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Magical Computing

It is the future and we have invisible smart particles working over cloud computing, setting the standards for new-age gadgets and devices. With the flick of the wand, imagine drawing your gaming control or calculator with a pen-esque device called the Activator PC. Basically what you are doing is conjuring gadgets off thin air (infused with the smart particles) and activating apps and features according to your needs.

Designers: Zhong-fa Lie & Yoori Koo

Unexpected Wildlife Inspiration

To be honest, I saw a photo of this car’s inspiration before the vehicle itself and assumed it would be completely ridiculous… after all, who designs a Mercedes after a fish (a trout no less)?? But upon seeing the actual car, I had a complete change of heart! Though its inspiration is unexpectedly organic, the SLK Aphelios exhibits futuristic styling and a touch of fluid elegance that’s … well… very Mercedes-like!

Designer: Apostol Tnokovski

A Lamp for Sleeping Lovers

Avoiding having a grumpy lover is the inspiration behind designer Francois Rybarczyk’s Cinna lamp! The lamp was designed to be used when you’re reading in bed while your significant other is trying to catch some Zzzzzs. The opaque shell twists to reveal an adjustable, subtle glow emitted from below that won’t disturb. Gotta love the combination of ceramic and cork materials together!

Designer: Francois Rybarczyk

Lightwaves

The SOL is a truly unique lighting solution that contrasts straight lines with flowing curves in an equally varied combination of materials: rigid steel and an über-flexible light panel. The EL panel is a mere 1.5 mm thick and its wave can be easily adjusted to direct light in any direction the user chooses.

Designer: Ahhaproject

One of a kind kettle

The latest addition to the Peel series of kitchenware by HJC Design is this striking cordless kettle. The series is named after the way the surfaces appear to “peel” away to bring attention to the primary functionality of each unit- here the surfaces peels away to form the spout. Other features unique to the series are the kettle’s eye-catching LED accents and rippled surface that not only gives it a modern style but serve as an intuitive indication of where the user should fill with water.

Designer: HJC Design

Getting the Most Out of Compost

Designer Adam Weaver describes Re:Fuse as an “anaerobic digestion unit” that reclaims gas from decomposing biological debris that would otherwise be lost. The gas collected can then be used for cooking. The user simply places food-waste in the unit and over time Re:Fuse will not only yield gas for cooking but usable fertilizer for growing more food!

Designer: Adam Weaver

Erascan Can Scan!

Erascan is a whiteboard eraser that scans the written matter on the board while erasing and saves it onto an inbuilt memory chip. The idea is to keep a digital copy of the drawings or notes handy for future reference. The device is programmed to automatically recognize handwriting, identify emails and web URLs. What’s more, it can share the saved data via email wirelessly!

Designers: Various

Most Buzzed Designs of January 2012

“Good design is making something intelligible and memorable. Great design is making something memorable and meaningful.” A fitting quote from Dieter Rams that is applicable to the most Buzzed Designs on YD. Here is a quick recap on the projects you, the readers thought were most intriguing in the month of January.

Designers: Various

Light in a Manhole

Ever wished there was a hole in the floor that would open up and swallow you in? Wishing for a similar safe haven, we have designer Chuang Chihong’s version; The Gully Cover Light. In his words, “the design suggests an imaginary space beneath the floor. It gives the impression that there is a refuge underfoot – a place to which we could escape.” The light turns on when we lift the manhole cover, and switches off when we replace it. I think it’s a clever way to bring the outdoors in!

Designer: Chuang Chihong

Stop the Overflow

End number of times I’ve had to ground my children for carelessly leaving the bath water running, leading to an overspill. Not only is it cardinal wastage of a precious resource but also the additional work of mopping up. A simple gadget like Water&time promises you no more wastage. This intuitive valve screws onto any regular faucet and turns off the water automatically after its timer goes off. You simply need to figure out how long will it take for you to fill up the tub. I think its suitable for the kitchen sink as well, don’t you?

Designers: Xiaolu Zhang and Yuelong Liao

12 Inspirational and Exclusive Interviews on Yanko Design – Robert Brunner

Everyday Yanko Design assimilates and presents pioneering concepts that are sourced from a pool of talented young designers. In an effort to do something special for this brilliant community, I have pieced together a series of 12 exclusive interviews with renowned designers who talk about their journey and experiences, share lessons they have learnt and give you an insight on how to draw on your own energies to be the best. I start the series with my talk with Robert Brunner, founder of Ammunition Group and past-Director of Design at Apple, the designer of the original Macintosh PowerBook and Newton.

Seriously Smart Socket!

If you’ve ever tried to plug something into a socket in the dark (or without looking) you know that it’s damn near impossible! The LOL socket (named after the markings on its surface) is an incredibly simple and clever solution that uses grooves to guide the user’s hand and the pins effortlessly toward to the socket holes. Needs it!

Designer: Devraj Bhadra

Window Gardens

I’m not a huge fan of voronoi patterns, but I think the randomness works really well for this modern, one-of-a-kind window design. The Plant Window is constructed of a number of planter boxes that together create a natural curtain that filters sunlight. Simply plant your favorite succulent or veggies to transform what would be an ordinary window into a wall of green and sunlight.

Designers: Various