The 2025 Elantra N arrived at my driveway on a Monday morning, and within the first five minutes behind the wheel, I understood why Hyundai’s N division has earned its reputation. This is not a compromised daily driver with sporty aspirations. This is a legitimate performance machine that happens to be practical enough for grocery runs.

Designer: Hyundai

At around $33,000, the Elantra N undercuts the Honda Civic Type R by roughly $11,000 while delivering 276 horsepower through a chassis that feels purpose-built for enthusiast driving. That price gap matters, especially when you consider what you’re getting for the money.

Design and Ergonomics: Cohesive Performance Inside and Out

Hyundai’s “circuit sophistication” shows up everywhere: from the functional front intakes and aero management outside to the way your hands, eyes, and torso interface with the car inside. The Elantra N looks planted because it is, and the cockpit is arranged to help you drive it that way.

Air is managed with purpose outside; inputs are managed with equal intent inside. The N-mode buttons live exactly where your thumbs fall, the paddles are immediate, and the thick-rim wheel keeps your hands quiet and steady. Grippy suede on key touch zones favors control over flash. The heavily bolstered seats don’t just photograph sporty. They hold you when lateral loads build, without punishing you in the commute. Seat bolstering and hip-point height align with the car’s low roll attitude, so you feel the chassis working rather than bracing against it.

Information carries the same restraint. The N-specific cluster surfaces telemetry you want when you’re pushing, yet it never overwhelms during a coffee run. Compared to the GR Corolla’s rally bravado or the Type R’s anime aggression, Hyundai’s drama feels purposeful rather than performative. The Volkswagen GTI offers restrained elegance, the Golf R delivers understated menace, but Hyundai targets buyers who want their performance intentions visible from three lanes away.

If you want your performance car to advertise its intent from three lanes over, the Elantra N obliges. If you want the cockpit to back that up with clean ergonomics and low noise-to-signal while you’re actually driving, it does that, too. The N-specific blue accents and geometric wheel design create visual cohesion that feels intentional rather than applied by committee.

Technology That Stays Out Of The Way

The 10.25-inch touchscreen runs Hyundai’s latest infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is responsive and logical. I never fumbled through menus trying to find basic functions. The navigation system worked reliably, though I primarily used CarPlay during my test week.

Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite is standard, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The systems work unobtrusively in Normal mode. They’re more intrusive in Sport modes, which makes sense because the car is more aggressive in those settings. You can disable most features if they annoy you.

The sound system is good but not exceptional. It’s clear and reasonably powerful, adequate for daily use but not audiophile-grade. The active exhaust provides most of the soundtrack anyway, especially in Sport mode where it pops and crackles on overrun like a proper performance car should.

Daily Driving Reality Check

I drove the Elantra N for seven days as my only vehicle. I ran errands, sat in traffic, made highway trips, and attacked back roads whenever the opportunity presented itself. The car excelled in all those scenarios without demanding unreasonable compromises.

Fuel economy averaged 25 mpg in my mixed driving, which included plenty of enthusiastic acceleration and some sustained highway cruising. The EPA rates it at 22 city and 31 highway. Those numbers are realistic if you can resist the urge to use all that power constantly.

The ride quality is firm but never harsh. The engine note at highway speeds is present but not intrusive. The wind noise is well-controlled. This is a car you can live with every day without feeling like you’re making sacrifices for performance capability.

The Competition Context

The Honda Civic Type R costs around $44,000 and offers 315 horsepower with more aggressive styling. It’s the benchmark for front-wheel-drive performance, and it holds that crown for good reason. But that $11,000 price gap is significant, especially when the Elantra N delivers 90% of the Type R’s capability at 75% of the cost.

The Volkswagen GTI offers hot hatch refinement at a similar price point but with less power and a softer character. It’s the mature choice where the Elantra N is the enthusiast’s choice.

What Works And What Doesn’t

The Elantra N succeeds because Hyundai committed fully to the performance mission without half-measures. The chassis is properly sorted. The engine delivers usable power across the rev range. The DCT transmission offers performance and convenience in equal measure. The brakes inspire confidence. These fundamentals matter more than any individual feature or specification.

The styling won’t appeal to everyone. It’s aggressive with large intakes, a prominent rear wing, and N-branded blue accents throughout. You’ll either love the look or find it too much. There’s no middle ground, and Hyundai clearly doesn’t care about attracting buyers who want subtle performance.

The ride quality might be too firm for some buyers, particularly in Sport modes. If you prioritize comfort over handling precision, this probably isn’t your car. But if you value dynamic capability and driving engagement, the firm suspension makes sense.

The Bottom Line

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N with the 8-speed DCT delivers legitimate performance sedan capability at a price that undercuts its primary competition by thousands of dollars. It’s quick, engaging, practical enough for daily use, and genuinely fun to drive hard. Hyundai’s N division has proven it can build cars that satisfy enthusiast drivers without requiring premium pricing.

This is the performance sedan for buyers who want the driving experience without the luxury brand markup. It’s honest, capable, and more enjoyable than its price tag suggests it has any right to be. After a week of driving it in every scenario from rush hour traffic to empty back roads, I came away impressed by how well Hyundai balanced performance and practicality.

The automatic transmission adds a layer of accessibility without compromising the car’s enthusiast credentials. Whether you’re navigating downtown traffic or attacking a favorite back road, the DCT adapts seamlessly to deliver exactly the experience you want.

If you’re shopping for a performance sedan under $35,000, the Elantra N deserves serious consideration. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone. It’s focused on delivering driving enjoyment, and it succeeds without apology.

The Subaru WRX starts around $32,000 with all-wheel drive and 271 horsepower. It’s a different character entirely, built for rally-inspired traction rather than front-wheel-drive dynamics. The WRX feels more utilitarian where the Elantra N feels more refined.

The post The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N: Korea’s Performance Statement That Actually Delivers first appeared on Yanko Design.

SUSA is a bold new concept in AI-powered companion devices, designed by Future Facility as a visionary project for ASUS. In a world where artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of our daily routines, SUSA emerges as a thoughtful reimagining of what it means to live with technology that truly understands and supports its users.

Unlike typical smart speakers or digital assistants, SUSA is designed to serve as an intelligent and emotionally responsive companion. Developed as a conceptual project for ASUS, the device leverages advanced AI to learn routines, preferences, and contexts, adapting its responses to suit the individual. With SUSA, the focus isn’t just on automating tasks or providing answers but on creating a meaningful and intuitive relationship between user and device.

Designer Name: Future Facility

One of SUSA’s most innovative features is its emphasis on emotional intelligence. The device is engineered to recognize subtle cues in voice and behavior, allowing it to respond empathetically. Whether it’s offering calming support during stressful moments or celebrating your achievements, SUSA’s goal is to provide a sense of understanding and companionship that goes beyond typical digital interactions.

The physical design of SUSA reflects the same commitment to user experience. Future Facility has crafted a device that blends seamlessly into any living space, with a minimalist and inviting aesthetic. The interface relies on voice, soft lighting cues, and gentle movements, making interactions feel natural and unobtrusive. This approach ensures that SUSA is not only easy to use but also enhances the atmosphere of the home rather than detracting from it.

SUSA’s conceptual platform is also designed for openness and adaptability. It can connect with a wide range of services, manage schedules, control smart home devices, and deliver reminders, all while learning and evolving to fit a user’s unique lifestyle. Accessibility is at the forefront, with features that ensure people with different needs can benefit from SUSA’s capabilities, making technology more inclusive for everyone.

Privacy and security are fundamental to SUSA’s design. The device incorporates strong data protection measures and gives users control over their information. With capabilities for local processing, sensitive conversations and interactions can remain private, building trust between the user and their AI companion. SUSA represents a new direction for ASUS and Future Facility, showing how AI can move beyond functionality to foster genuine emotional connections. It highlights a future where technology doesn’t just work for us. It works with us, enriching our well-being and supporting us both practically and emotionally.

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Drone delivery technology is advancing quickly, and one of the most intriguing new concepts comes from the Mechanical Engineering department at Polytechnique Montreal. Their design, known as the kirigami parachute, offers a fresh take on how packages might be safely delivered from the sky in the future. Inspired by the Japanese art of kirigami, which involves folding and cutting paper to create patterns and structures, this innovative idea could help solve some familiar challenges in aerial deliveries.

Traditional parachutes have been a staple for many airborne tasks, but they can struggle to control descent in windy or unpredictable conditions. The kirigami parachute concept introduces a clever network of holes and slits, arranged in specific patterns, to regulate airflow and keep the parachute stable. These patterns are designed to help prevent packages from swinging or spinning as they descend, even when the wind picks up.

Designer Name: Mechanical Engineering department at Polytechnique Montreal

What makes the kirigami parachute concept stand out is its potential for highly accurate deliveries. In drone logistics, getting a package to land exactly where it’s supposed to is crucial. A missed drop can lead to damaged goods or safety issues. Early tests and simulations suggest that the kirigami design could help packages land closer to their intended targets compared to traditional round parachutes, thanks to its improved stability.

Another appealing aspect of this concept is how compact it can be. Kirigami parachutes are designed to fold flat, making them easy to store within the limited cargo space on drones. This could make them especially useful for commercial drone delivery systems, where every bit of space and weight matters. Plus, the design is flexible enough to be adapted for different sizes of packages, from small medical shipments to bigger consumer deliveries.

Environmental impact is a growing concern for all delivery systems, and the kirigami parachute concept addresses this as well. By using less material without sacrificing strength or functionality, it has the potential to be more eco-friendly than traditional parachutes. This could help make widespread drone delivery services more sustainable in the long run.

It’s important to note that the kirigami parachute is still a concept, not yet a commercial product. The team at Polytechnique Montreal is continuing to refine their design, and it has caught the eye of both researchers and industry leaders looking for improved solutions for drone deliveries. As interest in fast and contactless delivery services continues to grow, innovative ideas like this could play an important role in shaping the future of package transportation.

The post How the Kirigami Parachute Concept Could Change Drone Deliveries first appeared on Yanko Design.

In general, truck campers are built to be stout. It’s the same with the Auriga Explorer as well. What sets this German camper apart from the others, however, is its finesse, materials, and the ample storage onboard. The Auriga Explorer combines the “freedom of a compact four-wheel drive pickup truck” with the “comfort of a luxurious expedition vehicle,” Frank Haltermann, Design Engineer & Managing Director, informs.

Designed for an unforgettable adventure off the beaten track, the Auriga Explorer is manufactured and assembled in Germany. It’s built on either the back of a Ford Ranger or a Volkswagen Amarok, and features a GRP (glass-fiber-reinforced plastic) body. The high-quality composite combines fiberglass and plastic to offer lightweight construction, weather-resistance, and durability for overland travel in a wide range of climates.

Designer: Auriga Explorer

The Auriga Explorer measures 5.85 m long, 2.25 m high, and 2.10 m wide. The interior is 8 sqm, and features a pneumatic pop-top roof, transforming the otherwise compact interior into a spacious home with 2.05m headroom at the highest point. An electro-pneumatic actuation system lifts the two-panel roof while the three button-activated slide-outs in the camper body make room for storage. The pop-up roof fits in a cozy alcove bedroom comprising split beds, which fold upward individually so one person can continue sleeping, while the other gets down to start their day.

It’s not just the upward space creation; the camper can slide out on the sides and the rear as well. The rear slide-out, for instance, serves as the garage storage to carry your gear. Slide-outs on the left and right sides let you store clothes and everyday travel accessories. A tall wardrobe separating the kitchen from the dinette inside can be used for hanging jackets and other necessities. The seating area with benches and a pull-out table offers space for up to six people, which can be used for dining, playing, or chatting with friends/family during the day. When the night falls, the seating area can be transformed into a comfortable guest bed.

The compact kitchen within the Auriga Explorer is provided with a diesel-powered two-burner hob and oven. Just on the opposite side, the removable floor and fold-out walls make space for a shower cubicle, while a dry separation toilet integrated inside can be pulled out when required. This truck camper is only a prototype at the time of writing. The website notes that Auriga Explorer will be available by the end of 2025, though when and for how much remains a mystery. If you’re someone away from Germany, you can take heart from the fact that the camper is designed to fit into a standard overseas container. So, the company should be able to transport it to any navigable corner of the world.

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NODE Audio, based in Cambridge, UK, has introduced a striking new range that challenges the conventional idea of what a loudspeaker can be. The NODE ATOM series is not just about delivering exceptional sound; it’s about bringing sculptural beauty into the heart of the living space. Designed in collaboration with Studio17 Design, these loudspeakers are carefully crafted as objects of desire and performance.

The ATOM range debuts with two models: the ATOM 525 standmount, which comes with its own custom stand, and the larger ATOM 650 floorstander. Both models are built upon NODE’s patented Helical Transmission Line (HTL) technology. HTL is a unique internal architecture that directs the woofer’s energy through a central chamber and a precisely shaped helical path. This innovation enables these relatively compact speakers to deliver rich, extended bass that feels full and controlled, defying expectations set by their size.

Designer Name: Node Audio Research, Studio17 Design

What makes the ATOM series stand out is the introduction of MonoCell damping. This new lattice structure is created using advanced additive manufacturing, replacing traditional fibrous damping materials. MonoCell isn’t just for sound; it also serves as structural bracing, forming a monocoque shell of impressive strength. With this approach, the cabinet itself becomes almost resonance-free, allowing the music to emerge with remarkable clarity and purity.

The tactile experience is enhanced by the custom textile wrap that covers each loudspeaker. This is no ordinary fabric. Instead, it’s a multi-layered composition of felt, foam, and woven material that not only feels unique to the touch but also serves to control vibrations. The result is a speaker that looks and feels as refined as the sound it produces.

NODE ATOM speakers are visually distinctive. Their flowing, sculpted forms are free from sharp corners or flat surfaces, making them feel as much a piece of contemporary art as a piece of audio equipment. Each cabinet features structural elements machined from solid billet aluminum, then hand-polished to a flawless finish. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the shimmering surfaces to the seamless curves.

NODE Audio’s vision for the ATOM series is clear: to create a loudspeaker that is as emotionally compelling as it is technically advanced. Designed and made in the UK, the ATOM range will be available in January 2026, offered in a curated selection of finishes to complement any modern interior. Unveiled at the UK HiFi Show Live at Ascot, the ATOM series received strong praise from both the public and industry experts, signaling a new era where loudspeakers can be both functional and beautiful.

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The IKEA Allen key has become an unlikely icon of modern DIY culture, synonymous with flatpack furniture assembly and the satisfying challenge of building your own furniture. For decades, this humble hexagonal tool has been the bridge between a box of parts and a finished piece of furniture. Yet despite its essential role in IKEA’s success, the Allen key often represents the barrier between customers and their completed projects.

The ÖDLEBLAD lamp flips this relationship on its head in the most delightfully ironic way possible. This new pendant light draws direct inspiration from the Allen key’s form and function, but eliminates the need for any tools whatsoever during assembly. The lamp celebrates the tool that made IKEA famous while proving that sometimes the best design solutions come from making things simpler rather than more complex.

Designer: David Wahl (IKEA)

The assembly experience feels almost magical in its simplicity. The birch veneer shade arrives as a flat bundle of wooden slats, each piece designed with integrated twist-and-lock mechanisms that mirror the action of an Allen key. You simply twist the pieces into place, creating a layered, sculptural shade without fumbling for tools or hunting for missing screws.

The irony isn’t lost on anyone familiar with IKEA’s assembly process. Here’s a lamp inspired by the very tool that has challenged countless customers, yet it assembles without requiring that tool at all. This playful contradiction makes the ÖDLEBLAD feel like both a celebration of and a gentle joke about IKEA’s flatpack heritage.

Of course, the lighting quality matches the clever assembly method. The layered birch veneer slats create beautiful patterns of light and shadow, casting warm, organic textures across walls and surfaces. The white inner shade ensures even light distribution, while the natural wood adds warmth and character that works beautifully in dining areas, bedrooms, or living spaces.

The sustainable material choices reinforce IKEA’s environmental commitments. The renewable birch veneer and minimal packaging reduce environmental impact, while the tool-free assembly means fewer metal components and simpler manufacturing processes. The flatpack efficiency also reduces shipping costs and storage requirements, making the entire product lifecycle more sustainable.

That said, the real genius lies in how the ÖDLEBLAD democratizes good lighting design. By eliminating tools and complicated assembly steps, IKEA makes quality pendant lighting accessible to anyone, regardless of their DIY confidence or tool collection. The lamp assembles in minutes and can be just as easily disassembled for moving or storage.

You’ll notice how this approach reflects IKEA’s broader design philosophy of removing barriers between people and good design. The ÖDLEBLAD lamp demonstrates how even the most familiar design challenges can inspire fresh thinking. You can appreciate both the clever engineering and the gentle humor of a product that honors the Allen key by making it completely unnecessary.

The post IKEA ÖDLEBLAD Lamp Puts a Twist on Flatpack Lighting and the Allen Key first appeared on Yanko Design.

Traditional screens have become the digital equivalent of energy vampires, constantly draining batteries while bombarding our eyes with harsh blue light that leaves us squinting and tired. LCD and OLED displays demand constant power to maintain their bright, flashy visuals, creating a world where we’re always hunting for charging cables and dealing with screens that become unreadable the moment we step into sunlight.

E Ink displays offer a refreshingly different approach to this screen fatigue problem. By mimicking the look and feel of actual ink on paper, this technology flips the script on what we expect from digital displays. E Ink dominates the ePaper market, though other electronic paper technologies exist alongside it. The result feels like reading a book instead of staring at a glowing rectangle.

What Makes E Ink Different

Unlike traditional displays that blast light at your face, E Ink reflects ambient light just like a printed page would. The technology uses tiny microcapsules filled with charged particles that rearrange themselves to form text and images. Once an image appears, it stays there without using any power at all, which explains why e-readers can last for weeks on a single charge.

The benefits extend far beyond just battery life. E Ink displays remain perfectly readable in bright sunlight, where your smartphone screen would become a useless mirror. The flexible nature of the technology means displays can bend, curve, and even fold without breaking. For designers tired of working around the rigid constraints of glass screens, E Ink opens up entirely new possibilities.

Designer: Montblanc

The Current Limitations

E Ink comes with certain trade-offs that designers need to understand. Colors remain somewhat muted compared to the vibrant displays we’re used to, though recent advances have brought more life to ePaper screens. Refresh rates are slower, so you won’t be watching Netflix on an E Ink display anytime soon. Large panels can still be pricey, though costs keep dropping as production scales up.

These constraints haven’t stopped designers from finding creative ways to harness E Ink’s strengths. Smart product teams have learned to work within these limitations, focusing on applications where the technology’s benefits far outweigh its drawbacks. The results often surprise people with their elegance and practicality, proving that constraints can spark innovation.

Designer: BOOX

Five Industries Embracing E Ink Innovation

The real magic happens when you see E Ink displays in action across different industries. Each sector has found unique ways to leverage the technology’s strengths, creating products that simply wouldn’t be possible with traditional screens. Here are five concrete examples that show how E Ink is changing the design game.

Laptops: Your Lid Becomes a Canvas

Designer: ASUS

Laptop lids have been boring black rectangles for decades, but E Ink is changing that in fascinating ways. ASUS’s Project Dali concept turns the back of your laptop into a customizable display where you can showcase artwork, display your calendar, or show off your company logo during meetings. It’s like having a digital tattoo for your computer that changes whenever you want it to.

Designer: Lenovo

Lenovo took this concept to market with their ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 SPE, which features an actual E Ink display built into the lid. You can switch between personal artwork during coffee breaks and professional branding during client presentations. The display sips so little power that it barely affects battery life, yet it transforms your laptop from anonymous tech into a personal statement piece.

Transportation: Solar-Powered Information That Actually Works

Public transit signs have always been a nightmare to power and maintain, especially at remote bus stops without electrical connections. Boston’s MBTA solved this problem elegantly by deploying solar-powered E Ink signs throughout the city’s bus stops and Green Line stations. These displays show real-time arrival information, service alerts, and schedules without requiring a single wire to be run.

Designer: MBTA, E Ink

The beauty of these installations becomes obvious during New England winters, when the signs keep working despite snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. Solar panels provide enough juice to keep the displays running continuously, while the E Ink technology ensures perfect readability whether you’re squinting through morning glare or trying to read in dim evening light.

Makers: DIY Dreams Made Accessible

The maker community has embraced E Ink displays with the enthusiasm typically reserved for new Arduino boards or 3D printing breakthroughs. Waveshare offers dozens of different E Ink modules that work seamlessly with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and other popular platforms. Suddenly, creating a custom weather station or smart home dashboard doesn’t require a computer science degree or a massive budget.

Designer: Waveshare

Hobbyists use these displays to build everything from digital art installations to battery-powered information kiosks that can run for months without maintenance. The paper-like appearance means these creations blend naturally into homes and offices, avoiding the harsh, obviously digital look of traditional screens. It’s democratized display technology in ways that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.

Fashion: Accessories That Change With Your Mood

Fashion has always been about self-expression, but E Ink takes personalization to an entirely new level. The Tago Arc bracelet demonstrates this beautifully, featuring a flexible E Ink display that lets you cycle through hundreds of different patterns using your smartphone. One moment you’re wearing geometric shapes, the next you’re sporting flowing organic patterns that match your outfit perfectly.

Designer: LIBR8TECH

The bracelet never needs charging because it draws power through NFC only when changing patterns. This means you get infinite customization without the hassle of yet another device to plug in every night. It’s the kind of accessory that makes people do double-takes, wondering how your jewelry just changed designs right before their eyes.

Consumer Electronics: Devices That Respect Your Attention

Designer: reMarkable

E Ink device like the BOOX Note Max and reMarkable Paper Pro Move have created an entirely new category of devices focused on thoughtful interaction. These tablets feel remarkably similar to writing on paper, making them favorites among designers, writers, and anyone who takes handwritten notes seriously. The screens don’t strain your eyes during long reading sessions, unlike their LCD counterparts.

The BOOX Palma takes this concept in a different direction by creating a phone-sized E Ink device that looks and feels like a smartphone but focuses entirely on reading and productivity. This pocket-sized e-reader runs Android, giving you access to reading apps, note-taking tools, and basic communication functions without the distracting elements that make regular smartphones so addictive. It’s like carrying a digital book that happens to connect to the internet, perfect for people who want to stay connected without getting sucked into endless social media scrolling.

Accessibility Revolution

E Ink technology has become surprisingly accessible to individual designers and small companies over the past few years. Development kits and reference designs are readily available from multiple suppliers, while costs have dropped to levels that make experimentation feasible for creative projects and startup ventures. You no longer need deep pockets or specialized engineering knowledge to explore ePaper possibilities.

This democratization has accelerated innovation across multiple industries. Designers can prototype E Ink applications quickly and affordably, leading to creative solutions that might never have emerged from traditional corporate research and development cycles. The growing ecosystem of compatible components and software libraries continues to lower barriers while expanding creative possibilities for everyone.

Designer: Pedro Luraschi

Designer: Ashtf

Technical Progress Continues

Recent advances have addressed many of E Ink’s early limitations while opening up new application areas. Color reproduction has improved dramatically, though it still requires thoughtful design consideration. Refresh rates have increased enough to support interactive applications, while manufacturing improvements have reduced costs and increased reliability across the board.

Research into advanced ePaper technologies continues at a rapid pace. Flexible displays that can fold, roll, or stretch are becoming practical for commercial applications. Integration with touch sensors and other interactive elements keeps improving, making E Ink displays suitable for sophisticated user interface design that goes beyond simple text and images.

Designer: Sony (FES U Watch)

A Different Design Philosophy

E Ink represents a fundamentally different approach to digital interaction, one that prioritizes sustainability, comfort, and thoughtful engagement over flashy visuals and constant stimulation. This philosophy resonates with designers who want to create products that enhance human experience without competing aggressively for attention. The technology encourages restraint and purposefulness in ways that feel refreshing in our cluttered digital landscape.

Products built around E Ink often exhibit a deliberate, focused quality that stands out from the noise. The constraints imposed by the technology force designers to think carefully about essential functions and user needs, often resulting in elegant solutions. The influence of E Ink thinking extends beyond products that actually use the technology, shaping broader conversations about conscious design practices.

As E Ink continues to mature, these ideas will likely influence how we think about digital interaction across many different product categories and industries. The technology has already proven that displays don’t need to be bright, fast, and power-hungry to be effective. Sometimes the best solution involves stepping back from the latest and greatest to focus on what actually serves people well.

Designer: E Ink

The post Top 5 Ways E Ink Displays Are Transforming Modern Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Renewable energy systems in commercial architecture often remain hidden behind facades or tucked away on rooftops, treated as necessary but unsightly additions to building design. This approach misses opportunities to celebrate sustainable technology as part of the architectural experience, particularly in industries like wine making, where connection to natural cycles and environmental stewardship could enhance rather than compromise the visitor experience.

The Solar Winds Wine Tasting Pavilion by Michael Jantzen takes a radically different approach to this challenge. This unbuilt concept transforms renewable energy gathering into the starring feature of a winery pavilion, creating a structure where solar panels and wind turbines become sculptural elements that enhance both the building’s beauty and its environmental mission.

Designer: Michael Jantzen

The pavilion’s form immediately captures attention with its flowing series of curved steel panels that sweep across the structure like frozen waves. These panels, formed with two different radii, create a dynamic, undulating canopy that echoes the rolling hills of wine country. The effect feels both organic and futuristic, as if grapevines themselves had inspired a piece of architectural sculpture.

The steel arches and horizontal supports underneath provide the structural framework, clad with glass panels that can automatically open and close for natural ventilation control. This adaptive system allows the pavilion to respond to changing weather conditions while maintaining the flowing aesthetic. An open-air version could eliminate the glass entirely, creating a purely shaded gathering space.

The renewable energy integration becomes part of the visual spectacle rather than hiding in the background. Many of the curved panels incorporate flexible photovoltaic material positioned for optimal sun exposure, generating electricity for both the pavilion and the main winery. Panels without solar cells are painted to match, maintaining the cohesive flowing appearance while providing essential shade for the interior spaces.

Of course, the vertical-axis wind turbine adjacent to the pavilion adds another layer of energy generation and visual drama. The turbine’s sleek profile complements the pavilion’s sculptural form, while the circular bench built around its base creates a contemplative spot for visitors to observe both the technology and the surrounding landscape.

The interior experience feels equally thoughtful, with the curved panels casting intricate, ever-changing shadow patterns across the floor. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and special events while surrounded by the gentle play of light and shadow, creating an atmosphere that connects them directly to the natural forces powering the building.

That said, the symbolic inspiration runs deeper than mere aesthetics. The trellis-like structure references the fundamental relationship between grapevines and their supporting framework, suggesting that buildings, too, can grow and adapt in harmony with their environment and energy sources.

You’ll notice how this concept challenges conventional approaches to both winery architecture and sustainable design. Rather than treating energy systems as afterthoughts, Jantzen makes them central to the architectural experience, creating spaces where visitors can appreciate both fine wine and the elegant technology that powers their experience.

The Solar Winds Wine Tasting Pavilion invites us to imagine buildings that celebrate their energy sources as proudly as they display their contents. This approach suggests possibilities for architecture that educates, inspires, and delights while advancing environmental goals through visible, beautiful sustainability.

The post Solar Winds Wine Tasting Pavilion Imagines Architecture and Energy Flowing Together first appeared on Yanko Design.

Simone Giertz, known for her inventive and often playful creations, has taken furniture design to a new level with her latest project: a spinning coffee table. This unique piece isn’t just a conversation starter; it’s a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness that fans have come to expect from the popular YouTuber and inventor. Inspired by the idea of making everyday objects more fun and functional, Simone’s spinning coffee table brings a dynamic twist to any living room.

The journey of creating the spinning coffee table is documented in a captivating YouTube video where Simone guides viewers through the process, from initial sketches to the final product. The entire project is infused with her signature humor and transparency, revealing not just the successes but also the challenges along the way. The idea stemmed from wanting to make a coffee table that was more than just a static piece of furniture. Simone envisioned a table that could rotate smoothly, allowing users to access items from any side without having to stretch or walk around it.

Designer Name: Simone Giertz

Simone started by designing the table’s structure. She opted for a rectangular tabletop, which naturally lends itself to rotation. The main challenge was figuring out how to make the table spin easily and safely, especially considering the weight of the materials. After exploring several mechanisms, she settled on using a large, industrial-grade lazy Susan bearing, which is typically used for heavy-duty applications. This choice allowed the table to rotate effortlessly while supporting the weight of books, drinks, and even the occasional curious pet.

The construction process was both educational and entertaining. Simone shared her experience with woodworking, metalwork, and problem-solving as she assembled the table. She even highlighted a few mistakes and how she fixed them, making the project feel approachable for DIY enthusiasts. The table’s aesthetic is sleek and modern, featuring a wooden top with a smooth finish and a sturdy metal base. The combination of materials ensures durability while maintaining a minimalist look that fits a variety of interior styles.

One of the most delightful features of the spinning coffee table is its playful functionality. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just relaxing with your favorite snacks, the rotating surface turns the table into an ottoman where you can put your feet up. It also acts as a storage so you can place some stuff that you want to be accessible to you. It has mini shelves and a space under the ottoman where you can put things. It’s a simple idea, but it adds a layer of interactivity that’s both practical and fun.

For those interested in making their own spinning coffee table, Simone’s detailed walkthrough provides plenty of tips and inspiration. She encourages viewers to experiment with their own designs and to embrace the trial-and-error process. The spinning coffee table stands as a shining example of how thoughtful design and a bit of ingenuity can transform ordinary objects into something truly special.

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You remember that scene in the first Avengers movie? Captain standing in front of Tony Stark, asking him what he is without the suit? Tony replies without a blink – Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. I imagine that if this same conversation were to happen in the EDC realm, most wallets are essentially just sheets of leather that hold cash, cards, and currency. Strip the valuables away, and you’ve got nothing but carcass left. The MEMO wallet from New Things Lab, however, has a fairly essential feature even when it isn’t holding anything – it’s a dry-erase whiteboard that also parades as a wallet. Yes, you read that right. A whiteboard. In your wallet.

The concept sounds absurd until you actually think about it. When was the last time you saw someone pull out a notepad to jot something down? Probably never, because nobody carries those anymore. But ideas still hit at random moments, phone numbers still need to be scribbled down, and sometimes you just need to sketch something out quickly. The MEMO wallet acknowledges this reality by making the notepad part of something you’re already carrying anyway.

Designer: New Things Lab

Click Here to Buy Now

The wallet’s design is deceptively simple. Imagine a bifold wallet, but instead of opening the bifold to reveal your cards and cash, you open it to reveal a two-panel dry-erase whiteboard along with a built-in removable marker. Imagine a tiny notebook – that’s essentially what you get. The panels themselves are whiteboards on the inside, but on the outside, you’ll see a slot that lets you store up to 6 cards. Each panel has enough space for 3 cards, covering most use-cases. I, for example have 3 payment cards, 2 ID cards, and 1 access card for my coworking space. That’s pretty much all I need to carry on a daily basis.

The dry-erase whiteboard is an extra feature that my creative brain personally loves. It feels intuitive, allowing me to quickly take notes without using my phone. There’s no screen-time, the ideas aren’t stored on a device that has internet access, and you can do everything from taking notes to making doodles – analog, baby. The marker docks right inside the wallet (although I wish it were slightly thinner), and when closed, your notes stay hidden and not at risk of accidentally getting wiped away inside your pocket. The marker itself has a built-in eraser just in case you want a fresh slate.

New Things Lab built this thing from precision-milled 6063 aluminum, the same stuff used in window frames, so it can handle daily abuse without showing wear. The CNC machining gives it clean lines and tight tolerances that feel premium in hand. Three anodized finishes are available: Charcoal Black, Slate Grey, and Gilded Rose, though the darker options might disappear in the depths of your bag if you’re not careful.

The whiteboard surface works exactly as advertised. Write on it, erase it, repeat. No paper waste, no running out of pages, no ink bleeding through. Whether you’re sketching out a floor plan, writing down WiFi passwords, or just doodling during a boring meeting, the surface handles it all. The magnetic closure keeps everything secure, and the compact 108 x 74 x 11mm dimensions slip into any pocket without bulk.

RFID blocking comes standard, protecting your cards from digital pickpocketing attempts. The aluminum construction naturally shields electromagnetic signals, so this isn’t some afterthought feature tacked on for marketing purposes.

The trade-offs are real though. Six card slots won’t accommodate everyone’s plastic collection, and the aluminum construction makes it heavier than typical wallets. The pen, while clever, could easily get lost if you’re not careful about clipping it back in place. Some people might find the dry-erase format awkward after years of paper and digital notes.

But for minimalists who actually use their EDC gear, the MEMO wallet makes a compelling case. It’s genuinely innovative without being gimmicky, practical without sacrificing style. In a world of identical carbon fiber and leather wallets, something this different deserves attention. At around $90, it’s not cheap, but the build quality and unique functionality justify the premium. Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that seem completely obvious once someone finally does them.

The post This Bizarre Wallet + Whiteboard Might Just Be the Most Creative EDC Ever Made first appeared on Yanko Design.

Porsche revealed the interior of its upcoming electric Cayenne on September 30, 2025, and I’m experiencing the kind of cognitive dissonance that only comes from loving something I fundamentally disagree with. The cabin features what the company calls the largest continuous digital surface in any Porsche to date. Translation: screens everywhere. As someone who prefers minimal dashboard clutter, I should hate this. But Porsche’s execution here is genuinely impressive, even if it represents everything wrong with modern automotive design philosophy.

Designer: Porsche

Let me be clear about my bias upfront. After reviewing vehicles for over a decade, I’ve developed a strong preference for physical controls. Give me a rotary dial for volume, actual buttons for climate control, and a small display for Apple CarPlay. That’s all I need. Everything else just creates more opportunities for distraction and frustration. The industry’s obsession with touchscreens has turned dashboards into iPad showrooms, and I’m tired of it. But then Porsche goes and creates something like this.

Three Layers of Interaction

Porsche’s approach to the Cayenne Electric interior centers on what I’d describe as three distinct interaction layers. First, there’s the glance layer: a 14.25-inch curved OLED instrument cluster that bends horizontally to favor the driver’s sightline, paired with an optional augmented-reality head-up display. This is information you consume without touching anything.

Second is the touch layer, anchored by what Porsche calls the Flow Display. This is where the interface design gets genuinely interesting, and where my skepticism starts to crack.

Third is the tactile layer: physical buttons for key functions that you use most frequently while driving. Temperature, fan speed, volume. The stuff that should never require diving through touchscreen menus when you’re moving at highway speeds.

This three-layer framework represents Porsche trying to reconcile driver focus with customer demand for integrated entertainment. Rather than creating a single wall of glass like some competitors, the brand is using curvature, AR guidance, and selective hard controls to maintain some connection to traditional cockpit ergonomics.

The Flow Display

Porsche’s Flow Display is the center of the Cayenne Electric’s interior story. It’s a curved OLED that drops from the dashboard toward the console, so your wrist meets the glass at a natural angle rather than an upright plane. The curve is functional for reach and for stabilizing taps on the lower interface zones. Directly ahead, the 14.25-inch curved OLED cluster bends along a different axis to favor the driver’s sightline, which keeps EV power, navigation, and assistance info legible at a glance.

Together they make the largest continuous digital surface Porsche has put in a production cabin, but the company still leaves physical buttons for key functions to reduce menu diving in motion. Five predefined color schemes can be applied across the cluster, Flow Display, and passenger screen through a Themes App, turning the software layer into part of the cabin’s material palette.

I’ve seen plenty of curved displays in vehicles over the years, from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class to the Cadillac Escalade. Most feel gimmicky, like the design team added curves just because they could. The Flow Display’s vertical curve actually serves a purpose. After years of stretching to tap screens in various test vehicles, I appreciate the thought behind meeting my fingers at a more comfortable angle. It’s a subtle detail, but one that suggests actual human factors testing rather than pure aesthetics.

The Themes App detail is worth noting because it shows Porsche treating digital surfaces as coordinated design elements rather than isolated screens. You’re not just picking a wallpaper. You’re establishing a visual language across the entire dashboard that integrates with your interior trim choices. For a brand that obsesses over material quality and color matching, this makes more sense than I’d like to admit.

When Two Screens Aren’t Enough

An optional 14.9-inch passenger display lets the right seat control media, apps, and navigation features, with video playback allowed while driving. Porsche says the setup avoids distracting the driver, and several reports add that a polarized layer limits visibility from the driver’s angle. Keep it for road trips and copilots who actually manage routes, otherwise it risks duplicating what phones already do better.

My personal preference would be to use my phone for entertainment content. It’s already configured with my accounts, my preferences, my content libraries. Why do I need a separate infotainment ecosystem that inevitably provides a worse user experience? But I recognize that many people want more integration, more seamless connectivity between their vehicle and their digital life. That’s the market speaking, and manufacturers are listening.

The augmented-reality head-up display projects guidance and speed into the driver’s forward view with an effective size of 8.7 inches. Use it if you like arrows on the road ahead. If you don’t, the curved cluster is already doing the glance work. I’ve used HUDs in countless vehicles, and my opinion on them remains unchanged. Some people swear by them. I find them distracting and unnecessary, one more piece of visual information competing for attention when you should be watching the road.

The Screen Debate

Stephan Durach, BMW’s Senior Vice President for UI/UX Development, recently told BMW Blog that passenger screens are in high demand, especially in larger vehicles. “People are asking for that,” he explained. “People say, ‘I want to have a dedicated screen for consuming content.’ There is room. So, you can think about that.”

I understand the appeal from a product planning perspective. American buyers love options and choices. If some customers want passenger entertainment systems, why not offer them? The counterargument is that just because people ask for something doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. We’re increasingly treating vehicles like mobile living rooms, with every occupant consuming their own content through their own screen. At some point, we’ve lost the plot on what cars are actually for.

What Porsche Isn’t Saying Yet

The interior recently revealed focused on the digital interface rather than full performance specifications. Porsche hasn’t disclosed final power output, acceleration figures, or detailed battery specifications in this announcement. Those details will presumably arrive with the world premiere at the end of 2025.

What we do know is that Porsche will offer an 11-kW wireless charging pad, launching first in Europe in 2026 before expanding to other markets. I’ve tested wireless charging systems in a few vehicles, and while the convenience factor is undeniable, the efficiency loss compared to wired charging makes me question the value proposition. You’re paying more for the privilege of slower, less efficient charging, though the 11-kW capability is reasonably competitive for inductive systems.

Standard air suspension comes on all models, with optional rear-wheel steering that reduces the turning circle. That’s genuinely useful in a vehicle this size, making parking lot maneuvering significantly easier. The Active Ride system from the Panamera and Taycan will also be available, providing impressive body control and ride comfort.

The Electric Cayenne in Context

Porsche’s commitment to keeping the combustion-powered Cayenne well into the next decade reveals something important about EV adoption. The market isn’t progressing as quickly as manufacturers hoped a few years ago. Rather than forcing a full electric transition, Porsche is hedging its bets by offering both powertrains simultaneously. The same strategy applies to the Macan, where the electric version will coexist with a new gasoline-powered model arriving in 2028.

This pragmatic approach makes sense given current market realities. Some buyers want electric. Many don’t, at least not yet. Offering both options maximizes potential sales while giving the charging infrastructure more time to mature. The Cayenne Electric represents Porsche’s best effort at making EVs appealing to luxury SUV buyers who might otherwise stick with traditional engines.

As for the interior’s screen situation, it’s simultaneously the most impressive and most excessive I’ve seen from Porsche. The execution is genuinely impressive, with thoughtful ergonomics and quality OLED displays. The three-layer interaction model shows more restraint than a pure touchscreen approach, and the Flow Display’s vertical curve actually solves reach and tap accuracy problems rather than just looking different.

But I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve collectively normalized maximum complexity when minimum would serve most people better. Porsche is doing this well because customers are demanding integrated entertainment and the brand is responding with curvature, selective physical controls, and coordinated design language. That doesn’t mean it’s the right direction, just that it’s the direction the market is pushing everyone.

The world premiere happens at the end of 2025, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. Porsche hasn’t announced pricing yet, but expect a significant premium over the gasoline model. You’re paying for advanced electric powertrain technology, the largest continuous digital surface in any Porsche, and apparently, enough screens to satisfy the most demanding copilots.

The post The Porsche Cayenne Electric Wants You to Forget Physical Buttons Exist first appeared on Yanko Design.

I’ve been meaning to look at exercise equipment that I can add to my living space in order to finally, officially start my fitness journey. However what’s in the market, or rather, what’s within my budget, is either too big or too bulky. I’m still on the lookout for something that’s minimalist but also has what I need to encourage me to actually start exercising inside my house.

Jupiter X, even though it remains a concept design for now, seems to be turning a few heads. Created by Alexandr Zhukouski, Jupiter X is a modern minimalistic exercise bike envisioned to combine elegance, durability, and practicality for home or office use. With its sleek, compact form and intuitive features, this concept takes a fresh approach to how we think about workout devices and interior aesthetics.

Designer Name: Alexandr Zhukouski

The hallmark of Jupiter X is its sophisticated yet understated appearance. The frame boasts smooth, unbroken lines and a compact silhouette, making it a natural fit for a variety of modern interiors. Unlike many bulky exercise bikes that dominate a room, Jupiter X is designed to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Whether placed in a living room, a home gym, or even a stylish office, this bike adds a touch of refinement rather than visual clutter.

Durability is also at the forefront of Jupiter X’s concept. The proposed use of high-quality materials ensures both longevity and a premium feel. The sturdy construction is intended to withstand daily use, while the minimalist design keeps maintenance straightforward and hassle-free. This attention to material choice not only supports the bike’s functionality but also enhances its visual appeal, promising a piece of equipment that looks as good as it performs.

Functionality is thoughtfully integrated into every aspect of the Jupiter X design. Intuitive controls are a key feature, allowing users to adjust resistance and settings without interrupting their workout flow. The clean interface means there are no unnecessary distractions, just smooth operation and an effective exercise experience. This user-friendly approach makes Jupiter X suitable for everyone, from fitness beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.

Compactness is another strength of this concept. With space often at a premium in modern homes and offices, the small footprint of Jupiter X makes it an attractive choice for those who want to stay fit without sacrificing valuable real estate. Its lightweight profile suggests easy repositioning, so users can move it as needed to accommodate changing layouts or routines.

Although Jupiter X is not yet available for purchase, its concept is most likely attractive to design fans and fitness lovers alike. If brought to market, Jupiter X could set a new standard for exercise equipment that merges high performance with minimalist elegance. As home-based and flexible fitness solutions continue to rise in popularity, concepts like Jupiter X highlight the growing demand for products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

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Have you ever experienced leaving the house with just one bag but throughout the day, you seem to be carrying more and more stuff? It’s probably okay if you’re moving around with a car but for those of us who commute, it can be a hassle. And as someone who can’t seem to just bring a small bag around, I do a lot of heavy lifting so to speak which can be a pain to my back and arms.

POTRIK is an innovative concept that reimagines how we move our belongings in the city. Designed by Yungwon Kang, Jueun Lee, Hyeonji Yang, Hyeongjoon Joo, and Hyogyeong Park, this concept tackles the hassle of carrying heavy shopping bags, making last-minute stops after errands, or picking up second-hand finds. With this modular sharing mobility system, you can enjoy lighter hands and more freedom every day, as POTRIK takes care of the heavy lifting for you.

Designers: Yungwon Kang, Jueun Lee, Hyeonji Yang, Hyeongjoon Joo, and Hyogyeong Park

At its core, POTRIK is a modular, detachable delivery mobility designed to move seamlessly between roads and sidewalks. The system is made up of two primary components: the Driving Module and the Storage Module. When you need to send something, a simple request through the POTRIK app sets everything in motion. The Driving Module, waiting at a city charging station, connects with the loaded Storage Module at your chosen departure point. Together, they form a single mobility unit that quickly transports your baggage along the road.

Upon reaching your destination, the Storage Module detaches and navigates sidewalks and building entrances autonomously. This means your items are delivered directly to you—no need to trek to a pick-up point or wait outside. With this system, quick and secure delivery is always within reach, whether you’re running errands or need to send something across town. POTRIK’s user experience is designed for simplicity and control.

You can track your belongings in real time through the POTRIK app, and with the 24H PASS, the system stays ready to respond at any hour, moving between strategically placed charging stations. When your delivery arrives, a tap with NFC opens the Storage Module so you can access your items instantly and securely.

The process is as easy as three steps: Send, Move, and Receive. Just set your pick-up and drop-off locations, and POTRIK handles the rest. This new delivery system is not just about moving things from place to place. It’s about making the process smarter and more personal. Whether you’re managing busy days packed with errands or need reliable help with heavy loads, POTRIK promises a lighter, more flexible way to get things done.

Though still a concept, POTRIK’s vision points to a new era of personalized, on-demand delivery. With POTRIK, your belongings arrive exactly where and when you need them, freeing you up to enjoy the city with lighter hands and a more liberated routine.

The post Potrik concept reimagines urban mobility and personal delivery first appeared on Yanko Design.

Scissors are often overlooked as simple, utilitarian tools, but in Japan, they become canvases for design innovation and creative thinking. Japanese designers approach even the most familiar objects with fresh eyes, reimagining everyday tools as pieces of functional art. The result is a lineup of scissors that are as visually captivating as they are practical, each one telling its own design story.

From playful forms that spark conversation to sleek, minimal silhouettes that elevate your workspace, these scissors go far beyond the basics. They’re crafted not just for cutting, but for delighting the senses, making each snip a satisfying part of your daily rhythm. Whether you’re searching for a new desk essential, a clever multitool, or a gift for a fellow design lover, these five Japanese scissors will inspire you to see ordinary objects in an entirely new light.

1. STELLAR EDGE SCISSORS

The Stellar Edge Scissors are a masterclass in minimalist engineering. With their gleaming, seamless handles and razor-sharp blades, they look like they belong in a modern art museum rather than an office drawer. Every curve and angle is carefully considered, resulting in a tool that feels as good as it looks. These scissors are crafted from Japanese stainless steel, promising both durability and long-lasting sharpness. Each snip feels almost effortless, making them a joy for daily tasks or creative projects.

The designers have paid special attention to ergonomics, ensuring that the Stellar Edge Scissors fit comfortably in hand. The polished finish and weight distribution give them a premium feel, elevating even the most mundane cutting job into a tactile pleasure. These are scissors for those who appreciate the intersection of form and function.

What we like

• Striking minimalist design elevates any workspace.
• High-quality Japanese stainless steel ensures lasting sharpness.
• Smooth, precise cutting action for a variety of materials.

What we dislike

• Minimalist handle may not suit those who prefer more grip texture.

2. Rockstar Guitar Scissors

Why settle for ordinary when you can rock your desk with the Rockstar Guitar Scissors? This playful design transforms a desk staple into a miniature electric guitar, complete with dramatic curves and bold styling. Every detail, from the fretboard-inspired handle to the metallic finish, channels the spirit of rock and roll. These scissors instantly become a conversation piece, sparking smiles and curiosity in any workspace.

Despite their whimsical looks, these scissors don’t compromise on function. The blades are sharp and precise, ready to handle everything from paper to packaging. Whether you’re a music lover or just want to add some flair to your office, the Rockstar Guitar Scissors are a perfect match for creative spirits.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25.00

What we like

• Eye-catching guitar design doubles as desk decor.
• Makes a memorable gift for music fans and creatives.
• Sturdy construction and sharp blades for everyday use.

What we dislike

• Playful shape may not fit traditional office aesthetics.
• Handle design may take getting used to for precise cuts.

3. 8-in-1 EDC Scissors

Multitasking gets a major upgrade with the 8-in-1 EDC Scissors. This ingenious tool packs a suite of practical features into a compact, portable frame. Alongside precision cutting, you’ll find a bottle opener, screwdriver, nutcracker, wire cutter, and more. Every element is designed for quick, intuitive use, making these scissors a go-to companion for anyone who loves versatility.

The rugged construction means these scissors are ready for adventure, whether you’re at your desk or out in the field. Each component clicks satisfyingly into place, showing off the attention to detail that Japanese design is known for. For those who crave function without sacrificing style, the 8-in-1 EDC Scissors deliver in spades.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00

What we like

• Packs eight functions into a single compact tool.
• Durable build stands up to travel and daily use.
• Features are easy to access and use on the go.

What we dislike

• Some tools may be less comfortable for frequent tasks.

4. Cut & Slice Scissors

Sleek, smart, and surprisingly versatile, the Cut & Slice Scissors are designed for more than just paper. Their unique blade geometry allows them to handle everything from delicate fabric to tough packaging material. The ergonomic handle makes them comfortable for extended use, while the sharp, finely honed blades ensure a clean, precise cut every time.

What sets these scissors apart is their focus on workflow efficiency. The clever design lets you switch between slicing and traditional scissor action with ease. It’s a subtle innovation that makes a noticeable difference, especially for designers or crafters who demand precision and speed.

Click Here to Buy Now: $29.00

What we like

• Innovative blade geometry for smooth slicing and cutting.
• Versatile enough for fabric, paper, and packaging.

What we dislike>/h3>

• Aesthetics are more utilitarian than decorative.

5. Casta Universal Design Scissors

The Casta Universal Design Scissors invite you to enjoy cutting in a whole new way. Their perfectly round handles rest gently in your palm, giving you a sense of comfort and control with every use. Inside each handle, a round concave shape creates a playful effect, producing a cheerful clicking sound that changes depending on the material you cut. This feature brings a bit of joy and mindfulness to even the most routine tasks.

These scissors are designed to be easy to grip, making them just as effective for left-handed users as for right-handed ones. The clever handle shape offers both ergonomic benefits and a touch of whimsy to your workspace. Anyone looking to add a sensory spark or a moment of happiness to their creative routine will appreciate the thoughtful details of these scissors.

What we like

• Universal handle design suits left- and right-handed users.
• Castanet-inspired clicks create a cheerful, engaging sound.

What we dislike

• Handle may feel unusual for users accustomed to traditional grips.
• May not appeal to those seeking a more traditional look.

Scissors That Cut Above the Rest

Japanese scissors are never just about getting the job done. They transform everyday routines into experiences filled with creativity and joy, all while showcasing the country’s love of thoughtful, innovative design. Each of these five unique pairs brings its own personality to your workspace, from playful shapes that spark conversation to clever features that make life easier and more beautiful.

Choosing any of these scissors means inviting a touch of artistry and delight into your daily rhythm. They remind us that even simple tools can be reimagined and elevated through smart design and a sense of fun. Whether you’re seeking the perfect gift or hoping to brighten up your own desk, these Japanese scissors promise to inspire and surprise every time you reach for them.

The post 5 Unique Japanese Scissors That Redefine Everyday Cutting Tools first appeared on Yanko Design.

If you’re searching for a concept that blends artful design with functional vision, the LOOP Chair by Dntigrco Graphics is sure to catch your eye. Presented as a design concept on Behance, this striking chair explores the possibilities of seating for the modern home or office, combining minimalist style with ergonomic thinking.

The LOOP Chair concept impresses with its bold, angular frame that feels both dynamic and airy. The designer set out to create a continuous, flowing form, imagining a seat that almost “loops” around the sitter. This unique vision means the chair isn’t just a functional object, but a sculptural experience. The proposed frame, envisioned in walnut wood veneer with options for ash, oak, or black-stained finishes, serves as both a structural support and an artistic centerpiece. Its geometry is the result of careful sketching and creative exploration, balancing soft curves for comfort with sharp angles for a modern, architectural feel.

Designer Name: Dntigrco Graphics

The LOOP Chair concept stands out for its ability to suggest motion even while stationary. Its sculptural frame creates an intriguing play of light and shadow, making it a visual highlight in any room. Whether imagined in a contemporary office, a stylish lounge, or a refined living space, the chair’s form is designed to spark conversation and admiration.

Comfort is central to the chair’s conceptual design. The seat and backrest are imagined with high-density foam, wrapped in either premium fabric or leather upholstery available in a range of colors. This approach ensures that the concept delivers not only visual appeal but also a vision for supportive comfort from every angle. The upholstery options allow for further customization, so the chair could be tailored to complement a variety of interior styles.

Every aspect of the LOOP Chair has been thoughtfully detailed in its concept stage. The base is pictured as CNC-milled wood with a matte finish for durability and elegance, while anti-slip rubber pads are integrated into the feet for floor protection and stability. These features ensure that, if realized, the LOOP Chair would be as practical as it is beautiful.

Ultimately, the LOOP Chair is more than just an idea for furniture. It’s a harmonious exploration of minimalist design, ergonomic comfort, and customizable elegance. For design enthusiasts, collectors, or anyone interested in the future of interior design, it offers a fresh perspective on what seating can be.

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Roll Walker by UNI-UM is turning heads in the world of assistive devices with a fresh take on what it means to age safely and stylishly at home. In South Korea, where more than 74 percent of injuries among older adults happen indoors, falls remain a serious concern. Yet, many seniors are reluctant to use traditional walking aids, often seeing them as a symbol of frailty or dependence. The Roll Walker project sets out to change this narrative, offering seniors a product that blends seamlessly into their home and lifestyle.

Unlike conventional walkers, Roll Walker isn’t just a piece of medical equipment. Its thoughtful design allows it to serve as a chair, table, or cart, making it an everyday companion rather than an awkward necessity. UNI-UM took inspiration from the warm, inviting wooden materials commonly found in Korean homes. The result is a simple, elegant design that feels more like a piece of furniture than a clinical device. This approach helps users feel at ease, letting them maintain their dignity and independence as they go about their daily routines.

Designer Name: UNI-UM

The social impact of Roll Walker goes far beyond its looks. By presenting the walker as a lifestyle item, UNI-UM is helping to reshape how people of all ages view ageing and mobility aids. Instead of being seen as a sign of weakness, the walker becomes a tool for living well and staying active. This subtle but important shift in perception can help reduce the stigma around using assistive devices, making it easier for seniors to embrace products that keep them safe.

The development of Roll Walker was a collaborative effort from the very beginning. The design team conducted field interviews, organized pilot programs in local welfare centers, and sought advice from experts in elder care. This feedback informed every aspect of the product. Now, with all the groundwork completed, UNI-UM is ready to bring Roll Walker to a wider market through CAD-based mass production.

One of the most exciting features of Roll Walker is its modularity. The basic design can be adapted to different cultures and living environments, making it a scalable solution for ageing populations around the world. As societies everywhere grapple with the challenges of supporting older adults, innovations like Roll Walker offer a path forward that prioritizes safety, dignity, and social inclusion.

Roll Walker is more than just a mobility aid. It’s a statement about the value of dignified ageing and the role that good design can play in creating a more inclusive future. By changing the way we think about assistive devices, UNI-UM’s Roll Walker is helping to build a society where everyone, regardless of age, can feel confident and at home.

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Thomas Heatherwick has turned his attention from grand architectural gestures to the intimate space of the bedroom, collaborating with British lighting brand Tala on Wake, a sleep light designed to combat our screen-obsessed bedtime habits. The partnership between Heatherwick Studio and Tala represents a three-year journey into the intersection of design, wellness, and technology. The result is a bedside lamp that functions as both functional lighting and a circadian sleep aid, crafted from hand-glazed ceramic and pressed glass with an undulating form that mimics natural sunrise and sunset patterns.

“Sleep is a fragile thing – we need to treat it as a precious commodity,” Heatherwick explains, speaking at Tala’s Rivington Street store during the London Design Festival launch. His concern extends beyond the obvious screen time issues. “Even when you don’t pick them up, if they’re in sight, your brain is still spending time on them.” Stuart Wood from Heatherwick Studio emphasizes the universal nature of the problem: “We all know what it feels like to have a bad night’s sleep.” This shared experience drove the team’s commitment to creating a solution that prioritizes both form and function.

Designer: Thomas Heatherwick for Tala

The Wake light emerges from this philosophy as a deliberate counterpoint to the sterile aesthetic of most smart home devices. Heatherwick’s design approach focused on creating something that belonged naturally in domestic spaces. “It was about trying to make something that felt more like it belonged in your home, rather than something that looks like a micro spaceship that’s landed ready to go in a landfill site tomorrow.” Wake’s ceramic base and pressed glass shade create a warm, sun-like glow that transforms throughout the day, with a tactile dial that maintains physical interaction in an increasingly digital bedroom environment.

The lamp’s organic form houses sophisticated technology. Programmable light and sound sequences gradually adjust throughout the evening and morning, supporting natural sleep and wake patterns without harsh blue light emissions. Users control the device through an app or smart home integration, allowing the light to turn on and off gradually to reinforce circadian rhythms. The technical sophistication represents Tala’s most ambitious product to date, requiring extensive development to balance aesthetic appeal with functional performance.

For Tala, founded in 2015 by Josh Ward, Max Wood, and William Symington, Wake represents an evolution beyond individual bulbs toward comprehensive lighting solutions. The brand built its reputation championing the emotional quality of light, making the sleep wellness market a natural progression. The brief to Heatherwick Studio was deceptively straightforward: create something tactile and beautiful that helps people reclaim bedtime from their phones. The collaboration targets the rapidly expanding $600 billion global sleep market, where wellness technology increasingly intersects with thoughtful design.

The launch coincided with Tala’s immersive “Sunset Room” installation at London Design Festival, where visitors experienced the connection between light and health in a controlled environment. The presentation reinforced the product’s positioning as wellness technology disguised as a beautiful design object. The collaboration signals broader design industry recognition that wellness technology requires more thoughtful aesthetic consideration. As our relationships with digital devices become increasingly complex, products like Wake suggest a path forward where technology serves human needs without sacrificing the sensory richness of physical objects.

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Solopatch is transforming the world of assistive tools with a simple yet powerful idea. Designed by Liu Chia-Yi , it is a thin, lightweight patch made from special fabric featuring embossing and advanced adhesive technology. Its purpose is to make everyday tasks easier for anyone who needs a little extra help, whether due to age, injury, or disability. As someone who already has trouble gripping things now, this can be a helpful tool when I grow older and this becomes worse.

Traditional assistive devices are often bulky, obvious, and sometimes expensive. Solopatch, in contrast, blends in with the objects you use every day. It doesn’t add weight or make things look awkward. Instead, you simply attach Solopatch to almost any surface, and it enhances grip and stability immediately. This can make opening a stubborn bottle with one hand, holding a pen securely, or keeping lightweight items from sliding around much easier.

Designer Name: Liu Chia-Yi

One of the standout advantages of Solopatch is its affordability. With an estimated price range of $2 to $5 per unit, it’s much more accessible than many assistive devices currently on the market. This low cost also means that it’s practical to produce in large quantities, making it possible to reach a wide range of people who could benefit from a simple solution.

The effectiveness of Solopatch is backed by real-world testing. In studies with 30 participants, including input from occupational therapists, the patch reduced the time needed to open bottle caps by 85 percent and cut the required force by 70 percent. For many, this makes the difference between needing help and being able to take care of a task independently. That boost in autonomy can translate into greater confidence and quality of life for elderly users, people with disabilities, and those recovering from injuries.

Solopatch’s development involved end-users and professionals from the start. By bringing together participants for usability testing and incorporating feedback directly into the design, the creators ensured that the final product is not only safe but genuinely helpful in real-life scenarios. This collaborative approach helped build trust and credibility, making Solopatch a socially accepted and respected assistive tool.

The potential applications for Solopatch go far beyond the home. Because it’s so easy to use and cost-effective to produce, it can be adopted in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, as well as schools and workplaces. There’s also the opportunity to partner with consumer brands to include Solopatch as a standard feature in everyday items, further expanding its reach. This patch represents a new wave of inclusive design, one which is affordable, practical, and accessible to all. Its innovative approach and proven results make it a standout solution for anyone seeking greater independence in daily life.

The post Solopatch is an assistive tool that changes everyday independence first appeared on Yanko Design.

Traditional inkjet printers have become increasingly frustrating for anyone who values flexibility, repairability, or creative experimentation. Locked-down firmware prevents modifications, expensive proprietary cartridges drain budgets, and when something breaks, you’re often better off buying a new printer than attempting repairs. This throwaway culture feels particularly wasteful when you consider how much useful technology gets discarded due to artificial limitations.

What makes the Open Printer project particularly compelling is how it reimagines what an inkjet printer can be when freed from corporate constraints. This open-source platform puts control back in users’ hands, offering a fully documented, hackable, and repairable alternative that encourages experimentation rather than discouraging it through proprietary barriers and planned obsolescence.

Designer: Léonard Hartmann, Nicolas Schurando, Laurent Berthuel (Open Tools)

The hardware centers around a Raspberry Pi Zero W that serves as the printer’s brain, enabling wireless connectivity and remote control through a simple web interface. The modular carriage system uses standard HP inkjet cartridges, keeping operating costs reasonable while ensuring replacement parts remain widely available. You get a printer built from 3D-printed components and off-the-shelf parts that anyone can source, assemble, and modify.

The creative potential becomes apparent when you consider the flexible media support. Unlike consumer printers that restrict you to specific paper sizes and types, the Open Printer can handle everything from standard documents to envelopes, cardboard, wood, and even fabric. This opens up possibilities for art projects, prototyping, and experimental applications that would be impossible with conventional printers.

Of course, the open-source nature means the printer can evolve based on community needs and contributions. All hardware designs, schematics, and firmware live on GitHub, encouraging users to share improvements, add features, or adapt the design for specific applications. This collaborative approach ensures the printer becomes more capable over time rather than becoming obsolete.

The wireless operation and web-based interface make the Open Printer surprisingly user-friendly despite its DIY nature. You can upload print jobs from any device on your network, monitor progress remotely, and manage the printer without installing special drivers or software. This simplicity makes it particularly appealing for educational settings where students can learn about printer mechanics without getting bogged down in proprietary complexity.

That said, the project’s broader significance extends beyond just printing. The Open Printer challenges the assumption that complex devices must remain black boxes that users can’t understand, modify, or repair. By providing complete documentation and encouraging experimentation, it demonstrates how open-source hardware can create more sustainable, educational, and empowering relationships between people and technology.

The Open Printer taps into something fundamental about how we relate to our tools and devices. Rather than accepting artificial limitations imposed by manufacturers, this approach invites exploration, learning, and creative problem-solving. You can see how this kind of thinking might influence other hardware categories, creating a future where our devices serve our needs rather than corporate interests.

The post Open Printer Gives Makers a Fully Open Flexible Inkjet Platform first appeared on Yanko Design.