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The Design blog


Coral Gel Comfort Tile: Provides spa like foot treatment in public places

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 06:43 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

Every year, billions of dollars are made by the health and wellness industry with a bulk of profit being raked in by day spas alone. So how well do you think the corporations running the game in this thriving sector would respond to the idea of their premium priced treatments being offered for free and that too in public parks? If we know our evil corporate honchos, the answer to the above question is not well! However, the Coral Gel Comfort Tile concept, created by designer Yanying Huang does present us with the novel and utopian idea that wellness treatments can offer to the taxpaying public for free.

Coral Gel Comfort Tile
Coral Gel Comfort Tile

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Coral Gel Comfort Tile
The Coral Gel Comfort Tile is an interactive comfort tile meant for installation in public areas.

The Coral Gel Comfort Tile is meant to serve as interactive comfort surfaces that would be fitted within public areas such as parks and sidewalks. The topmost surface of the tile would hold a molded relief fashioned from a specially made polyurethane gel called Technogel, which is basically a gel like substance that can distribute the weight of the limb evenly upon pressure and help reduce tension in stiff muscles. A hidden layer underneath the gel tile would hold an infrared heat unit that would automatically activate when the user places his feet upon it. As long as he/she exerts pressure on the tile the unit would provide heat relief to the user's feet.

Since the gel material would shape itself to the user's feet, the interactive comfort tile would be able to adjust itself to each person's feet and would regain its original shape after the user had stepped off. Each tile in a set will sport a different coral design and stepping on tiles with different patterns will trigger a different pulsing heat sensation that would gently massage the user's sore feet.

Via: Behance


Spirally dumbs down playground equipment for children with disabilities

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 06:34 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

Trying to understand what kind of activities would be interesting for children with special needs is very difficult. And that is why educators and caretakers working with such children get paid big bucks for their jobs and are almost revered for their saintly work. However, what most adults fail to see is that children with lower limb disability do not have the same needs as children suffering from developmental difficulties. However, designers that are looking to make toys for disabled children tend to think more along the lines of "marketing and moolah" more than creating a product that would actually be useful. The Spirally by designer Eli Capello is one such invention that is nothing more than a large LED-infused cone with rotating parts that can be revolved.

Spirally play device for disabled children
Spirally play device for disabled children

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Spirally play device for disabled children
Spirally emerged from the three main senses for the disabled sight, hearing and touch.

With a stainless steel frame and coated polyester sheet cover, the giant cone basically blinks, twinkles and possibly even makes a few sounds when its rotating parts are touched by kids. Of course, one would have to imagine a toddler being able to maneuver himself dexterously on a wheelchair to find this toy entertaining. The other more obvious flaw in the product is that the installation is conical in shape i.e., a kid in a wheelchair would have to reach forward to be able to interact with the rotating parts while balancing his wheelchair (and moving it forward with one hand!) near the larger base of the cone itself. As a playground installation, the spirally makes no sense being dangerous and is basically useless for kids who are old enough to wheel themselves around the playground.

Source:Eli Capello


Cyberspace-Tek Multimedia Office/Workstation makes multimedia tasks easy

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 05:56 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

With a strong emphasis on modern-going-on-futuristic aesthetics, the styling of the Cyberspace-Tek Multimedia Production workstation provides on the go technicians with a space that allows them to maximize work flow. The office-slash-workstation was custom-built by designer Patrick Hing. It boasts of strong ergonomics that are developed to respond to the designers and technicians' need to have a dedicated space with multiple screens and displays. The workstation is created for professionals working in the fields that require development of multimedia solutions for marketing and infrastructure interface.

Multimedia's custom built office
Multimedia’s custom built office

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Multimedia's custom built office
Multimedia’s custom built office by Patrick

The workstation is primarily developed to enhance the productivity of professionals working with multimedia software tools like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator. This is developed keeping in mind the people who need to generate computer graphics using tools like Corel Draw and Corel Photopaint. The Cyberspace-Tek Multimedia Office/Workstation also responds positively to 3D animators working with software like Autodesk Maya, Xara and Chief Architect. In the field of animation development, the workstation makes the use of Adobe Fireworks, Adobe Flash and Gif movie Gear more optimal and seamless since multiple screens allow animators to keep track of different layers of the production at a given time.

The multiple screen functionality also allows the workstation to serve as a one stop video/audio production station. It is geared to optimize the functionality of tools of the Adobe suite including Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Ultra, Adobe After Effects and Adobe Flash Video Encoder. Apple's QuickTime VR Pro as well as other video encoders like DIVX Encoder, Real Media Encoder and Goldwave can also be used on this workstation with ease.

Also featuring a full on multimedia entertainment center, the Cyberspace-Tek Multimedia Office/Workstation can also be used to play audio and video in almost all popular video, animation and audio formats. The ergonomic work station swiftly and easily transforms itself into a comfortable environment for the user to enjoy and relax in.

At the center of the Cyberspace-Tek Multimedia Office/Workstation lies a custom modified glass desk that can easily fit and support a large LED/LCD screen. Ergonomic reclining furniture, a vibrating floor platform and custom-built audio features make the office a premium entertainment space. The Cyberspace-Tek Multimedia Office/Workstation also comes geared with 100% energy efficient LED lighting technology to make the tech-intensive workstation as green as possible.

Via: Behance


The Mitsubishi EMIRAI concept has intuitive button placement

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 04:57 AM PST

Sahil Khurana:

The Mitsubishi EMIRAI concept is a car interface that has been developed by Mitsubishi Electric. The concept vows to bring a change in world of technology and cars. The interface looks like a dashboard and has a rear projection. It has a curvy outline and will be available almost after ten years from now. The interface will be wedged in futuristic electric vehicles.

Mitsubishi EMIRAI
Mitsubishi EMIRAI

The concept has an interesting display, which is the highlight of the design. The instrument panel will be fitted in the center of the design, which is a rear projection display, and will also support touch operation. Pop-up buttons are displayed on the tactile interface while complete safety is promised by the safety system that makes good use of biometrics. The steering wheel features shape-changing buttons, which have been placed in an interesting manner. There are 18 buttons present in total, out of which the user can only interact with the raised buttons. All the other buttons will remain retracted.

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Mitsubishi EMIRAI
Mitsubishi Electric have developed a car interface which they believe will be realized within a decade from now.

The ingenious placement of buttons will make the Mitsubishi EMIRAI concept very intuitive. It will let people use these buttons easily, and that too without even looking at interface. Scrolling the display is very interesting and comes sans any complications. Simply, slide your fingers over the buttons present on the interface and get access to all the options.

The seat position of the vehicle, wherein this interface will be wedged, can be further adjusted as per the user's requirement, height and comfort. The seat position can be customized using facial temperature measurement, personal ID and also by measuring heart rate with the help of a Doppler sensor. These features will not only match the seat and steering position, but will also sense the health condition of the rider. This will provide apt information about the person's health on that particular day, which will encourage safe driving.

The Mitsubishi EMIRAI concept also has a handwriting text entry interface that will be coupled with the navigation system. Apart from this, curved glasses-free touch sensitive displays will be featured at rear seats. The awe-amazing car interface technology will make future electric rides all the more interesting and sumptuous.

Via: Diginfo


Ptuj Archaeological Museum to restore greenery of the historic town

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 04:22 AM PST

Anindya Nandy:

The Concept

Ptuj Museum, in the municipality area of Ptuj in Slovenia, is the glaring example of eco consciousness. This praiseworthy project of the architectural firm, Enota, will exhibit green revolution in its external appearance as well as functions. This amusing green archaeological structure is aimed at creating a green belt all along the northern border of the town, thereby demarcating a clear distinction between the historical and the later urban structure of the city. The archaeological museum is supposed to put up to the visitors the grandeur and the richness of the later Roman period, the kingdom after the Roman downfall, and the present day development.

Ptuj Archaeological Museum
Ptuj Archaeological Museum

The inspiration

The natural greenery surrounding this Slovenian area inspired the architects to restore it by any means. The idea of building an archaeological museum came from the historical background of the area, the remnant of Roman territory, the medieval culture and the Dominican monastery. The prehistoric existence of the town of Ptuj inspired the architects further to exhibit the rich heritage of this place to the world.

Eco credentials

This great project has proposed to lay the foundation of the structure partially plugging into the site. But the most interesting part of it is that it will not indulge into indiscriminate digging of the earth or destruction of the green belt all along the area. The project is well aware of the ecological norms of the area and abides by it strictly. Thus, it is working carefully on its project, keeping in mind the restrictions of land excavation. Further, it has also promised to recreate the greenery that will be lost in the process of the work. It will be done by means of the bowl shaped roof of the museum that will hold natural vegetation. The proposed area of the project sits on the transitional area of the old medieval town and the modern urban area.

This comprises of three cellared buildings, having huge foundation pits. Thus, in an aim not to disturb this feature at all, the museum will be based on a below ground level exhibition. Further, eco credential of this museum points towards the bowl shaped roof that will be undulating and folding and will be organic in nature and create a new topography for the area. The roof will be of elevated height at some areas that will allow visual access to the archaeological collection from distance. The edge facing the monastery is supposed to be so high that it will almost try to establish a relationship with the sky.

Feasibility

The proposed site of the project is such that it can create a threat to the greenery and some of the ancient archaeological sites of the area. It will definitely usurp the green area along the border of the entire northern part of the town. But the first point of the feasibility of the project lies in the fact that it will recreate the greenery along the area by supporting vegetation in the roof of the museum through the entire line. Another challenge it will face is that it will be situated on the very edge of the medieval city walls. But the positive news is that it will dug the area only as much is permitted legally.

Moreover, further interesting news will be that it will open the renovated view of the Dominican monastery over the new architectural structure from its north. Thus, the monastery will resume its role as the prominent historical landmark of the area. Another threat that the project faces is that it is indeed problematic to excavate the entire area of Roman city as there might be things of immense archaeological interest below the landmass. This project of Ptuj Museum has proposed to overcome the challenge by planning the underground level of the building only in areas where the archaeological area has already got destroyed or exhausted due to previous interventions.

Related trends

1. Organic Roof at Nanyang Technology University in Singapore

Nanyang Technology University
Nanyang Technology University

This green structure in Singapore is the most beautiful example of roof top greenery. This organic roof is in the building of the School of Art, Design and Media at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. This building features an oval shaped roof that is really green. It is curved and smoothly connects with the landmass on its two edges. The thick turf of greenery on this curved roof serves as a spot for informal gathering and recreation amidst natural surroundings. The functional part of this organic roof is that together with the creation of natural ambiance, it also insulates the building, purifies the surrounding air by increasing the quantity of oxygen in it and also collects rainwater for landscape irrigation.

2. Roof garden on Minil Middle School, Shanghai

Minil Middle School
Minil Middle School

According to a survey and research carried on in Shanghai, it was concluded that the buildings that have vegetation on their roof tops accounted for lowering down the temperature of that building by about three to four degrees. This was a great relief for the residents of Shanghai as the city has been experiencing frequent rise in temperature over the past twenty years. Thus, the roof top garden on Minil Middle School at Shanghai was an outcome of the inspiration gathered from the survey. The roof top garden of this building serves as an excellent means to purify the surrounding air, reduce the indoor temperature considerably and most importantly, reduce electricity consumption due to the use of air conditioning to almost 20 percent.

3. Green-roofed high school in France

High school
High school

The Marcel Sembat High School in France is also an ardent follower of the concept of root top garden and eco conscious architectural structure. The clear mark of distinction in the concept of eco conscious architecture of this building is that this simple school building creates a link between the urban infrastructure of the city and the surrounding stretch of green landmass.

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Blanketed With a Giant Green-Roofed Tent
Blanketed With a Giant Green-Roofed Tent


Check 1-2: Electronic guest check for smart, secure payments

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 03:08 AM PST

Radhicka S Saxena:

Splitting the bill after a luncheon with friends always creates a scene of squabble. With many vendors like Paypal and square trying to come up with potential solutions, another answer has been found to this unique predicament. This innovative gadget has been designed to make the checkout process simpler and hassle free. The process eliminates errors made in such transactions. The time involved to make the payment is reduced, and even tipping becomes a lot easier. It has advantages for the seller too: They get an opportunity for life cycle marketing.

Check 1-2
Check 1-2

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Check 1-2
Check 1-2 By Pushstart

What is it?

The product is a digital guest book. This hi-tech device has a card swipe system, stylus and a touchscreen. Looking exactly like a hard bound check book that is kept folded, this is actually a gizmo with hi end mechanizations slotted in. It also has provisions for Wi-Fi connectivity and makes the billing process uncomplicated. After use, the fully integrated gizmo can be docked on a POS system. The guest book is quite intelligent, as the meal nears completion, a check is dropped at the table. The interface is very simple to understand, it guides those using it.

Benefits

Paying a bill becomes much easier and there are hardly any hassles involved if you have to split the bill. Each person can pay for the specific items they ordered, without having to give and take money from friends later on. You can even choose to pay via non card payment modes like PayPal. It displays the whole bill with the entire breakdown of item ordered, thus you can recalculate the amount being charged. Payment is also a lot more secure. The card will never leave your hands as you do not have to hand it over to anyone to carry out the swipe.

Ease of use

You can request the receipt in any form; a coupon, printout or an electronic copy via mail. There is a reward program also, associated with the email you shared in the book. Just tap on the touchscreen to provide any input and use the stylus for signing the bill. The status of the transaction is conveyed via the indicator lights.

Via: pushstartcreative


Oncore: An environment friendly case for your iPad or iPhone

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:14 AM PST

Chetana Warge:

Oncore is made up from a thermoformed fiber. It is also called as paper pulp iPad and iPhone case. This case uses a molded material of paper pulp. Many consumers who love to go green and environment friendly find this case quite appealing and attarctive.

Oncore assures to offer adequate comfort and protection while cutting down additional undercut wastage and cost. Some of the material features and qualities of this case are its minimal packaging and low cost. This serves as the best means to lower the self packaging risks especially, the retail thefts from the locations.

There are added qualities of a plastic material in thermoformed fiber material of Oncore case. However, it offers a much higher quality when compared to other plastic and molded pulp material iPad and iPhone cases.

The material of Oncore is created from 100% recycled paper thus assuring 100% recycling of the product at the time when the product life cycle comes to an end.

The case has a unique quality of getting attached and detached easily from any iPad or iPhone. This refrains from causing any damage to your iPad or iPhone at the time of the following attachment or detachment process.

The coverage shell of Oncore is entirely water resistant. This does not cause any damage to the cover in any seasonal change or either normal wear and tear. The case is also designed depending upon the size, features and design of the device that you possess.

Oncore manufacturing is more similar to the manufacturing of containers that contain thermoformed food items. The entire pulp cover is dried up inside the mold through molding and heating process. Further the pulp is dyed giving attractive and desired colors much before the entire process of molding is complete.

The overall cost per 10 units ranges from 0.10 to $1.00 or even more. This entirely depends upon the color, design and features of the Oncore case.

Overall the average iPhone case cost, as featured on the site of Apple Company is $46.

Source: Behance


iCase: The next generation iPhone cover

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 02:02 AM PST

Pragya Bhargavi:

Forget those regular unattractive plastic and leather iPhone covers that you have been using for a long time. iPhone is a smart phone and you need to protect it with a smart cover. Designer Ser Humano has therefore designed the all new iPhone cover called the iCase.

iCase
iCase

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iCase
iCase is a protector case designed for the iPhone

iCase has been made from a special kind of plastic called methacrylate. The kind of transparency that this plastic provides is incomparable. Therefore, the experience of viewing your phone through the iCase will be as good as viewing it without a cover. Methacrylate is also known for its hardness, which ensures that your iPhone will remain safe and intact in the new case. Moreover, the iCase also has the capability of increasing your phone's efficiency.

It has been provided with a tripod, which enables the user to place the phone in a stable position while clicking pictures, performing video calls or seeing some multimedia content. So, you no longer have to hold the phone and stand still. The new iCase will do that for you. As the iCase comes with two stands that are capable of rotating 360 degrees, it actually gives you the liberty of placing your phone in any position you want. The iCase allows the phone to stand stable in various different positions. Besides this, iCase also comes with a brilliant solution to prevent the entangling of headphone wires, which is normally a common problem.

In brief, you can say that the iCase is a complete protector of your phone. It is very durable, as special consideration has given to its quality. Therefore, get rid of your old covers now and switch over to the new innovative iCase.

Via: Behance


Electric cart: Commuting problem comes to an end inside malls

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 01:53 AM PST

Sahil Khurana:

These days as modern malls spring up every where, the huge variety they have to offer may leave us stunned. Covering such humongous areas with plenty of shelves, all lined with a variety of products may become an unachievable task to do full justice to.

Electric Shopping Cart
Electric Shopping Cart

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Electric Shopping Cart
The effort was to make the cart more compact and flexible.

Designer and IIT Mumbai student, Shweta Mistry has come up with the concept of an elctric cart as a solution to the problem at hand. Although the cart has been designed as the part of an academic project, its feasibility knows no bounds.

With a simple motive in mind, Shweta decided to build something which can prove to be a utilitarian choice for everyone around. The cart has been designed to cater to all the commuting needs when inside the mall. The electric device makes it possible to seat a lot of people at the same time.

With flexibility riding high and compactness proving the cart to be all the more useful, malls would find this electronic cart to be an inseparable part of their daily functioning.

Although, the cart provides no permanent seating arrangements for the passengers, it ensures to provide a separate seat for the driver & the passengers. While everyone on board can experience complete riding comfort, the huge mall areas can be covered in a matter of seconds itself.

Shweta bathed the device in a beautiful combination of grey and red, adding a subtle yet elegant charm at the same time. There is an option to stand and ride while at the same time, people from the aged category can sit and ride accordingly. The cart ensures that everyone remains safe within its vicinity; right from the passengers to the people doing the rounds in the mall.

With such ergonomics, the cart is sure to be a huge success if implemented in the malls.

Via: CargoCollective


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