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The Design blog

The Design blog


Pubs, Pee, and Videogame: A revolutionary way to make the restroom experience more thrilling for men

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 07:43 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

Ever since the times of Freud, researchers and psychologists have spent hundreds of thousands of man hours trying to figure out why men are so emotionally attached to their, er, junk. Unfortunately, even after nearly a century since the birth of modern psychoanalysis, we don't have a reasonable explanation for the phenomenon though that hasn't stopped capitalists from exploiting the male sentiment for quick-moneymaking schemes though few have been as successful as the little blue pill. However, a clever little installation in the men's rest rooms at a South London pub is looking to be the next big thing in the penis-related world. By combining the modern males three greatest obsessions- toilet-related activities, interacting with their junk, and video games, the Exhibit bar in Balham is hoping to attract male crowds by offering the world's first pee-controlled video game in their rest rooms.

Pee-controlled urinal video game
Pee-controlled urinal video game

By controlling their pee stream, visitors to the high-tech loo at the pub would be able to play a choice of three video games every time they need to take a leak. A number of games would allow men to test the accuracy of their aim via the 'hands-free' urinal video games, that also come with colorful names like On The Piste and Clever Dick, and move their pee their stream left and right to compete and win in the games. What's even better is that gents will able to share their rest room exploits with their social media buddies by posting their urinal video game scores to Twitter and to an online leader board.

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Pee-controlled urinal video game
First pee-controlled video game has been installed in a South London bar.

The urinal video game is developed by Captive Media and the company spent almost three years in developing it. The company has launched the games in single-player version for now though we're sure a multiplayer version would be out soon. For now, the company says that the response to the video game has been overwhelming and the company hopes that other pubs around the city would have such video games installed in their rest rooms sometime in the early half of 2012 for drunk gents to kill time with while they de-stress their bladders.

We're sure pub owners would also take this venture to boost business and industry experts forecast that beer sales would also benefit immensely from the clever gimmick, and pubs would be able to tie up with beer brands and other drink manufacturers and use the pee-controlled video game as a promotional tool. What's even better for advertisers is that they can display ads and promotions when the urinal is not in active use, i.e., by the time a user walks into the restroom, stands in front of the urinal and unzips, the display can flash them a few ads and the user wouldn't have any other choice but to look at them!

Pee-controlled urinal video gameFirst pee-controlled video game has been installed in a South London bar.

Via: TNT Magazine


CADENCE prosthetic concept looks to improve paraplegic cyclists’ performance

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 07:41 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

Every year, big corp sports brands come up newer and more innovative tech and design that are geared to allow athletes of all disciplines perform more optimally. On the other hand, paraplegic athletes and people with lower limb disabilities are often overlooked by mainstream sports gear manufacturers and these sportspersons often have to rely on their own physical strength to stay competitive in their sport.

CADENCE
CADENCE

However, the disabled athlete field is one of the fastest growing sectors with more and more people with disabilities turning to sports to stay active and improve their fitness. Cycling is one of more popular sports among paraplegics though existing prosthetics do not allow these athletes to make the most optimal use of their artificial limbs in the discipline. The current models of prosthetic foots and legs come with special clipping and unclipping functions that allow athletes to maintain a grip on the pedal but most of them suffer for the lack of proper ergonomics and thus athletes using them experience what can be described as a "dead zone" of force, i.e., the stiffness of the artificial foot forces the athlete to spend more energy when pedaling in comparison to the force used by cyclists without disabilities. To eliminate this particular disadvantage, designer Seth Aslie created the CADENCE prosthetic concept for cyclists which looks to provide cyclists with a distinctive ease of use and functionality to allow them to spend only the force required.

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CADENCE
Cadences helps restore proper pedaling by allowing the rider to pedal in a circular motion.

Current prosthetic foot models are stiff and remain still and parallel to the ground when pedaling which requires extra strength when pedaling for longer durations. The Cadence allows the rider to pedal in a proper circular motion, mimicking the natural movement of the human foot, thus restoring proper pedaling. An elastomeric band in the front of the prosthetic leg accumulates potential energy as the rider pedals forward. When the foot reaches the lower part of the circular movement, the kinetic energy stored in the band snaps the prosthetic limbs upwards allowing the user to conserve energy during cycling. The split toe design also allows the rider to see the clip on the pedal and they can easily attach and remove their artificial feet from the pedal with the visual feedback.

The improved clipping and unclipping function, thus allows easy release of the foot from the pedal. The Candence prosthetic is also fully customizable and can be retrofitted to suit the exact measurements of cyclists. To allow the prosthetic concept to be used in competitive cycling events, Aslie used the form of the fastest bicycles manufactured in Italy as in inspiration for the prosthetic concept.

Source: James Dyson Award


MyKidPad: You’ll never be afraid of letting your kids play with your iPad2

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 07:39 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

We know you adore your kids and will do absolutely anything for them, but there are a few personal possessions that no parent would want their kids to get their hands on for fear of seeing them smashed beyond repair. Since it is almost impossible to ensure that kinds don't drop expensive gadgets like your smartphones and tablet PCs, and it is almost doubly hard to resist their puppy-eye-backed pleas to let them use these gizmos, an accessory like the MyKidPad makes a lot more sense than trying to coax children away from your latest iPads.

MyKidPad
MyKidPad

Great for gaming and play, the MyKidPad designed by Brooklyn, NY-based product designer Thomas Lehman, is a super light and protective case that is designed to ensure that the delicate gadget is perfectly safe in the hands of kids. Designed for workable play and playful work, the case protects the iPad and makes it more accessible to kids. Since the iPad already comes with a choice of 8250 apps for kids, the MyKidPad case becomes the perfect accessory to make the slim tablet safe for kid-friendly use. With a pliable, soft surface, the case is designed primarily for the iPad2 though it can be used just as easily with other tablet PCs of the same dimensions.

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MyKidPad
A super light and protective case and great for gaming and play

Offered in three vibrant colors- rubble grey, snowball white and sea foam blue, that appeal to children, the MyKidPad Case allows children the opportunity to expand their world with the wonderful functionality of the iPad while offering premium kid friendly protection that still delivers the sophisticated functionality of the tablet to children as it does to adults. For secure toting and serious play, the MyKidPad comes with kid sized gaming handles that allow children to enjoy hours of gaming at end without experiencing any discomfort.

Also, making the kids' time with the iPad a snap, is the easy-to-assemble structure of the case which offers the durable design premium protection against accidental drops and bumps incurred while running around with the iPad.

The soft, shock absorbing case is designed for use by children ages 4 to 10 years old and the designer warns that children younger than that should only use the case under parental supervision only. The MyKidPad Case is currently a design project on Kickstarter that is looking to raise $28,000 in pledges to fund the production of the product. Pledges get additional incentives along with the MyKidPad Case when the product launches, so if you want one of these, pledges a dollar or more to the project.

Via: Kickstarter


Savannah Tropical Shelter Concept makes emergency housing self-sustainable

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 07:37 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

The year 2012 is all but upon us, and it seems like people are taking the Mayan calendar's doomsday prophesy a lot more seriously now. Though 21/12/12 is a year and a few days away, people are already looking into disaster-proof bunkers and shelters just in case the ancient Mayas were really onto something. The Savannah Tropical Shelter Concept by designer Juan Jose Cruz is yet another example of a self-sustaining shelter system that can be used as a living pod in case of an emergency. The concept that this design is spun around is basically a self-sustainable system that can serve as a viable living arrangement for people under circumstances that may render the outdoors unlivable for humans.

Savannah Shelter
Savannah Shelter

The frame of the Savannah Tropical Shelter Concept is inspired by the image of a lying skeleton with the exposed spine and vertebrae serving as supporting beams that the whole design is based around. The skeleton would be wrapped in a special weather-proof covering that would allow the structure to protect its inhabitants from the threats of the atmosphere outside. The inside of the structure would then be used as a large bunker that can shelter people for a while. A sensorial fin that also holds an appendix would allow the structure to incorporate many levels of functionality within it.

Savannah Shelter_01
Savannah Shelter_01

The fins that line the sides of the skeleton on the outside would serve as collection cells that would be used to collect valuable natural resources like rainwater, solar energy via photovoltaic while a drafting chamber would allow the skeleton to provide a natural air ventilation system for the bunker though the designer has not specified whether and how the chamber would purify the air in case the outside air it draws from has been rendered toxic with pollutants or toxins, for example, in case of a volcanic explosion, nuclear or chemical disaster.

The best aspect of the Savannah Tropical Shelter Concept's design is the fact that it is intended to be crafted out of environmentally friendly, reusable, and natural materials which would allow the concept to be built naturally and sustainably without incurring a chemical debt on the environment, the easy assembly method would allow the design to be transported as a flat package making it easier to be set up in remote and difficult to access locations. To ensure that plenty of sunlight still floods into the space to provide natural light, the Savannah Tropical Shelter Concept comes with sliding structures that are built-into the frame itself and serve as windows in the shelter.

Via: Cargo Collective


Eight technologically advanced OLED gadget concepts

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 04:49 AM PST

Rahul Author:

The screens of our gadgets are changing - all thanks to OLED. This latest technology allows for a sharper image quality combined with frugal power consumption; a winning combination that has seen the screens used in everything from music players to keyboards.

1. Rolltop touchscreen laptop concept

Rolltop
Rolltop

Let's look for a new concept of portable touch screen sliding cover. Everyone from Barnes & Noble to Apple has ideas such as the Rolltop. It looked as if it was just the tablet to save the newspaper business. It is the next generation design created by the Orkin. This idea has been there for a while, but the cool twist here is that it would act as both a laptop and a 13-inch 17-inch screen dedicated computer. The unit also comes with a removable hub with power adapter, a stylus, and a pair of USB ports.

ERoll Ebook
ERoll Ebook

2. ERoll Ebook concept OLED display

Eroll Ebook Concept OLED display that was created for the future has been designed by Dragan Trencevski, on tubular ebook Eroll paper thin OLED concept. This latter device is a navigation button to the right of the screen, which can be controlled with your thumb.

3. Flexible OLED monitor concept

Flexible OLED monitor
Flexible OLED monitor

Mac Funamizu shows some adaptable OLED check strategy which supposes the OLED substance would throw up inside the white take a position and allow the customer to choose the best present measurements. These days such uncommon exciting elements are highly-appreciated.

4. Transparent OLED headphones concept

OLED Headphones
OLED Headphones

It involves adaptable OLED sections and two ear-cups that will allow customer to information a lights display or styles across the skull. You could set large dance according to present on top of audio or search any information text messages or simply continue to be whatever coloring you are sensation like that day. The remaining area switch handles your audio features while the right area switch handles the lumination display.

Oled Concept Watch
Oled Concept Watch

5. Oled concept watch

It looks like OLED Business has discovered a definitely new kind of design. At first you see something like an area with little flashing and beautiful actors instead of your time switch. But one light-weight activity of your palm and the room becomes a common time dial! The strategy is really excellent, it impresses so much. This device from OLED Business can become the biggest provide for any vacation. You can spot it in your gift-list.

6. Huawei Leaf – Concept phone with foldable OLED display

Huawei Leaf
Huawei Leaf

Huawei has got an awesome strategy cellphone style by Claesson Koivisto Rune in a kind of a damaged cell phone with collapsible OLED screen. We are not sure how this cellphone accomplish as it's just another conceptual cellphone, but the developer of this Huawei Foliage is trying to put "a style that re-engages with a more simple and user-friendly view of connection and that sidesteps the running hyperbole of many cellular cellphone products." The Brain of Idea Designs at Huawei, Stefan Munther said "We desired to arrive at the fragile stability of a established cellular cellphone but with no give up on style and quality. It is our aim to start the industry's first truly design-driven cellphone that is available to all."

7. Sony nextep wrist computer

Wrist Computer
Wrist Computer

The Nextep was developed for those who always want to be attached to the Web and wish to have the most comfy to use laptop. Sony Nextep is designed as a bracelets to use on your hand, thus you can dress in it anywhere. It functions OLED displays (OLED – normal light-weight giving out diode). OLED displays are very adaptable, so the customer can flip in the displays in the appearance of the hand. The Nextep has a takeout key pad that creates communicating a better practical knowledge for the customer. Sony has decided to generate the device in 2020.

8. HiLo 10-inch OLED tablet concept by Roni Margolin

OLED Tablet Concept
OLED Tablet Concept

A very unique pill strategy called HiLo has been designed by Roni Margolin that carries a material sensed situation that also increases as a key pad. The main Hilo OLED tablet is a ten inch tablet that links to sensed key pad via Wireless. The tablet is made up of ABS plastic and aluminum. The Wireless situation strategy is definitely a strategy and trust most pill manufacturers (especially Acer and Asus) requires ideas from this style and start their next technology pill with a keyboard-sleeve!


10 Mac themed mods for fanatic Apple followers

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 02:50 AM PST

Soubhik Chakrabarti:

There are numerous computer mods available nowadays. Most Apple followers immersed in everything ‘Apple’ would love a Mac themed mod. Here are 10 Mac themed mods which the Apple fan boys could use, bringing in creativity, style and inspiration for them.

1. Mac G4 Cube Fish Tank Mod

Mac G4 Cube Fish Tank Mod
Mac G4 Cube Fish Tank Mod

Remember the old G4 cube which you couldn’t use anymore? Well, why not turn it into an aquarium? Make yourself the Mac G4 fish tank, and gift yourself iFishes (the fishes in the tank). For the lightning purpose, there is Kensington USB Flylight which is powered by the iPod charger. The Apple symbol on the tank makes it ultra cool and setting the aquarium up isn’t a hassle at all.

2. Xbox Macbook Mod

Xbox Macbook Mod
Xbox Macbook Mod

Most of the times people shy away from buying the MacBook because of its high price and high maintenance conditions. Yet there is now an alternative to their dream machine. This is a mod which will take you by surprise. The mod was made by turning an old Xbox 360 case into an OS Xbox Pro! The Xbox Pro has the following specs: 2.93Ghz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550S processor, NVIDIA Geforce 9800 GT graphics card, 8GB of RAM, a 16GB solid state drive, and four hard drives for Windows 7, along with Snow Leopard.

This makes it one of the coolest gadgets that a Mac lover is sure to love. Like the original it costs $1500 along with the original old Xbox 360 case.

3. Apple PowerMac G4 Motorbike Mod

Apple PowerMac G4 Motorbike Mod
Apple PowerMac G4 Motorbike Mod

Back when the iMac and Magic Mouse didn’t exist, the awesome Apple Powermac G4 was a gadget every geek dreamed of possessing. With time, the devices changed, but the memories of the Powermac G4 can be kept alive with this wonderful mod. The Old G4 is modified as a body for a 'Graphite', which has a 49cc, 2-stroke, petrol engine Motorbike. This keeps the G4 alive and you could even ride it an approximate speed of 30 mph.

4. 1942 Philco radio / Mac mini mod

1942 Philco radio / Mac mini mod
1942 Philco radio / Mac mini mod

Another Apple mod is this Philco radio gutted and a Mac Mini added into it. Not only this, a 17” Sony monitor with touchscreen is also added into the radio and the old radio transforms into a new classy digital media center. There is also the sound system which consists of a Sony DVD/ CD/ receiver that comes with a 2.1 speaker system. Thus, you could see how music is played through iTunes and Front row, all by touching and moving the screen with your fingers. In fact, the Philco radio can also view and record live TV through the EyeTV which it possesses and can also be controlled by an iPod touch or iPhone using remote.

5. NecroMac Computer Mod

NecroMac Computer Mod
NecroMac Computer Mod

Now this is one classy and exquisite mod indeed. The mod is based on a Blue and White G3, and the shells are epoxy painted. The final output was obtained by mixing and combining a motley of elements, like lemon juice and white linen paper. Even a heat gun was employed to give the mod an ‘aged look’. The best part of the NeroMac computer mod is the detailing aspect. Hieroglyphs spread across the case and a the mod gives you a retro feel transporting you to the ancient Egyptian times.

6. Steampunk Mac Mini Mod

Steampunk Mac Mini Mod
Steampunk Mac Mini Mod

This is one Mac Mini mod which will blow you by its extravagance! The keyboard uses leather, the monitor’s base uses actual granite and the choice of colors makes the mod look Victorian. The mod merges technology with romance and is a perfect way for an Apple follower to woo his girlfriend. The detailing done to this product is worthy to watch indeed.

7. Mac Classic Mac Mini Mod

Mac Classic Mac Mini Mod
Mac Classic Mac Mini Mod

Now, do the enviable. Attach your Mac Classic with a Mac Mini which you could do in pretty easy ways. This mod allows you to use the innards of a Mac Classic to have a LCD display and a Mac Mini. You could have varies uses for this mod like even using it as a jukebox. For this, you just need to have a Mac classic in your hand and have to add some few add on like a brand new 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo Mac Mini before you could have your own Mac Classic Mac Mini Mod.

8. G4 Mac Mini Cube Mod

G4 Mac Mini Cube Mod
G4 Mac Mini Cube Mod

If you have a good old Macintosh lying around why not use it as an enclosure for a modern Mac Mini? The process is simple. Just remove the innards of the old G4 cube and place the Mac Mini inside. You could also add a virtual laser keyboard making the mod a nice self contained design. After this, you just need to put the whole thing inside the Macintosh Classic and then you would get the much awaited “big fish eats little fish” illusion.

9. MSI Macbook Mini

MSI Macbook Mini
MSI Macbook Mini

How about getting yourself the world’s cheapest Mac notebook? Yes, this was made possible through the ingeniousness of a German hacker named Florian who made a cheap MSI wind into a MacBook look alike. He first made a hole in the lid of his laptop and then carved an Apple Logo. In fact, six white LEDs are used to illuminate the logo. He used aluminum foil and tape to make sure things were held in their original places, and the LEDs give the look of a real MacBook.

10. Mac G3 Beer Server Mod

Mac G3 Beer Server Mod
Mac G3 Beer Server Mod

Mac G3 Beer Server Mod can be considered as one of the most creative designs ever made by the Apple fans. The old G3 Mac is turned into a functional beer server and you could even choose your favorite beer to come out of your Mac. Beer lover or not, you are sure to praise this gem of a product and its ingenious creativity.


Seven stunning Star Wars inspired vehicles

Posted: 28 Nov 2011 12:48 PM PST

Balasubramanya Subbarao:

In today’s world, it is hard to say whether movies inspire concepts or concepts inspire movies. As that debate rages on in the minds of people, when it comes to the Star Wars trilogy of movies, we can be sure that the movies have inspired the designs of many a vehicle. Here we present seven stunning vehicles that have been completely inspired by Star Wars.

1. A Landspeeder inspired by Star Wars which is easily drivable

Star Wars inspired Landspeeder
Star Wars inspired Landspeeder

Using a custom-built aluminum chassis and a fiber glass body, designer Daniel Deutsch has created a landspeeder that seems to have landed straight out of a Star Wars movie. Its powered by an electric drive system and moves at a top speed of about 25 mph. That is great when you use the vehicle only for your shopping needs and neighborhood drives. The body has many intricate details and is sure to grab eyeballs as you drive around.

2. Giant-wheeled EV direct from Star Wars

Star Wars-Inspired EV
Star Wars-Inspired EV

The “Electric Diwheel With Active Rotation Damping” or EDWARD for short is a two-wheeler that has derived inspiration from Star Wars. Modeled along the lines of the RocketRoadster and the Wheelsurf monocycles, this electric vehicle was designed by a team of students from the Adelaide University in Australia. Lead-acid batteries power the vehicle to a top speed of 25 mph and last for about an hour. For stability, the vehicle makes use of a slosh-control system. The overall result is a giant, dual-wheeled futuristic vehicle that goes racing down the streets.

3. Star Wars-inspired body vinyl for the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640

Star Wars-inspired Lamborghini Murciélago LP640
Star Wars-inspired Lamborghini Murciélago LP640

Who says beauty is skin deep? It is skin deep and much more too! And that is the message that this Lamborghini Murcielago with a Star Wars themed vinyl skin seems to deliver. The car in itself is from a brand that is well known for its class and speed. The passenger sides have Jedi Order crests while the driver’s sides has Galactic Republic crests. Be ready to get the prime parking slots anywhere you go!

4. The ultimate Star Wars- inspired Speeder MoBike

Star Wars inspired Speeder MotorBike
Star Wars inspired Speeder MotorBike

This Speeder motorbike is an exact replica of what you would have seen in the Star Wars movies - the only difference being that since this is a road racer, it has wheels! The wheels are super-broad and lend a mighty balance to the giant bike. The sleek and long-beam lights in the front, the stylish handles and powerful engines are sure to give a breathtaking riding experience.

5. The Honda Chopper Concept translates into a dream, stellar bike

Star Wars-Inspired Honda Chopper
Star Wars-Inspired Honda Chopper

The Honda Chopper has been conceived as an electric vehicle and once it hits the streets, it is sure to transport the rider and onlookers to a futuristic time-zone! The forward suspension is extra long with a seating position that requires the feet to be placed up front. The electric motors make this giant bike almost noiseless. The bike has big wheels that lend extra stability and balance to the Chopper.

6. H-Wing Car Fighter inspired by Star Wars

Shawn Crosby AKA inspired  H-Wing Car Fighter
Shawn Crosby AKA inspired H-Wing Car Fighter

This car is an example of how junk and waste could be put together to give an out-of-the-world look and feel. The R2D2 mounted on the trunk of Honda Civic along with the side accessories is being used to thrill children during charity events and parties. The sides have been mounted with dual cannons, the bumper has proton torpedoes and a computer for targeting has been placed in the dashboard. Though it has taken many years to make, the result is truly awesome!

7. Battle tank straight from a galactic combat zone

Star Wars inspired Tank
Star Wars inspired Tank

And we finally come to a SUV that seems to be an MUV (read as military utility vehicle). The drastic redesign and shape of this modified SUV will naturally grab all the eyeballs on the roads. Though it looks heavy and loaded with weapons, the vehicle moves very fast because it is powered by a 320 HP V8 engine. There are CC TVs within the ‘cockpit’ of the vehicle that help in the navigation. Only a close observation will reveal the tires that take the place of conveyor belt chains that other tanks possess. But since the car is an SUV at heart, it should have no problems navigating any terrain.


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