Palmtops and UMPCs are experiencing a quiet resurgence among people who want something more focused than a laptop and more tactile than a phone. Compact e-ink devices and tiny Bluetooth keyboards have become affordable building blocks for exactly this kind of project, letting makers combine them into pocketable machines tailored to writing, reading, or just tinkering. The result is a small but growing wave of DIY cyberdecks and writerdecks that feel like modern reinterpretations of classic Psion palmtops.

The Palm(a)top Computer v0 is one of those projects, born on Reddit when user CommonKingfisher decided to pair a BOOX Palma e-ink Android phone with a compact Bluetooth keyboard and a custom 3D-printed clamshell case. The result looks like a cross between a vintage Psion and a modern writerdeck, small enough to slide into a jacket pocket but functional enough to handle real writing and reading sessions on the go.

Designer: CommonKingfisher

The core hardware is straightforward. The BOOX Palma sits in the top half of the shell, while a CACOE Bluetooth mini keyboard occupies the bottom half. The keyboard was originally glued into a PU-leather folio, which the maker carefully peeled off using gentle heat from a hair dryer to expose the bare board. When opened, the two halves form a tiny laptop layout with the e-ink screen above and the keyboard below.

The clamshell itself is 3D-printed in a speckled filament that looks like stone, with two brass hinges along the spine giving it a slightly retro, handcrafted feel. Closed, it resembles a small hardback book with the Palma’s camera cutout visible on the back. Open, the recessed trays hold both the screen and keyboard flush, turning the whole thing into a surprisingly polished handheld computer, considering it’s a first prototype.

The typing experience is functional but not perfect. The maker describes it as “okay to type on once you get used to it,” and thumb typing “kinda works,” though it’s not ideal for either style. You can rest the device on your lap during a train ride and use it vertically like a book, with the Palma displaying an e-book and the keyboard ready for quick notes or annotations.

The build has a few issues that the maker plans to fix in the next version. It’s top-heavy, so it needs to lie flat or gain a kickstand or counterweight under the keyboard, possibly a DIY flat power bank. The hinge currently lacks friction and needs a hard stop around one hundred twenty degrees to keep the screen upright. There are also small cosmetic tweaks, like correcting the display frame width.

Palm(a)top Computer v0 shows how off-the-shelf parts and a 3D printer can turn a niche e-ink phone into a bespoke palmtop tailored to one person’s workflow. Most consumer gadgets arrive as sealed rectangles you can’t modify, but projects like this embrace iteration and imperfection. It’s less about having all the answers and more about building something personal that might inspire the next version.

The post DIY 3D-Printed Clamshell Turns BOOX Palma Into a Tiny Laptop first appeared on Yanko Design.

Writers spend more time with their keyboards than any other tool, yet most options are either gaming boards covered in RGB lights or cheap office slabs optimized for cost rather than comfort. Neither category really thinks about what writers actually need, which is a keyboard that can keep up with long sessions without killing your wrists and maybe even help you stay focused when the blank page starts feeling oppressive.

Freewrite’s Wordrunner is a mechanical keyboard built specifically for writing, complete with a built-in mechanical word counter and sprint timer. It works with any device that accepts a USB or Bluetooth keyboard, from laptops and desktops to tablets and phones, and its core features live in the hardware rather than in yet another app or cloud service that you’ll forget to open halfway through your writing session.

Designer: Freewrite

The standout feature is the Wordometer, an eight-digit electromechanical counter with rotating wheels driven by a coreless motor and controlled by an internal microprocessor. It tracks words in real time using a simple algorithm based on spaces and punctuation, stays visible even when the keyboard is off, and can be reset with a mechanical lever to the left of the display. The counter makes a soft clicking sound as the wheels turn, giving you tactile and audible feedback every time you hit a milestone.

The keyboard also includes a built-in sprint timer that lets you run Pomodoro-style sessions or custom writing sprints without leaving your desk. Subtle red and green lights keep you on track, and you can configure the timer to count up or down depending on how you prefer to work. The standard function row has been replaced with writer-centric keys like Find, Replace, Print, and Undo, plus three programmable macro keys labeled Zap, Pow, and Bam for whatever shortcuts you use most.

The typing experience is what you’d expect from a premium mechanical keyboard. High-quality tactile switches, multiple layers of sound dampening, and a gasket mount design deliver what beta testers kept calling “so satisfying.” Each switch is rated for eighty million presses, which should be enough to see you through multiple novels without the keys wearing out. The die-cast aluminum body gives the board a heft and solidity that plastic keyboards can’t match, keeping it planted on your desk no matter how fast your fingers fly.

Tucked into the top right corner is a multi-directional joystick that controls media playback and volume, so you can adjust your music without touching the mouse or breaking flow. Connectivity is equally flexible. The Wordrunner supports wired USB-C and Bluetooth, pairs with up to four devices at once, and switches between them with a keystroke. It works with Windows, macOS, iPadOS, and Android without requiring special software, which means you can move it between machines without reconfiguring anything.

Wordrunner is designed for writers who want their keyboard to be more than a generic input device. It turns progress into something physical with the mechanical word counter, structures writing sessions with the built-in timer, and wraps it all in a solid, retro-industrial chassis that looks like a specialized tool rather than consumer electronics. It’s less about flashy features and more about making the act of writing feel intentional every time you sit down to work.

The post Freewrite Wordrunner Counts Words With Clicking Mechanical Wheels first appeared on Yanko Design.

Time usually passes without much fanfare. Numbers flip on your phone screen, the day blurs from morning coffee to evening TV, and most minutes feel interchangeable. Clocks are background objects, functional but forgettable, doing nothing more than reminding you how late you’re running. There’s no ceremony to checking the time, no surprise waiting when you glance at the display. It’s just numbers counting down to whatever you’re supposed to do next.

Houracle by True Angle approaches this differently. Instead of treating time as something that simply ticks away, it turns each minute into a potential moment of delight. The device is part clock, part oracle, with an eco-friendly thermal printer tucked into the top that spits out fortunes, jokes, riddles, or random facts tied to the exact moment you press the button. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to check the time just to see what happens.

Designer: True Angle

Click Here to Buy Now: $128 $213 (40% off). Hurry, only a few left!

The design is deliberately retro. A boxy, powder-coated aluminum body with rounded edges, a large orange or yellow button on the top, and an e-ink display that looks like a pencil sketch on paper. The screen shows the time and date, the weather for your selected location, and a small prompt inviting you to press print. Five icons along the right edge let you select modes, fortune, fact, joke, riddle, or surprise, each represented by simple graphics.

Press the button and the printer whirs to life, a satisfying mechanical sound as the paper slip emerges from the top. At 7:42 in the morning, it might tell you destiny took a coffee break and suggest making your own magic. At 11:15, it could mention your brain runs on about 20 watts, enough to power a dim bulb or a brilliant idea. The messages feel oddly personal because they’re tied to that specific minute.

What makes this genuinely charming is how the slips accumulate. They end up on the fridge, tucked into notebooks, or shared with family members over breakfast. Heck, you might find yourself printing extras just to see what weird fact or ridiculous joke Houracle generates next. The lucky numbers printed at the bottom add an extra layer of whimsy that completes the fortune cookie vibe without taking itself too seriously.

The e-ink screen plays a bigger role than you’d expect. Unlike the glowing blue displays most clocks use, this one reflects ambient light rather than emitting it. That makes it easier on the eyes, especially at night, and gives the whole device a calming presence. The screen updates when you interact with it, but otherwise sits quietly, blending into the background.

Of course, the whole thing runs on wall power, which means no batteries to replace or USB cables to manage. The aluminum body is built to last, assembled with screws rather than glue. Houracle also uses BPA and BPS-free thermal slips, sourced from a company that plants a new tree or restores kelp in the ocean for every box of thermal rolls purchased. True Angle designed Houracle with sustainability in mind, using recyclable materials and avoiding planned obsolescence.

What’s surprising is how much a simple printed slip can shift your mood. A clever riddle before bed, a dumb joke during a work break, or a strange fact that makes you pause for a second. These aren’t profound moments, but they add small pockets of joy to days that might otherwise feel routine. Houracle captures the anticipation you used to feel when cracking open a fortune cookie.

The device sits on your desk or nightstand, looking unassuming until you press that button and hear the printer activate. Then it becomes something else entirely, a little machine that marks time with paper artifacts you’ll probably keep longer than you should. For anyone who’s tired of clocks that just tell time and do nothing else, that small shift makes all the difference.

Click Here to Buy Now: $128 $213 (40% off). Hurry, only a few left!

The post This E Ink Clock Prints Fortunes and Jokes on Paper Slips first appeared on Yanko Design.

The mechanical keyboard market has split into factions that rarely speak to each other. Gaming boards chase millisecond advantages with features most people will never configure, while design-focused options prioritize clean lines at the expense of functionality. Premium keyboards exist in both categories, but they seldom bridge the gap between looking appropriate in a minimalist workspace and delivering the kind of technical depth that competitive players actually use.

The Lemokey L1 HE addresses this gap with a CNC-milled aluminum chassis that weighs nearly two kilograms and looks deliberate rather than flashy. Available in white with yellow accents, black, or silver, the 75% layout includes macro keys and a programmable roller on the left side that defaults to volume control but accepts custom assignments. The metal construction and clean lines work on desks where aesthetics matter.

Designer: Lemokey (Keychron)

The switches underneath are where things get interesting. Gateron’s double-rail magnetic switches use Hall Effect sensors instead of physical contact points, which sounds technical until you realize what it enables. Every key’s activation point adjusts from feather-light to deliberate across a 3.6mm range. Set your movement keys to hair-trigger sensitivity. Configure typing keys deeper so resting fingers don’t accidentally fire off characters. The keyboard adapts to how you work rather than forcing adaptation the other way.

Press a key partway, and one action triggers. Press deeper, and a different command fires. Deeper still, another. Release at the right depth and a fourth activates. This isn’t theoretical; it changes how certain games and workflows operate once you stop thinking in binary keypresses. Walking versus running becomes pressure instead of separate keys. Multi-key shortcuts collapse into single presses with varying depth. Finger gymnastics get replaced by pressure control.

Switching to analog mode turns the keyboard into something closer to a controller. Racing games suddenly respond to how deeply you press acceleration keys, not just whether they’re pressed at all. The magnetic switches detect these pressure variations smoothly enough that steering feels genuine rather than approximated. People who prefer keyboards over controllers gain functionality that previously required switching input methods entirely.

The web-based configurator runs through any modern browser without installation, working identically across operating systems. Remapping happens quickly. Macros are built through straightforward menus. The keyboard connects wirelessly at 1000Hz polling for gaming or switches between three Bluetooth devices for productivity. Battery lasts long enough that charging becomes a weekly task rather than a daily concern.

Typing produces sounds that feel dampened and substantial rather than hollow or sharp. Multiple foam layers and gasket mounting create that quality, along with stabilizers that keep larger keys smooth. The double-shot PBT keycaps handle daily wear without developing shine, and the metal body prevents any flex during aggressive typing sessions. RGB lighting exists but stays subdued enough not to dominate the aesthetic.

The L1 HE occupies unusual territory between gaming keyboards and professional boards. It delivers rapid trigger modes and analog control alongside a build quality and appearance that work in spaces where RGB unicorn vomit would draw complaints. The programmable roller, magnetic switches, and four-action keys make it technically ambitious, while the design keeps it visually restrained.

The post Lemokey Keyboard With Analog Keys Triggers 4 Actions Per Press first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most creative pros and power users know the pain of wrist fatigue and cluttered desks that come from long hours of editing, designing, or producing content. Traditional mice and trackpads force you to compromise between comfort, precision, and desk space, especially during marathon sessions where every movement adds up to strain and discomfort by the end of the day. Finding an input device that solves all three remains surprisingly difficult.

The Kensington Expert Mouse TB800 EQ is a new flagship trackball that rethinks the desktop experience for demanding professionals. With its award-winning design, ambidextrous form, and deep customization capabilities, it’s built to make demanding workflows feel effortless and even a little bit luxurious. Winner of both the iF Design and Red Dot Awards for 2025, it’s as much about visual presence as performance.

Designer: Kensington

The TB800 EQ stands out with a sculptural, symmetrical body, matte black finish, and a large 55mm trackball nestled at its center for precise control. The low, angled profile supports a natural hand position for both left- and right-handed users, actively minimizing fatigue and repetitive strain during extended use. Every detail, from the ribbed scroll ring to the smooth button layout, is crafted for both comfort and visual appeal.

The optical tracking system delivers ultra-precise, responsive control with minimal hand movement required, with a polling rate up to 1kHz for completely lag-free performance during intensive work. The adjustable scroll ring lets you switch effortlessly between smooth and line-by-line scrolling depending on the task, while two side scrolls handle horizontal movement and precise zoom control for navigating complex timelines or detailed designs.

Up to 16 programmable functions can be assigned using the free Kensington Konnect software, letting you tailor the trackball specifically for video editing, music production, CAD work, or any creative workflow that demands shortcuts. Plug-and-play works immediately out of the box for basic use, but power users can dive deep into customization to match their exact needs and preferred working style.

The TB800 EQ connects to up to four devices simultaneously through two Bluetooth connections, one 2.4GHz wireless connection, and one USB-C wired connection, so you can instantly switch between computers and tablets without re-pairing or fumbling with settings. The rechargeable battery lasts up to four months on a single charge, and USB-C charging means you never have to swap batteries or interrupt work mid-project.

Made with 47 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, the TB800 EQ balances professional performance with environmental responsibility. Registration unlocks an extended version of Avid Pro Tools Intro+ software, giving sound engineers access to industry-standard tools. Backed by a three-year warranty and Kensington’s professional support, this trackball is built for years of reliable, comfortable use in demanding creative environments.

For anyone who wants their desk to feel as good as it looks while maintaining precision control throughout long creative sessions, the TB800 EQ is a sculptural, functional upgrade that finally treats the trackball as both a tool and a design statement. It’s the kind of investment that pays dividends in comfort, efficiency, and workspace satisfaction for professionals who spend hours at the computer daily.

The post Kensington Trackball Has a Scroll Ring and 16 Programmable Buttons first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most smartphones are designed for speed, color, and endless scrolling, but that comes at the cost of tired eyes and constant battery anxiety throughout the day. For readers, students, and professionals who want a calmer, more focused mobile experience without the glare and endless distractions of conventional screens, the usual smartphone just isn’t built for the job or designed with their specific needs in mind at all.

The Bigme HiBreak S offers a different approach, swapping out the harsh glare of LCD screens for a 5.84-inch E Ink display and pairing it with a premium leather-textured back cover for a comfortable grip during extended use. It’s a phone that prioritizes eye comfort and clarity over flashy features and multimedia capabilities, built specifically for long reading sessions, document work, and extended days without needing a charger nearby.

Designer: Bigme

The HiBreak S stands out with its understated, leather-textured back cover and slim 8.6-millimeter profile that slips easily into pockets and bags. The E Ink screen, available in both black-and-white at 276 PPI and color at 92 PPI, delivers a paper-like reading experience with 36-level adjustable front lighting for comfortable use in any environment, from bright sunlight to dark rooms.

Whether you’re reading ebooks during commutes, reviewing documents for work, or checking messages throughout the day, the display reduces eye strain significantly compared to traditional screens. The E Ink technology sips power rather than gulping it, making the HiBreak S ideal for marathon study sessions, workdays, or travel where charging opportunities are limited and every percentage point of battery matters.

Under the hood, the HiBreak S runs Android 14 on an octa-core processor, with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage expandable up to 1TB via microSD card for extensive libraries. The 3300mAh battery and ultra-low-power E Ink screen mean you can go days between charges, even with heavy reading, scanning, or moderate calling throughout your normal routine.

Full 4G LTE support ensures reliable calls and data connectivity worldwide across a wide range of frequency bands, while dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 keep you connected to headphones, speakers, and other devices. The phone handles essential communication and productivity tasks smoothly, though it’s not designed for intensive gaming or video streaming like conventional smartphones with backlit displays.

The HiBreak S goes beyond reading with its dual cameras optimized for real-world productivity and everyday document management. The 13MP rear and 5MP front cameras excel at document scanning, with built-in OCR technology converting paper notes, contracts, and handouts into searchable digital files in seconds. For students, researchers, and anyone juggling paperwork daily, this feature streamlines organization dramatically and reduces tedious manual typing.

Bigme’s xRapid refresh technology and xClear ghosting elimination make the E Ink display surprisingly responsive for an e-paper screen, supporting up to 24 frames per second for scrolling and page turning without significant lag. Multiple preset modes let you tune the experience for reading, browsing, or watching clips, making the HiBreak S more versatile than traditional E Ink devices that feel sluggish and unresponsive.

The Bigme HiBreak S delivers eye comfort, exceptional battery life, and practical simplicity for anyone tired of eye strain and battery drain from conventional smartphones with backlit displays. For those who value reading, document scanning, and distraction-free communication over gaming and multimedia consumption, it offers a refreshing alternative that prioritizes visual comfort and productivity without sacrificing the essential features you need from a modern smartphone.

The post This E Ink 4G Smartphone Runs for Days and Won’t Hurt Your Eyes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most of us have been caught without a pen when inspiration strikes or a quick note needs jotting down. Carrying a full pencil case feels clunky for everyday life, but going without means missing out on spontaneous sketches, reminders, or ideas that slip away before you get home to your desk.

The Gifted concept reimagines everyday writing tools as a slim, modular set that fits in your pocket. Designed by Mingzhou Gu, this card holder blends writing instruments, a ruler, and magnetic modularity into a single, minimalist accessory that’s always ready when creativity calls or practical needs arise.

Designer: Mingzhou Gu

Gifted’s design centers on flexibility and simplicity through thoughtful modularity. The slim card holder features two magnetic slots on the back, each holding a writing tool that slides out easily when needed. You can choose between a pen, pencil, or marker depending on your daily tasks, swapping modules to match your workflow.

Some writing tool modules hide a foldout compass inside their bodies, adding a subtle layer of utility for sketching diagrams, navigating, or just satisfying the inner adventurer. This clever detail speaks to users who appreciate when functional objects contain small surprises that enhance their usefulness without adding bulk or complexity.

The card holder doubles as a straightedge, with ruler markings along one edge for quick measurements or drawing straight lines on the fly. The brown leather or vegan leather pocket holds several cards securely, while a pull-tab makes access effortless even when your hands are full or you’re juggling multiple items.

The compact form slips easily into any pocket, bag, or jacket without creating annoying bulk. A keychain loop allows you to attach Gifted to your backpack, purse, or keys, making it part of your everyday carry without requiring a dedicated storage spot or constantly hunting through bags.

Material choices balance durability with tactile appeal. The case is crafted from lightweight metal or high-quality plastic, with the tactile brown pocket providing visual and physical contrast. The orange accent adds personality without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic, making the design feel considered and refined.

Available in both black and white finishes, Gifted adapts to different personal styles and environments. The understated design means it blends into professional settings, creative studios, or outdoor adventures without looking out of place. Whether you’re sketching in a notebook, leaving a note, or measuring a quick dimension, everything you need is right there.

The concept targets creatives, professionals, and adventurers who value being prepared without carrying excessive gear. The clean presentation and thoughtful details make it an ideal gift for writers, designers, or anyone who appreciates clever everyday carry solutions that combine multiple functions without feeling overwrought or complicated.

Gifted turns writing essentials into a pocket-sized, modular accessory that encourages spontaneous creativity and organization. For anyone who loves to write, sketch, or stay prepared on the go, this concept offers a clever take on what everyday carry can be when design and functionality receive equal attention.

The post This Card Holder Has Magnetic Pens, a Ruler, and Hidden Compass first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most air purifiers are designed to be hidden away in corners or behind furniture. Their boxy shapes, blinking lights, and utilitarian looks clash with carefully curated interiors, forcing you to choose between clean air and visual harmony. For anyone who cares about both wellness and aesthetics, finding a purifier that actually enhances a room feels nearly impossible.

Airthings Renew approaches air purification from a design-first perspective, combining advanced cleaning technology with a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired form that looks natural in any space. Instead of hiding the device, you can place it where it works best without worrying about disrupting your interior design or creating visual clutter.

Designer: Airthings

Inspired by Nordic landscapes and interiors, Renew’s muted charcoal tones, soft rounded corners, and matte finish blend effortlessly into bedrooms, living rooms, or home studios. The compact, rectangular form is intentionally understated, designed to disappear among your furniture rather than demand attention. The single-button side interface keeps controls minimal and approachable.

The versatile footprint offers genuine placement flexibility. Set it on the floor beside your bed for overnight purification. Place it on a low shelf near your desk for cleaner work air. Position it in a corner of the living room where it quietly handles the entire space. The form factor adapts to different rooms and layouts without requiring specific furniture or dedicated placement zones.

The design works equally well standing vertically or positioned horizontally in tight spaces. The fabric exterior with its subtle texture feels more like furniture upholstery than typical plastic housings. This material choice helps Renew blend into Scandinavian, minimalist, or contemporary interiors without looking out of place or overly technical.

Behind the calm exterior sits a four-stage filtration system. The washable audio-grade textile outer pre-filter catches pet hair and dust. A washable inner pre-filter traps pollen and finer particles. The HEPA-13 filter removes 99.97 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns, while activated charcoal captures odors and volatile organic compounds.

A high-precision laser sensor monitors particulate matter in real time, automatically adjusting filtration intensity in Auto mode. The Airthings app lets you check air quality levels, switch between Boost mode for rapid cleaning, Silent mode for undisturbed sleep, or Auto mode for intelligent, hands-off operation throughout the day.

Smart home integration through the Airthings ecosystem means the purifier works alongside other Airthings sensors, providing a complete picture of your home’s air quality. Maintenance stays simple with washable pre-filters and straightforward replacement for HEPA and charcoal filters. Airthings Renew brings thoughtful design and smart technology together in an air purifier that enhances spaces rather than detracting from them, proving clean air and beautiful interiors can coexist effortlessly.

The post Airthings Renew Looks Like Nordic Furniture, Works Anywhere first appeared on Yanko Design.

3D visualization has become a necessary evil that most designers secretly hate. Want to preview your architectural model in three dimensions? Better strap on a sweaty VR headset and hope you don’t bump into furniture. Need to show clients how their product looks from different angles? Good luck explaining why they need to wear bulky goggles for a simple design review.

Portalgraph by Beleve Vision cuts through this nonsense by turning any regular TV or computer monitor into a glasses-free 3D display that actually works. The technology creates convincing three-dimensional visuals without requiring headsets, special glasses, or expensive hardware upgrades. Multiple people can view the same 3D content simultaneously, making collaboration natural instead of awkward.

Designer: Beleve Vision

The system tracks your head movements in real time using a combination of hardware and software that attaches to existing screens. Move around, and Portalgraph adjusts the 3D perspective to maintain depth perception from different viewing angles. The technology converts 2D content into three-dimensional experiences instantly or displays native 3D content with proper depth that doesn’t strain your eyes.

Creative professionals get immediate workflow improvements from this approach. Preview 3D models without switching between programs or dealing with clunky interfaces. Spot proportion problems, lighting issues, and spatial relationships at a glance during normal work sessions. Team meetings become productive when everyone gathers around one screen and discusses specific design elements in a shared 3D space.

Real-world applications make sense across different creative fields. Architects can walk clients through building designs without technical training or comfort with unfamiliar technology. Game developers test character animations and environment layouts while maintaining their regular workflow patterns. Product designers showcase prototypes during video calls where clients examine designs from multiple angles without downloading special software or learning new interfaces.

The technology makes advanced 3D visualization accessible to smaller studios, freelancers, and educational institutions that can’t justify expensive VR investments. Portalgraph works with standard monitors and TVs, eliminating the need for specialized hardware purchases. This democratization opens creative possibilities for designers who previously couldn’t afford or manage complex immersive visualization setups.

Collaboration becomes the standout feature in creative workflows where feedback drives the design process. Traditional VR isolates users in individual experiences, making group discussions feel disconnected and inefficient. Portalgraph enables natural teamwork where designers, clients, and stakeholders examine identical three-dimensional content together while maintaining eye contact and normal conversation flow.

While Portalgraph remains limited in current market availability, the technology represents a significant leap toward making 3D content creation feel intuitive rather than technical. The ability to experience genuine depth perception without barriers could fundamentally change how designers approach their daily work, seamlessly blending 2D sketching with 3D visualization throughout creative processes without switching tools or mindsets.

The post Portalgraph Just Killed 3D Glasses With This Award-Winning Display first appeared on Yanko Design.

The problem with most EDC knives is that they’re either pretty to look at or actually useful, rarely both. Cheap materials make them look tacky, stiff mechanisms make them frustrating to use, and don’t even get started on how quickly they lose their edge. That hasn’t stopped manufacturers from churning out countless variations of the same disappointing formula, leaving users to choose between form and function.

The Scarab 2.0 takes a completely different approach to solving these everyday annoyances. Instead of cutting corners, it brings together aerospace-grade titanium and carbon fiber, paired with an M390 steel blade that knife enthusiasts swear by. The result looks almost too good to use, though that would be missing the point entirely. This is a tool made for daily challenges, not display cases.

Designer: MIH

Click Here to Buy Now: $159 $237 (33% off). Hurry, only 39/60 left!

The visual appeal hits you immediately, thanks to its striking combination of materials and thoughtful design. Red or black carbon fiber inlays catch light in fascinating ways, while the machined titanium frame adds an industrial sophistication that many premium knives try to achieve but few manage to pull off. It’s definitely quite a sight, though the real magic happens when you actually pick it up.

Anyone who has tried to open a knife with cold, wet, or tired hands knows how frustrating it can be. The Scarab 2.0 solves this with not one but three different opening methods. A thumb stud, button lock, and flipper opening mean you’ll never struggle to deploy the blade. The smooth roller bearing system makes each method feel natural and reliable, without the gritty, stiff action common in other knives.

The M390 steel blade is what really sets this knife apart from the crowd. While other knives might stay sharp for a few weeks of regular use, this steel keeps its edge through months of daily tasks. No more torn packages or awkward cuts. The 15-degree edge angle makes every slice clean and precise, whether you’re breaking down boxes or preparing food outdoors.

The handle isn’t just about looks. The GR5 titanium frame, the same material used in aircraft components, provides incredible strength without unnecessary weight. The textured carbon fiber offers a secure grip even with wet hands or gloves. Together, they create a knife that feels as premium as it looks, with every surface engineered for comfort and control.

Practical features make the Scarab 2.0 genuinely useful for everyday carry. A deep carry clip keeps the knife secure and discreet in any pocket, while the lanyard hole offers alternative attachment options. Four tritium slots compatible with glow tubes ensure you can find your knife quickly in low light. At just 4.59 inches when folded, it maintains a compact profile despite its capabilities.

The knife’s durability goes beyond its premium materials. Sweat, rain, and humidity won’t affect the titanium frame or M390 blade. The carbon fiber components add rigidity while keeping the total weight at just 2.9 ounces. It’s the kind of tool that gets better with use, developing character without losing performance.

Even the manufacturing process reflects attention to sustainability. The titanium components can be recycled and reused, while the precision CNC machining minimizes material waste. Every aspect of the Scarab 2.0 is engineered for longevity, reducing its environmental impact through years of reliable service.

The Scarab 2.0 shows what happens when designers prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. It’s a knife that works as well in the office as it does on outdoor adventures, ready for whatever task comes its way. For those tired of compromising between good looks and actual performance, this knife offers something genuinely different.

Click Here to Buy Now: $159 $237 (33% off). Hurry, only 39/60 left!

The post This Titanium EDC Knife Has 3 Opening Styles and Costs Just $159 first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

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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.

The modern tech user’s bag has become a graveyard of tangled cables, forgotten adapters, and bulky chargers that somehow multiply when you’re not looking. You’ve got the laptop charger, the phone charger, the USB-C cable that works with some devices but not others, and maybe a power bank thrown in for good measure. Every business trip or study session involves hunting through this electronic spaghetti to find the right combination of cables and adapters.

TORRAS apparently looked at this universal chaos and decided there had to be a better way to handle our charging needs without turning every bag into a cable management nightmare. Their Flexline 67W retractable charger and MiniMag power bank represent two different approaches to solving the portable power problem, each addressing specific pain points that anyone juggling multiple devices will immediately recognize and appreciate.

Designer: TORRAS

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Flexline 67W Retractable Charger: Engineering Meets Everyday Convenience

The Flexline 67W takes a radically different approach by integrating everything you need into one compact device that’s smaller than most laptop chargers alone. The built-in retractable USB-C cable extends smoothly up to 1 meter with a stepless adjustment mechanism that feels genuinely satisfying to use. Unlike those cheap retractable cables that jam or snap after a few months, this system is engineered for over 10,000 pulls and tested to the point where it can literally suspend a suitcase.

What makes the retractable mechanism particularly clever is the magnetic Type-C head locking system that ensures precise alignment every time you connect or store the cable. The magnetic snap provides tactile feedback that confirms a secure connection, while the anti-jamming design means the cable retracts smoothly without getting stuck or requiring multiple attempts. This attention to mechanical detail transforms a simple charging action into something that feels engineered rather than just functional.

The dual USB-C charging capability addresses the reality that most people carry multiple devices that need power throughout the day. You can charge a laptop at up to 45W while simultaneously powering your phone at 20W through the additional USB-C port, with smart power allocation automatically adjusting output based on what’s connected. The second USB-C port accepts any standard cable, giving you flexibility for different devices or charging scenarios without limiting you to just the built-in retractable cable.

TORRAS has integrated serious thermal management technology that goes beyond what you’d expect from a portable charger. The Tora-Iceon intelligent thermal control system uses GaN III semiconductor technology, NTC dual chips, and AI temperature monitoring that checks thermal conditions 36,000 times per hour. This isn’t just about keeping the charger cool, but actively protecting your phone’s battery health by preventing the heat damage that fast charging can cause over time.

The engineering extends to practical durability features that matter for daily use. The foldable plug prevents scratches in your bag while keeping the overall footprint minimal, and the smooth, glossy exterior resists wear from constant handling. Universal voltage support means it works anywhere in the world, while compatibility with PD3.1, QC3.0, PPS, and Apple 2.4A protocols ensures fast charging for virtually any modern device you might own.

For business travelers and students, the Flexline 67W represents a genuine upgrade in both convenience and reliability. Instead of hunting through your bag for the right cable or adapter, everything you need is integrated into one device that’s actually smaller than most traditional laptop chargers. The retractable cable means you can pull out exactly the length you need for any situation, whether you’re working at a cramped airplane tray table or a spacious conference room.

The build quality reflects TORRAS’s commitment to longevity rather than planned obsolescence. With a two-year warranty and a claimed 10-year lifespan, the Flexline 67W is designed to outlast multiple device upgrade cycles. This approach reduces electronic waste while providing genuine value for users who are tired of replacing cheap chargers every few months when they inevitably break or stop working reliably.

MiniMag Power Bank: Ultra-Slim Wireless Charging Anywhere

The MiniMag power bank takes a different approach to portable power, prioritizing wireless convenience and ultra-slim portability over maximum capacity. At just 0.3 inches thick, it’s genuinely thinner than most smartphones and slides effortlessly into a pocket, wallet, or small bag without adding noticeable bulk to your everyday carry setup.

The aluminum alloy construction serves dual purposes, providing both heat dissipation for safe charging and a premium feel that matches high-end devices. The 5,000mAh capacity might seem modest compared to brick-sized power banks, but it’s perfectly sized for emergency phone charging or extending your device’s battery life during long days away from outlets without weighing you down. There’s also a 10,000mAh variant for those who want to pack an extra punch.

MagSafe compatibility makes the MiniMag particularly appealing for iPhone users who want truly cable-free charging. The magnetic alignment ensures a secure connection with compatible cases, while 7.5W wireless charging provides steady power without the heat buildup that can damage batteries. For faster charging or non-wireless devices, the 18W USB-C port handles wired charging efficiently, and you can charge two devices simultaneously.

The MiniMag’s real strength lies in its convenience for everyday scenarios. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just want backup power without the bulk, it provides reliable charging that doesn’t interfere with how you use your phone. Pass-through charging means you can charge both the power bank and your device simultaneously, while LED indicators keep you informed about remaining capacity without guesswork or surprise power outages.

Both products demonstrate how thoughtful engineering can transform mundane accessories into tools that genuinely improve daily life. The Flexline 67W and MiniMag represent a shift toward charging solutions that prioritize user experience, durability, and real-world convenience over just delivering power as cheaply as possible.

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Candlelight has this timeless way of making any space feel warmer and more intimate, but finding the perfect candlestick that works for different moods and candle types can be surprisingly tricky. Ross Sorokovyi’s QUB candlestick concept tackles this challenge with refreshingly simple geometry.

The QUB is basically a perfect 60mm stone cube, but here’s where it gets clever. Each cube has two different-sized holes on different faces, so you can hold either a standard taper candle or a tealight depending on which way you orient it. Need dramatic height for dinner? Pop in a taper candle. Want something cozy for reading? Flip it over and drop in a tealight.

Designer: Ross Sorokovyi (Mudu Studio)

What makes this design genuinely smart is how it strips away everything unnecessary while actually adding functionality. Most candlesticks lock you into one candle type forever, but QUB adapts to whatever vibe you’re going for. The cube form feels both ancient and contemporary, like something that could have existed centuries ago but still looks perfectly at home on a modern table.

These are carved from natural stone, and each piece shows off the material’s unique character. The images reveal gorgeous variations in marble and granite, from deep green with dramatic veining to soft gray with subtle patterns. The surface treatment mixes smooth polished areas with ribbed, chiseled sections that add visual texture and give your hands something interesting to feel.

The ribbed quarter-cylinder cut into each cube’s base does double duty, too. It lightens the visual weight so these don’t look like boring blocks, and it creates this modular quality where multiple QUBs can nest together or stack in interesting patterns. You can arrange them in grids, align the ribbed sections for rhythm, or mix different stone colors for contrast.

This modularity turns individual candle holders into something more sculptural and architectural. Instead of just lighting one candle, you’re creating these little landscapes of light and shadow. The weight of the stone keeps everything stable, while the compact size means you can easily rearrange them as your space or mood changes.

The concept celebrates that honest, tactile quality of natural stone where no two pieces look exactly alike. Those natural imperfections and variations become features rather than flaws, giving each QUB its own personality. The substantial weight makes them feel permanent and valuable rather than disposable.

Of course, this remains a concept design, so questions about heat resistance, cleaning, and real-world durability haven’t been tested yet. The sharp edges might also be less forgiving than traditional, rounded candlesticks if you accidentally bump into them in dim light.

But as a design statement, QUB succeeds brilliantly at reimagining something as basic as a candle holder. It proves that even the simplest objects can benefit from thoughtful reconsideration. For anyone who appreciates when form and function work together seamlessly, QUB offers a compelling vision of what everyday objects could become with just a little more creative thinking.

The post QUB Candlestick Concept Holds Two Candle Types in Minimalist Stone first appeared on Yanko Design.

Finding furniture that actually keeps up with your changing life feels impossible these days. You move apartments, your needs shift, or you just want to rearrange things, and suddenly that expensive bookshelf becomes dead weight.

Elements Studio looked at this problem and created something genuinely clever with their Arca modular system. Each piece is made from premium Baltic birch, which brings that beautiful fine grain and rock-solid stability you can actually feel when you touch it.

Designer: Ishac Bertran and Jon Wohl (Elements Studio)

The natural knots and imperfections aren’t hidden away either; they’re celebrated as proof this stuff came from actual trees. Elements Studio crafts these pieces in small batches with regional artisans, which means every unit gets proper attention instead of rolling off some anonymous assembly line.

The real genius lies in how ridiculously versatile each unit becomes. One piece works as a nightstand, bench, bookshelf, or storage depending on what you need that day. Stack them vertically for a tower of shelves or line them up horizontally for a media console.

Those included stacking pins keep everything secure when you build upward, so you’re not worried about your tower toppling over. The whole system ships flat and assembles without any tools, which means no hunting for screwdrivers or deciphering confusing diagrams.

This approach makes so much sense for how people actually live now. Your studio apartment setup becomes completely different when you move into a house. That bench by your entryway transforms into bedroom storage when life changes.

Instead of buying new furniture every time, you just reconfigure what you already own. The flat-pack shipping keeps costs reasonable and reduces environmental impact compared to shipping fully assembled pieces. Assembly takes minutes rather than hours.

What makes Arca genuinely exciting is how it invites you to participate in designing your own space. Most furniture forces you to work around its limitations, but Arca adapts to whatever weird corner or awkward wall you’re dealing with.

Start with one unit and expand as your collection or space grows. The sustainability angle feels authentic rather than forced. By designing pieces that evolve with users instead of becoming obsolete, Elements Studio tackles the throwaway furniture problem from a practical angle.

Local production supports regional economies while reducing shipping emissions, too. Arca represents a smarter approach to furnishing modern homes. Instead of buying static pieces that might work for your current situation, you invest in a system that grows alongside your life.

For anyone tired of furniture that holds them hostage to one configuration, Arca offers genuine freedom to experiment and evolve. It’s modular furniture done right, without the compromises or cheap materials that usually come with the territory.

The post Arca Modular Furniture System Adapts Effortlessly to Any Space first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most 3D printers force you to choose between speed, color, quality, or price. You can have fast prints, but only in one color. Multi-color prints take forever and waste enormous amounts of filament. Professional results require expensive machines that most makers can’t justify.

The Snapmaker U1 Color 3D Printer refuses to accept these compromises. This isn’t just another incremental improvement but a fundamental rethinking of how desktop 3D printing should work. It’s designed for makers who want everything: speed, color, precision, and sustainability.

Designer: You Li

Click Here to Buy Now: $749 $999 ($250 off). Hurry, only 411/3500 left! Raised over $6.2 million.

A New Approach to Multi-Material Printing

Traditional consumer 3D printers rely on single-nozzle systems that require time-consuming filament swaps and produce mountains of waste. Every color change means flushing perfectly good material, creating wasteful piles of purge that often use more filament than the actual print.

The Snapmaker U1 introduces a four-head tool-changing system that allows multi-color and multi-material prints in a single job. Each toolhead is physically separate, eliminating cross-contamination and enabling seamless transitions between colors and materials. This approach mirrors professional industrial printers but brings the technology to desktop users.

Design Philosophy and Brand Confidence

Snapmaker has built a reputation for reliable, innovative desktop fabrication tools that actually deliver on their promises. The U1 continues this tradition with a modular CoreXY design that looks as advanced as it performs. With an aesthetic plastic shell and careful attention to engineering, this creation tool is designed from the get-go to be accessible, both in terms of cost as well as functionality.

The machine’s visual design reflects its technical sophistication. The Snapmaker U1 has a transparent back panel that complements its open front, allowing it to visually flow more naturally into your workspace. Clean lines, thoughtful component placement, and a transparent approach to showing its capabilities create a printer that’s as much a statement piece as a production tool.

SnapSwap: Fast, Waste-Free Tool-changing

The SnapSwap system enables physical toolhead swaps in just five seconds, transforming how multi-material printing works. This avoids the little balls of perfectly good filament, wasted by typical AMS style machines, and reduces filament waste by up to 80% compared to traditional systems. The precision is remarkable: automatic toolhead alignment stays within 0.04mm for sharp, clean prints.

Consider a four-color dragon figure that takes five hours on the U1 versus thirty hours on conventional printers. The U1 uses just 96 grams of filament, while others waste 483 grams on the same model. It even boasts up to 80% electricity savings! That’s not just efficiency but a fundamental shift toward sustainable making.

Speed, Precision, and Print Quality

The CoreXY motion system delivers print speeds up to 300mm/s with travel speeds reaching 500mm/s and acceleration hitting 20,000mm/s². These aren’t just impressive numbers but translate into real-world time savings without sacrificing quality. Smart calibration features include mesh bed leveling and active vibration control.

The large 270 x 270 x 270mm build volume accommodates both ambitious single prints and efficient batch production. Pressure advance compensates for flow delays, ensuring accurate prints with crisp details even at high speeds. Stainless steel nozzles support a wide range of filaments, with hardened steel nozzles and even new nozzle sizes on the way.

Eco-Friendly Innovation

The SnapSwap system’s waste reduction goes beyond cost savings to address environmental concerns. Using large amounts of filament typically wasted during color changes aligns with growing demands for sustainable maker tools. This isn’t greenwashing but genuine material efficiency.

The environmental impact extends beyond individual projects. When scaled across thousands of users, the waste reduction becomes significant. It’s the kind of innovation that makes 3D printing more responsible without sacrificing capability.

Smart Automation for Effortless Printing

The automatic filament system holds four spools with RFID recognition, auto-loading, and backup mode functionality. This eliminates manual intervention during long prints and ensures consistent material flow. The built-in AI camera captures time-lapses while monitoring for anomalies and print failures.

Snapmaker Orca Slicer provides engineer-tested profiles optimized for the U1’s capabilities. The companion app enables remote print management, real-time monitoring, and instant alerts when issues arise. Failure detection covers air printing, filament run-out, and power loss recovery.

The Snapmaker U1 represents a leap forward in accessible, high-performance 3D printing. It empowers makers to create more while wasting less, exploring new creative possibilities in a machine that’s as visually impressive as it is technically advanced. Sometimes the best innovations come from refusing to accept the limitations everyone else considers inevitable.

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Working on the go always feels like a compromise. You’re stuck with tiny laptop keyboards that cramp your hands, or you’re juggling a separate keyboard, mouse, and maybe a portable monitor that never quite fits together properly. The whole setup becomes this awkward dance of cables and stands.

The KeyGo Ultra-Slim Folding Keyboard throws out that rulebook entirely. This isn’t just another portable keyboard with a gimmicky feature tacked on but a genuine rethinking of what mobile productivity can look like when you stop accepting limitations as inevitable.

Designer: KeyGo

Click Here to Buy Now: $269 $538 (50% off). Hurry, less than 72 hours left! Raised over $152,000.

Premium Build That Actually Feels Premium

The first thing you notice about KeyGo is how substantial it feels. The CNC-anodized aluminum construction gives it that MacBook-level heft and finish that makes most plastic peripherals feel cheap by comparison. This isn’t trying to be the lightest option but the most satisfying one to use.

The 180-degree foldable design is where the engineering really shows. The hinge mechanism transitions smoothly from closed to fully open without any wobble or flex. At 800 grams and folding down to just 324mm wide, it slips into most laptop bags without dominating your carry weight.

Lighting That Actually Matters

Those RGB backlighting modes aren’t just for show (though they do look fantastic). The three lighting options serve real purposes: breathing mode for low-light work, solid color for distraction-free typing, and rainbow wave for when you want your workspace to feel more alive. The FN + Q/W/E shortcuts make switching between them effortless.

The lighting system goes beyond basic functionality to create an emotional connection with your workspace. There’s something satisfying about watching the rainbow wave ripple across the keys as you type, or having the breathing effect gently pulse during those late-night work sessions. It’s the kind of detail that transforms a tool into something you genuinely enjoy using.

Two Input Methods, Infinite Possibilities

Here’s where KeyGo gets interesting. That 12.8-inch touchscreen sitting above the keyboard isn’t just a novelty but a genuine second display with 1920×720 resolution and full ten-finger touch support. The fully laminated glass eliminates that annoying air gap you get with cheaper displays.

The screen works as a traditional second monitor for multitasking, but the touch capability transforms how you interact with your devices. Swipe between apps, drag files directly with your fingers, or use it as a massive touchpad when you need precision. The 72% NTSC color gamut makes it suitable for creative work too.

Universal Compatibility Done Right

KeyGo works with everything: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and even iOS devices. The dual USB-C ports (one for power only, the other for full functionality) plus a USB-A port mean you’re never hunting for the right adapter. Turn your tablet into a productivity powerhouse or add touch input to that old desktop that’s never had it.

The scissor-switch keys are quiet enough for coffee shop work but responsive enough for serious typing sessions. Whether you’re coding, writing, or managing spreadsheets, the keyboard feels like a natural extension of your workflow rather than a compromise you have to work around.

Scenarios That Actually Make Sense

Picture this: you’re working remotely and need to reference documents while writing. Instead of constantly alt-tabbing, your references live on the KeyGo screen while you type on the main display. Or you’re editing video and want timeline controls at your fingertips without cluttering your main workspace.

The modular design adapts to different environments, too. Desktop setup when you’re at home, mobile workstation when you’re traveling, or even mounted in a car for those times when your vehicle becomes your office. The easy-to-clean surface makes it practical for medical or shared environments.

The Future of Portable Productivity

KeyGo represents something bigger than just another keyboard upgrade. It’s proof that portable productivity doesn’t have to mean settling for less. By combining tactile typing with versatile touch input, it creates new possibilities for how we work, create, and interact with our devices.

Sometimes the best innovations come from refusing to accept that things have to work a certain way. KeyGo makes mobile productivity feel less like a compromise and more like a genuine choice. It’s the kind of product that makes you wonder why everyone else is still doing things the hard way.

Click Here to Buy Now: $269 $538 (50% off). Hurry, less than 72 left! Raised over $152,000.

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