E-Diary: Yong's vision of perfection

The “e-dairy” a concept gadget by Yong Hwan Kwon is something that seems straight out of some sci-fi flick. This device is ostensibly a phone, a scanner, a notebook and a drawing board – all in one! Endowed with a touchscreen and a freaky little accessory tagged the “e-pan,” the e-diary can be used for messaging or making video calls.

Yong says the device will read numbers off printed material (for instance a card) which is kept on its surface, making it a compact scanner. The user is free to use the e-diary to record his daily experiences, of course by using the e-pan on its surface. The e-pan also serves as a camera and used to click and store images. I believe this would require the gizmo to feature some kind of memory. Now all that remains is a media player, throw that in and we will have a pretty amazing-looking PDA at our disposal. Check out some crisp images after jump.


http://www.thedesignblog.org/entry/e-diary-yong-s-vision-of-perfection/

Mannequins brought to light!

The designer who goes by Daniel Loves Objects, invents a creation that will capture the imagination of one and all with a lamp called At Your Command. Not only are mannequins found in the mall wearing the newest styles, now they are found accenting our homes. The Singapore-based designer has endowed these with life, oops I meant light. This innovative lamp installs a mannequin where the body of a lamp is usually found. The form of the lamp is made all the more appealing by removing the wires, and panache is added by gold plating the mannequin. With the joints of the mannequin made movable, At Your Command submits itself to the user’s imagination. Interesting and stylish, this one is just perfect to spice up decor.


http://www.thedesignblog.org/entry/mannequins-brought-to-light/

Rebranding for HP

Above is the old and re-designed branding for HP. They removed the rounded rectangle on the back and updated it with a 3D globe like logo. However I find it less powerfull then the old logo. Although redesign is effective in reintroducing a company that has been around for awhile... I feel that in this case they could had just added the 3d look and shine to the old logo.

http://designed.nu/

Interactive Mirror

Interactive Mirror from Alpay Kasal on Vimeo.

Conceptualized by Alpay Kasal of Lit Studios and Sam Ewen of Interference Inc. Designed/constructed by Alpay Kasal. This is a patent pending touch capable mirror. The interactive mirror features proximity sensors, gesturing, and both nearfield and farfield infrared.

http://designed.nu/

Seems like a pretty cool idea, not sure If it would be feasible in a bathroom... but possibly in a bar or living room where guests can hang out or just kill time playing a game or drawing... on a mirror! I guess!

Fashion is a strange thing sometimes

http://www.crazyleafdesign.com/blog/


Fashion is a strange thing sometimes. We've all experienced situations or have watched a show on television where we just think to ourselves... what is that person wearing?

As a designers we have a tendency to be critical of each a every design, regardless of the medium.

Here are some more somewhat crazy designs for us to critique:

Unexpected Beauty

Jewelery doesn’t always have to follow the same old format time and time again. These unique pieces from OctopusMe are an interesting example of how the unexpected can be beautiful.

http://design-milk.com/

Below is the website with more interesting unexpected jewelry design:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5260408

POWER HOG: Piggybank Power Meter Keeps the Change

http://www.greenergadgets.com/index.php/design-competition/

Designed by Jill Fehrenbacher, this one of a kind piggy bank not only teaches children to save their allowance, but to also conserve energy!

Children using this piggy bank would need to drop a coin in the Power-Piggy to activate electricity flow, so that they can use their allowance to turn on the TV or video games.

The concept of this design in definitely clever, however it might not be so effective once the child realizing all they have to do is unplug the power hog and turn on the tv that way.

Design: Breaking Boundaries

I thought that these were some very creative and ground breaking designs which are both unique and inventive. The designs are also captivating because they use everyday materials but alter their intended use and instead transform them into furniture or apparel as is shown below:

Design: as an experience

http://www.thegreenhead.com/2009/02/sharky-tea-infuser.php

Designer Pablo Matteoda from Argentina has designed the innovative tea infuser above and has definitely not only created an interesting model, but also an EXPERIENCE for the consumer while they wait to have a cup of tea.

In the designer's own words:
"INFUSION means to extract certain properties from an soluble ingredient such as tea leaves , herbs or fruit by soaking in liquid (water) until it gets saturated. So we can say that a infuser is the in charged of make this happen. This is a ludic point of view about the color given off from the phenomenon, wich makes more interesting the waiting of the whole process."

Line Drawing Sound Design

Just thought the use of sound and design in this video was very interesting. Its exciting to see how the drawing progresses through the use of sound.

Smartphone Scenario

Smartphone Scenario
Alicia V. Mucha
102 D
2/3/09

General Description
This innovative sleek design is specifically created to appeal and cater to the needs of a group labeled as the LDR’s or Long Distance Riders. This device is intended to appeal to the needs of this group because it has a variety of necessary features that are essential when riding long distance, like many motorcyclists do. Starting with the most important features, this device will have a built in GPS system ensuring that each trip is exempt from confusion. The device also has a built-in weather system called Cloud Cover which will be broadcasted 24 hours adapting to and depicting the specific climate of the motorcyclist’s exact location or it will tract down the climate in the motorcyclist’s expected destination. This device will allow everyone to truly enjoy his or her ride and not become distracted or disappointed when lost or caught in some weather difficulties. Also, this device has the standard features of text messaging, camera and video capabilities all intended to further capture each moment while on a long distance ride.
The most important function of this phone is that it comes with a wireless adapter, which fits with ease into the users. The essential purpose this device serves is to prevent any dangerous situations that may arise when traveling while on the phone…which is illegal. However, this device will also allow the rider to focus on the road, the scenery and the weather as opposed to holding a phone while attempting to ride a motorcycle.

Scenario
Michael has just purchased a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle and has simultaneously become an exclusive member of the LDR’s, a local motorcyclist group that gathers and takes long distance rides across the nation, touring America and enjoying the beautiful scenery appreciated by the rugged rider day after day. Since this is Micheal’s first long distance ride wants to ensure that he is prepared for the journey but also he wants to ensure that all is done in order to fully enjoy this trip. Therefore Micheal wakes up early and checks his Cloud Cover to attain the weather forecast before the group departs. Micheal then calls the rest of the LDR members and informs them of the clear skies and sunshine they can expect for the day. After departing for their eventful journey, the LDR’s hit the road and intend to travel from New York to California and then back. Using his smartphone video recording system, Michael captures some spectacular shots of his journey and sends them to his girlfriend back in New York who was unable to join him, but terribly misses him…so seeing his face on a video definitely brightens her day. Also after leaving Las Vegas the LDR’s find themselves in a bit of a bind when they become lost a unable locate the highway leading to California. However, due to Michaels GPS system he is able to save the day by pulling up a map through this device and locating the appropriate route, then proceeding to get the riders into California. He even locates a motel for them to crash at for the night before the journey begins again in the morning.