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When Disaster Strikes At High Seas

At first I thought I would write a comedy of errors and make a fun post out of this, but regretfully it’s not funny getting shipwrecked or stranded in a dinghy at high seas. The chances of you and Brooke Shields making it to a marooned island are slim, so you may as well rely on your lifeboat, jacket and Reborn Survival Kit till a rescue team arrives. Packaged as a slim torch-like contraption, Reborn actually opens up to become a multi functional device.

Designer: Xue Zhichao

The Dark Side of Design

There is something really nasty about the Design Industry; something many know of but never really spoke of. In our ever-competitive society, we always seem to celebrate the winners, and outcast the losers. We often talk about the one that made it to the top and leave no space for second place.

Two Wild and Crazy Bracelets

I tell you: me and my brother, we know how to get the ladies. We just talked to Ben Greene about his boss tactic for getting matched up. Really! You put the band on, right on, on your hand, and you load up all your infos like about your love for mustard and whatnot. From there, it’s a synch! You just pick “teaser” or “seeker” (my brother and I are always the hip and together seekers) and you’re on your way! Really! I mean it! We put them on when we got in!

Designer: Ben Greene

AutoCAD for Mac OS X?

It seems Autodesk wants to know if there’s interest in a native OS X version of their flagship AutoCAD program. Take the survey and sound off. As they say, ask and ye shall receive.

I Want AutoCAD on Mac OS X: Survey

Rebirth of Linksys

There was a time when all routers were ugly boxes designed only to perform. Looks played no importance because it was normal to relegate them to the back of the closet or tucked away in the corner below your desk. Out of sight, out of mind. About 5 years ago things started to change. Design became valuable even for the oft’ dejected little router. Companies like Netgear and Belkin started redesigning the ubiquitous little box but with more sex. Now they were good looking enough to be proudly displayed alongside your computer and media center.

Company: Linksys

Phantom Water

You guys wanted it, here it is. Our resident contributer and critic Zippy Flounder’s latest project called Phantom Water. A clock whose face is dynamically created by the science (magic) of ferro fluidics. His design goes beyond normal ferro fluids by being clear, non-toxic and eco-friendly. The technology is being marketed as “Smart Water” (isn’t that a drink?), which could go beyond clock applications to signage displays and anything else your creative minds can think of. Check out the video after the jump and sound off in comments!

Designer: Zippy Flounder

Potty Pooper On The Go

When you gotto go You REALLY gotto GO! In the middle of the jungle…concrete jungle, camping, boardroom….bedroom…nawws, let’s leave bedroom out of this! And I’m not talking about taking a leak! The BIG JOB, where?… in a portable paper toilet; of course! Peel the cover, assemble the “Dish”, squat and do your job, then let the soil and coal ash do its job (solidifies your waste), fold, seal and dispose! Super! Now you can down more burgers, pizzas, whatever! Oh and do wash your hands after wiping your butt!

Designer: Dang Jingwei

Motion ActiVAD™ GT Wing System Drift!

Intense title for this thang. It’s the “Motion ActiVAD™ GT Wing System,” and it’s not messing around. It’s a back-wing, aka a spoiler for a car (or a truck, or whatever strikes your fancy.) It’s got all the features of the best current spoilers in the street-legal (and illegal) sports car industry, but it’s got a trick to it. It moves! In accordance with sensors installed in several places in the vehicle, the wing changes position in real-time.

Designer: Marvin Wong Ting Kuok

My Phone’s Gone Liquid

For the ignorant lot, LOHAS is Lifestyles of Health & Sustainability and a way of life for one out of every six Americans. I’m not faffing about this, but LOHAS consumers shop for products based on their values and world view, reflecting their desire for healthier and more sustainable lives. Catering to this crowd is the Aqua Liquid cellphone that uses liquid fuel cells technology in the name of eco-friendliness; although this lowers the efficiency of the phone.

Designer: Sean Park

Forget Me Not

Movie buffs may recollect The Memento where the protagonist suffers from anterograde amnesia and tattoos himself with notes or keeps taking pictures of the things to do, in a constant bid to survive each day. Real life is not as dramatic and memory loss patients, especially Alzheimer’s, need something more passive and practical. The Mnemonic is the kinda device that will help an Alzheimer patient to be more independent by being the constant companion that reminds them about the little things in life.

Designer: Ming Kiang Tan

Small Budget? A New Door Can Work Wonders

The Iosa Ghini Collection is a collection of artful modern styled doors to liven up even the most boring spaces. The collection spans the gamut with art nouveau, complete with floral motifs, sweeping arches that turn in on itself, and overlapping lines. Not your cup of tea? How about textural surfaces? The Interprets Textrix series screams luxury with its leather finishes and detailed trim. Still not feeling it? How about the Materia line with its carved reliefs, a play between fine oak and cold metal.

Designer: Massimo Iosa Ghini

Cardboard Furniture, Surprisng Results

COMPACT is totally sustainable furniture design made from cardboard and recycled polypropylene. The modular solution comes in 5 flat boards which make for easy transport. Assembly should be a cinch if you’re used to IKEA and it’s all held together by interlocking areas that are sealed with wood glue. Configurations are endless, everything from storage, to a work area complete with lighting.

Designer: Pedro Gomes