Wireless keyboards are nothing new. Whether you’re on a desktop trying to escape the tangle of cables or on a laptop wanting to expand your limited set of keys, a wireless keyboard offers a bit more freedom and flexibility than other keyboards. That said, they still have the same limitations, namely, requiring a separate mouse or touchpad to move the computer cursor around. Not only does that take up more desk space, it also means another device you might forget or lose along the way. Some Bluetooth keyboards add a tiny touchpad off to the side, but that comes at the cost of reducing the number of keys available on the keyboard. This ingenious solution gives the best of both worlds by practically turning the entire keyboard into one giant touchpad you can swipe and pinch, just like any other touchpad.
Designer: Igor Solovyov (Industrial Designer, Clevetura)
Laptops have the advantage of having both a keyboard and a pointing device in a single body, but their arrangement is hardly the best in terms of ergonomics and flexibility. Wireless keyboards with built-in trackpads, on the other hand, try to cram this component in an already small space but still manage to sacrifice keys like the numeric keypad. It’s almost as if there’s no ideal design that solves this problem, but the CLVX 1 boldly tries to think outside the box while offering a keyboard that, at least on paper, matches the functionality of many Bluetooth keyboards in the market today.
In a nutshell, the middle area of the CLVX 1 keyboard is touch-sensitive and functions like a giant touchpad. Thanks to a special slippery coating, you can effortlessly glide your finger across that area to move the mouse around without snagging on the edges of the keys. You can even pinch to zoom or perform any other touch gestures, just like a normal trackpad. As a bonus, the top row of function keys also functions as a slider that you can smoothly swipe without even having to look, making it just as easy to control the volume or any other function you program into the gesture. The keyboard promises that it won’t mix up typing and gestures, as it automatically disables touch detection once you press a key. And in case you’re wondering about mouse button presses, the keyboard has dedicated physical buttons below the spacebar for those actions.
In all other aspects, the CLVX 1 boasts a laundry list of features available on many wireless keyboards and then some. It has a 110-key layout, which is far more than your typical Bluetooth keyboard, and uses scissor switches. The RGB lighting also has a few tricks, like following your finger as you glide over the keys. You can pair up to three devices with it via Bluetooth, but you can also connect to a device using USB-C for a fourth connection.
The CLVX 1 is definitely an intriguing design, but its mettle still needs to be tested in real-world use. The smoothness of swiping over keys will definitely be the biggest point of concern, but the typing experience of having those keys so close together is also an important consideration. Nevertheless, it definitely deserves some praise for thinking outside the box to deliver a design that doesn’t compromise just to mix two functions in one.
One of the easiest ways to style your home is with vases, whether it be brimming with fresh, exquisite flowers or serving as ornamental artifacts. Vases lend a beautiful finishing touch to any space. Moreover, these versatile pieces can be showcased in a multitude of ways, be it when artfully grouped on a mantelpiece or a side table or as a captivating centerpiece on a dining table. The best part about incorporating vases is that they seamlessly blend into any room, making it possible to distribute your cherished pieces throughout your entire home.
Creating a beautiful mantel decoration involves arranging an assortment of vases with varying shapes and heights. It is highly recommended to opt for a collection of artisanal, handcrafted ceramic vases that not only serve as an appealing permanent display but are also versatile and can be filled with seasonal blooms, ensuring that the mantel maintains a fresh and attractive look throughout the year.
Craft an eye-catching arrangement in a contemporary living space by adorning the niches with an artisan-crafted ceramic vase in abstract or transparent forms, artistic finishes, and even vibrant hues.
As the entrance foyer forms the initial space that greets any guests, this space forms the most appropriate place for displaying vases that overflow with fresh flowers. In the entryway, a console table or sideboard becomes a vital inclusion that can be embellished with decorative vases and other artful objects, cherished family photographs, and one can introduce a touch of nature through strategically positioned plants.
Exceptional vases should be displayed to enhance empty corners by employing a set of two vases, either with similar or contrasting shapes, and filling them with dried flowers. This method not only adds character to the vacant space but also provides volume and an appealing design element.
Single stems in small vases can be equally as striking as a grand centerpiece and truly highlight the beauty of each bloom. One can employ bud vases for swift and sophisticated table arrangements, ranging from single stems to a combination of petite bouquets. Being lightweight, these vases can be easily relocated when it’s time to serve food, and there’s no need to be concerned about them toppling over due to their size.
Enhancing a center table or dining table with seasonal blooms or artificial flowers is a delightful way to infuse a room with both color and fragrance. Moreover, they serve as ideal accent pieces to adorn and enhance the interior decor. Note that while it’s always pleasant to have a vase on the dining room table when hosting, one can also adorn the sideboard with a few vases.
7. Colorful Vase Display
Vibrant vases provide an enchanting method to showcase lively blooms, crafting a vivid arrangement while also serving as a practical solution for hiding messy stems.
Various vases from the same series, featuring different colors and heights, come together to form an intriguing composition. Their slender necks look elegant but can hold only a limited number of flowers.
When curating the interiors with decorative vases, create rhythm and balance by incorporating vases of varying heights. Consider a single-color palette or opt for pieces with captivating sculptural shapes and textures. Alternatively, one can go for pieces from the same family but in different colors for a cohesive look.
When enhancing your indoor spaces one can effortlessly craft a captivating sculptural centerpiece using just a few leafy branches. In this example, the tall vase has an earthy vibe and it is complemented with wheat spikelets.
Vibrant hand-painted or unique-shaped vases form a beautiful display on the mantel, shelf, or side table. One can mix and match vases in various styles and materials to create an eye-catching arrangement. Whimsical vases can add a cheerful and playful touch to any interior making it a characterful addition.
Go for floor vases in different heights just as in this image. For the spring and summer season, go for ceramics in nature-inspired textures and soothing tones like shades of blue or cream. Additionally, one can mix and match designs of different heights as the tall and short pieces impart a visually pleasing look.
Enhance your open shelf with wall-color-matching vases by placing a vase on a lower shelf to add color and vibrancy to the interiors. For a longer-lasting arrangement, choose dried flowers, especially if the room lacks natural light. Hence one does not have to hide flower vases in a utility cabinet and can display them on open shelves or in a glass-fronted cabinet for an appealing and easily accessible presentation.
These vases feature a three-dimensional pattern on their surfaces, introducing a tactile element to the interior decor. The timeless turquoise blue in a three-dimensional Criss cross design when paired with vibrant green plants, breathes life into the space.
Enhance your wall with multicolored hanging planters, creating a form of wall art that’s ideal for empty walls, adding character to them. The earthy hues of these planters can complement the decor, especially if it follows a nature-inspired color palette.
The lively vase incorporates a design that adds visual appeal to a neutral environment. Make sure it complements the interior’s color palette to craft an energizing presentation. Unfilled vases can form striking arrangements, particularly when they boast charming hues, intricate sculptural shapes, and captivating textures.
This vase brings a touch of biophilia into the interior by incorporating vein-shaped patterns and a tactile quality on the golden vase. Leaf fronds further enhance the overall aesthetic.
Vases can introduce a tactile dimension to the interior, as seen here with the textured appearance of three distinct vase designs. While they exhibit variation, they share a common design theme.
A metal vase not only adds a touch of luxury to the decor but can also function as a decorative object, and by adding branches, you can ensure they remain upright in tall vases.
These ideas will surely help you decorate your home with flower vases, a timeless decor accessory that has remained fashionable for centuries. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek and modern setup or a vintage one, you’ll always find a vase to match your personal style.
Washing machines are normally pretty big and bulky, especially since you want to put in as many pieces of clothing as possible in one load. It has made washing clothes easier of course but it’s still a pretty tedious chore. If you live in a tiny space though, having a full sized machine may not be so feasible. Or if you have a child or children, constant washing and disinfecting of clothes is required, not necessarily needing the whole traditional machine.
This concept for a mini drum washing machine may be the answer to space and size problems. Augenstern looks more like a rice cooker at first glance but it is a portable and smart machine that can disinfect clothes for babies and young children. It has a carrying handle since the idea is that you can carry it anywhere in the house or maybe even outside of your house if needed. There is a mention of wall-mounting by the designer but the renders don’t really show that.
The machine probably doesn’t fully function like your usual washing machines since there isn’t any of the usual tubes and things that you see. There seems to be a bottom suction cup somewhere there that is supposed to reduce the vibration and noise of the machine which should be useful if you have babies that wake up at the slightest noise. This means you can wash or disinfect their clothes even as they’re napping or sleeping.
It’s a pretty interesting concept especially for those that don’t have enough space to have a washing machine. But it may be a bit too small and therefore it means that you’ll have to do several loads, which may defeat the purpose. It would also be nice if there could be more information about the features but the design itself seems to be interesting and feasible.
It’s the year 2024 and if you’re still manually rotating your screwdrivers, you’re doing something wrong. Meet the SES Nano, a ridiculously compact electric screwdriver that’s no larger than a pencil and weighs a paltry 2 ounces or 58 grams. Arrowmax, the folks behind the SES Nano, has practically perfected the art of electric screwdrivers, and the SES NANO builds on the backs of all that research and development. This tiny screwdriver packs 5 torque settings, peaking at 5 kgf.cm that’s powerful enough to work with even the tightest screws. A simple two-button interface lets you easily choose whether you want to rotate the screwdriver clockwise or counter-clockwise, letting you tighten or loosen screws without any elbow grease. Just load one of the SES NANO’s 52 bits, hold the driver in place, press the button, and watch the magic happen. The SES NANO’s tiny design makes it a no-brainer against most conventional electric drivers that are much larger, and is perfect for your workshop or DIY kit whether you’re working with watches or phones, laptops, computers, drones, tiny models, or even your spectacles.
Despite its compact size and measuring just over 5 inches in length and weighing a mere 58 grams, the SES NANO boasts an impressive torque output of up to 5.0 kgf.cm at 250 RPM. This translates to tackling various projects, from repairing delicate electronics like smartphones and glasses with precision control to confidently assembling flat-pack furniture. The lightweight design, crafted from a single piece of high-grade CNC aluminum alloy, ensures durability while making it easy to maneuver and reducing fatigue during use. Simple one-button operation with clear forward and reverse controls ensures user-friendliness for anyone, regardless of DIY experience.
The SES NANO goes beyond just being small and convenient. With its ingenious design that integrates a robust output circuit board, a precision gearbox, and a secure bit-locking mechanism seamlessly into a single unit, it prioritizes both efficiency and precision. This innovative design minimizes the overall volume of the power unit while maximizing its effectiveness. An LED display keeps you informed about critical details like the current battery level (displayed as a percentage), the selected torque mode (out of 5 available modes), and charging status. Strategically placed 4 LED lights on the chuck illuminate the work area, providing a shadowless light source for focused operation, especially in tight or poorly lit environments.
The SES NANO comes with a comprehensive set of 59 S2 steel screwdriver bits, including commonly used Phillips, star, and nut driver heads, all featuring a standard 4mm hex shank for secure fitment within the driver. This wide variety of bits ensures you’re equipped to handle most screw types you might encounter during various DIY tasks. The inclusion of a handy 58mm extension tip further enhances the SES NANO’s versatility, allowing you to reach and tackle screws in tight spaces or deep recesses that may otherwise be inaccessible with a standard screwdriver. The universal Type-C charging port, a common connector found in most modern devices, ensures convenient and hassle-free power top-ups using a power bank, laptop, or any USB-C wall charger. The best part, you can access the SES Nano’s charging port right through the case, allowing you to juice your screwdriver without even taking it out!
Each SES NANO ships with its all-encompassing case that contains the driver itself along with 52 well-arranged driver bits to choose from, ranging from common to specialty bits. The case also contains an extender tool that lets you extend the reach of your SES NANO to access hard-to-reach spots or sunken screws, a magnetizer that helps you re-magnetize bits, and finally a USB-C charging cable for your device. The SES NANO starts at a discounted $59, and ships globally starting June 2024.
Mother’s Day falls on 12th May, and it really is an incredible day, as we get a chance to celebrate our superhero moms! Although that is something we should do every day. But Mother’s Day is the day we get to pamper our moms and shower them with love, and also hopefully make their lives a little bit easier. If you’re looking to gift your mom with some thoughtful and wonderful presents, then we’ve got your back. We’ve curated a collection of minimal, elegant, and functional products that will easily fit into your Mom’s everyday life and make it a little easier this Mother’s Day!
1. Japanese Lantern Candle
Inspired by the traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, this pretty Japanese lantern has an adorable pillar shape. It is essential for self-care sessions that your mother can indulge in this Mother’s Day, giving her a chance to unwind, letting the worries and stresses of life fade away for a bit. And the best part, you can continue using the lantern body even after the candle inside is used up, giving a warm glow whenever they light it up.
This pretty little candle offers a contemporary take on an age-old iconic Japanese lantern design. It gives a relaxing glow and has a minimalist and simple design ethos which lets it complement any living space. The candle is made by handcrafted artisans in Kurashiki, Japan.
What we like
The outer wax of the candle is harder and comes with a patented tech that keeps it from melting easily, and crafting a clear body on the candle
What we dislike
You need to be careful while using it around children and pets as an open flame is always a fire hazard
2. Pop-Up Book Vase
Convert your desk into a fairy tale scene using this lovely pop-up book vase. This new and elegant item can be opened to unveil a series of 3D vase cutouts, each cutout designed to present your floral arrangements in an enchanting and ever-changing manner. One design, multiple outputs – quite like our multi-tasking mom’s, isn’t it? The vase also folds back into a book and can be stored away easily, making it a must buy for every space – big or small.
The book vase perfectly combines the timeless charm of a storybook with the utility of a flower vase, in turn forming a unique item that will bring some color and character to your desk, table, or wherever you place it. They’re the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your mother, letting her display her favorite flowers in style!
What we like
Provides a unique and playful approach to showcasing flowers
You can easily change the presentation
What we dislike
It doesn’t have the durability of traditional vases
Not a great option for heavy or water-filled arrangement
3. Jewelry Display Clock
Women and their jewelry are always inseparable – everyone I know of has that one iconic jewelry that they wear either everyday or keep it close by for any special occasion they have. In my opinion, jewelry is a women’s special talisman and I can bet our Mom’s have that one piece they want to keep safely in a proper home for that piece. This is where the Jewelry Clock comes in – allowing you to safely story your rings, bangles, necklace or even display your earrings as a pendulum by keeping the clock in your space. The design gives you time + a unique way to stay in touch with your personal belongings, giving you a chance to stop and stare before the day begins.
The delicate tongs can be used by you to prepare lunch boxes or to even eat some sushi. There is really no wrong way to hold the tongs, and they’re designed to last a lifetime. The tongs possess a special metal processing which ensures that the jet black color doesn’t easily scratch off.
What we like
Minimal design with a quartz movement for precision.
Made from bioplastic that contains a large amount of rice husks
What we dislike
The jewelry storing space is minimal, not allowing you store more than 3-4 pieces with ease.
4. Legacy Precision Nail File
Designed by Yoshida Yasuri, the Legacy Precision Nail File is made in Japan using meticulous craftsmanship. The file is manufactured through an intricate three-stage sharpening process, making sure it is not dull, but nor does it have sharp edges like typical factory-made nail files. It makes for a wonderful grooming little gift for your Mom that is minimal enough to keep it handy and stay with her through the ages. After all, who but Mom’s can appreciate the quality of a heritage product that is crafted with an eye for details.
The thick stainless steel plate is shaped in all directions six times, on both sides of the nail file, to ensure it is fine, durable, and smooth.
What we like
Guarantees lifelong durability
Comes along with a handmade leather sheath to safely store when not in use
What we dislike
The intricate craftsmanship and quality materials make these files a significant investment compared to standard alternatives.
It does not have an entire nail care kit to go along with this.
5. Painless Key Ring
The Painless Key Ring lets you bid farewell to traditional key rings with its revolutionary wave spring key ring. It has a unique design that is inspired by the mechanisms used in the aerospace and automotive industries, providing you with a smooth and hassle-free solution to manage your keys. Especially as a Mom whose responsibilities are almost proportional to the number of eyes she carries, this key ring stores the keys easily, gives great access all while protecting her nails!
This unique key ring organizes your keys using a high-tech and durable design that lets you secure your keys in an easily accessible manner. It has a lightweight and compact form which ensures your keys are always well organized and safe.
What we like
Uses a wave spring technology for easy removal and addition of keys
Cuts down the common struggle with tight or deformed key rings
What we dislike
It is pricier than typical key rings due to its advanced design
The individual key rings don’t have a color grading or any system to distinguish between the keys they hold
6. Moon Rocket Wall Clock
If your mom loves all things space, then you can gift her the Moon Rock Clock. This simple yet unique-looking clock brings outer space to your home. It is crafted from specially polished stainless steel and has a circular shape that manages to capture the mystique and beauty of the moon with numbers that float around the edges and all in a minimal package that blends into any existing space.
The numbers on the clock wane and wax just like the moon, creating a beautiful effect. The clock gives a gentle reminder to live life freely and with the spirit of adventure, in the same way, the rocket ship makes its way around the moon. This minimalist clock has a mesmerizing moon travel-inspired ethos.
What we like
The printed numbers seem to float and merge into the surface of the moon
The tiny rocket incorporated in the clock’s second hand is a beautiful, whimsical touch
What we dislike
The seemingly floating numbers may make it difficult to read when the clock is wall mounted
7. Jewelvase Mirror Stand
Dubbed the Jewelvase Mirror Stand, this lovely little minimal mirror doubles up as an accessory stand or vase. It makes for a fantastic Mother’s Day gift for your mom! It features an elegant and simple design that adds loads of character to your dresser, or any surface where you place it – giving you a chance to observe yourself, share a floral design in the vase or keep your knick knack safe – all in one tiny minimal package!
It has dual functionality, which allows it to serve as both a mirror and a vase/accessory stand. The stand is made from a bioplastic material, which includes rice husks. The mirror stand has a pretty decorative quality to it, and it functions as a stylish yet functional home decor accent.
What we like
Elevates any dresser, table, desk, or furniture piece it is placed on
What we dislike
The design cannot be folded/minimised and stored when not in use.
8. Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser
Called the Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser, this tiny product brings fresh air into your home, letting you take deep breaths and relax without causing any kind of harm to the environment. This unique diffuser harnesses the power of a single candle through the medium of simple physics and science. If de-stressing after a long day is the key to your Mom’s routine, this diffuser elevates the ritual, with every step of switching it on becoming a part of the wellness routine that is sure to bring joy.
The diffuser is battery-free, and it doesn’t need any external power sources to operate. It is crafted from sustainable materials, giving it a pretty eco-friendly ethos.
What we like
Made from recyclable materials
Compatible with various kinds of essential oil
What we dislike
Lacks electric controls, so it can be tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma
9. Rin Harmony Incense Holder
Called the Rin Harmony Incense Holder, this thoughtful little design allows you to enjoy the smokey and relaxing aroma of your chosen incense stick. It is the perfect Mother’s Day gift, letting your mom relax and calm down after a long day. It is made from natural walnut wood and has a storage space for the incense sticks as well.
The brass plate functions as a safe space to hold the lit stick, and a matching cover lets you snuff out the flame, while also making sure that the ashes don’t fly around.
What we like
Unique dual-functional design with a minimalist form that amplifies any setting.
What we dislike
Only allows one incense to be lit at a time, making the reach of the aroma limited
10. Bookish Bookmark
Called the Bookish Bookmark, this beautiful, minimal product allows readers to enjoy a hands-free reading session, letting them keep their books open without having to use any awkward workarounds. With the Bookish Bookmark, you don’t need to put down the book with something heavy and ugly. The transparent design is perfect for anyone who loves to read books or follow cook books – always have your last read page ready to access and stay there in case of people meddling in your reading time!
The bookmark is an excellent choice for those who want to display their favorite books as an element in their home. The bookmark has a clean transparent design, and it lets you keep your book open while adding a visually interesting element to your desk or bookshelf.
What we like
The bookmark allows you to display your favorite books in an aesthetic and neat manner
What we dislike
It might be too large for small books, and disliked by those who prefer discreet bookmarks
In the realm of architecture, where innovation often intersects with human habitation, there exists a fascinating intersection with the natural world. Chinese architecture firm ZOO Architects has masterfully navigated this juncture with their latest endeavor — The Otter House Project. Contrary to conventional architectural endeavors aimed solely at human occupants, this initiative is a testament to the boundless scope of architectural creativity and empathy towards our fellow inhabitants on this planet.
At its core, architecture transcends the confines of human-centric design. It’s the seamless blend of art and science, manifested in physical structures that serve diverse purposes, including providing sanctuary for creatures beyond the human realm. Inspired by the intelligence and social dynamics of otters, ZOO Architects embarked on a journey to create bespoke shelters tailored to the needs of these captivating aquatic mammals.
Otters, admired for their intelligence and communal tendencies, provided a rich tapestry of inspiration for the architects. Drawing from a profound understanding of otters’ preferred environments, social behavior, diet, and cognitive abilities, ZOO Architects meticulously crafted housing prototypes that mimic the organic forms found in nature. Utilizing materials such as rock, earth, and hay, the resulting structures embody both functionality and aesthetic harmony with the otters’ natural habitats.
Central to The Otter House Project is a deep appreciation for the intricate social structures that otters form. These creatures, known for their familial bonds and monogamous relationships, inspired the architects to create spaces that foster communal living and mutual trust. The prototypes, designed to accommodate family groups of otters, provide ample space for social interactions while offering privacy for nesting and rest.
Beyond mere shelter, the Otter House prototypes serve as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of these remarkable animals. Otters’ innate ability to utilize tools, maintain hygiene, and engage in playful activities has been carefully considered in the design process. From incorporating stone-cracking tools to providing space for recreational fish-catching, every aspect of the shelters reflects a deep understanding of otters’ behavioral patterns.
Moreover, The Otter House Project underscores the pivotal role of otters as keystone species in freshwater and coastal ecosystems. By designing habitats that cater to otters’ needs, ZOO Architects not only contributes to environmental conservation but also prompts a profound reflection on the essence of human architecture.
Why do cars have air-filled tires? And why do spring suspensions exist as separate entities? What if someone just made tires out of springs, wouldn’t that kill two birds with the same stone? Moreover, spring tires would be more durable, wouldn’t require air, and could therefore never get punctured. All of these questions make a lot of sense, and to be honest, Germans even experimented with spring tires in the 1900s during rubber shortages, but soon reverted back to good-old air-filled rubber tires soon thereafter, sticking to it when they developed the autobahn too.
A YouTuber by the name of Garage54 decided to put this experiment to the test, just to see how things would play out. Instead of rubber treads, G54’s car was outfitted with wheels made of springs in the hopes of being able to travel well on snowy roads and off-road trails. Hate to give you spoilers, but the experiment almost instantly failed, in part because metal doesn’t make a good rubber substitute, and also because G54 quite literally welded springs to his tire. However, it was a great starting point for what I personally think is a pretty unique theory. The design could be optimized, material considerations could be made, and if there’s anyone I trust with getting things right, it’s The Q, who designed the Wheelless Bicycle we saw last year!
Designer: Garage 54
The project started, as most do, with seeing an image on the internet of a spring tire from the early 20th century – designed to boost off-roadability. Of course, good ideas have a certain sticky nature to them, so the fact that nobody uses spring tires anymore was a warning sign to begin with… but then again, I bet you’re just as curious as I am. What if you replaced bouncy rubber tires with bouncy spring tires? How much of a difference could it really make?!
The process of attaching springs to the wheel was quite literally as simple as sanding down the wheel, bending a few massive springs, and welding them in place. To make sure the springs don’t make direct contact with the ground (and potentially destroy the roads), an extra metal strip was then welded around the rim.
A look at the springs that were going to be attached to the wheel
Bending and spot-welding the springs in place
Attaching the rim
Finally, the new tires got a spray of red paint to increase their visibility. Even in their new avatar, they were just about as thick as the original wheels, making the modification incredibly easy.
G54 then attached the tires to his Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The tires, however, ran into a few snags as G54 drove the car on sludgy snowy roads. For starters, metal doesn’t provide much friction, so even though the spring shape promised to easily conquer off-road paths, the tires tended to either rotate in place or slip in all four directions. Secondly, rubber and air are infinitely lighter than steel springs, so the new wheels added immense weight to the car, causing it to literally sink in the snow – this happened especially when the car was stationary. What also didn’t help the weight problem was the fact that snow managed to fill right up inside the hollow spring tires, adding to the vehicle’s bulk. The springs also managed to catch stray twigs and branches, creating more problems than they solved. And as far as suspension was concerned, the new wheels hardly offered any improvements.
Although an instant flop, the experiment had a few areas of improvement. For starters, manually welding together a metal wheel will result in imperfections that then affect the car’s performance. However, before we dismiss metal tires entirely, it’s worth noting that NASA has been extensively testing airless metal mesh wheels for its Mars rover, allowing the vehicle to quite literally drive on the most off-road terrain mankind has ever witnessed! If NASA can do it, I’m sure us normies could figure something out too!
The furniture design industry is increasingly crowded with visually striking creations, and standing out requires a blend of innovation, convenience, and sustainability. Gustav Düsing’s Space-Frame series, though conceived over a decade ago as an architectural experiment, offers a refreshing perspective that seamlessly merges cutting-edge production technologies with timeless design principles.
The Space-Frame series, crafted from Baltic Birch plywood, brings back the charm of childhood 3D wooden puzzles, this time, in life-size form. What sets this collection apart is its utilization of space-consuming structural elements, aptly named space-frames, which serve as the foundation for its intricate yet functional designs.
Chair23D, a standout piece from the series, draws inspiration from iconic lobby chairs like the Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe. Its complex three-dimensional structure is a testament to Düsing’s mastery, ingeniously assembled without the need for adhesives or screws. Instead, it mimics the human skeleton, with a spine, ribs, and pelvis, resulting in a stable, self-contained system that defies conventional assembly methods.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Space-Frame series embodies a commitment to sustainability. Crafted from Baltic Birch plywood, a renewable resource, these pieces offer a guilt-free indulgence for environmentally conscious consumers. Furthermore, their flat-pack design not only minimizes shipping costs and space but also reduces fuel consumption, making them a truly eco-friendly choice.
Düsing’s design ethos is evident in every facet of the series, from its honest construction to its meticulous attention to detail. Unlike conventional CNC-cut furniture, which often exposes unsightly joints, Düsing’s designs cleverly conceal such imperfections while transforming them into visual elements in their own right. It’s this fusion of form and function that sets this series apart, elevating it from mere furniture to functional art.
We are still living with the iPhone 15 and its variants; the era of the iPhone 16 is further away from now. As known, it’s customary of Apple to drop its new seedlings (iPhone variants, if you like) in September every year and it looks like there is nothing unusual this year as well. Like every other year in the past, since Steve Jobs revealed the first iPhone – feels like it was a century ago – iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro variants will arrive with new features.
A lot of them are leaking in bits and will continue to do so until the launch date. Irrespective of that, we will continue to have our own wishlists: long battery performance… please, elaborate AI integration into the iOS, and perhaps smaller screen real estate…hmm! When everyone else is putting their money on predicting the possible large display sizes of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Phone Industry is taking an ‘S’ route: A concept of an iPhone 16S that looks to take design cues from the Rabbit R1.
For reference, the Rabbit R1 isn’t a typical gadget, and so is not its design. The boxy little AI device is designed to learn from your commands and do more than what the average smartphone can do. That is until the recent debacle of reviews that are showing that the real-world evolution of the Rabbit is far from its advocated details. Anyhow, this is not about what the Rabbit R1 does, it’s about the identical-looking (minus the hold bars on the top and bottom) iPhone 16S concept because the best AI device you can have in your pocket – in the foreseeable future is a phone!
Perhaps then the form factor of the concept phone in question may be stolen from the Rabbit R1, it does have some interesting ideas reliving its iPhone 16 identity (as the rumors hold it for now). The iPhone 16S is taking the expected Capture Button idea from the forthcoming iPhone deals, to give us a pocket camera-like physical clicking button from the yesteryears.
So, the hypothetical capture button on the opposite side of the iPhone 15 Pro like the Action Button, gives this iPhone a more camera-like feel. While Apple is considering on reworking the camera array in the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup, this concept sticks to the S series iPhone basics and uses just one – obviously multi-capability – camera in the rear. The highlight for me – besides the square form factor – of the iPhone 16S concept is its all-metal body and an interesting pattern around the Apple logo on the back. What do you think?
The advancement of a society is determined by the tools it uses. That’s why we labeled epochs by materials, like the stone age, bronze age, iron age and the industrial age. With how much design and art has evolved over the past few decades, it really doesn’t make much sense using stationery tools from centuries ago. Gone are the days of relying on protractors and set-squares, the folks at Ddiin have designed something new, the Exlicon L is an all-encompassing toolkit that combines clever detailing with new-age requirements. With 3 tools that achieve a variety of unique tasks, the Exlicon L lets you master distances, circles, arcs, parabolic curves, triangles, and the golden ratio – one of nature and visual design’s most prominent templates.
Sofia Lee, the visionary behind Ddiin, founded the company in 2019, winning over 30 design awards (like the iF Design Award and IDEA Award) for their unique spin on stationery and their commitment to enhancing the functional aesthetics of design tools. The Exlicon L is perhaps their most extensive toolkit yet, designed to allow web designers, graphic designers, architects, artists, industrial designers, fashion designers, and more to effortlessly create shapes and lines that adhere to the golden ratio—a universally admired aesthetic standard that imbues works with a natural sense of harmony and balance.
The golden ratio is a mathematical concept that describes a perfectly balanced and visually pleasing proportion found in nature and design. It is approximately 1.618, and can be expressed mathematically as follows: φ = (1 + √5) / 2
We are inspired by the golden ratio in nature and architecture.
The toolkit is cleverly engineered to be compact yet comprehensive, accommodating a wide array of design needs. It includes tools like the TG, Triangle, and Circle, each crafted to facilitate the creation of precise geometric shapes, golden spirals, and thick lines, all within the palm of your hand. The precision of these tools addresses a common challenge in freehand drawing—achieving accurate proportions without traditional measuring devices, which can often disrupt the creative flow.
The design of the Circle Tool has a broad spectrum of radius sizes enabling a total of 112 circles to be drawn.
One of the set’s key components, the Circle Tool, addresses a longstanding challenge for artists seeking to master circles and arcs. The tool lets you easily draw as many as 112 circles of different diameters, using pencils, pens, and even thick markers. Three measuring scales built into this tool let you capture distances including metric and imperial linear distances for radii and diameters, or even measure circumferences with a length of up to 18 centimeters. Unlike any existing circle-master, this tool gives you mastery over radial lines too, as well as allows you to quickly make mandalas and other geometric patterns.
Extending the Circle Tool’s functionality is the Golden Ratio Tool Set, comprising the TG Tool and Triangle Tool – each brimming with functionalities designed to streamline the creative process. Imagine incorporating golden spirals, precise angle measurements, and a ruler seamlessly into your workflow – all within a single, portable, and user-friendly toolset.
The TG Tool
Parabolic Curve
The TG Tool is quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Modeled on the shape of a golden spiral, the TG Tool gives you mastery over one of the oldest ratios based on the Fibonacci sequence found in nature. This sequence helps determine proportions and can be found in nature, architecture, art, and practically every phase of life. The golden ratio, roughly equal to 1.618, is a mathematical formula that embodies perfect balance and aesthetic appeal, frequently observed in nature and artistic masterpieces. Traditionally, achieving this ratio with freehand techniques has been a frustrating exercise, often requiring rulers, dividers, and a healthy dose of guesswork. The Exlicon L TG Tool eliminates this frustration. The ingenious tool comes with 3 spirals of 55.7, 51.7 & 47.4 mm radii, allowing you to draw spirals, plot details along the golden curve, make isosceles golden triangles, and even draw parabolic curves with sheer certainty.
The Triangle Tool
Finally, the Triangle Tool enables the creation of a series of golden triangles, which are essential for designs that require rigorous proportionality and aesthetic alignment with the golden ratio. It features various marking groups that guide the user in drawing triangles starting from different base lengths, such as 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 mm. Each marking group is distinctly designed—solid, hollow, and semi-circular—to facilitate easy identification and use, making this tool incredibly user-friendly and efficient for both professional designers and hobbyists aiming for precision in their creative endeavors.
You can either buy the set of three tools together, or choose an individual tool that you’re most likely to use often. Each tool is crafted from high-quality stainless steel, making them robust, sleek, and resistant to damage or corrosion. The Exlicon L starts at $26 for an individual tool of your choice, or you can bag the entire set of $79, with free shipping anywhere in the world.
Hot on the heels of the new Beats Solo 4 headphones and Solo Buds earbuds, eagle-eyed fans spotted F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo and basketball star LeBron James carrying what appears to be a brand new Beats Pill speaker. This has ignited speculation about a potential revival of the popular portable speaker line, discontinued in early 2022.
The original Beats Pill, launched in 2012, quickly gained a loyal following for its compact size, bold design, and surprisingly good sound quality. After Apple acquired Beats in 2014, they introduced the slightly larger Pill+ in 2015, addressing some sound quality concerns and adding a Lightning port for charging (likely to be replaced with USB-C in the new iteration).
These celebrity sightings with the new Pill come across as a calculated marketing strategy, similar to how the Beats Pill gained traction in the past. The new Beats Pill maintains the familiar pill-shaped design of its predecessors, measuring roughly 8 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. It retains the clean look with just the Beats logo adorning the front grille. A continuous rubberized strip separates the front and back speaker grilles, and rubber feet on the bottom keep it from rolling around.
For reference, the discontinued Pill+ earned praise for its significantly improved sound quality thanks to an internal redesign. It also sported a Lightning port for charging, which will likely be swapped for USB-C in this new iteration. The Pill+ offered a respectable battery life of 12 hours. While details remain scarce, the leaked images show a design that stays true to the classic Beats Pill silhouette. A lanyard attachment hints at portability remaining a key feature.
Rooftop tents have their market. Most developers understand the demand and are leaving no stone unturned. To that accord, we already have double-story pick-up rooftop tents ruling the roost. But what if you don’t have a pickup? iKamper has been in constant hustle to give us (those without pickups) reasons to explore, not only as a couple but even stretch the exploration experience to a group of friends or a family.
After the success of the Skycamp 3.0, iKamper is now including some customer-preferred aftermarket accessories into their new fold-out rooftop tent that should elevate the camping experience for many in more ways than one. Dubbed the Skycamp DLX (deluxe, if you may) follows the similar design language of its predecessor with a black finish and hardshell body and then adds to its some features like LED mood lighting, inflatable comfortable mattress, and cork flooring to give us the ultimate, four-person rooftop tent.
The deluxe rooftop tent is basically a hardshell rooftop tent during the day and when popped up open, it reveals a whole lot of living space for an entire family. It comes with a Rocky Black textured matte black fiber-reinforced shell and features a strong aluminum honeycomb base, on which iKamper has installed cork flooring for better insulation and noise-proofing. The pop-up contraption is defined by heavy-duty fabric that complements the durability and style of the hardshell.
Interestingly, the Skycamp DLX is a four-season rooftop tent that unfolds to double the living/sleeping area while remaining compact in the drive mode. Its versatility is enhanced by its compatibility: the roof tent is compatible with most vehicle types with a mounting system that allows it to mount onto most cross bars and roof racks. Adding to the durable form factor is the full black-out privacy to keep your space sleep-worthy, unless you want the light to penetrate in, and has ample interior storage to store the bedding and other essentials.
For the natural light to fill the space well and ensure ventilation, the rooftop tent has multiple windows and a skylight. The best however is reserved for the evening when the integrated, colored lights can light up the tent interior as soon as it is connected to the USB port. LED light strips are also installed on the outside, to light up the ladder and entry. These lights have different color and illumination variations, controllable from the remote control onboard.
Once the evening has set, the lights are ready and glowing to your mood, and it’s time to hit the bed; you can inflate the mattress within (using the provided pump) and comfortably doze off to get up fresh for a new day of exploration. For those interested, iKamper is offering the Skycamp DLX in two configurations. The starting price for the four-man Skycamp DLX starts at $5,150. The Skycamp DLX Mini, a two-man rooftop tent option will set you back by $4,450.
In the ticking heart of the watchmaking universe, a bold new contender named ALTO—short for ‘Art and Limited Time Objects’—strides forward, intent on redefining the very essence of timekeeping. Thibaud Guittard, the visionary behind this audacious enterprise, brings a resume that reads like a passionate love letter to horology. His creation, the ART 01, is beautiful timepiece that’s a defiant manifesto of artistic and mechanical rebellion. With this spectacular debut, Guittard is doing more than just dipping his toes into the waters of watch design. Consider him diving in headfirst, ready to disrupt the calm surface with waves of beauty and unprecedented style, where we’ve seen others play it safe. This launch marks ALTO’s commitment to blending of art with the precision of timekeeping in ways previously unimagined.
Designer: ALTO + Thibaud Guittard
Picture this: The ART 01 is a watch that tells a story, one of art, ambition, and audacity. With its angular, octagonal embrace, it whispers tales of Greek temples and brutalist skyscrapers, daring its wearer to dream differently about the seconds slipping by. In my eyes, art meeting precision on the wrist is a visual feast for the heart and soul with every glance. It’s an invitation to explore a masterpiece of movement and a revolution in the reading of time.
Speaking of movement, the ART 01 features a mechanical marvel, expertly crafted by Nussbaumer and the esteemed Cercle des Horlogers in La Chaux-de-Fonds. This innovative movement redefines tradition with its automatic micro-rotor caliber, which powers the watch through a counterclockwise motion—an audacious deviation from the usual clockwise routine. This unique twist isn’t just a display of exceptional craftsmanship but also a bold break from the conventional, inviting admiration through the watch’s transparent sapphire back. Here, the unique and elegant architecture of the A01 movement is fully visible, turning the act of checking the time into an experience of aesthetic appreciation.
ALTO ART 01: Movement
The ART 01’s titanium case blends durability with elegance. It feels as if ancient sculptors and modern architects collaborated to mold its shape. Inside, the unconventional A01 movement features a micro-rotor that uniquely spins against the norm. Observing its secondhand moving counter to the usual tick-tock is like listening to a punk rock anthem amid classical music—it turns every tick into a statement of artistry.
Drawing inspiration from Greek sculptures and architecture, the dial is an art piece set against a matte black lacquered brass backdrop. The slatted openings allow for a captivating interplay between light and shadow, paying homage to light, a key artistic inspiration for the timepiece. Each glance at the wrist becomes a personal ticket to an ever-present performance where time, the star, plays its role with both elegance and edge.
The ART 01 timepiece will be produced as a limited edition, with only 25 numbered examples available. Each watch is priced at 18,450 CHF (approximately $20,286 USD).
Designed by Dragon Tiny Homes, the Avalon home has an economical price tag, and packs a punch by fitting in three bedrooms inside a compact and cozy frame. This home has been designed for a small family and lets you enjoy a tiny home with a sense of spaciousness and some luxury. Based on a double-axle trailer and measuring 24 feet long, the Avalon home has a width of 8.6 feet, allowing it to be towed on a public road in North America without any permit. The exterior of the home features a finish in engineered wood.
Measuring almost 204 square feet, the home has been clad in shiplap. The interior of the home is placed around a central living/cooking area which contains a kitchen and a sofa. The amenities are a bit basic, but they’re almost a bit expensive. It features quartz countertops and stainless steel fittings, as well as a sink, electric stove, and space for a fridge and other appliances. There is also some cabinetry.
The bathroom is adjacent to the sink and can be entered via a sliding door. The bathroom includes a vanity sink, shower, and a flushing toilet. The main bedroom is downstairs and on the opposite end of the bathroom. The bedroom can be entered via a sliding door, and it has loads of headroom to stand straight. The space also includes a double bed. The Avalon also includes two typical tiny house-style lofts and both the bedrooms have low ceilings, and can be accessed via a removable ladder. One of the bedrooms is a standard bedroom, while the other is a playroom though it could also be used as an office, third bedroom, or storage space.
The Avalon is currently priced at US$74,950, but Dragon Tiny Homes can elevate the finish and furniture for an extra cost, so you can customize and uplift the home according to your liking and preference.
You’ve probably had your share of seeing articles, YouTube videos, and Instagram posts about beautifully crafted notebooks and journals. Despite the prevalence of smartphones, computers, and digital devices, there is still a very strong culture around paper notebooks and the tools that support their use. That said, notebooks aren’t the only medium for this kind of creative activity, and loose-leaf paper has some benefits as well, at least as long as you have a way of keeping them together or writing on them on a flat surface. This extremely simple clipboard offers that kind of experience for artists, architects, and engineers, and it even adds a feature you’ve probably never seen on any clipboard before.
Designer: Studio SHFT
Clipboards have been around for decades, maybe even centuries, but very few people actually give them a second thought. You’d usually see them in offices, store rooms, or even on the field to hold a few sheets of paper together, mostly checklists or forms to be filled while standing up. Unfortunately, that underestimates the utility of this tool, and this all-metal clipboard demonstrates how you can take advantage of its features with a few ingenious design details.
The most striking thing about the FOLD B is that it’s made from a single sheet of stainless steel. Although most clipboards are often made with plastic, cardboard, or even cork, a steel one isn’t at all unheard of yet extremely rare. Even rarer is the fact that it’s really just one flat sheet of metal, without even a clip to keep paper in place.
That function is instead delegated to two small cylindrical magnets that are strong enough to hold the paper down, though probably only a single sheet as well. The idea is to use the clipboard not as an organizer for loose-leaf paper but as a drawing board or canvas. You place a sheet of paper, “pin” it down with those two magnets, and start drawing, drafting, or writing to your heart’s content. The clipboard’s elevated rear drives home the fact that it’s really made for this kind of use case.
While it doesn’t have a paper clip, The one thing that does protrude from the top of the clipboard is a small rechargeable lamp. This assists the user to keep on working even in darker spaces, though it’s still better to have a properly lit environment anyway. This lamp is connected to the clipboard with screws, so it’s completely possible to remove it if you feel that it hinders rather than helps. Curiously, this built-in lighting also opens the design to more uses, like a guest book or a menu holder for restaurants.
Wallpaper serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, it not only creates a focal point but also adds color, texture, and pattern to the room décor. When designing any space, wallpapers are a popular and versatile way to decorate and add value to the interiors but avoiding errors is key. Therefore, it is important to measure accurately, handle the wallpaper carefully, and allow proper drying time for flawless results. Classic patterns like stripes or florals suit traditional settings, while geometric or abstract designs lend a modern touch. With a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, wallpaper can suit any style and can simultaneously conceal the imperfections on the walls.
During the installation of wallpaper, make sure to handle the wallpaper carefully to avoid any form of damage. Note that mishandling can lead to tears, creases, or other unsightly damage. Use clean, dry hands and gently unroll and unfold the wallpaper. Be cautious of liquids near the wallpaper and avoid excessive stretching or pulling to maintain pattern integrity.
It is crucial to remove the old wallpaper before any new application. Moisture from the new wallpaper’s backing could reactivate the adhesive of the original, resulting in bubbling those damages both layers. To avoid this, rent a chemical or power steamer to strip away the existing wallpaper, readily available at local hardware, paint, and home improvement stores.
Mistake No. 2: Not Choosing the Right Wallpaper Material
Each wallpaper type has its ideal setting, as not all wallpapers are suitable for every location. For example, natural wallpapers like grasscloth are not water-repellent, making them susceptible to damage in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms or fading in direct sunlight. Additionally, it is important to safeguard wallpaper from heat sources like ranges or fireplaces and research the best wallcovering for each specific environment to prevent damage. The different types of wallpaper materials include metallic, vinyl, paper-backed fabrics like silk and linen, hand-painted wallpaper, and grasscloth wallpaper. Choose the one that is best suited for your home or any other area of application.
When choosing wallpaper, consider the size of the prints carefully. Small prints work well in small spaces, providing a smart look without overwhelming. Conversely, larger spaces benefit from larger-scale patterns, as small patterns may impart a pixelated look and blend into the background. After the installation of the wallpaper, retaining leftover wallpaper pieces is crucial for repairing any damages that may occur. Make sure to keep the extra pieces for future repairs, as finding exact matches later can be tricky.
Mistake No. 4: Ordering Less Quantity of Wallpaper
Accurate measuring and planning before wallpaper installation is crucial for purchasing the right amount. Despite the high cost per foot, there’s a tendency to order only the minimum needed. Underestimating the quantity of wallpaper often leads to delays and potential color mismatches, especially with hand-painted or printed patterns. Prioritize precise measurements of wall dimensions, considering pattern matching and trimming.
Pro Tip: Another mistake is purchasing wallpaper rolls before measuring the walls, leading to overspending or acquiring insufficient quantities. Therefore, it is important to measure the wall beforehand to ensure the correct size is used and to streamline the process. Note that the more the number of doors and windows, more is the wastage especially if the wallpaper has a patterned design.
Misaligned seams are a common wallpaper installation issue, often caused by factors like incorrect adhesive usage or inadequate leveling of the first panel. To avoid this eyesore, prioritize arranging straight, even seams during installation for a polished, professional finish. Additionally, choosing the right wallpaper adhesive is crucial for a smooth installation. Different types of wallpaper require different pastes, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using the appropriate adhesive ensures proper adhesion and prevents issues like peeling or bubbling. It is important to invest time in precise alignment, utilize tools like plumb lines for straight application, and ensure seams are tightly joined for a flawless finish.
Before installation of wallpaper, inspect the wall for damage or moisture issues and fix any problems beforehand to ensure a durable and flawless installation. Defects like cracks, peeling paint, damp areas, and patching holes need to be addressed and they should be allowed to cure fully before smoothing with sanding if needed. Make sure to rectify sources like leaks or mildew before proceeding with installation. Prioritize surface preparation before wallpaper installation. Don’t overlook cleaning, especially for textured walls, which may require scraping for smoothness.
Mistake No. 7: Assuming Wallpaper Adheres to All Wall Surfaces
Assuming wallpaper sticks to all wall surfaces is a common mistake. Textured walls like orange peel or popcorn should be avoided or prepared for installation by grinding, sanding, and priming. Note that primer is essential not only before wallpapering but also before painting to prevent wallpaper from peeling off poorly painted walls.
While many mistakes occur during wallpaper installation, it’s not an area to cut corners. Amateur installation can lead to costly errors and premature replacement. Even peel-and-stick wallpaper isn’t foolproof. To avoid DIY mishaps, designers recommend hiring experienced professionals for proper wall preparation, precise measurements, and steady installation. Try to rely on professionals for a flawless result, emphasizing the investment in quantity and expertise required for satisfactory outcomes.
Tip: If opting for a DIY approach, prioritize cleanliness and dust prevention for a seamless installation. Invest in proper equipment and adhere to organized schedules to minimize dust settling, avoiding compromised adhesion. Practice careful handling and ensure clean hands to prevent marks on the wallpaper.
Bubbling in wallpaper, caused by trapped air pockets or poor adhesion, is a common issue. To remove bubbles, locate and cut an opening, inject adhesive, and flatten with a smoothing tool. Prevent bubbling by using high-quality wallpaper, applying it carefully, and using a wallpaper primer for a smooth surface. Promptly addressing bubbles and taking preventive measures can maintain a smooth finish.
Tip: For smooth wallpaper application and prevention of air bubbles, start smoothing from the center outward, and if bubbles appear after drying, moisten the area and puncture the bubble to release air.
Mistake No. 10: Not Cleaning Wallpaper After Installation
Once the wallpaper is applied, make it a point to promptly inspect and clean any areas with excess paste residue to prevent shiny spots. Use a clean bucket with fresh water and a damp sponge to wipe down the wallpaper immediately after completion. It’s essential to consult the wallpaper label for specific instructions on smoothing and cleaning based on the type of finish.
In conclusion, installing wallpaper requires careful attention and time, and rushing the process can lead to errors. Ensure accurate alignment, trimming, and adherence to manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid common mistakes like inadequate wall preparation and mishandling. With precision and quality materials, one can achieve a seamless and attractive result that reflects your taste and style.
A great deal of interest has been poured into future car designs, most of which are envisioned to be self-driving vehicles. The reason for this is pretty simple, visionaries want to turn car cabins into moving hotel rooms, delivering luxurious and stylish comfort that lets passengers relax, enjoy, and ever socialize without having to pay attention to the traffic. We’re still far away from the future, however, and some car owners might prefer a different kind of ambiance and experience when driving. This car interior concept, for example, offers a different view of the future, one that makes you feel more like you’re inside the cockpit of a spaceship or, more accurately, a giant robot.
Of the many Japanese franchises that became a big hit worldwide, Gundam is perhaps the most iconic when it comes to giant piloted robots. Although the brand has a wide variety of robot designs, perhaps the most popular ones involve a particular white, blue, and red theme with plenty of flat panels, sharp edges, and polygonal surfaces. Gundam has inspired generations of toy collectors, enthusiasts, and even designers, one of which turned that motif into something that can actually be realistic, even if you don’t have a mecha to pilot.
A giant robot cockpit is probably the last thing you’d imagine for the car of the future. After all, those robots were often used for militaristic purposes, though some might say that daily commute traffic makes them feel that way. That said, the Gundam Interiors concept does have a certain charm to it, providing a futuristic driving experience that is, ironically, more steeped in present reality than the self-driving concepts that automobile makers and tech companies are trying to paint. In other words, it still requires the driver to be in control, providing seats in front and a steering wheel.
Of course, the designs of these components are anything but typical for this concept. The U-shaped steering wheel, for example, looks more like the controls of a plane than a car. A tall display in the middle of the wheel provides immediate information and controls, which is important since the instrumentation dashboard is quite far in front, too far to reach for any interaction. The seats are also atypical of car seats, adopting an almost angular shape that looks aerodynamic, almost like a small aircraft itself.
The cabin of this futuristic car is filled with such hard, edgy design elements, but the use of lighter tones like white and light gray softens the visual to some extent. Ironically, the exterior of this futuristic car is the thematic opposite of its interior, sporting a smooth and curved chassis not unlike the typical self-driving car concepts you’d see lately. It’s an interesting juxtaposition that does give the design a bit of character but could also prove to be a bit incoherent in terms of overall themes.
At first glance, it’s entirely possible to think that the NEO SPIN is just a fidget spinner… Take a second or third look and you’ll realize that it’s so much more. Building on the craze of fidget toys, designers Sundeep Rajula and Pratapa Sanaga created a Minimalist, Multi-functional EDC gadget not just to fidget, but one that doubles as a gaming apparatus as well as a measuring device. Precision machined out of premium-grade brass and 304 stainless steel, the gadget is haute EDC at its finest, with a touch of fun. It takes equal inspiration from regular fidget spinners as well as roulette wheels and other spin games, combining the tactile joy of one, along with the suspense of the other. What’s more, the NEO SPIN’s also designed to be modular, allowing you to swap out the spinning disc inside and replace it with something different to serve an altogether new purpose. Each disc bestows its own function to the NEO SPIN, turning it into either a roulette wheel, a gaming die, or even a measuring device.
The NEO SPIN is designed to be perfectly handy, fitting right into your palm and practically begging to be fidgeted with. Two machined brass caps sit on either side, with a centrally-located gorgeous knurled Stainless Steel Disc that makes it easy to spin. A window in the brass cap lets you see the results of the spinning disc when it comes to a stop.
Load the Disc of your choice. Choose a Particular game you wish to play. Spin the Disc and Stop after a few seconds. Align the result with the arrow on the case.
The joy of using the NEO SPIN is compounded by the the presence of different discs, like the one with multi-game graphics or the roulette wheel, or even the special Dungeons & Dragons disc. Alternatively, swap out the fun for function with the measuring disc that lets you accurately chart distances. A ball-bearing at the center of each disc makes the spinning effortless, and the disc can randomly be stopped simply by pressing you thumb or finger on the knurled disc to ‘brake’ the movement. It’s a brilliantly fun fidget activity that also turns into a decision-making interaction. An arrow etched under the window tells you where you’ve landed on the disc, preventing ambiguity and cheating.
An easy-to-open design lets you access and swap out the discs, choosing from a wide range of pre-designed discs or even having your own custom-engraved disc of choice. The standard discs allow the NEO SPIN to transform into a gaming device, a decision-making aid, or even measuring. The measuring disc comes in both imperial as well as metric measurements, and simply rolling the NEO SPIN on a linear or non-linear surface allows you to measure distances with remarkable accuracy.
Each NEO SPIN measures 40mm wide (1.5 inches) and 10mm thick (0.03 inches), weighing just 70 grams (2.4 ounces), making it perfectly palm-sized for fidgeting throughout the day. The $49 Standard Pack of the NEO SPIN ships with three discs – one for roulette or gaming, one specifically for DND, and a third for measuring. Upgrading to $69 lets you get a custom disc of your own made, perhaps with names of friends/colleagues so you can decide who pays the bill at a restaurant after dinner! After all, tossing coins is so old-school!
There’s a massive missing link between tech companies and tech reviewers… and instead of fixing it, we’re playing the blame game.
The backlash following bad reviews from MKBHD and other tech outlets like The Verge, Engadget, and CNET has been swift from the AI community. The internet is ablaze, either blaming Marques Brownlee for being too harshly critical in his review of the Humane AI Pin and the Rabbit R1 device… or shaming Humane and Rabbit for not delivering on what they promised. The blame, however, lies on the inherent relationship between the two parties. Like two people who aren’t emotionally ready to date, these AI companies shouldn’t have even shipped their products to tech reviewers.
The job of a tech reviewer, as its name rather simply suggests, is to provide an objective (or sometimes even a subjective) analysis of a product for their consumers/viewers. Tech Reviewers highlight technology through the lens of ‘Is this worth the money or not’… The problem, however, is that Humane and Rabbit needed beta testers, not tech reviewers.
Who’s to blame?
Let’s look at every single stakeholder in this AI charade and you’ll see that there’s some blame to go around for everyone. The first reaction, and justifiably so, is to blame Humane and Rabbit. They overpromised, underdelivered, hyped the product, raked in tonnes of VC and preorder money, but couldn’t stick the landing. Companies all across the world have been rushing to develop the ‘next iPhone’, and while Samsung has hedged all its bets on folding devices, and Apple on a $3400 headset, Humane and Rabbit happened to be at the right place at the right time with the right buzzwords. Imagine this, an AI assistant powerful enough to do anything you ask – it’s literally something out of a sci-fi movie, and that’s precisely what these companies hoped we’d think. They weren’t wrong. However, they committed the cardinal sin of the entrepreneur – they pitched something that didn’t exist. Sure, this wasn’t as detrimental as the stunts Elizabeth Holmes or Sam Bankman-Fried pulled, but in essence, it was still a far-fetched lie or rather a very convenient truth. An AI that does everything you ask doesn’t exist and probably won’t for a while… but a cute design or a body-mounted projector was more than enough to deceive us… and for the sake of this argument, let’s operate under the good-faith assumption that Humane and Rabbit didn’t know they were pushing a bad product.
Why the hardware trickery though? Why did Humane and Rabbit NEED to build hardware devices that looked fancy/quirky/cool? Here’s where the blame shifts to the powers that be – Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. For every reviewer that said the Humane AI Pin or Rabbit R1 “could’ve been a smartphone app”, there are thousands of engineers at these companies building JUST THAT. It’s no coincidence that Humane and Rabbit BOTH had their products publicly reviewed well before Google I/O and Apple’s WWDC. Rumor has it that Apple and Google are just waiting to launch AI assistants with similar features, tying into all the smartphone-related services. These large companies have repositories of consumer data, and they have a powerful influence, putting them miles ahead of the starting line when it comes to the AI race. The only way Humane and Rabbit could escape the clutches of these companies was to isolate themselves completely from them. Not to mention, there’s absolutely no way Apple would allow a third-party smartphone app to have Humane or Rabbit’s level of control over your entire device. Sure, Humane and Rabbit could have made all-powerful AI assistant apps, but they A. wouldn’t be as impressive or attractive, and B. they’d be doomed to fail because of the goliath forces that are Apple and Google.
A snippet of the Twitter outrage following MKBHD’s review. Ironically, Sam Sheffer (new media head for Humane) admits the software is bad, while the product sells for $700
A venture capitalist’s job, in Shark Tank parlance, is to “pour gasoline on a fire”, so there’s definitely some blame to share here too. AI became a buzzword in the second half of 2022 and it’s been on the top of everyone’s mind ever since. I don’t blame VCs for seeing potential in the ideas that Humane and Rabbit came up with, but if there’s one thing that absolutely pisses me off, it’s the fact that they took the criticism of Humane and Rabbit’s devices a little too personally. After all, a VC thrives on value creation – take that away and you have a very angry person who’s poured millions into a project that now doesn’t have anywhere to go. However, bad products and bad companies are all too common in the VC world. What they didn’t expect, however, was their golden goose (AI) to lay a rotten egg.
It’s easy to say that tech reviewers were simply doing their job and deserve no blame (after all, I’m a tech reviewer too), but the truth is that the reviewers also share a bit of blame in this entire cycle of events. However, not for the reason you think. Arguably, Marques Brownlee deserves praise for being forthright with his review – some reviewers would probably hesitate to say something bad about a company if there was sponsorship money involved – and although MKBHD didn’t have any financial stake in this product, they spoke their mind (as did every other reviewer). But that isn’t where the problem lies. The problem lies with the hype train that tech reviewers both create and ride. These reviewers are, by nature of their profession, enthusiasts when it comes to technology – so it’s no surprise that they were the biggest cheerleaders of Humane and Rabbit 5-6 months back when the products were first teased. If anything, the media should have balanced their enthusiasm with a pinch of real-world salt. Had that been the case, these disastrous reviews would’ve stung less under the pretext of the age-old “I told you so”…
Dave2D’s review of the Rabbit R1 device may just be the most sensible, erudite take on the internet.
So what’s the solution?
If the last few years have proven anything, it’s that designers and companies operate in such secrecy, they often don’t put themselves in the shoes of the consumer to begin with. With Tesla pushing the steering yoke over a wheel even though consumers have been begging for the latter, with Apple needing EU regulators to force them into adopting USB-C, with Google cancelling products left right and center against the wishes of their consumers, or firing employees who object to their technology being used for warfare (whoops, I went there), there’s a massive disconnect between what companies do and what consumers want. Even though at a smaller scale, Humane and Rabbit seem to find themselves in a similar soup. Whether it’s the holier-than-thou attitude that’s hard-coded into being an entrepreneur, or whether it’s a bunch of VCs deciding what’s good for the public, the one voice that seems to constantly be left out of the room is that of consumers… and their only representative for now is the humble tech reviewer, who actually is incentivized to see things from their points of view. Sadly, that also means Marques Brownlee ends up being in the line of fire when he has to call an AI gadget ‘the worst product he’s ever reviewed’…
The solution lies in reimagining how products are developed and promoted. Humane and Rabbit needed beta testers, not reviewers, who would’ve helped them swallow the hard pill that is the realization that their product isn’t ready for the real world. After all, it’s better to hear that bitter truth behind closed doors instead of an influencer saying it on YouTube… right?
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