The Design blog |
- Best tablet phones graced with portable usability
- Conscious Commuter and CMYK 2.0 folding electric bikes for easy urban mobility
- Pitch for the Chicago Navy Pier by BIG architects in alliance with AECOM
- Self Balanced Serving Tray ensures spill proof and accident proof serving
- C 1 offers rush of a bike with safety of a car
- An artificial arena with its own environment and climate for urban farming
- Energy Stream combines radio, internet and television in one handy package
- AquaClimb, a watery excursion for daredevils and explorers
- Buffalo USB Hub connects a USB cord facing either way
| Best tablet phones graced with portable usability Posted: 27 Feb 2012 05:15 AM PST Jaspreet Kaur Walia: The world of electronics has given us products that have made lives easier and shrunken the world in terms of communication. First it was the laptops, which took the world by storm because of the tagged portability and then tablets just because of their size and weight. But, there seems to be no stopping which is evident from the rising demand of Phablets, a cross between tablets and smart phones. The most striking feature of a phablet is that it can fit in the pocket, offers phone like portability and comes with all the features of a tablet. There are a variety of options available, which tends to confuse buyers. So, why not do your homework before narrowing down on a phablet that best suits your needs and style.
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| Conscious Commuter and CMYK 2.0 folding electric bikes for easy urban mobility Posted: 27 Feb 2012 03:40 AM PST Jaspreet Kaur Walia: Electronic bikes have been scaling the popularity chart and there seems to be no stopping. They are not only an easy way to move around the city, but also keep the surroundings away from the ill effects of pollution. The Conscious Commuter and CMYK 2.0 are two such creations that will leave eco lovers wheezing. These E bikes are not only eco friendly, but are foldable in nature.
 Two Folding Electric Bike Many people travel to work every day using public transportation systems, like a bus or a train/metro. It is often seen that people either have to walk down till the metro station or bus stop, which can take quite some time. Further, there is no guarantee that the work place will be located right next to the metro station or bus stop. This is where bikes come in the scene as they save time and are the easiest way to reach the desired destination. But, the biggest trouble with bikes is carrying them around, which may pose a lot of difficulties while traveling in a train or bus. The obvious and most sensible solution is foldable bikes that are easy to carry from one place to the other.
Picture Gallery  Two Folding Electric Bikes Offer Twofold Urban Mobility Solution The Conscious Commuter is a U shaped bike that has been designed by Gabriel Wartofsky from Los Angeles. The shape of this foldable bike features an arc that marks off the 20 inches wheels when the bike is folded. The wheels lie on top of each other in the middle when the frame is twisted on the two axes, which lie parallel to the frame. The bike weighs less than 25 lbs and can touch a speed of more than 15 mph, which is quite impressive. The bike will come up with a range of 5 to 30 miles on a single charge, which will depend solely on the type of battery chosen. On the other hand, the CMYK 2.0 folding e-bike has been designed by Manuel Saez. It is smaller than the Conscious Commuter and doesn't have an arc like the Conscious Commuter. It is ruled by straight lines and rolls on smaller wheels. The length of the e-bike cannot be altered as both the frame and the wheels are fixed. The design can be split into half by folding the handlebars as well as retracting the seat post. The environmentally bike is almost the size of a golf bag when folded, hence can be carried around without much difficulty. CMYK comes fitted with a 200 Watt motor, which fetched power from an 18V lithium battery. The e bike takes almost 2 hours to get fully charged and gives freedom to move around for a good 50 minutes when juiced up. Both, the Conscious Commuter and the CMYK 2.0 folding e-bike will replace cars when it comes to covering short distance. They can be carried till the work desk and even parked inside your apartment/home, which makes sure the bike is always in front of your eyes and hence can be stolen. E bikes are a great way to curb pollution, which is a great step towards a clean and green world. Via: Core77
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| Pitch for the Chicago Navy Pier by BIG architects in alliance with AECOM Posted: 27 Feb 2012 02:25 AM PST Radhicka S Saxena: The original Chicago Navy Pier designed by American architect Daniel Burnham is going through a complete overhaul for which several proposals have been invited. An extraordinary plan, among the five shortlisted designs, is the one from the American company AECOM and Danish firm BIG architects. The plan proposes to transform the current structure into a sprawling urban public space with an environmentally sustainable layout. The plan will basically elevate the pier to a higher altitude, which will give visitors a better view of the water front and the city's skyline. The pier will be divided into six distinct zones, namely East End Park, Gateway Park, Pier Park, South Dock, Skyline Gardens and Crystal Garden. Here's a brief overview of the proposed structure.
 Chicago Navy Pier Proposal
East end park From this lofty deck, visitors will get a better view of the enormous waterfront. In fact, they will be able to see as far as the horizon, the point at which the drifting tides meet the sky. To counter the ebb and flow in water levels, an entryway with steps will be constructed. This is a place where visitors can spend spare time. People will be able to enjoy a lazy brunch at the café cum restaurant and take in some sun or fresh air. Also, the seating area with treads, will be a place from where people can watch a 500 foot high water show organized by WET.
Crystal garden The high point of this flowering space will be the pillars bearing vegetation. The vertical farm will produce harvest ethically using eco centric practices like creation of a suitable micro climate, irrigation using water cycle system and aquaponic nutrient techniques. The zone will accommodate a floating juice bar, which doles out food made using fresh produce sourced from within the garden. There will be walkways in the premises for people to saunter about and enjoy the flourishing view. A space that serves as an entertainment hub, gastronomic eatery, educational center and a farmland is truly an ingenious idea. Skyline gardens Akin to the title given, these lush gardens have been constructed at the rooftop of this structure. The gardens have been prettified with colorful patches of blossoms, decorative grassy sculptures, shrubbery sheared in designer patterns and geometric arrangements. You can get a panoramic view of the landscape from these lush gardens. Exorbitant flower shows will also be held here. Pier park This scenic site will definitely be the main attraction at the pier. The focal point of this plot will be the vast stretch of cascading stairs, which will enclose a giant wheel in the middle. These stairs will be a leisure spot for visitors and a popular zone for staging concerts. It will house a number of restaurants and dining terraces from where you can get a view of the city. Enjoy sunsets in summers and tobogganing on the snowy slides during the winter months. In the "life after dark" theme, the entire stretch will be lit up by renewable micro wind turbines on the roof. This project is sustainable to the core. A space near the waterfront with an eco friendly design is unquestionably a spectacle. Wide promenades, lush vegetation, panoramic view, sprawling gardens and lively gigs in this zone will certainly set a benchmark. Via: Designboom
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| Self Balanced Serving Tray ensures spill proof and accident proof serving Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:22 AM PST Jaspreet Kaur Walia: There is always this hidden fear somewhere inside the heart pertaining to spilling food items or dropping crockery in case you lose balance while holding a serving tray. This may lead to added embarrassments and also cause damage. To keep all such situations at bay, Tolga Metin has designed the Self Balanced Serving Tray.
 Self Balanced Servicing Tray
As is evident from the name, Self Balanced Serving Tray will make sure that the food serving experience is accident proof, spill proof and totally safe. The designer fetched heavy inspiration from the balance system used in race yachts and gyroscopic systems. Hence, a user can safely walk at a fast pace while serving without any potential fear of dropping or spilling things intact. It makes good use of the earth's gravitational pull that is exploited while self balancing the tray. The designing is not only aesthetically appealing but ergonomic. The amazing tray features a metal ball that is connected to conical shaped metal part, which is the salient feature of the design. This is the reason why the tray always stays perpendicular to the gravitational pull. The tray stays still as the two circular metal frames surrounding it keep spinning in x and y plane. When one has to place the tray on a table, simply fix the conical part (that can be rotated 180 degrees) to the handle. Self Balanced Serving Tray has been dipped in modernism and solves an impending fear that is at the back of everyone's mind while serving. It is a smart design and the unique property of self balancing is definitely worth praising. Via: Techbriefs
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| C 1 offers rush of a bike with safety of a car Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:18 AM PST Radhicka S Saxena: Here is a nifty solution for those who cannot call shots between buying a bike or a car. This smashing auto packs in the goodness of both. Known as C-1, this electric motorbike is a cross between a car and a motorcycle. The automotive has two passenger bikes enclosed in a cutting edge flowy chassis. The exterior is futuristic and swish. The curvy chassis and flawless finishing make it quite a looker. Moreover, the bike is carbon neutral as it is fully electric.
 C-1 motorbike
The singular distinguishing trait of this roadster is that you can enjoy thrill of a bike along with the safety features of a car. There is a steering wheel, seat belts, dashboard and a bucket seat. The sound system adds in a kick when you are whizzing it around. Climate control is an ingenious addition that renders the auto car like characteristics. The slim and rounded hulk reduces air drag helping you to dash faster on the road and as you are driving an enclosed car, you can do away with the hassle of wearing a helmet. The hi-tech features slotted in the bike are jaw dropping. The passengers inside will always stay warm and dry. A really safe ride, this bike will not fall over even if someone thumps hard into it. Multiple airbags will waft out if someone bumps into you. The steel roll also enhances its safety. The bike stands erect even when it is stationary thanks to the gyroscopic stabilizing system installed in it. Presently, this is the only piece in the market that fits in machinations, which can keep a bike steady even when it is standing still. This one of a kind roadster comes at a hefty price of $20000. Lit Motors, a San Francisco based automobile manufacturer, has created the piece. Single riders and adventurous couples will simply drool over it. Via: Dailymail
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| An artificial arena with its own environment and climate for urban farming Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:15 AM PST Shallu Sharma: The Greenhouse Transformer designed by Boston's Praud is a means of creating environments for studying the possibilities of farming under urban conditions throughout the year. The main aim behind its design is to integrate life cycle constituents of food production within a building, which also serve as a center of activity in the area. This also enables more effectual participation of visitors in the program. In order to achieve the desired goal, a transforming system was introduced in the building that could fabricate different climates as does nature.
 Greenhouse Transformer
Picture Gallery  Greenhouse Transformer by Dongwoo Yim and Rafael Luna of Boston firm PRAUD Urban farming is challenged in view of amenities that are otherwise available to a farm such as irrigation systems etc. To overcome these limitations, the system will allow different kinds of climate so that there could be more control over urban farming. There are various ways in which this building is useful. With regard to food production, the building will facilitate year round farming by employing methods and techniques such as greenhouse transformation, exterior farming and hydroponics. As far as education is concerned, the building serves as a teaching and learning center for urban farming. One point of advantage here being that people will get to witness the process first hand which will make learning more direct and appealing. From the point of view of processing and distribution, the sale of goods grown in the farm can serve as a means of raising funds for the learning system. Considering the process of consumption, come summers, the open deck plaza will serve as market for farmers. Products sold here can be used by local food vendors. Finally, coming to a lighter yet utilitarian aspect- entertainment. The building itself creates different environments and settings under one roof, which promotes social mingling and fashions the scope of recreational activities. Via: Bustler
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| Energy Stream combines radio, internet and television in one handy package Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:09 AM PST Nikita Sharma: Let's play the music in an FM radio! Seems bit strange in the world of iPod, doesn't it? However, you may feel that FM radio is well beyond its heyday now, but I am sure you would not even mind listening to it if you get a gadget with the services comparable to Pandora, XM and Sirius. Energy Sistem has come up with such an amazing pocket gadget that combines FM radio with internet radio, media player and television streamer.
 Energy Stream Radio&TV 120
The design of the gadget seems good and around 15,000 internet radio stations and over 2,000 internet TV channels can be streamed. This Energy Sistem Radio/TV 120 is completely Wi-Fi and you can store up to 4GB of data in this little gadget. You can also expand the data storage up to 16GB by using a MicroSDHC card. All type of audio and video formats can be played in the device through its internal headphones. The device has 2.4-inch LCD screen and gives you an all new video streaming experience.
 Energy Stream Radio&TV 120 Nothing much is clear about its dimensions and weight yet but clearly it is going to be a small easy-to-carry gadget. The design seems to be perfectly great and appealing and it will surely take you back to the era of FM again in par with the modern technology. Via: Technabob
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| AquaClimb, a watery excursion for daredevils and explorers Posted: 27 Feb 2012 01:09 AM PST Jaspreet Kaur Walia: Rock climbing is one exciting sport and its indoor version is all the more fun and safe. There is a range of rock climbing artificial walls and giving it an all new meaning to be a freaking awesome poolside rock climbing wall is AquaClimb that combines this with adventurous water sports. The interesting design has been created by Christofer Born, an award winning industrial designer, which will change the whole scene of aquatic recreation.
 pool wall
Rock climbing, as everyone knows, is not for the faint hearted. The sight of land below even if someone is attached to the harness can send chills down the spine. But, AquaClimb will swap the solid ground below with a watery surface as it will be erected besides a swimming pool. The interesting setup will send adrenaline rush and prove to be great fun. The design comprises of a stainless steel frame and also features a see through climbing surface. The frame can be further powder coated with different colors. The transparent surface ensures that daylight is not lost when it is placed indoors. There are four climbing routes that have been given different colors according to the difficulty level. AquaClimb can be positioned both indoors as well as outdoors and gels well with all kinds of pools made from different materials. It will also work well with pools that have a depth of 7 feet and more, which is commendable. The watery equipment comes for a price of $4500 and is just the thing for adventure lovers. AquaClimb has a modern design that is a great addition to the aquatic recreation and fitness industry. Via: Redferret
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| Buffalo USB Hub connects a USB cord facing either way Posted: 27 Feb 2012 12:58 AM PST Jaspreet Kaur Walia: Everyone must have sworn, not once but a thousand times, when we feel lost which side of the USB hub to connect to our computing device. Even if we connect one every day, the chances of confusion are still high. But, leave all the fretting behind as here to leave you smiling is the all new Buffalo USB Hub by Buffalo Kokuyo Supply Inc.
 USB hub
The newly released hub will come tagged with the charm of using it both upwards and downwards. This trait makes it stand out and will give a user the flexibility to connect it facing either way. Buffalo USB Hub claims to be the first of its kind and will be released till the end of this month. The rectangular device will be made available in four colors: black, white, pink and blue.
Buffalo USB Hub has a width, depth and height of 93, 38.5 and 14 mm, respectively. The USB bus-powered hub with a power supply of up to 400mA is light in weight and weighs just 40 gm. With a cable length of 90 mm, it is comfortable to use and lends extra flexibility. The USB hub works exactly like similar USB 2.0 hubs, delivering both power and data. The best part being, it is compatible with Mac OSX 10.2, Window XP, Vista and 7. Buffalo USB Hub will encourage many others to come up with similar devices. It comes stashed with a price tag of $23, with a promise to kill all irritations that come for free with everyday USB hubs. Via: Rocketnews24
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