Industrial Design and Technology

China Launches 3D Newspapers

2010-07-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

3D newspapers are the rage in China. I hate this 3D fad but is there something to it? Is this really the future of all media? With the way 3D is currently executed I see it more as ornament on over stylized objects instead of looking at the root of design. Do designers really need to fall to this level of entertainment or do others see 3D as just a gimmick to sell new TVs and hike up the movie prices?

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Dynamic Wallpaper

2010-07-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

The concept asks if your wallpaper visualized your energy use, would you use less energy? Its a great concept, but I think they executed it backwards. As the power consumption increases the patterns grow on the walls which some are incredibly beautiful leaving me wanting to keep them on. They could be really ugly but then I wouldn't want to purchase that wallpaper in the first place. On the other hand, what if the beautiful wallpaper pattern turned boring or faded away until the lights were turned off?

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Nokia Kinetic (Concept)

2010-07-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

There are lots of ways we interact with our phone from how we hold it, where we put it, and what we do to either avoid it or keep it prominent in our minds. This phone uses the idea of placement to interact with the phone. Keeping it upright keeps the phone in use and the screen at easy access, or by placing it down puts the phone on away. Good idea?

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Aqua Tower

2010-07-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

Don't post architecture often but this tower in Chicago is pretty stunning.

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Unique and Awesome Calander App

2010-07-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

The application uses icons placed around a clock to tell you what you have to do when. Might not be the most practical for busy people, or anybody, but its visually way more interesting than the app you're currently using.

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Windows 7 PHONE (Engadget Review)

2010-07-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

If you're like me and interested in switching off the iPhone or you just want to follow major updates in the cellphone industry then this is worth a read (although a long one). Skip to the bottom for the wrap-up. Seems like Microsoft hasn't learned any lessons from releasing other major products too early *cough*vista*cough*

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Wired.com Breaks Down AT&T and Apple

2010-07-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Wired.com goes into the AT&T network meltdown and how Apple and AT&T have existed together and explaining how the relationship has not always been one of love.

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Tarp Wave is Awesome

2010-07-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Just watch the video.

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Jonathan Ive talks with Core77 about the iPhone 4

2010-07-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

The whole article is worth a read, but anything Jonathan Ive says usually is. His discussion about how important materials are and how designers need to be far more hands on with the design as opposed to living in a CAD world hits close to home. I've had a boss who could not have agreed with this concept less and I couldn't stand it.

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Blogs You Need to Follow

2010-07-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

The two blogs below are from my fellow friends and incredibly talented designers Nathan Lucero and Carlos Mendez. Please take a moment of your time and see what they have to say and view their talented work.

Carlos Mendez: Website | Blog
Nathan Lucero: Website | Blog

Sony HD Video Camera with Interchangeable Lenses

2010-07-14T17:25:00.001-07:00

Sony finally released a 1080i video camera with interchangeable lenses for consumers for $2000. The good is that with these cameras are finally becoming available to the masses that allow artistic expression much like a DSLR has. Sadly the resolution isn't as high as it should be and the price is still too high for the hobby user to get involved. But it's a good step in the right direction.

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Shadow Clock

2010-07-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

I think this is sheer genius. I'd love to have one on my wall and I imagine the design could be expanded on to sculpt the shadows and project light during the day (since the concept only works at night)

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Acer Tablets

2010-07-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

Acer will be launching two Android based tablets by the end of this year. The photo is tiny but it looks like it has a physical keyboard (which is awesome) and will be able to do flash which is still necessary in an internet device.

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Engineer + Movie Nerd = The Innevitable

2010-07-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

So this isn't designed at all. Hell, its even poorly executed for an engineer, but how has this never been applied to a shoe before now (I'm just assuming it hasn't)? Either way the future is finally here!. Somebody send me a link the the hoverboard.

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Solar Camera Strap

2010-07-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how well camera batteries work on newer or larger cameras but I get around 800 shots for each battery I have in my Canon XSi. I've never once had an issue with batteries but that isn't to say that there isn't a design problem. If you're shooting 1000's of shots a day then you have to carry a lot of batteries. If you're shooting out in the wilderness then you want to carry as little as possible. This design (assuming that solar technology and camera technology becomes more efficient) could eliminate batteries all together. Every photographer could agree with that.

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Red Dot Design Awards: Top 20

2010-07-13T17:43:00.001-07:00

These are the best designs (according to Yanko) of the Red Dot Awards. Most of these are wonderful, some of these are ripoffs. All are good inspiration and food for thought. Their first choice, the USB Clip, is a fantastic idea. I want one.

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Moebius Chair by Onxy Furniture

2010-07-13T17:37:00.001-07:00

Take the infinity symbol, some wicker, some intense construction, put it in a place where you need seating facing both directions and you have this wonderful design. I'd love to see it in other materials, locations, and maybe longer or articulating to accommodate a variety of situations.

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Coffeemaze

2010-07-13T17:35:00.001-07:00

There are some concepts that have no real use or function, that don't solve any problems, and that nobody needs but are still genius and wonderful. This is one of them.

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The Bendable Bike

2010-07-13T17:31:00.001-07:00

I'm not a biker (Although I think I'd love to reside in a place where I could bike everywhere and use my car only on special occasions. Sadly that is nowhere near where I live.) but I know from my biker friends the hassle it can be to lock up and disassemble your bike every time you leave it alone. This concept has been posted on every design blog that I read because it is such a good idea, so why not post it here also.

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Flexible Screens: When and Where

2010-07-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

HP (now owner of Palm) has once again brought up the idea of flexible screens. There are many concepts out there utilizing the eventual realization of flexible screens. I personally can't wait for a screen that can have a tactile keyboard surface through when needed...but that's a long ways away. At least the possibilities seems promising.

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Fibers That Can Hear and Sing

2010-07-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

A very smart man over at MIT has created fibers that can pick up, move, and even play sound. I'm not exactly sure how this technology can be used. Engadget mentions making fabric and clothes that can play music or record...sure. I imagine this could make for all sorts of new ways of approaching sounds.

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Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet

2010-07-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

It looks like the iPad, it even functions a lot like the iPad. It runs the Android operating system so it can do everything the iPad can (browse internet, download apps, play games) and do things the iPad can't (transfer files, use flash, expandable storage, etc). But this tablet starts at $199 (up to $299). Comes out in August.

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HTC 1: Concept Phone

2010-07-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is a personal design project by Andrew Kim. This is his iteration of what HTC should produce to compete with the iPhone taking into consideration design, construction, features and refining the interface. If this phone came into production on any network besides AT&T I'd switch tomorrow.

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iPhone 4: Letting go of my favorite gadget

2010-07-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

I love my iPhone 3gs. I love it more than I loved my original iPhone and I don't doubt that the iPhone 4 is quite possibly the best phone ever made when you account for design, features, construction and user interface. At this point in time I can confidently say that I will be letting go of my iPhone and this is why. (Sorry for the rant)

I've never been one to listen to the banter of the Apple bashing. I know they make expensive products. I know their features aren't always the top of the line. I've purchased my Macbook Pro not because it had the fastest processor, graphic card, or highest resolution screen, but because of how it was made and how it works. The laptop feels great in my hands, with materials that make me want to hold it, running an operating system that seems to have less conflicts than Windows (although I run Windows 7 on it as well and it is a fantastic operating system) and overall I just enjoy using it. I can't say the same for any of my Dell or HP laptops whether the plastic felt cheap, the hardware would fail and I'd wait 3 weeks for a repair, or the operating system would randomly slow to a near halt. I paid the Apple premium and I was happy to do so. If people think its too expensive, that's their prerogative, but between design, function, construction, and usability I'm very happy with my purchase.

I have the same feelings towards the iPhone. Yes, it's expensive and it's on AT&T but the phone works amazingly well. For nearly 3 years I haven't been able to imagine life without my personal assistant and buying my first iPhone was one of the easiest decisions I ever made. Times have changed over the years though and between Android and manufactures stepping up their game, the iPhone isn't the only player in the world of amazing phones. Still, after playing with Droids and other Android sets I still believe the iPhone is the clear winner but there are so many disadvantages to owning one now. AT&T is worse than it ever has been: It's signal strength is dismal, the costs are the highest among all carriers, and if you sign up now you have to pay full price for an extremely small amount of internet. Not only does the service suck, but now the iPhone has a major reception flaw (link at the bottom of the post) that is unacceptable from a product you spend so much money on.

Over the next 6 months there will be a whole lot of new phones coming out as well as Android 3.0. The phones will have better performance and features than the iPhone. The operating system will be better but I don't believe it will be as good as iOS. Hopefully these phones take on better design and construction to go with a very good operating system on any network (Sprint is half the price, Verizon is expensive but is incredibly fast and reliable). Fact is, Apple you blew it. I was faithful to you and your product line but you chose the worst carrier and now your phone isn't up to par. I can't wait to see what phones come out that I'll love more than my current 3GS

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Returning to my blog: Inspiration

2010-07-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

Awhile back my workload got full and I neglected my blog which only hurts myself. So keeping my promise to myself I'm getting this going again. Here is a bit of recent inspiration.

Aston Martin: One-77

2010-03-31T21:47:00.001-07:00

Aston Martin without any doubt makes some of the most gorgeous and eye-catching sports cars around. I've always been a huge fan of the DB9 and the Vantage. This is their new, more aggressive version. It looks like the DB9 mated with a McLaren-SLR which I completely approve of.

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Cool Design of an Electric Bike

2010-03-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

Just a beautiful electric bike design. Not much to say.

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Adobe CS5: Totally Cheating

2010-03-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

Adobe CS5 is about to be announced and the link below is a demo of Photoshop's new Content Aware feature. A quick summary of the video is Photoshop now includes the magic button and will do whatever you want because you imagine it will...and I'm barely exaggerating.

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Draw while you Photoshop so you can Draw while you Draw

2010-03-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

This little program/art creation keeps showing up on my screen so I might as well post about it. The program tracks your cursor and clicks and creates a graphic based on your workflow. So if you want to see what your work looks like after a day in photoshop then check this program out.

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Vanity at Hard Rock: Vegas

2010-03-31T21:18:00.000-07:00

A beautiful, slightly over-the-top, designer club and bar opening in Vegas. Worth a view or a visit if you can.

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switCH|table and chair

2010-02-18T23:58:00.001-08:00

Ingenious design I stumbled upon today in which the user can have an armchair or a seat with his own personal table.

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Solar Powered Touchscreens

2010-02-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

For anybody who has designed mobile devices or worked on solar powered devices, then this technology is something you wish existed. Please come out soon!

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Samsung's Transparent OLED Laptop

2010-02-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

Transparent OLED's are a fantastically promising technology. I see a future of handheld devices in which the user interacts by pressing on the back of the screen instead of the front. This allows the screen to stay oil free as well as never having to be covered by your fingers. This would work well from smart cellphones to mobile computers and gaming devices.

This computer is using exciting new technology, but the interface isn't designed for it and there's no benefit to the user for having this technology besides that it is "cool". The only positive I see is that the more OLED's purchased, the cheaper they will become, which will eventually lead to more consumer options.

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Canon T2i

2010-02-09T15:08:00.000-08:00

The next iteration from Canon on their low end DSLR cameras. The biggest jump in the last year for DSLR has been the HD video and just behind that the micro 4/3s cameras. This camera only takes a small jump from its predecessor offering better video quality, slight jump in iso, and a jump in megapixels (which at this point is just overkill). Nice to see it still under a grand though. If only they could get rid of that horrible stock lens and put it in a magnesium body for that price.

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Turbine Lights Light Up Highways

2010-02-09T14:42:00.000-08:00

This beautiful contemporary design uses wind created from cars driving on the highway to power the lighting. I'm pretty sure I've seen this concept before, but this one is much more tastefully done.

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BMW + Sennheiser

2010-02-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

BMW teams up with headphone maker Sennheiser to produce what should be revolutionary headphones. Instead it looks like aesthetically aggressive earbuds where the design seems to overshadow the product.

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No More Brain Cancer

2010-02-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

This cellphone case claims to reduce cellphone radiation by 85%. I understand the concern about radiation going into the brain and body from cellphones, and that it would be a good idea to come up with good solutions to the problem, but I have a hard time believing this is the right solution. I haven't done really any research into this product yet, but last time I checked, when I put a cellphone up to my head the side with the case on it is facing the opposite direction. So how does that possible stop the radiation from going through the screen into my brain?

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Mobile Printing

2010-02-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

Everything in our technological life has become mobile one way or another but printing has fallen way behind. This concept, which is probably not feasible, seems like a wonderful printing solution that I imagine most people wouldn't mind throwing in their bag.

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For All Designers/Artists

2010-02-05T15:49:00.001-08:00

If you draw then you have tons of mini-pencils, or your garbage can does. This tiny little design puts them back to good use.

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Music Through the Surface

2010-02-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

This tiny portable "speaker" called The Vibe puts sound waves into the surface it's sitting on making that surface the actual speaker. Placing it on a hallow or porous surface apparently creates better sound. I wonder how much sound this little guy can produce or how effectively different each type of surface sounds.

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The Vyrus

2010-02-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

An absurdly expensive, lightweight, powerful, over-the-top motorcycle that uses a unique way of replacing the front suspension and steering via a central hub.

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For the Fidgeter

2010-02-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

For all those people who tend to fidget with their rings when bored or nervous, Kinekt has designed a ring that gives a "purpose" to this type of interaction while also giving a new aesthetic to an old concept.

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Light Up Soap Bar

2010-02-05T15:26:00.001-08:00

This light up soap bar is quite beautiful, although doesn't offer a solution to replacing your existing soap bar. I'd like it more if it dispensed liquid soap when you picked it up. Otherwise it's a wonderful idea.

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Coolest Calendar Ever

2009-08-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

The calendar soaks up ink over time and as the days go by the fill in with color. Pretty amazing idea.

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Twisting Bookcase

2009-08-12T17:16:00.001-07:00

Title is self explanatory. Looks good but I'm not sure how well it would look up against a wall or how functional it might. Works well in the style category.

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Acer's, I Mean Gateway's New Computer

2009-08-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

Gateway is now selling an Acer designed miniature computer. Clean looking angular design with a minimal footprint.

JVC Motion Activated Sound System

2009-08-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

A cleanly designed shelf sound system that uses motion sensor for inputs and a touch screen display. Nicely done JVC, although a bit pricey at $655.

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Sexy Lamps

2009-08-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

Beautiful and sexy designed lamps. I don't know anything else since the website isn't in English, but I love the design.

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Discovery of Glowing Mushrooms

2009-08-12T17:00:00.001-07:00

Strange green growing mushrooms have been discovered in Japan. They look pretty amazing and I find them strangely fascinating.

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Next Big Thing with Ross Lovegrove

2009-08-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

"Ross Lovegrove’s new series for Artemide is just the latest in the company’s 50-year investment in important designers and state-of-the-art research and development."

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Diesel Analog

2009-08-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

Beautiful asymmetric designed watch by Diesel. Not only is the face split into two designs but the strap is both a metal and a leather setup. Unique and well executed idea.

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Dror Nesting/Stacking Shelf

2009-08-06T01:31:00.000-07:00

Some nice furniture design for Target. Hope it looks just as good when it's sold there.

Are the Days of Vertu and Luxury Phones Over?

2009-07-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

Do ultra high-end cellphones have a place in our future market? Phones and products like these have given the average consumer a glimpse of the ultimate in materials, fabrication, design, and opulence. Will the next generation of cell phones have these multi-thousand dollar devices? Wired.com has something to say about it.

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More Beautiful Photography and Art

2009-07-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

All of these are worth seeing

Prophecy
Longing
As Loud as a Whisper
Still
Robots Inc.
The Water Boy
Apocalypse Please
City of an Angel

'The World Through My Eyes' Concept

2009-07-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

"How would images look if we captured them on a camera that was based on the Human Eye? Taking into consideration our field of vision, optical sensory and the brain’s perception of images, George Milde has developed the Human Eye Camera. This device combines modern technology with digital postproduction."

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Boston.com Solar Eclipse Set

2009-07-23T21:14:00.001-07:00

I hope to feature a handful of photography on this site. Boston.com will probably be featured weekly. These are some shots of the beautiful solar eclipse.

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Samsung Surround Sound and Bluray

2009-07-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Samsung is releasing an entire 5.1 Surround Sound system with 1000 watt receiver and Blu-Ray player for under $800. The speakers look like a clean design, 1000 watts will definitely provide enough sound, and with the addition of the Blu-Ray player this package is a really decent deal.

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Apple Designed Surfboards, kind of

2009-07-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

A former designer for Apple has taken on a project of designing better surfboards. I approve of the transition.

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Dell's Adamo Drops in Price

2009-07-23T19:03:00.001-07:00

And is still WAY too expensive. It's gorgeous, material use is fantastic, profile and overall design are superb. But the specs on this computer are equal to $300 netbooks. It's even too expensive when you compare it to an Apple Air...and that's saying a lot. I still don't think its $1499 gorgeous, but gorgeous none-the-less.

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New Canon Image Stabilization

2009-07-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

Canon is going to start using an accelerometer to aid in their image stabilization. I've got two IS lenses and they work well, but the further the zoom the more unlikely I'm going to get a crisp shot without my handy tripod. Throw this in the L-Series lenses and cut the price in half and I'll be sold.

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Shake Your Battery, Get More Power

2009-07-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

A very smart concept and approach to charging your batteries. Sometimes it's not an option to go throw them in the charger at home, especially in emergency situations. If this actually works, and provides enough power, then I'm sure Duracell/Energizer will buy it up real quickly and make sure it never sees the light of day.

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Kensington iPhone Alarm Clock

2009-07-23T18:43:00.001-07:00

If you've got an iPhone then chances are it doubles as your alarm clock (among other things). This smart simple concept turns your phone into a self standing clock for your room and turns it into a real alarm clock. Not sure it's worth $40, but it's still a nice idea. It would have been nice to see a little more refinement on the stand.

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Another Phone Watch, By Samsung

2009-07-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

They've been done, many, many times. Even Prada has made one. I'm pretty sure every phone watch carries the same flaws: too small to have a comfortable user experience and too annoying to be practical. But if you really want one, and you think Samsung's will do the job, then this might be for you.

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Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth Stereo System

2009-07-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

Portable speaker system that connects to your PMP through stereo bluetooth (or hardwired) that keeps itself charged when outside or will stay charged for 8 hours inside. It also comes with a simple and clean form, nice touch panel control display, even a built in mic for phone calls, and only costs $79.

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New Sony Walkman

2009-07-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Leaked shots of the new Sony S-Series Walkman have come out and it seems they've received the new gadget checklist. Big vertical format screen, circular scroll wheel, as thin as possible, and a Micky Mouse face on the front...wait, what?

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MIT Works on Rapid Recharge Electric Vehicles

2009-07-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

There are a few major problems with electric vehicles. Currently they are pricey, the batteries weigh a ton because we need to put so many of them in since they don't hold much power, they take too long to recharge, eventually the batteries die and it costs too much to replace them, and even if you get past all that they still in general can't compete with the power or distance a gasoline vehicle provides. I'm sure there are more problems but they aren't coming to the top of my mind right now. Regardless, we will eventually all be driving EV's, so all of these problems need to be solved one way or another. That being said, some incredibly smart people over at MIT are working on the recharge issue.

""He said it's like "a chicken or the egg scenario" and wondered whether a charging infrastructure or the rapid recharge car should be built first. "We feel that right now it's easier to build a car that can do it rather than set up an infrastructure," he said.""

Their goal is to be able to completely recharge the car in 10 mins. Still a bit slower than filling up your gas tank, but that's a huge leap from the 2-12 hour time it takes with the existing technology. Now they just need to figure out how to do it with less than 7000 batteries!

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What Type of Art Student Are You?

2009-07-23T18:00:00.001-07:00

Thought these comics were well done. I feel like if you're in ID at AC then there's a 99% chance you're the stressed one. Nice work Chuck Dillon.

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Nike T-Shirt Gun

2009-07-23T15:06:00.001-07:00

A Nike T-Shirt Gun. I don't need to say much. There are few things I have less of a need for than a t-shirt gun, but I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who would love to have one. If only it wasn't a limited production and $1500.

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Herman Miller Setu Chair

2009-07-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

Herman Miller has released a new chair called the Setu Chair. It seems they've taken what they've learned from the Aeron office chair and created a more versatile chair that requires no adjustment and can be used from office seating to around the dinner table. On the backside of the chair is a ribbed exoskeleton they refer to as the kinetic spine which is inspired from natural nautilus shape. I'm sure this, along with their material technology, and overly extensive design refinement, will provide an incredibly comfortable chair. For me, the looks of the chair are too aggressive to be as adaptable as they preach it is. I do enjoy the styling and seeing the functional form, but I can see people finding these chairs a little hard on the eyes in an elegant home or minimalistic space.

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Using Light to Control Power

2009-07-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Check out this article at ECNmag.com which discusses a new technology of controlling circuits with light. In 2005 scientists had theorized that a light could use repulsive and attractive forces to control a switch, but at that time they had only proven the repulsive power. On July 13th they announced that they had solved the problem.

"This completes the picture," Tang said. "We've shown that this is indeed a bipolar light force with both an attractive and repulsive component."

So what does this mean? The article mentions two important uses. There's little to no resistance in this technology, so the loss of power to use devices practically disappears. This could mean devices like your TV or computer will take up less power and people will leave less of a carbon footprint without changing their lives. The second use that was mentions was the telecommunication companies won't need nearly as much cable to move information. Maybe this means AT&T can make a working 3G network and possibly provide some customer service here and there.

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Urwerk UR-CC1

2009-07-22T11:59:00.001-07:00

We'll start this blog off with a watch you can't even buy yet, and with a limited run of 25 to be built, it's unlikely you ever will.

"The UR-CC1: the world's first production wristwatch with true retrograde linear displays.
Linear time is displayed by two large cylinders: one for the jumping hours, the other, a retrograde cylinder for the minutes. In another a world premiere, an ultra-light disk on the dial indicates the seconds, both digitally and linearly."

The styling is unique to say the least, but it's always nice to see a fresh approach and I'm sure there are geeks out there salivating at how it works. It probably won't be long until the guys at Toykoflash (check out this site for incredibly interesting watches) see this concept and make a version far cheaper and more difficult to read.

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2009-07-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this blog.

This blog will be dedicated to design, technology, their possible use in the future, new products, and other fascinating trinkets that help shape this wold in front of us. But mostly its a place for me to keep track of all the stuff I find online everyday.