Collection set 10303 Loop Coaster

The Fairground Collection set 10303 Loop Coaster is a part of the Creator Expert series, and is the first official gravity-powered LEGO rollercoaster that has been released. It consists of 3756 LEGO pieces and takes surreal minifigs on a two-full loop ride before coming to a halt. Using kinetic energy to complete the ride in one motion is an incredible feat in itself since the size of the 36-inch-tall LEGO set is still compact by any standards.

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