The Design blog |
- Creative cellphones that make communication easy for visually impaired
- Foldable HPV_2F vehicle is the future of human powered mobility
- Taihoo Concept 2046 merges traditional Chinese culture with modern aesthetics
- Fold up USB light to illuminate dark DJ booths
- Prebeo Automated Kitchen Garden makes organic farming easier at home
- Bicimoto FX-01 Motorized bicycle is ready for Peruvian streets
- Best home deck design ideas
- French country home made using old shipping containers
- Creative wall design ideas to enhance your home decor
| Creative cellphones that make communication easy for visually impaired Posted: 14 Feb 2012 04:45 AM PST Rajeev Kumar: With rapid advancements in mobile telephony in recent years, gadgets like cellphones have become an inseparable part of modern lives. But still a great number of visually impaired people around the world cannot reap the benefits of these modern tools. It is believed that technology doesn’t discriminate on the ground of physical attributes, sexual preferences and regional or religious biases. Rather, it helps improve the lives of people. Taking this outlook of technology to the next level, few designers have come up with some mobile phones specially designed for visually challenged people. These devices will not only function as an important communication device for the blind but also give them a feel of association with the rest of the world. Following is the list of ten such mobile phones.
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| Foldable HPV_2F vehicle is the future of human powered mobility Posted: 14 Feb 2012 04:44 AM PST Asmita Prasad: The HPV_2F is a foldable vehicle that explores the potential of ”human powered vehicles” in a world that is fast running out of space to park conventional personal mobility vehicles. The recumbent bike is intended to be a human powered vehicle to fold that would be powered entirely by human effort. The vehicle is meant to be a space saving recumbent bike that can be useful in daily commute as well as a recreational and fitness device. By offering a relaxed riding position, the recumbent bike allow bikers to use the opposing forces created when pedaling and pushing one's body against the backrest. In a regular bicycle, this force is left unharnessed since the rider's back doesn't push against any surface but in a recumbent bike, the rider is able to utilize this force and thus the force required to peddle is less.
 HPV 2F The recumbent bike features a conventional rear wheel axle that is fitted with a long and taut belt drive to ensure a smooth pedaling motion. The circuit and the brakes on the bike are controlled via Bowden cables just like a bicycle. This complex scheme of steering kinematics allows the rigid front axle to remain fully functional and allows the bike to be folded down with ease. This complexity of conventional mechanism allows the recumbent bike to successfully make the transition from a full fledged bike to a folded down version ready to be stored. The HPV_2F uses innovative materials and a new frame design inspired by the Swiss Army knife that allow all the components of the bike to be installed around a central axis that can be pivotally adjusted to fold or unfold the bike. The chain circuit of the bike comprises two belt drives that are coupled via a planetary gear installed centrally to maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle. The front suspension of the recumbent bike consists of several parts which can be dismantled when folding. This allows the bike to be compacted into a much smaller size and also extends the life of the bike several times since only smaller individual components need to be replaced when the bike has been damaged. Since all components are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic that possesses good electrical conductivity, the recumbent bike can be controlled and its braking and gear shift mechanisms can be operated by wire i.e., be forwarding electrical impulse through the Bowden cables. The power required for this functionality would be provided by two dynamo hubs housed within the front axle. A small battery located under the seat would store the electricity generated by the dynamo. The recumbent bike stands in at 1.85 m long and 0.80 meters wide when it needs to be used though it can be folded down to 92.5 cm long and 55cm wide by removing the rear wheel that would allow the vehicle to fit in the boot of even the smallest cars. Source: Inno Vysions
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| Taihoo Concept 2046 merges traditional Chinese culture with modern aesthetics Posted: 14 Feb 2012 04:44 AM PST Asmita Prasad: Designed to agree with the aesthetic needs of the Chinese youth culture, the Taihoo Concept 2046 by designer Huang Hao anticipates the personal transportation needs for the young people in the country and caters to their specific preferences and lifestyle. The target users of the Taihoo Concept 2046 are young couples in the 18 to 35 years age range who want to express their unique modernity and thus the vehicle has been created with a form that resembles the modern architecture of China's emerging metropolises.
 Taihoo Concept 2046
The lifestyle of the target demographic of the Taihoo Concept 2046 has a huge influence on the styling and functionality of the vehicle and the model looks to serve not only as an efficient vehicle for their daily commute to work but also a playful weekend vehicle that can be driven to holiday destinations as a family vehicle with plenty of luggage space. The silhouette of the vehicle is also inspired by the porous Taihu stone that are found near the Taihu Lake. These stones that have a naturally porous shape made from the effect of waves surging on them for millennia, have a lot of significance in Chinese cultures and are a staple in the design of traditional Chinese garden. The Taihoo Concept 2046 uses the porous shape of the Taihu Stones and uses transparent elements to cover them, providing them with a unique and functional shape that is distinctly Chinese in every way. The special layout of the interior also allows the vehicle to transform into a tent and the spherical screen of the windows can also be used as a projection screen for watching movies. The multidirectional spherical front wheels provide the vehicle with a zero degree turning radius, which makes the vehicle perfect for crowded parking spots. Via: Michelin Challenge Design
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| Fold up USB light to illuminate dark DJ booths Posted: 14 Feb 2012 04:44 AM PST Rohit Ram Singh: DJ's job is not easy as they have to work in small dark booths for hours. This handy folding lamp would definitely help DJ's as it acquires minimum space and also LED light is enough for small booths. Knocking off the equipment due to poor light is the last thing a DJ would like to happen. The lamp collapses just like a pair of folding headphones and would occupy a minimal space. It also protects the delicate lamp parts from jerks and shocks. You can easily carry it along with your DJ kit and unfold it when you need to work.
 Fold up USB light
The light can be adjusted at different angles and height could also be adjusted according to your needs. In the base it has steel weights attached that keeps the lamp firm on the surface and gives it stability. The USB cable neatly folds up and takes the space under the base of lamp. The cable can be brought out when the lamp needs to be powered. Computers in form of laptops are now essential equipment for electronic music hence, the idea of powering the lamp with USB is manageable and practical. So no more looking for separate power sockets. Source: Joshua Mckean
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| Prebeo Automated Kitchen Garden makes organic farming easier at home Posted: 14 Feb 2012 04:34 AM PST Asmita Prasad: Kitchen gardens have made a grand comeback with the number of people opting for organically grown groceries growing steadily over the last decade. Since more and more people are now accounting for the emissions and environmental costs involved in the transportation of food items when they buy groceries from stores, the trend towards growing one's own vegetables and herbs is also booming especially in urban centers. The Prebeo Food for the Future concept by designers Christina Chin and Nicolette Tan explores the possibility of making kitchen gardens automated to persuade people with little time for gardening towards adopting such eco friendly initiatives.
 Prebeo: Food of the future
The automated fridge garden uses the membrane based plant cultivation technology known as Imec that allows people to grow plants on a thin film rather than in soil. The space saving concept looks to boost self sufficiency and sustainability by offering people with limited space and resources with a way to grow their own produce. The Prebeo looks to provide each type of produce with a set of optimal conditions that are customized for each type of plant. The tall and thin container like planter comes with removable cartridges that incorporate the gel based film and the necessary nutrients on which the plants are to be grown. Once inserted, the information stored on the cartridges is read by the Prebeo which automatically uploads the necessary information and provides the right set of conditions for the plants to grow. As the plants grow, a magnetic rail propels them upwards and a glowing light indicates growth and position of the produce. As the cartridges move upwards, it indicates that the produce is ready to be picked. Maintenance of the Prebeo only requires users to refill the system with sufficient water at intervals.
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| Bicimoto FX-01 Motorized bicycle is ready for Peruvian streets Posted: 14 Feb 2012 04:26 AM PST Asmita Prasad: Motorized bicycles are a huge craze in Peru and the bikes form a large portion of personal transport in the country. Developed for local auto manufacturer Phoenix Motors, the Bicimoto FX-01 motorized bicycle concept comes with an 80cc engine that outputs 48bhp. The concept combines the user friendliness of a bike frame and aims at fitting a conventional engine within the same framework to ensure that the vehicle does not lost its functionality.
 Bicimoto FX-01
By retaining the physical characteristics of the bicycle, the Bicimoto FX-01 is able to offer users the same ease of use as a regular non-mechanized bicycle does. The design also makes it more cost effective to manufacture since additional exterior components like fenders and mudguards are not required in the design of the bike. A suspension fitted seat cushions the rider from bumps on the road while LED front lamps and illuminated brake lights make the vehicle visible to other motorists on the road at night. The steel casing of the engine protects the rider from coming in contact with the heated engine and also houses an anti theft mechanism that makes it virtually impossible for the engine and other mechanical components to be stolen without rending the whole bike useless. Since these vehicles are also already immensely popular in the country as a mode of transport, the Bicimoto FX-01 can be used not only for personal mobility but also as delivery vehicles for smaller businesses and its frame and surfaces can be adapted to serve as advertising spaces for local businesses. A single chain is used in the transmission and speed changes are facilitated by the same mechanism as found in multiple gear bicycles. To better adapt the vehicle to the general population of Peru, the height of the Bicimoto FX-01 is also slightly lowered. The vehicle can also be modified to carry boxes and baskets which make it an ideal vehicle for delivery services, shoppers and students. Source: Wix
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| Posted: 14 Feb 2012 03:39 AM PST Asmita Prasad: Nothing rounds up the backyard like a deck. The perfect alternative to an upper floor balcony, the deck can be a great place to hangout without being either completely outdoors or completely indoors. However, most people believe that transforming a deck into a livable space is something that only the rich with a backyard measuring acres can afford. But that isn't necessarily the case. Even homes with small backyards can make their decks look and feel fabulous with some simple add-ons and clever accessories. Given below is a list of some fabulous home deck design ideas to add spark to your backyard.
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| French country home made using old shipping containers Posted: 13 Feb 2012 09:38 PM PST Radhicka S Saxena: Although it looks like another merry country cottage around the block, there is something unique about this single family home built in France. The neat looking sturdy structure is made out of shipping containers. Reclaiming objects and reusing them is quite commendable. So, when one comes across such a fine looking structure made from old items, you just have to extol the resourceful imagination of the creator. This abode has been erected by Patrick Partouche in the countryside of France, Lille to be precise.
 Maison Container Lille
Although it looks like another merry country cottage around the block, there is something unique about this single family home built in France. The neat looking sturdy structure is made out of shipping containers! Reclaiming objects and reusing them is quite commendable. So, when one comes across such a fine looking structure made from old items, you just have to extol the resourceful imagination of the creator. This abode has been erected by Patrick Partouche in the countryside of France, Lille to be precise.
Dubbed as the Maison Container Lille, the structure is actually a family home. The vibrant red cottage overlooks a stretch of lush green fields. The interiors are spacious and well planned. There is a comfy living room, fully equipped kitchen and dining area on the ground level. The bathroom, bedroom and play area are on the upper floor. The living area downstairs is a fun hang-out zone. Sunlight can easily pour in through the large windows and doors, which can also be closed shut to keep the wind out. The hammock is perfectly placed to give a panoramic view of the outside landscape. To match up with the metallic exterior, quite a bit of steel has been used inside the house. The spiral staircase made out of galvanized steel looks quite bold. The corrugated sheets create a glitzy effect. The industrial setting has been softened by the relaxing layout and woody elements in the interiors. The striking red column breaks space and demarcates the dining area from the living space. The house is made out of eight shipping containers and spreads over 208 square meters of land. Assembling the house was really easy. The containers were transported via truck on the site and then congregated together with a crane in just three days. The containers were placed on a base of reinforced concrete foundation. The house complies with all local regulations laid out. The polycarbonate and glass bay windows boast of low-e coating and argon gas infill, which help to insulate the house. Via: Design boom
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| Creative wall design ideas to enhance your home decor Posted: 13 Feb 2012 09:31 PM PST Rahul Author: Blank walls resemble blank mind. Both need great designs to appeal. But gone are the days when walls used to wear wallpapers and plastic paints. The new concept is modern wall art. Inspired from modern world, the art features everything from the modern world. It is perfect for the home decorators of modern era.
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