Today, at the Shanghai Auto Show, Volvo Cars visualises a masterpiece of Scandinavian design, inspired by Chinese philosophy. Concept Universe is Volvo’s most luxurious creation ever, and the brand’s answer to the question: “What is a beautiful car?” With this sculptural and luminary design study, Volvo wants to test a possible new design direction for the brand since it was acquired by Geely.
Designer: Volvo
The Downhill Machine isn’t your conventional longboard. With the adjustability of a race car packed into a skate, the DM was made for speed. Each of the deck-mounted aerospace grade aluminum trucks can be fine-tuned independently so adjusting the width, angle, wheelbase, ground clearance, lift, and downforce are all possible without the need for multiple decks, trucks, and risers of conventional skates. Whether the user chooses to ride a drop deck, top mount, drop trough, or evo setup, one thing is sure- they’ll be riding a mean downhill machine.
Designer: Nuno Pereira for Powa
Piping hot, tepid to lukewarm…there are many ways to drink your coffee, but the best way is your way! And to keep the temperature in control is the Boog Coffee Warmer. Like a magic stick, it maintains the ideal temperature for your brew, allowing you to savor the drink. Pull on the tab at the top and a chemical reaction inside the spoon between water and calcium chloride generate enough heat to bring your drink to 90º F. Just another scientific way to enjoy your cuppa!
Designer: Jung Eun Park
How do you show a smell? No, I’m not talking about mirrored shelves at Sephora. I’m talking pure scent. En Esencia is an olfactory exhibition that seeks to answer this question by showcasing smells in two ways. In the first, the Pure Perception Room, “sniffers” stand under isolated boxes that are designated to specific scents. The perfume is then released, creating an untainted and pure olfactory experience for the user. The second showcase, the Lab Room, is the analytical and descriptive space of the exhibition where visitors can see the inspirations and formulas for individual scents.
Designers: Javier Alejandre & Julia Jorge
Diagnostic technology is an important element in the healthcare industry as it provides improved workflow, physician productivity and time savings. This easy to use diagnostic camera by Studio Lama is operated by a set of buttons on the apex, as well as a double sided roller. This workflow solution allows medical snapshots to be quickly transferred, displayed on an external screen, or sent to another physician or department for further examination.
Designer: Studio Lama
The ZEN light promises to free you from plugs and cables. It’s doesn’t even need an external power supply because it generates its own. The trick is a sophisticated “magnetic engine” inside the ZEN. The magnets naturally create enough force to keep the lamp spinning to power a series of LED diodes. It’s only a concept but the idea is intriguing. The design is polarizing but in today’s sea of “me too” designs – I like it.
Designer: Andrej Čverha of HANGAR Design Forge
Let’s get paranoid for a minute. Worried someone might steal a strand of your hair and clone you? With the Easy Comb and its removable rubber base, DNA snatchers are kept at bay and your brush stays clean. Seriously, someone should have thought of this a long time ago. I’ve seen similar concepts but this one seems to be the most basic and sometimes that’s the best way to go.
Designer: Juhyun Lee for KOI & Insix Design Studio
You’ve heard of ‘Plug n Play’ for USB, but this time – a fun twist has been added to the hub. We have here the Puzzle USB Hub, which is like a cool Tron puzzle that need not be solved! Twist the caps to the outside and load in the key for it to complete the circuit and charge. More like Tron memory for your devices and gadgets that look hip! Love it!
Designer: Wu Jiemei
I can give you hundreds of definitions of what is a good design, right from Dieter Rams to Jonny Ive. The bottom line I think is just this, a good design is what appeals to the individual at that particular moment and if it solves a purpose for him/her, then even better! Red Dot Product Design is one jury that looks at all the angles and aspects of a design. For 2011 they have summed up their Best of Best designs and here is a small recap of my pick – 21 Good Designs in all!
Designers: Various
The majority of the time, kitchen smells are good. I mean who can resist the whiff of a freshly baked cake? However keeping the oily drafts in control requires a good hood and efficient ventilation. The Electrolux Aeolus is a concept that promises good odor control but also looks into the problems of space crunch in a kitchen. The rim-like frame is suspended from the ceiling and has hooks and platforms to hold glasses and pans. I love the chic look and sophisticated touch that it adds to a kitchen.
Designer: Chi Rong Hsu
Millions of traditional telephones are still being made everyday but their form hasn’t changed much. Designer Chengyuan Wei took one apart and discovered the components have all been quite miniaturized so she conceived the Origami Phone. When you pick it up to answer and dial out, it changes from a flat surface to a tridimensional object suited to the hand. Minimal and efficient. LOVE IT!
Designer: Chengyuan Wei
I’m an iPhone case whore. I promise fidelity to one case and two months later, I’m online looking for another. I know I know, I need help but I’m a man who likes options. At the moment, I’m feeling kind of cheeky and all giggly after seeing the justinCase – Condom/iPhone case. It’s ultra-slim leather textured case with a hidden compartment for a condom. Yea… play safe people.
Designer: Chris Holder
Explore the best of YD. Our Archives are full of wonderful concepts from all over the world. Go ahead, don't be shy!
Yet another intriguing concept from yacht enthusiast Hyun-Seok Kim. The Voronoi mega-yacht is named after the voronoi pattern of the irregular honeycomb lattice structure that encases it’s upper levels. This yacht was made to entertain. Hot tubs and golfing green occupy the upper deck and within the lattice on the bridge deck lies an indoor garden and luxurious pool area. The interior has all the creature comforts of home and then some. It even has a sleek emergency vessel for a stylish evacuation, but hopefully the captain’s only worry will be avoiding those honeycomb tan lines.
Designer: Hyun-Seok Kim
RSS
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Share this
