A wise man once said that design competitions are like insurance for the consumers, as they provide incentive to progress. A fair enough assessment if you ask me, which is why we participate and go through the motions of innovating and progressing. Here is a look at the recent A’Design Award and Competition; a round up of the five best designs we liked.
Designers: Various
The Autonome is a mobile phone concept with a unique charging feature. The regular way to do this will be to directly plug-in the phone to the wall socket, negating the use of any cables. Alternatively, you can detach the specialized module, tank it up and then hook it back to the phone and transfer the juice. This ways you get the freedom to use the phone whilst charging the extra ammo. I love the magnesium unibody frame designed for this, and of course the practical solution for charging. Ideal for travelers too!
Designer: Francois Rybarczyk
![Aesthetical Approach To Pleasure Toys [NSFW]](/images/design_news/2012/02/07/whoop_de_doo_layout.jpg)
Time and again we have seen designers trying to shake the image of sex toys being loud, crass and inartistic. We have here the Whoop – de – doo set of Classic Vibrators, Venus Balls and Vibrating Egg; slickly packaged and designed for pleasure giving, and yes they are artistic. I think it helps that a women designs these products, simply because she knows what she wants. As for the tech-specs, the toys come with a handy induction charging system, making them completely wireless and hassle-free.
Designer: Anna Marešová
At first sight the Split Table seems to be like any other, but take a closer examination and you’ll see there are no nuts, bolts or glue. The table is held together only by tension and flexibility between its plywood pieces. The functional joints is as much a part of the aesthetic as it is the construction. Best of all, you can own the limited series table here!
Designer: Tore Bleuzé
I’m not sure if coffee is getting hotter, or we’re all getting more sensitive, but if you’ve ever grabbed your coffee cup after putting a cardboard sleeve on it you know that it can still be hot to the touch. A little modification to the original and problem solved! The Muggie sleeve features an extra handle that transforms a basic cup into an ergonomic mug that will protect your caffeine-craving hands.
Designer: Kyu Seop Lee
A step above other folding bikes on the market, the ROTA Bike offers an incredibly fast and intuitive method of compacting. Simply rotate the centrally located ring to unlock and fold the front wheel and seat to the rear. Twist the handle bars to have them double as a stabilizing “kick-stand.” – A great solution for navigating the urban jungle in a jiffy.
Designer: Leandro Albino Oliveira
Inspired by the designer’s own personal experience of waiting too long during a stay at the emergency room, the Radio portable x-ray was imagined as a way to cut back on time spent in the radiology process. The device uses the same dental imaging technology that exists currently and incorporates it into a compact, portable unit that can detect broken bones or other abnormalities. Radiologists can instantly read the screen or print radiographs via from the unit’s charging dock.
Designer: Francois Rybarczyk
Ever fantasized about an Apple Camera? I know they are doing a decent job with the iPhone and dedicated apps make the experience of going click-click even better. But just for a Moment, stop in your tracks and let go of all your reservations…and then picture the Apple Camera, is it as innovative as the QuickTake Concept? Maybe not, so step right in to know more….
Designer: Joseph Dumary
Electrolux Design Lab is in its tenth year and we are pretty excited about the 2012 competition. As Henrik Otto, Senior Vice President of Global Design at Electrolux puts it, “Ten years ago we set out to map the future. In what direction is our industry evolving? How will we cook, clean and wash our clothes in the years to come? What will the appliance of the future look like? To date we have reviewed over 10,000 design concepts but each year I’m seeing new concepts and ideas I never thought possible.”
Deadline: 1st June 2012, 23:59 CET
At first glance the collection of Berlin Chaos Chairs might not seem like they have a much in common, but take a closer look and you’ll see that they share what you might call a “common ancestor.” Unique cuts and simple changes in surface finishes transform an ordinary chair into endless variations that however different, are also proportionally and structurally identical.
Designer: EWID
Almost unrecognizable as a watch, the Round-the-Clock bracelet communicates the time with hour and minute rings that rotate around the user’s wrist. Made of stainless steel, plastic and rubber, this exceptional timepiece is modern and elegant with a touch of masculinity that an equally unusual wearer will appreciate.
Designer: Kőrös Benedek
Steve Jobs wanted to put the “ding in the universe” and he did. On the same page, you have the ding and need to express it creatively; allow me to give you that opportunity. Micromax Mobile needs a new logo that goes with their audacious, outgoing and dynamic appeal. The winner gets to take home an Apple MacBook Pro, acknowledgments and bragging rights for the rest of their lives! Head over to Talenthouse and submit your ideas now, because this ding-ling will expire on 6th Feb, midnight. Hurry!
Submissions Close: February 6, 2012, midnight
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
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