The Design blog |
- Dream Paper Concept makes lazy paper modelers even lazier
- Convert 35mm analog film movies to digital with the LomoKino Smartphone Holder
- Dreamtime alarm clock tantalizes your senses with soft, soulful music
- Boost your tablet’s sound with the SOOT Acoustic Kickstand
- Skycare Chair ensures comfy air travel for wheelchair users
- Gymbot Personal Training Robot will help humans fight obesity in 2020
- Fujitsu's Lifebook packs four devices to fulfill all your multimedia needs
- Jeweline Tour Bus brings Parisian luxury alive for posh travelers
- OCO Lamp to illuminate the night sky with its colorful covers
- Boxx Electric Bike is smaller and greener than a standard bicycle
| Dream Paper Concept makes lazy paper modelers even lazier Posted: 01 Feb 2012 05:21 AM PST Asmita Prasad: We knew we had turned into a lazy bunch of people when someone invented the 3D printer that put a lot of sculptors and modelers out of work. But you know that we have become a really, really lazy generation when people start dreaming of printers that not only printout pre-cut paper models but also come with super high-tech paper that can fold itself when commanded to do so via Bluetooth.
 Dream Paper Concept And this is exactly what this Dream Paper Concept by designer Mac Finamizu proposes to do. Though the designer has no specifics of how this machine and this paper would function, he does have a whole range of scenarios for us to imagine. For example, if you wanted to make a bunch of paper flowers or paper dolls, you can simply send a command to the printer via a computer or a smartphone and the printer will automatically start to print the paper and would even cut it out before it pops in the “out” bin. One can imagine such a product being useful for kindergarten teachers who need to cut out lots of paper stuff for class and they can't delegate the task to the kids in their class. But the designer also imagines that this dream paper would be intelligent enough to fold itself once the folding lines have been printed on it by the printer which takes all the fun out of paper folding art and ensures that any fool can take up the hobby and make 3D models like an expert who might have devoted years practicing his art. Via: Petit Invention
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| Convert 35mm analog film movies to digital with the LomoKino Smartphone Holder Posted: 01 Feb 2012 04:07 AM PST Asmita Prasad: Though the digitalization of all our audio and video archives from years gone by seems like a pretty easy process thanks to a number of freeware found on the internet, finding the actual hardware that makes the conversion possible is a whole new story. Most people with old 35mm footage either go to a photo shop or get a technology enthusiast friend to convert analog film archives into digital format. But the LomoKino Smartphone Holder from Lomography promises to let every smartphone owner be able to make the simple conversion themselves.
 LomoKino Smartphone Holder
Picture Gallery  LomoKino Smartphone Holder converts 35mm film movies to digital Using the LomoKino, users can convert any old high ISO, color negative, slide or black and white 35mm camera film into digital format that will be playable via the phone or on a computer or media player. To convert the film into digital format, users first have to expose and develop the film using the hand cranked LomoKino with one single frame holding four shots of the film. This comes out to about 144 images in 60-second footage. Once you have developed the film, you can use a LomoKinoScope to view the film or use a tool from the website to convert the footage into digital formats to view them on your media players. The LomoKino retails for just $79, though if you're willing a few buck extra, you can get the device, a book about the creation of the device and a film canister to hold your roll of analog film. Via: The Verge
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| Dreamtime alarm clock tantalizes your senses with soft, soulful music Posted: 01 Feb 2012 03:13 AM PST Sahil Khurana: Sleeping time may probably be the best time of our day, as we get to catch a quick shuteye. Our lashes kiss each other in perfect harmony, letting go of all the day’s stress and woes. As we slip into a dream world, our brain relishes the escape from the usual chores. But the peaceful moment is often destroyed by the ticking of the usual alarm clocks in our homes that not only destroy the moment, but also make us irritable in the beginning of the day itself. Therefore, to avoid such troubles bring home the Dreamtime Alarm Clock designed by Vera Wiedermann and get rid of all the rusty alarm clocks in your house.
 Glass alarm clock
This Dreamtime Alarm Clock promises to gently woo you out of your nighttime reveries, bringing with it a soft clinging and clanging. The alarm clock has a beautiful appearance and will stir you from a dreamy state in a pleasant way. If you get annoyed by the beeping sound of a tradition alarm clock, then the meaningful design by Vera will leave you impressed.
The clock is not powered by batteries but by water instead. Don't rub your eyes in amazement for this is true to the last word. The beautiful clock consists of a container and a bowl, which forms the backbone of the design. Calculate the number of hours you want to sleep and fill the bowls with that much amount of water. The water will drip overnight into the container and once the water is finished, the room would be filled with the sweet music of the Dreamtime alarm clock. Tantalize your senses with the refreshing sound of the amazing contraption and you'd never have to look back again towards the idiotic ticking clocks. This clock will hang from the ceiling and makes sure you start your day at a pleasant note. The use of water ensures we skip using harmful batteries. All in all, the name of the clock truly lives up to the expectations.
Glass alarm clockDreamtime Alarm Clock by Vera Wiedermann Via: MocoLoco.
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| Boost your tablet’s sound with the SOOT Acoustic Kickstand Posted: 01 Feb 2012 03:07 AM PST Asmita Prasad: The Kindle Fire may be a latecomer to the tablet PC party but it looks like it has caught up with its competitors. However, one basic flaw that plagues the media player performance of all tablet PCs is the fact that most of them feature speakers away from the display which means that when they are placed flat on a surface, the sound quality dramatically diminishes. Created specially for the Kindle Fire, the SOOT Acoustic Kickstand from designer John Whaley looks to eliminate this bugging problem by offering a simple solution that doesn't require the shell of the device to be altered in any way.
 SOOT
The SOOT Acoustic Kickstand basically props the tablet into an angle which offers the best display viewing angle to the user while the chamber that is created at the back of the device allows the sound produced by the ill-placed speakers to be reflected back to the user. By simply playing cleverly with the acoustics instead of adding an additional accessory to boost sound, users can help the device save precious processing power as well as battery charge. The SOOT Acoustic Kickstand for the Kindle Fire also serves as a handy protective case and the stand allows the Kindle Fire to be placed in a number of orientations which can make viewing videos on the tablet a better experience as well.
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| Skycare Chair ensures comfy air travel for wheelchair users Posted: 01 Feb 2012 01:25 AM PST Brown Bear: The Concept: The design of the Skycare chair has been inspired by the idea of providing greater independence and mobility in flight for those that need the assistance of a wheelchair. Skycare Chair is a mobility device for use inside the airplane cabin. The narrow and sleek Skycare chair will prove a boon for people with disabilities by granting them easy maneuverability and accessibility within the flight. The chair can be driven easily using the lever handle and thus, the user could easily wend his/her way to the lavatory without assistance or support from any attendants. All one needs is some limb power to move the chair. A sense of independence, convenience and ease of use make this product very useful and necessary.
 Skycare Chair
The Target: By providing an easy and elegant means of transport in-flight, the product caters to three classes of people. Firstly, people suffering from physical disabilities would be greatly benefited. Secondly, it would definitely help those who are old and unable to walk. Thirdly, this Skycare chair looks forward to help sick and weak people who need assistance while walking. The need: The need for a product like the Skycare chair is twofold. On one hand, there are about 180 million disabled people in the world of which about 50 million are in the United States itself. Since air-travel is a major means of travel in the US, about 43 million of these disabled need to make use of it. A product like this chair will benefit such large numbers. The second reason is the fact that though there are motorized wheelchairs, they are usually made large and wide for comfort. Thus, they do not fit in the narrow aisles of the aircraft. Making use of the available mechanical aisle chairs which are handled by the attendant destroys the idea of freedom and independence. A need, therefore, exists for wheelchairs customized for the aisles. Key features: The wheelchair has been perfectly customized for the disabled passenger to use. It takes for granted that the passenger would be seated in the aisle seat. The handle of the lever does not hang and is confined within the area of the frame. This ensures that the user could easily transfer between the airplane seat and the wheelchair. Once on the wheelchair, the lever handle helps in movement. Muscle power propels the chair. The lever drives two racks. One rack controls the forward motion of the wheelchair while the second rack works to control the backward motion. The ability to move in both forward and reverse directions makes it very easy to maneuver and control the wheelchair in the narrow aisles. When the final design is created, it could be made expandable so that it can turn with the twist of the lever too. The solution: Brian Lang has arrived with this concept and design to fit a motorized wheelchair in the narrow aisle of the flight. The problem with the standard motorized wheelchairs is that they have the controls located on one side. This adds to the width of the chair. By placing the controls in the front, the chair has been given a narrow design. The expandable handle and turning function provides an easy shift from the flight seat to the wheelchair. Related trends: Though the Skycare chair is a novel idea, it is not entirely new in the sense that there have been several designs of wheelchairs already being commissioned. Let us have a look at some of the wheelchairs that have arrived for greater convenience and independence of those with disabilities. 1. Two Way Wheelchair:
 Two way wheelchair Wheelchairs provide the mobility for the disabled people to move around. However, there is one great problem that every wheelchair faces i.e. getting on and off the chair. The patients often get frustrated for they are not able to become completely independent especially when it comes to something as private as going to the toilet. Solving that problem with an elegant design, winners of the Red Dot award for design, Lee Kyoungmin and Han Jaeseok have arrived with the two-way wheelchair. The chair consists of a seat frame installed on a body frame with a seat and wheels. The seat moves up and down as and when needed which makes it easy for the user to get on or off. Add to this the fact that the seat is made from eco friendly vegetable leather and you are looking at a wheelchair that is also space-friendly and most importantly, user-friendly. 2. Free4:
 free4 wheelchair Every wheelchair user knows that traversing different surfaces present different challenges. The Free4 recognizes the need for modifications in the wheelchair to move on different terrains. Thus, it can be converted into two variants. The Everyday variant distributes weight equally over the two big wheels and the two small wheels making it perfect and stable for short downtown strolls. The front wheels can also be raised easily to overcome some obstructions. When one faces gravel, grass or any other unsteady paths, one has to shift to the leisure mode where the two small wheels come together to form a stable double wheel. The seat also lowers to ensure greater balance and traction. A pivot point near the axle allows for the user to either lower or tip up the wheel chair for increased safety. 3. BackSaver
 Backsaver The disabled are able to drive cars and also remain independent by moving around on the wheelchairs. The problem comes at the transition from the wheelchair to the car. Loading the wheelchair into the car can become quite a hassle but not for the BackSaver that won the Naidex New Product of the Year Award for 2010. The whole process is as easy as attaching an end rod to the boot space and rolling out the BackSaver. Parking the wheelchair as close as possible to the car, one has to just move towards the car grabbing the handles of the BackSaver. The wheelchair automatically gets loaded into the car boot.
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| Gymbot Personal Training Robot will help humans fight obesity in 2020 Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:59 PM PST Asmita Prasad: Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges that the human race is facing in the new millennium. With technology ensuring that human effort in daily activities is as minimal as possible, getting enough exercise from daily chores is simply not possible for the average person. Apart from chores around the house, the only other alternative way to stay in shape is spending a lot of money on gym subscriptions and finding the time to make it to the gym everyday which, let's face it, is not feasible for people with tight schedules and demanding budgets. However, the Gymbot 24 hours 7 days Personal Trainer Concept by designer Max Battaglia could be a very handy gadget for people looking to keep obesity at bay in the year 2020.
 Gymbot Personal Training Robot
Though gym equipment and exercise gear are available in the market, what deters people from achieving their health and fitness goals is often the will to change an outdated and unhealthy lifestyle. The Gymbot, thus, looks to serve more as a motivator and less as yet another bit of fitness equipment. The robot is designed to help people stay motivated to eat right and exercise on time. By correcting bad behaviors and encouraging people to workout, the Gymbot essentially helps people change their lifestyle.
Innovations in the electric car segment has led to the evolution of smaller, more energy efficient lithium batteries, which combined with the advancements in robotics lead to the possibility that domestic use robots which are both durable and economic could become a genuine possibility in the not so far future. As a domestic robot, the Gymbot is programmed to "live" with people 24X7 and help them take care of themselves. Just like a real personal trainer, the Gymbot teaches people the correct way to exercise, techniques on maintaining form while doing repetitions and even monitors their posture and heart rate for undue stress. The robot is also programmed to teach people how to make diets more effective and can warn them when they are about to eat something that is bad for their health. Thanks to articulated joints, the Gymbot can mimic human motion while its 3D thermal camera and scanner can monitor performance of exercises. A directional microphone allows the robot to measure the users' blood pressure, heart rate while sensors fitted in its finger allow it to measure the body fat percentage of user. A touchscreen display located on the Gymbot's chest allows users to view exercises, monitor progress and access their info.
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| Fujitsu's Lifebook packs four devices to fulfill all your multimedia needs Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:25 PM PST Asmita Prasad: The Concept Whether you are a tech junkie or just another person who likes to keep up with technology, chances are that you own and use a smartphone, a digital camera, a tablet PC as well as a laptop and find yourself spending an enormous amount of time syncing data between all of them. Though each of these devices serves a different and unique purpose, they still need to be connected and synchronized to make optimize their functions. So what would life be like if someone combined the processing power and storage space of all these devices into one single unit? Well, Fujitsu are trying their hands at this possibility. The concept was originally presented to the company by designer Prashant Chandra who submitted the idea for an all encompassing Lifebook at a competition held by the company. This new concept basically allows users to fit in their digital cameras, smartphones and tablets into slots on their laptops to create one convenient package. The laptop does away with a physical keyboard and instead uses the slotted in tablet to serve as a touchscreen keyboard for the system. The tablet can also be used as a secondary display for the unit.
 Fujitsu Lifebook
The Inspiration The concept of shared hardware formed the basis of the Lifebook. Just like a desktop can be enhanced by adding accessories, a laptop's functions too can be boosted by adding devices that users sync with their laptops most often. With a fully fledged digital camera taking care of the imaging functions of the device and the tablet and smartphone providing added operating system platforms, the functionality of this Lifebook develops itself into something that is quite unparalleled. Also, having all the essential gadgets stored in one convenient package also rids users of the problem of keeping data synced between them. Since no such device is offered in the market right now, Fujitsu look all set to take a good lead in the segment with the product.
The design The Fujitsu Lifebook is a full-fledged fully functioning laptop with slot for a digital camera on the outside and slots for the tablet and the smartphone on the inside. When users attach the camera or the phone or the tablet to the laptop, it allows them to view data stored on one device across other devices as well. Since the tablet doubles up as a secondary display and a keyboard, users can use it as a digital sketchpad as well, a function that current lot of laptops offer only with the aid of special accessories. With its own memory and processing credentials, the camera, the mp3 player and the phone also let users get the functionality of specialized equipment for less. The fabulous Since each of the removable devices also aid in the processing of data, the laptop itself is able to run at optimum processing speeds. With less data cluttering the memory of the laptop, it stays optimized for longer. Users also get to save a lot of time which is otherwise spent syncing data across platforms since the use of separate devices leads to loss of hardware space when data gets "repeated" on different storage discs. The target The target consumer for the Fujitsu Lifebook is expected to be the regular tech junkie who likes to have these devices handy at all times. Other potential customers for the Lifebook would be traveling businessmen, salespersons and even students who live on campus and like to have all their gadgetry on hand through the day. Related Trends 1. Nintendo 3DS:
 Nintendo 3DS The Nintendo 3DS may not be in the same exact league as the Lifebook but it does offer users the dual screen experience that enhances productivity and visual impact for users. 2. Concept Tablet:
 Concept Tablet The Mobikom is one of the real out-there concepts that basically look to integrate the functions of separate and specialist devices. The device features small square shaped individual pieces each of which offers a special function. This separation allows the device to optimize processing power for separate functions and features. When all or a few of the pieces are combined, the device serves like a petite touchscreen tablet or even a phone when you decide to use the microphone function.
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| Jeweline Tour Bus brings Parisian luxury alive for posh travelers Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:23 PM PST Asmita Prasad: When one thinks of posh cars, the image of an expensive car with a well appointed cabin fitted with the latest gadgets comes to mind. And while there are vehicles in this world that spare no expense in making its passengers feel like a million bucks, the feeling of luxury has so far has not been found in public vehicles barring luxury trains. However, amateur designer Thierry Dumaine plans on bringing the high class travel experience to tour buses that would turn a sightseeing tour of Paris into a posh experience.
 Jeweline
Designed to resemble a sparkling jewel, the Jeweline is conceptualized as a public vehicle that runs on an energy induction system with virtual touchscreen offering all kinds of information about local landmarks to the tourists. The fully automated vehicle would run on a grid and thus would not require a driver to move around the city. Since each vehicle accommodates just four passengers, a few of these can be combined to run a tour of the city for a larger party of tourists which would make the series of vehicles look like a diamond necklace moving through the streets of Paris. The vehicle is designed especially for Paris and looks to incorporate the international fashion capital's essence of style and fine living. With four fine white leather couches inside, the diamond like body of the Jeweline allows panoramic views to the passengers who can appreciate the beauty of the city without leaving the luxuriant comforts of the high class vehicle. With 360-rotating and reclining seats, ottomans and a luxuriously appointed cabin, the Jeweline is certainly a tour bus fit for a queen! Via: Michelin Challenge Design
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| OCO Lamp to illuminate the night sky with its colorful covers Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:22 PM PST Jaspreet Kaur Walia: Add a magical glow to your outer living space and make it look like a dream with the OCO Lamp. The attention grabbing garden lamp has been designed by Santa & Cole, a company that specializes in making lighting products and furniture items. OCO Lamp is a garden lamp, which will brighten up the open space of your dwelling when dusk sets in.
 OCO Lamp
The LED lamp has a simple shape, which will lend a charismatic glow to gardens, small terraces and even porches. It will spread warmth and is the very first garden lamp by the company. The lamp will create an ambient atmosphere and will bow down to a variety of lighting demands. The use of LED in the design will consume less power and work for a longer period of time.
The design comprises of a base, which is a stake and can be driven inside the ground directly. Apart from this, OCO Lamp is also available in two additional versions. One features domestic spheres, which will gel well with hard surfaces or grounds and the other has three fastening points that can be wedged on any type of surface. The height of this amazing lamp can be adjusted as per a user's whims and fancies, thanks to the various kinds of base designs. The upper part of the design looks like a small drum and has been fitted with LED light. The top of this spherical structure can be fitted with different colored covers. The lamp can act as position light and the residual light will illuminate the otherwise dark atmosphere in a subtle way, depending on the color of cover used. OCO Lamp is a great way to jazz up outdoor spaces in an eye catching way. So, read a book or just connect with nature as light from this LED lamp mystifies you completely. Via: Causasexternas
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| Boxx Electric Bike is smaller and greener than a standard bicycle Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:19 PM PST Jaspreet Kaur Walia: What looks like a colorful CPU is an electric bike in actuality. The cute looking two-wheeler has been named Boxx Electric Bike, which blends well with its shape. There are a variety of electric driven vehicles present in the market, which have become a perfect pick in this polluted world. Bikes are a great way to move from one place to the other as they save space both on road and in the parking area.
 Boxx Electric Bike
Boxx is a small as well as a compact bike, which is nothing but a basic form of transportation. It won't guzzle down precious fuel like gas powered bikes and will save the environment from the clutches of pollution. The bike measures just 1 meter by 26 inches that makes Boxx stand out in the crowd. The small size makes it possible to store the bike just anywhere. You can easily carry it to your room and park it right in front of your eyes.
 Boxx Electric Bike Boxx offers an all wheel drive and has a drive-by-wire control system. Apart from this, it has been fitted with LED lights, anti lock brakes and an option to heat the seat when the weather dips. It can touch a top speed of 35 mph and can cover a distance of 80 miles on a single charge. The electric vehicle weighs only 120 pounds and can carry a person weighing 90 to 300 pounds. Boxx Electric Bike comes stashed with a price tag of $3999, which is a little heavy as compared to its size.
 Boxx Electric Bike Via: Technabob
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