Tag Archives: Ukraine

Ukrainian-designed furniture collection returns to the basics of simplicity and ease

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Two separate but complementary design movements have given rise to a new furniture market. The minimalist design trend embraced simpler shapes and structures, which made DIY or do-it-yourself furniture become more accepted than ever before. Even flat-packed furniture, however, has started to sway to the opposite side, increasing the complexity not only of the design but also the assembly of these products. While that definitely has some aesthetic appeal, it came at the price of losing what made such furniture convenient and flexible, especially when it comes to moving around from place to place. Seeing the transition from lockdown trends to the migration crisis, a group of Ukranian designers set about to create a set that goes back to the roots of flat-packed furniture, putting the focus back on simplicity, mobility, and ease of self-assembly.

Designer: YourFoRest

“Simple” doesn’t have to mean boring. Combining simple shapes can lead to interesting forms that delight the eyes just as much as complex curves or intersecting lines. This furniture collection’s simplicity, however, isn’t just in the way it looks. The more important mark of simplicity is the patented fastening system that makes it easy to put pieces together without the use of nails or screws, unlike other DIY furniture.

“Ease” is the predominant theme of this set, as made apparent by its name. The EasyStory collection is made up of six products that can stand on their own or be used to complement each other. They’re easy to put together and easy on the eyes, but they also exhibit non-trivial shapes like arcs and curves. That said, there are no hidden tricks or compartments to each piece, with all of its features and spaces available for anyone to easily see.

EasyBed is a low bed that is a perfect match for the equally low EasyTray. Likewise, EasyDesk is a straightforward work surface that you can use together with the EasySeat stool. EasyHanger is an open-style closet with space for shoes at the bottom and other items on top, while EasyTable is a single-layer side table with horizontal beams crossing its legs to give it a more interesting silhouette. All six pieces are made from natural ash wood and coated with a matte water-based varnish.

The EasyStory furniture collection uses an intersection of horizontal and vertical pieces to create its different shapes, and it’s this simple design that helps make it more understandable and approachable. More than just its static form, however, the design puts a heavy emphasis on ease of assembly and transportation, two essential properties where people find themselves constantly on the move, such as when evacuating their homes due to calamities or wars.

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This voluptuous seat collection creates an oasis of comfort in your home

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These are very trying times for many people across the world. From health concerns to economic woes to even dreadful wars, people are always looking for ways to relieve their stress. Some might be able to find relief in traveling or camping, though most will probably attempt to use scents and sounds to calm their nerves. The simplest solution, however, is to have comfortable furniture that evokes a sense of calm and peace, especially in its form. Flock is exactly that kind of furniture that’s designed to create a cozy and comfortable space right inside your home just by looking at it, inviting people to come together and take comfort in each other’s presence.

Designer: Kateryna Sokolova for NOOM

Chairs, by nature, are designed to be comfortable enough to sit on for hours on end, though there are definitely some designs that challenge that assumption. But just because they are suitable for sitting doesn’t mean they are immediately appealing to the eyes. In fact, some of the common chair designs look cold and clinical, prioritizing function but almost neglecting form. Conversely, there are some chairs that look extremely cozy but go the opposite extreme and provide almost no proper support for your body.

Flock is a furniture collection that blends form and function in an aesthetically pleasing way that sends a clear message across to anyone who sees it. Looking almost like balls of cotton, the chair and ottoman bear forms that can easily be described as sensual and textures that are a delight to touch. The design also conjures up images of cocoons or wrapping one’s self with a blanket, both of which evoke feelings of warmth and comfort.

The collection, however, isn’t just envisioned to bring comfort to a single person. Its very name suggests a gathering or coming together, often of like-minded or familiar people like family and friends. These seats are intended to be the centerpieces in a home, particularly in spaces where people gather, to offer a sanctuary that brings pleasure not just to your body but also to your senses.

It is both ironic and fitting that Flock was made against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, one of the biggest sources of stress and despair for many people since the COVID-19 pandemic. The collection was made from materials that had to be acquired through new sources and quickly manufactured in new locations to adjust to the effects of war in that country. The end result is a beautiful furniture collection that almost becomes a symbol of peace and calm that stands defiant in the face of war and stress, bringing people in your home together to relax, kick back, and celebrate life.

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There’s something weirdly appealing about this e-bike’s design… and it’s thanks to the Cybertruck

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[The designers of this product is of Ukrainian origin. YD is sharing work from Ukrainian designers/students in the hopes of amplifying their talent and giving them a global platform.]

Meet Reverso, an e-bike that reverses every single automotive design instinct ever. I guess we could attribute its design direction to the Cybertruck, which sort to challenge the norms too with a design that was strikingly different from anything that came before it. The Reverso sits firmly in that class too, with an aesthetic that I’m struggling to put together in words, only because I can’t really find a frame of reference.

Designers: Miller Shapes Design & Denys Silich

Analyzing the Reverso’s strange design turned out to be much more fun and insightful than I expected. It started with asking myself exactly what I found ‘wrong’ with the motorcycle’s design… then asking if those attributes were actually important in making something a ‘motorcycle’. After all, a motorcycle is exactly that – a motor attached to a cycle.

My first response to the analysis on what I found odd about Reverso was its rejection of standard proportions. Motorcycles are shaped almost like animals. They have a torso, a head, a spine, and when viewed from the side, they have an almost feline or greyhound-like appearance. Reverso, on the other hand, doesn’t. That’s also due to the fact that Reverso shatters the second weird myth I had about motorcycles and automobiles in general – that curved bodies made for greater aesthetics and aerodynamics. The Cybertruck, at least if its performance specs are accurate, is nothing short of a fast beast – and I assume that the same stands for Reverso. Its chunky body with cuboidal forms definitely doesn’t epitomize elegance and speed – if nothing it looks robotic and has an impression of an almost mechanical agility to it.

None of Reverso’s details or parts look ‘standard’ and that’s what makes the e-bike look so alluring. Aside from its wheels (which thankfully look like wheels and not hex-bolts), Reverso’s entire design looks odd. It has weirdly recessed headlights, a strange pair of perfectly rectangular side mirrors, a seat that definitely doesn’t look like your average ergonomic butt-rest, and a chunky torso that makes you really wonder what’s under the hood. Is there a fuel tank underneath there? Well, there jolly well could be, although the lack of a tailpipe makes me think otherwise. Where’s the battery located? Is it detachable? Is there extra storage? It’s normal to have these doubts – but that doesn’t necessarily make an e-bike’s design ‘bad’, does it?

Well, to be frank, I’m still processing Reverso’s design and learning to stop myself when I find my brain hating something it doesn’t understand. It comes a lot easier knowing that Reverso is just a concept and not an actual e-bike. The Cybertruck, on the other hand, well, I’m still on the fence there.

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How the design world is visually rebuking Putin with Ukrainian colors

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Design World Ukraine Colors Ann H from Pexels

Credit: Ann H | Pexels

War is a serious topic that not many people want to discuss. The world is not even done with the effects of Covid-19, and the pandemic isn’t over yet and here we are, facing a situation nobody wants to ever be in. Some of our elders may have lived through World War I and World War II, so we sincerely hope they won’t have to see World War III.

No matter your opinion about what’s been happening between Ukraine and Russia, it’s clear that a war will never be the answer. It won’t be the answer to obtaining peace. It is rarely the ultimate solution, and in this day and age, it should not be happening. It will not—if we continue to fight in little ways. Putin and the rest of the world must know our abhorrence of violence, especially if many lives are at stake.

Ukraine Photo by Matti from Pexels

Credit: Matti | Pexels

You have probably already learned the bare minimum about the issue between Ukraine and Russia. And by now, you should have formed an opinion or two about the situation. We hope it’s to denounce the atrocities in Ukraine and show support to the country being invaded by its neighboring country.

Russia isn’t the bad guy here, as many Russians disagree with what’s been happening. People have been protesting across the country for their president to stop whatever he’s been doing. In our own little ways, we can show support for Ukraine beyond the act of changing our social media profiles with any mention of the country.

Fashion Activism

Credit: Stefano Guindani

On the Internet, we see influencers mentioning they stand for Ukraine. Several celebrities have expressed their opinions as countries and cities have said they support Ukraine. People worldwide are protesting and rebuking Putin for his decision.

We see creatives and artists showing their solidarity with Ukraine in the design world. We heard of architects and fashion designers showing support. Even those whose works had anything to do with Russia previously have started showing their support following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Giorgio Armani Silent Catwalk 2

For example, Italian luxury fashion designer Giorgio Armani held a catwalk show in silence as a tribute to Ukrainians. The show went on without any music as Mr. Armani wanted to show his heartbreak through silence. It was a powerful statement and signal that he and the rest of the company are not happy. It’s an act of recognition that something not good is happening in another part of the world. Armani isn’t the only fashion brand responding to the situation as there are many more.

Some people at the Milan and Paris Fashion week expressed different street styles. Ukrainian influencers and bloggers showed signs with messages like ‘No War in Ukraine’. Some also came carrying the Ukrainian flag to tell the whole world about what’s been happening.

Brands Are Stepping up

Many designers and artists have already shown their support. Furthermore, in response to the conflict, visual designers have also started using the colors of the Ukraine flag—yellow and blue. Therefore, if you see images with such colors, such brand, company, or personality may be expressing support for Ukraine.

More brands are rallying for peace and solidarity with Ukraine. There have been calls to give financial support for the refugees. Supermodel Gigi Hadid said she would be donating her 2022 earnings to Ukraine. Chanel also donated millions of dollars already to the UNHCR-Refugee Agency and CARE and has also closed its stores in Russia.

Louis Vuitton Kyiv

Louis Vuitton Kyiv

L’Oréal Paris supports refugees and people still in Ukraine through monetary help and donation of productions. Louis Vuitton and the rest of the LVMH Group have sent financial support to help the victims. Even their employees in both Ukraine and Russia have received the assistance they need.

Hermes has temporarily closed stores in Russia and has paused commercial activities in the country. Burberry has also done the same in Russia and donated money to charities supporting Ukraine. Prada has also suspended retail operations in Russia. More luxury fashion brands have announced similar measures, including Balenciaga, Gucci, and Valentino.

Some brands like Adidas dropped support and partnership with the Russian Football Union. The company also donated apparel, footwear, and money to groups that help refugees and children. Other fashion retailers like ASOS, H&M, Puma, and Mango also show the same support and solidarity with Ukraine. More luxury brands under Richemont (Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Montblanc, etc.) have also suspended operations in Russia.

Design Activism

Ukraine Flag Photo by Mathias P.R. Reding from Pexels

Credit: Mathias P.R. Reding | Pexels

Architects, curators, designers, and collaborators in Europe have been condemning the acts of Putin. The likes of the International Union of Architects, Russian pavilion curators at the Venice Art Biennale, and even the cultural institution V-A-C Foundation in Moscow are showing support and suspending public programs. The Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) also expressed solidarity with Ukraine.

Creatives like designers photographers are also showing support, as evidenced in their works. The most accessible and distinguishable effort is using Ukraine’s flag colors. The bicolor flag is also easy to apply to different designs—just change the shade to blue and yellow. Doing this is a silent protest or quiet resistance and can be a symbol of solidarity, hoping that we can save Ukraine and the rest of the world from further harm.

A few weeks ago, a group of activists and artists launched 350 paper planes from the top floor of The Guggenheim Museum. It was a simple call for a no-fly zone over Ukraine. The paper planes had a message for the citizens of the world: “This jet is made of paper. But what if it were steel and carried bombs over the heads of the ones you love? Right now, Russia is making deliberate efforts to blow up the largest nuclear plant in Europe in order to wipe out the Ukrainian population. This would give Putin control over Ukrainian land. But that is not the end. Russia wants to move its nuclear arsenal to the Ukrainian-Polish border and push its army further west. Putin has openly said this many times. This is no longer a local conflict. Act now to save the world. Ask president Biden to declare a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Protect the sky over Ukraine. Full embargo on Russia. Boycott Russian influence in cultural and political institutions.”

Architectural Firms One with UKR

Architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects has mentioned stopping all work in Russia. Here is a statement from ZHA: “ZHA has worked in Russia for four decades. Zaha Hadid was originally inspired by works of the Russian Avant-garde and many of our staff have taught architecture students at universities across the country. We are deeply shocked and saddened by the conflict in Ukraine and have placed our two ongoing projects in Russia on hold. We have completed our contracted works on all other projects in the country and continue to monitor guidance from the UK Government.” 

UNSTUDIO Ukraine

Credit: UNSTUDIO

David Chipperfield Architects also said they were suspending work in Russia. Other firms with similar sentiments include Herzog & De Meuron, UNSTUDIO, MVRDV, and BJARKE INGELS GROUP. These companies have announced halting their projects in Ukraine and/or Russia. They are standing in solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine, as well as, with Russians who reject Putin’s decision.

Color Revolutions

The use of colors has proven to be a powerful tool to communicate. They can form mental expressions and affect the mood of a person. Colors convey meaning, and now the practice of changing colors for protest is evident in how designers, creators, and artists use yellow and blue together. This is how brands and groups communicate, as colors say a lot.

Changing and using colors appear trivial, but it’s an old practice for protest. As fashion plays a role in protests, so does color offers non-verbal communication. There have been colors of revolution used worldwide, so the current use of yellow and blue in design is a sign of protest against whatever Putin is doing.

Some notable examples of colors being used for protest include pink being used in India. Fuchsia pink saris were worn, and bamboo sticks were used during a march in 2006 to fight against domestic abuse and violence. Purple is used during International Women’s Day in Mexico instead of pink. The latter is also usually associated with the feminine movement in most countries. There’s the rainbow colors being used for the LGBTQ+ movement.

Rainbow Love Photo by 42 North from Pexels

Credit: 42 North | Pexels

In recent years, people attending rallies have worn different colors. Protestors in Hong Kong wore black to symbolize their sadness over what was happening. Interestingly, counter-demonstrators wore white. In mass protests in Iran back in 2009, green was widely used by the movement. In the US, many women wore pink knitted hats during the Women’s March in 2017 right after Donald Trump won. During demonstrations in Ukraine in 2004, people wore orange, resulting to the movement being called the Orange Revolution.

Today, we see the combination of blue and yellow being widely used. Duchess Kate Middleton wore a blue sweater with a flag pin when she and her husband Prince William visited the Ukrainian Cultural Center in London earlier this month. Salma Hayek donned a blue and yellow tunic at Balenciaga’s Paris Fashion Week. Greta Lee wore a blue-and-yellow jumpsuit by Marc Jacob’s over at the SAG Awards. Lawmakers and government officials worldwide have also been wearing blue and yellow to show Ukraine support.

Grammarly Stand with Ukraine

Credit: Grammarly

Slack and Grammarly also changed their colors in the tech world, albeit a temporary rebrand. The Salesforce Tower in San Francisco has been lit up in blue and yellow. The Brandenburg Gate in Germany and the Eiffel Tower were also illuminated in the Ukrainian flag colors.

Blue and yellow colors are almost everywhere as the world stands in solidarity with Ukraine. Even if people and brands don’t talk, they convey a message of support for the Ukrainians in times of crisis. So, hopefully, Putin and his supporters will really take a hint and just stop.

The response to the Russian invasion has taken different forms. We believe we will see more blue and yellow colors everywhere until Russia takes a step back. The past weeks have been nerve-wracking for millions of people around the world. We’re hoping this will be over soon for the future generation of Ukraine and Russia, and the rest of the world. If you haven’t been vocal about the issue, you can subtly make a statement by wearing blue and yellow.

Tech Giants Support Ukraine

Social Media Apps Credit Tracy Le Blanc | Pexels

Credit: Tracy Le Blanc | Pexels

Supporting Ukraine is a must, especially if you are a tech giant. There is no place in this world for brands that don’t show hatred for the atrocities. Of course, we still understand those companies that have not made any statement, but there is such a thing as social responsibility.

There is value in this move, especially if it’s a big name like Google or Apple. Earlier in March, Google employees donated $15 million in donations and in-kind to groups sending relief to Ukraine. Another $5 million were contributed in advertising grants that will help organizations connect people to major sources.

Google has also waived international calling fees from Ukraine (also US to Ukraine) on Google Fi. Google Voice calling fees to Ukrainer are also waived. Google has also started helping businesses that cater to refugees in neighboring countries. On their Business Profile, they can include if they are offering aid to refugees in the information. Google is also limiting its commercial activities related to Russia. The terms RT and Sputnik have been removed from EU search results already.

As for Apple, the Cupertino tech giant halted product sales in Russia. Meta (Facebook) also has several efforts, including establishing a special operations center to monitor the platform 24/7. In addition, safety features like locking a Facebook profile, additional Messenger tools, and removing the view-search friends function have been added. Twitter has already suspended many accounts, while some companies restricted or stopped operations in Russia like TikTok, Spotify, Western Union, Oracle, SAP, and Amazon Web Services.

Elon Musk, SpaceX and Tesla CEO, and Time’s Person of the Year for 2021, has done a lot already. His efforts include allowing Ukraine to use Starlink and sending internet kits. Tesla is also paying Ukrainian employees for up to three months.

Community Response

In many other ways, ordinary citizens are also showing support by sending money to efforts that directly help Ukraine. In a surprising but touching move, Airbnb is also being used. Since last month, free shelter and accommodations have been provided to about 100,000 refugees.

Airbnb has also urged more people to open their homes to support the effort. People from all over the world were also booking Airbnb rentals in Kyiv, Ukraine, as a way of helping even if they are not visiting. It is an indirect way of helping as the payment for the rentals is given to the residents that remain in the country.

What We Can Do

Here at Yanko Design, we value our brothers and sisters who have been suffering. We remember the works of Ukrainian artists, designers, and students. We wish to give them a platform and make their talent and skills known to the world. By doing this, we make them feel they are not forgotten and that we are one with them.

The attack against Ukraine is still not over. In our little ways, we can help by sending monetary help. We suggest you send to organizations that directly have relief efforts in Ukraine, like UNICEF and World Vision. Make sure you send to established organizations and charities as there have been reports of people getting scammed. You may want to check Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance to see if a group is reliable.

We are hoping for peace and recovery.

The post How the design world is visually rebuking Putin with Ukrainian colors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ukraine Design Spotlight: Promising creative works from Ukrainian Designers, Studios, and Students

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Editor’s Note: The one thing that sets YD apart from other design magazines is how we’re deeply connected with our community of young designers. We’re invested in their success, we share the stuff they make because good talent and great ideas excite us. Design has been our passion throughout, but we believe this is the right time to use our platform to channel a new kind of energy – an energy for hope and support, in our own small way. We will be sharing works from Ukrainian students and designers, giving them the spotlight/platform they need and deserve at this moment. We hope this spotlight will give their work a chance to speak, and the designers a chance to be viewed on a global stage. I hope we can send them love, appreciation, hope, and even work opportunities in this incredibly uncertain and scary time.
We stand with Ukraine. We stand with peace.

Golden Age Custom BMW C400X Scooter by Rostyslav Matiukhin


Harkening back to the halcyon days of pre-world-war motoring when transportation was equal parts speed, style, and skill, the Golden Age captures this sentiment in a modern incarnation. The Golden Age is best described as a modified version of the BMW C400X, with its spiritual ancestor being the classic 1930 Henderson Model KJ Streamline. With a curvaceous design that’s highly reminiscent of the automobiles from a century ago, the Golden Age is just a vintage-inspired treat to look at… complete with chrome trims to punctuate the curved black volumes, a classic circular headlight, and a plush leather throne for the rider to sit on.

[Follow Rostyslav Matiukhin on Instagram]

Color Pencil Holder by BondArtStudio


With its arc-shaped design, the BondArtStudio’s color-pencil holder puts the literal ‘bow’ in rainbow!
Crafted out of beech wood, the holder comes in a variety of sizes, storing anywhere between 24 to 72 pencils. A small area in the middle acts as a container for other stationery like brushes, erasers, sharpeners, etc. while the most attractive element of the holder remains its ‘perforated arc’ that lets you spread out your color pencils in an eye-catching spectrum of hues.

[Follow BondArtStudio on Instagram]

AeroTwist Portable Bluetooth Speaker by Kateryna Sokolova


Donut underestimate the AeroTwist speakers! They come in all shapes and sizes. Well, basically one shape, but with its flexible design, you can twist it to suit your fancy. These speakers come from Jarre Technologies, known for their kitschy take on audio systems and docks. The AeroTwist is their latest, award-winning twistable Bluetooth speaker. Available in sexy Matte, svelte Gloss, and slick Chrome variants, the speakers come with NFC, and the ability to make you the coolest in your pack!

[Follow Kateryna Sokolova on Instagram]

Origami Cake by Dinara Kasko


Dinara’s cakes look nothing like normal confectionery – because they aren’t inspired by them! An architect-turned-pastry-chef, Dinara’s pastries stand at the intersection of design and baking, with their forms relying on complex geometric 3D-printed molds, generative design, and Voronoi patterns. Looking more like edible sculptures than your run-of-the-mill pound cakes, Kasko relies on symmetry, light-and-shadow, and textures and colors to allow her cakes to shine. In fact, she even sells her silicone cake molds online for anyone looking to recreate her work!

[Follow Dinara Kasko on Instagram]

NOOM Suprematic Lamps by Kateryna Sokolova


With the allure and appearance of minimal greenery (for the lack of a better term), Katerina Sokolova’s Suprematic lamps for NOOM brighten the home, quite literally, if I may add! The 3-part lamps come fabricated from powder-coated sheet metal and metallic pipe cross-sections, and can be simply assembled by fitting them together using interlocking cutouts. The lamps cast a warm, downward light that takes on a diffused greenish glow, thanks to Suprematic’s powder-coated color-palette, both illuminating spaces as well as creating a sense of calm, not too different from the calm associated with having plants around you… because the Suprematic does look like an abstract, suprematist Bauhaus take on a planter with plants!

[Follow Kateryna Sokolova on Instagram]

Periscope Mask by Qvarta Studio


Designed to be at the intersection of adventure, sports, and rescue, the Periscope Mask is a well-detailed diving accessory that lets you easily navigate the waters. The Periscopic Mask is an upgrade from the wide variety of existing leisure full-face masks, although with a clever little feature. While most masks have the distinct snorkel pipe that emerges from the mask and ascends upwards, the Periscope Mask also builds a periscope into the snorkel, giving it a clever extra feature that lets people see above the surface of the water, or even above obstacles. The mask, designed by Ukraine-based Qvarta Studio, operates in three distinct modes – a snorkeling mode, a water-line adjacent mode, and a deep diving mode.

[Follow Qvarta Studio on Instagram]

Sopp Table Lamp by Max Voytenko for Gantri


Looking quite like some Zaha Hadid-inspired architecture on your table, the Sopp table lamp by Max Voytenko for Gantri uses Gestalt’s visual laws to look like it has mass, while the lamp itself is made from what seems like entirely crisscrossing 2-dimensional surfaces. The Sopp is a paradoxical masterpiece, inspired by seemingly opposing disciplines: natural forms and modern architecture”, Voytenko writes. “Who knew minimalism could be so mesmerizing?”

[Follow Max Voytenko on Instagram]

ROS.M Electric Hyperbike Concept by Rostyslav Matiukhin


At its core, the ROS.M electric hyperbike concept breaks the one unsaid rule of luxury automotive design – even though it falls well within the hyperbike category, it’s still meant to be a daily driver. Taking on an approach that mirrors products like the iPhone that’s ‘designed to be high-end, but is built for being good at everyday tasks’, the ROS.M hopes to be, and these aren’t words you’ll hear too often in the automotive industry – a luxury hyperbike that regular consumers will love to drive too… and that required Rostyslav to first start by asking some pretty important questions.

[Follow Rostyslav Matiukhin on Instagram]

Xiaomi Wearable Speaker by Ivan Zhurba


No, this isn’t a fan-made arc repulsor from Iron Man, although you wouldn’t be the first one to mistake it for one. Instead, it’s a refreshingly new speaker concept that merges sound and sapien together to create an experience absolutely new. The Xiaomi Wearable Speaker is a conceptual Bluetooth audio device that’s designed to sit on your wrist. Instead of making you just hear the audio by putting headphones in your ears, the Xiaomi Wireless Wrist Speaker makes you hear and FEEL audio because the speaker is quite literally strapped to your body. The sound travels through your ears, and the speaker’s vibrations traverse through your body, sort of mimicking the effect of being at a concert, where the music actually goes through your body, immersing you deeply.

[Follow Ivan Zhurba on Instagram]

Storm Lamp by Julia Kononenko


The beauty of the Storm Lamp by Julia Kononenko is that there isn’t any method to its mad design. The lamp comes with a variety of laser-cut wooden panels that can be arranged/oriented in any way you like, because as its name suggests, the Storm Lamp is all about beauty in chaos. Looking almost like an abstract tornado, the lamp is entirely made from flat pieces of laser-cut plywood that are either left plain or painted black. When assembled together, they create a 3D form using the Gestalt visual law of continuity. Moreover, the jagged edges themselves illuminate to look like chaotic lightning strikes, reinforcing the product’s inspiration!

[Follow Julia Kononenko on Instagram]

The post Ukraine Design Spotlight: Promising creative works from Ukrainian Designers, Studios, and Students first appeared on Yanko Design.

Unique diving mask comes with its own submarine-inspired periscope to see above obstacles

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[The designers of this product are of Ukrainian origin. YD is sharing work from Ukrainian designers/students in the hopes of amplifying their talent and giving them a global platform.]

Designed to be at the intersection of adventure, sports, and rescue, the Periscope Mask is a well-detailed diving accessory that lets you easily navigate the waters. The Periscopic Mask is an upgrade from the wide variety of existing leisure full-face masks, although with a clever little feature. While most masks have the distinct snorkel pipe that emerges from the mask and ascends upwards, the Periscope Mask also builds a periscope into the snorkel, giving it a clever extra feature that lets people see above the surface of the water, or even above obstacles. The mask, designed by Ukraine-based Qvarta Studio, operates in three distinct modes – a snorkeling mode, a water-line adjacent mode, and a deep diving mode.

[Follow Qvarta Studio on Instagram]

Designer: Qvarta Studio

The Periscope Mask is a clever little device that’s designed to pretty much serve all sorts of sub-marine diving requirements. The full-face mask offers a clear view of your surroundings thanks to a panoramic visor, while also having that nifty periscope feature for augmented viewing. Additionally, the snorkel tube (which also functions as the periscope) allows you to mount a GoPro or any other action camera on it, letting you record what you see.

A valve at the base of the Periscope Mask (right in front of the mouth) lets you mount an air tank if you’re planning on staying submerged for longer periods of time. The process for attaching a fuel tank is easy and can even be done underwater, simply by screwing the valve cap off and plugging the air tank in. Subsequently, if you don’t need the air tank, the valve works as an exit for water that may enter the mask by accident. Exhaling hard allows the valve to open just enough to let out any water that may be trapped inside the mask.

The post Unique diving mask comes with its own submarine-inspired periscope to see above obstacles first appeared on Yanko Design.

Xiaomi Wearable Wrist Speaker Concept is a crazy wearable audio device that lets you ‘feel’ the music

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[The designer of this product is of Ukrainian origin. YD is sharing work from Ukrainian designers/students in the hopes of amplifying their talent and giving them a global platform.]

No, this isn’t a fan-made arc repulsor from Iron Man, although you wouldn’t be the first one to mistake it for one. Instead, it’s a refreshingly new speaker concept that merges sound and sapien together to create an experience absolutely new. The Xiaomi Wearable Speaker is a conceptual Bluetooth audio device that’s designed to sit on your wrist. Instead of making you just hear the audio by putting headphones in your ears, the Xiaomi Wireless Wrist Speaker makes you hear and FEEL audio because the speaker is quite literally strapped to your body. The sound travels through your ears, and the speaker’s vibrations traverse through your body, sort of mimicking the effect of being at a concert, where the music actually goes through your body, immersing you deeply.

[Follow Ivan Zhurba on Instagram]

Designer: Ivan Zhurba

Unlike your average speaker, the Xiaomi Wireless Wrist Speaker has a unique design that makes it especially effective as a wearable. For starters, the speaker unit features multiple double-sided drivers that vibrate both outwards and inwards, sending the thumping audio into the air, but also into your body. The wrist-worn wearable has a one-size-fits-all design, with an inflatable inner layer that tightens around your forearm (sort of like inflatable arm-bands that kids wear while swimming). The tubular design of the wearable allows the drivers to sit on one side, with a 14000mAh battery pack on the other side, powering the speaker for long listening sessions.

The idea of a wearable speaker isn’t entirely new. Companies have experimented with subwoofer jackets that basically send audio right through your body in the form of haptics, allowing you to experience sound on an audio-physical level. To an extent, bone-conducting headphones do the same thing, transmitting vibrations to the auditory nerve through the bone right in front of your ear. Zhurba’s concept builds on the same strategy and the underlying philosophy of allowing people to ‘feel’ music – something Zhurba suggests would be wonderful while meditating, exercising, running, or even riding a cycle or motorbike!

Zhurba’s design exists as just a concept for now, with the use of the Xiaomi branding being purely representational. “My vision of the design is similar with the company’s philosophy”, he mentions. The speaker, however, is patent-pending and Zhurba is currently looking for people to help finance its production. You can reach out to him via email, or through his Instagram.

The post Xiaomi Wearable Wrist Speaker Concept is a crazy wearable audio device that lets you ‘feel’ the music first appeared on Yanko Design.

350 paper planes were floated from The Guggenheim’s top floor calling for a no-fly zone over Ukraine

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On March 5, on a Saturday afternoon, a group of 15 artists and activists launched 350 paper planes from the top floor of The Guggenheim calling for a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

Deployed during peak visiting hours, the 350 paper planes floated from the museum’s top floor to the ground, between floors brimming with people. As Russian forces invaded Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine had requested NATO to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine, but the request was rejected by NATO for fear of bringing more countries into the conflict since they would have to shoot down any Russian aircraft flying over Ukraine.

So far NATO, led by the United States, has announced it would not intervene by air or land, rejecting the possibility of taking on Russian forces. The paper planes that flew through the Guggenheim had a clear message for citizens of the world,

It reads, “This jet is made of paper. But what if it were steel and carried bombs over the heads of the ones you love? Right now, Russia is making deliberate efforts to blow up the largest nuclear plant in Europe in order to wipe out the Ukrainian population. This would give Putin control over Ukrainian land. But that is not the end. Russia wants to move its nuclear arsenal to the Ukrainian-Polish border and push its army further west. Putin has openly said this many times. This is no longer a local conflict. Act now to save the world. Ask president Biden to declare a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Protect the sky over Ukraine. Full embargo on Russia. Boycott Russian influence in cultural and political institutions.”

Upon entry to The Guggenheim, museum security guards barred two artists and activists from entering who were given the option to enter without the bag of flyers in tow. Artists Anton Varga, Bea Fremderman, V Pan, and Volk Lika were among the 15 organizers behind the act.

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Gantri’s 3D-printed Sopp Table Lamp visually explores the idea of ‘Less Is More’

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[The designer of this product is of Ukrainian origin. YD is sharing work from Ukrainian designers/students in the hopes of amplifying their talent and giving them a global platform.]

Looking quite like some Zaha Hadid-inspired architecture on your table, the Sopp table lamp by Max Voytenko for Gantri uses Gestalt’s visual laws to look like it has mass, while the lamp itself is made from what seems like entirely crisscrossing 2-dimensional surfaces. The Sopp is a paradoxical masterpiece, inspired by seemingly opposing disciplines: natural forms and modern architecture”, Voytenko writes. “Who knew minimalism could be so mesmerizing?”

[Follow Max Voytenko on Instagram]

Designer: Max Voytenko for Gantri

Kyiv-based Voytenko’s design philosophy of ‘less is more’ shines through wonderfully with Sopp. There’s no voluminous mass to the lampshade. It’s entirely lattice-based, but still has its own 3D mass shining through the twelve 2D planes that intersect each other. The abstract parachute-shaped design rests on a flat base, which houses the lamp’s internal LED light along with its electronics. Both the lamp and base are 3D printed at Gantri’s San Francisco factory using their proprietary Gantri Plant Polymer, a special bio-based material that has a signature matte finish that gives each Gantri lamp a premium appeal.

The post Gantri’s 3D-printed Sopp Table Lamp visually explores the idea of ‘Less Is More’ first appeared on Yanko Design.

BondArtStudio’s pencil-holder turns your color-pencils into an organized rainbow of hues

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[The designers of this product are of Ukrainian origin. YD is sharing work from Ukrainian designers/students in the hopes of amplifying their talent and giving them a global platform.]

With its arc-shaped design, the BondArtStudio’s color-pencil holder puts the literal ‘bow’ in rainbow!

Crafted out of beech wood, the holder comes in a variety of sizes, storing anywhere between 24 to 72 pencils. A small area in the middle acts as a container for other stationery like brushes, erasers, sharpeners, etc. while the most attractive element of the holder remains its ‘perforated arc’ that lets you spread out your color pencils in an eye-catching spectrum of hues.

[Follow BondArtStudio on Instagram]

Designer: BondArtStudio

By vertically holding all your color pencils in a single file, the holder occupies lesser space while allowing you to individually access each color without digging around in your color pencil drawer or pencil-stand. The horizontal holder sits easily on any desk, with a base-heavy design that prevents it from tipping over, and a vertical mounting system that prevents the color pencils from rolling around on your table.

Each holder is hand-made out of beechwood and finished with a coat of thung oil at BondArtStudio’s workshop in Kolomyya, Ukraine. Given current global affairs, BondArtStudio was forced to temporarily shut its studio, although their work and craftsmanship speaks volumes and deserves amplification and support.

The post BondArtStudio’s pencil-holder turns your color-pencils into an organized rainbow of hues first appeared on Yanko Design.