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The Design blog

The Design blog


The 'vibration of perfection' for finely groomed athletes

Posted: 02 May 2012 06:30 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

With the summer Olympics barely weeks away, medal hopefuls are hard at work trying to get every move right. However, even after years of training one's body to perform on the world stage almost automatically, it is very possible for world-class athletes to miss a beat and fall short of “perfect” by an inch or two. So how can they possibly ensure that they have perfected a routine without spending hours in front of super-slow-mo recording of themselves analyzed with all kinds of software? Well, The MotivePro suit could be one of the solutions to this problem since the bio-sensor fitted suit is geared with a bunch of vibrating bits that can tell an athlete when they have calibrated their individual routine.

MotivePro suit
MotivePro suit

Created by researchers at the Birmingham City University, the suit could be particularly useful for gymnasts and let them know if and when they are positioning themselves correctly via a vibrating feedback. When they move in the correct way, motors triggered by tiny sensors attached to the wearer’s skin create a vibration which can be felt on the skin.

MotivePro suit
MotivePro suit

As gymnasts intensify their practice in the run up to the Olympics, the suit can help both the athlete as well as their coaches practice better since the user's movements are also tracked in real time by a computer who sends it to a computer. Meal hopefuls around Britain are excited about the prospect of using the suit though only time will tell if it really is as effective in the long run as its makers are claiming it to be.

Via: Daily Mail


Motion Simulation TL1 comes with a 180 degree simulation experience and a killer price tag

Posted: 02 May 2012 06:29 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

Even though curved screens are not something new for the racing simulator genre, there hasn't been one that features a 180 degree view. That is until the Motion Simulation TL1 came into being. The spherical, 180-degree racing simulator is the first commercially available deign of its kind and was developed by a UK based company called Motion Simulation in collaboration with the Ariel Motor Company.

Motion Simulation TL1
Motion Simulation TL1

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Motion Simulation TL1
Motion Simulation TL1 – 180 Degree Racing Simulator

Founded in '08, the company focused their attention on filling the gap between the quality of experience between hardware and software which was missing from the products available in the market at the moment. The quality of the current lot of driving environments and visuals are just not matched to the cutting edge standards of the software and mechanisms like the pedals, steering wheel, cockpits and screen.

To offer customers the most realistic racing simulation experience ever, the TL1comes fitted with a variable position seat and a spherical projector screen laid out over a 180-degree space which brings the visuals close as possible to the real thing and offers the most realistic experience available. The simulation experience thus created offers an unrivalled and immersive environment with the ultimate in virtual reality sensations being provided by laser-scanned racing circuits precise to within 2mm.

Apart from Avant-garde simulation software, the Motion Simulation TL1 also features a unique seating system that offers more reclined positions like those in formula racing cars as well as Touring and GT car-inspired rotatable, upright positions. The TL1 is targeted at a broad range of users including gaming enthusiasts, entertainment companies as well as professional race drivers as long as they have between £11,500 (approx. $18,650) and £33,950 (approximately $55,000) to spare.

Motion Simulation TL1Motion Simulation TL1 – 180 Degree Racing Simulator

Via: Diseno Art


Innovative Protector Concept reimagines road safety for cyclists

Posted: 02 May 2012 05:59 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

The Cyclist Protector Concept was created for the Seoul Cycle Design Competition, which asked designers to create a bicycle accessory or a bicycle though the creator of this concept went on to do one better and created a way that could ensure a cyclist's safety on the road. Created by designer Jakab Barna in collaboration with Andras Oravecz, the concept basically comprises of a flexible and comfortable cyclist helmet that can provide optimum comfort with the utmost safety.

Cyclist Protector
Cyclist Protector

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Cyclist Protector
Cyclist Protector concept by Jakab Barna

The main component in the creation of the helmet is an easy to produce substance called the Non Newtonian Gel, which remains in a soft and flexible gel form under normal circumstances but changes into a protective solid upon impact. The two part protection system comprises of a helmet and a vest. During the night, the high visibility vest helps other motorists on the road to identify the cyclist via light reflective coating on the vest that glows when the light from other vehicle's falls on it.

A welded plastic element inside the breathing textile fabric of the vest also delivers the same light reflecting function while providing a comfortable and protective covering for the cyclist's torso, spine, neck and shoulders. Thanks to the flexible materials used in the Cyclist Protector concept, the hood can be easily taken off while the flexible material used in the collapsible helmet, i.e., the non Newtonian gel enables protection for critical body parts while allowing free movements to the user's limbs, neck and spine.

[Thanks Jakab]


The coffee table with 'magnetic' appeal and a subtle feature of frolic

Posted: 02 May 2012 05:57 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

Coffee tables always come handy around the house. People place books, mugs and glasses on them whenever they are sprawling in a room. If you like lounging around coffee tables and think that a cool piece adds to your image, then you will be totally taken by this design. The nifty layout of this table is more functional than the standard models flooded in the market. In fact, the piece might also entertain and amuse your guests when they are around it.

Fe26 Nest Coffee Table
Fe26 Nest Coffee Table

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Fe26 Nest Coffee Table
Fe26 Nest Coffee Table by Lewis Gaukrodger

So, what's so different about this piece? Actually, there are two things that set this design apart. First is that the table is foldable, i.e. you can increase and decrease its size easily. This mechanism works just like your sofa cum bed. Two smaller tables have been placed under the biggest one. You can pull them out anytime and then slide them in after use. Thus, you can modify the size of the table depending on how many people are hanging out in the room.

Also, the table has been outfitted with an amusing system that is capable of playful interaction. Wondering how this is possible? Well, the designer of this coffee table, Lewis Gaukrodger, has slotted an amusing function into it. The glassy square on the table has iron fillings. While, the glasses placed on the top of the table have magnets fitted at the base. Now, wouldn't you call this one heck of an attractive pairing!

When, people use the glasses placed on the table, a playful interplay is set off between the glass and the tabletop. The play created is not always intentional, it could also be coincidental. But, whether it is by rationale or by chance, the users do leave their imprint on the table. The combo of iron and magnet creates a unique pattern on the table that is charming, interesting and amusing.

Via: Cargo Collective


Next generation iPhone might sport a larger screen and a quad core A6 chip

Posted: 02 May 2012 05:30 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

The outlay of Apple's next generation iPhone by French designer Antoine Brieux has created quite a frenzy. The concept purports that the next phone from Apple will be made from cutting edge liquid metal. Wondering how exactly will liquid metal make such a huge difference? Well, the casing of liquid metal is known for its high performance and will make the handset resistant to impact damage. The result will be a swankier mobile phone, which is thinner and lighter.

iPhone 5 Concept
iPhone 5 Concept

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iPhone 5 Concept
Liquid Metal iPhone 5 Concept Phone

The phone will measure 116.2, 59.4 and 7.9 along the sides. Another characteristic that will set the mobile apart is the omission of the standard home button. The home button will be replaced by a virtual counterpart, which will stay hidden. Removing the home button has its set of pros as this will make space for a larger screen that will extend and cover the entire front side of the phone. The ultra wide screen will be delight to watch and will look awesome in the landscape mode.

In the new phone, the screen will measure 4.5 inches. The phone will embed a quad core A6 chip and will also have a SIM card slotted in. The idea of providing a 10 megapixel camera is simply outrageous. Although, the iPhone 5 concept is quite appealing, reports suggest that it is unlikely that the design will be adopted in actuality. Apple will not be doing away with its standard home button or swapping the dual core A5X chip with a quad core A6 anytime soon.

Via: Ubergizmo / iPhonehacks


iBike Xplorer Cycling Simulator takes your spin class to the Alps and back

Posted: 02 May 2012 04:06 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

Commissioned by OSIM, a health and well-being company based in Singapore, the iBike Xplorer exercise bike created by designer Piers Christian Storey is a new kind of health and wellness machine that allows people living in the city to experience a simulation that takes them through various chosen landscapes like beaches, garden and country roads etc, to help them de-stress while getting the necessary exercise. The iBike is a fresh new take on regular stationary exercise bike though it is aimed at promoting wellbeing through relaxation and not the spirit of competition and peer pressure that you'd find at a spin class at a gym.

iBike Explorer
iBike Explorer

The cycling simulator comes with a regular exercise bike mounted on elastomer pivots that allows user to engage core muscles the upper body while leaning into curves and steering the bike as they would in real life. As opposed to stationary exercise bikes, the iBike provides a richer and more realistic cycling experience. To simulate the stabilizing effect of a real bicycle wheel and its gyroscopic movement, the iBike comes fitted with a large central fly wheel.

Users can modify the bike to their needs by using a spring loaded pin to adjust the handlebar. The majority of the components on the bike are created using dye casting, injection molding or extrusion molding methods which make them easy to maintain. Thanks to an active resistance unit consisting of silicon fluid which adjusts itself to the course of the virtual landscape the user has chosen.

iBike Explorer
iBike Explorer

The cycling simulator is fronted by a 10″ touch screen computer monitor that is completely splash proof and boasts of a dynamic interface that changes with the virtual landscape chosen by the user. This feature allows the user to take in the vistas of places like the Alps, a country road, the beach or even a velodrome.

The integrated computer system of the iBike Xplorer also helps users advance their fitness level by allows them to save their progress and analyze it for a more comprehensive report of your progress. The system allows users to compete against a 'ghost' of their own prior performances of even other online users. What makes the iBike Xplorer even more practical for the average user is the fact that it can fold into a very small unit that makes it suitable for both home users as well as gyms and exercise rooms in offices and schools.

Source: Piers Storey


Robotics in Everyday Life may not be as terrible as science fictions predicts

Posted: 02 May 2012 04:04 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

The gory works of science fiction writers are partly to blame for the public's mistrust of artificial intelligence but there is some logic in being skeptical of a technological "being" that can deduce what is or isn't good for a human being. However, German designer Julian Grote does believe that robots in the future would necessarily be as evil as literature of our times depicts. Robotics in Everyday Life basically aims at making robots a seamless part of the human routine without them being intrusive.

Robotics in everyday life
Robotics in everyday life

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Robotics in everyday life
Robotics in everyday life by Julian Grote

The designer envisions that these robots would help take care of functions that humans are too stressed or tired to take care of. Instead of being humanoid assistants, the domestic robots in the future would function more like everyday gadgets that we're already used to like the iPhone or the iPad or even the PDAs of yore.

This robot assistant will be worn around the wrist and will be entrusted with providing the user with reminders, feedback and suggestions according to individual user preference. These robots will possess sufficient analytical power to learn their owner's patterns of works, daily routines, and emotional states and evolve themselves and their data bank to better suit their personality.

Imagine a wrist-worn robot that has learned what you're like on a Monday morning and can suggest a meal plan for the day via pictures, sounds or projected video (or even places that serve those dishes) that can serve as a pick-me-up to help you get through the day. Or a robot that remembers all important dates for you like anniversaries, birthdays and appointments and can remind you of them at the right moment and even suggest dress/gift options for these events!


Helio outdoor shower offers pressurized hot water bath while camping

Posted: 02 May 2012 03:59 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

If you are an enthusiastic camper or hiker who spends days together trekking, then you know of the usual problems faced by most outdoor buffs. After a few days of enjoying the natural view, you start to crave the spray of a bursting shower. Nemo equipment, a company that manufactures tents and camping gear, has crafted the Helio shower to help you out with daily ablutions.

Helio outdoor shower
Helio outdoor shower

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Helio outdoor shower
Nemo’s Helio outdoor shower

The design is quite a breakthrough because it is the right combination of portability and utility. Most showers available currently are either cumbersome to use or are way too heavy and can be hauled around only by car. But this dry bag system is essentially like a carry case. It consists of a water holder, 7 foot long shower hose and a foot pump. Measuring 5.5 and 8 inches along the sides, you can easily carry the shower around when you go out camping.

The piece is really lightweight. Also, the thoughtful design churns out hot water for bathing and depends on the sun as a source of heat. The sprinkle from this shower lasts for anywhere between 5 to 7 minutes. Refill the holder again and the shower will be ready for use the next time around. It has the capacity of 11 liters and weighs around 2 lbs.

The sprinkle comes out strong, thanks to the manual pressure system. The Nemoid foot pump squirts out a generous and even pressured fountain of water. You just have to stamp at the pump a few times while you are showering. Thus, it is really easy to use. The spray feels just right and can also be used for washing dishes or scouring your camping gear. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then you might want to consider purchasing this $100 shower that will come out by June.

Via: Gizmag


Rail Bike makes playing on abandoned rail tracks fun again

Posted: 02 May 2012 03:17 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

With the decline of railways as the preferred mode of commute for the regular public, railroads have been relegated to being neglected relics of a bygone era that are put to use as pedestrian paths or bike paths along the lesser traveled routes in towns and cities. This BikeHacks.com reader identified simply as Will had the brilliant idea of using unused railroads in towns and cities as a track for traveling via bicycles. Not the most traffic-efficient idea in the history of personal mobility ever, the Rail Bike however is good for a joyride along an abandoned railroad in a town devoid of modern recreational activities like cinemas, pool bars and bowling alleys.

Rail Bike
Rail Bike

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Rail Bike
Rail-bike is a bicycle that has been modified to be able to ride on the rails of a railroad

The Rail bike basically consists of a regular bike that has been given an additional support structure to enable it to travel along a rail road. The front wheel of the rail bike comes fitted with a mechanism that is ensures that the bike stays on course along the track while an outrigger fitted to the frame provides support to the bike and helps it stay upright along the rails. The entire bike is constructed using retaining pins, bolts, nuts, washers, bits of aluminum and steel, one bike fork and cut up scooter parts.

However, if you plan on recreating Will's Rail Bike idea for a homegrown bike of your own, you might wanna check out whether the rail routes along which you plan on taking plan and ensure that they ate not in use as active tracks and that you won't run the risk of being on the same path as a train. Also, the designer has not specified how the bike can be detached from the rail road in case of an emergency which can be dangerous.

Via: Bike Hacks


Sym Cycle to unfurl a competitive and interactive fitness experience

Posted: 02 May 2012 03:16 AM PDT

Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

Uncountable fitness clubs have cropped up in the past decade, which is a result of people getting all the more health conscious. But, somehow these places don't cater to individual interests and neither do they provide complete privacy while working out. Sym Cycle by Emily Maskey has been designed keeping the ever increasing popularity of interactive games and home fitness programs in mind and vows to bow down to all the fitness needs.

Sym Cycle
Sym Cycle

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Sym Cycle
Sym Cycle by Emily Maskey

Sym Cycle has been designed in a way, which makes it suitable for all age groups. Its pod shape is definitely unique and will unfurl a multi sensory workout experience. The ingeniously designed gymming tool has a fitness tracking system that will record information from previous workouts. This information can be scanned later, which will give a complete record of the distance traveled, average speed, time and even calories burnt as all the information will saved automatically after each workout session. Apart from this, a sense of healthy competition will be triggered between members because of the gym wide gaming network.

The design comprises of durable injection molded seating, which is easy to clean and maintain. The arm controls for navigating the menu as well as gaming are moving, which makes the operation effortless and easy to use. The entire setup is placed on a raised platform that is used to neatly place cables and other electrical components needed for fans, speakers and the gaming system. Fans are placed on both the sides, which supports air circulation through the pod and so does the perforated hood. Menus and all the workout information is displayed clearly on screen display which is wide enough to relish the whole experience. Sym Cycle will change the way we look at fitness clubs and will make sure you enjoy every session of your workout.


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