Creating the ultimate audio experience at home involves more than just picking the right playlist – it requires selecting the perfect combination of audio products that bring your music to life. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking pristine sound quality or someone who simply loves to relax with good tunes, having the right equipment can make all the difference.
We have curated a collection of the top five products that will transform your home into an audio haven. From state-of-the-art earbuds to nostalgic speakers, each product mentioned here is designed to enhance your listening experience, offering rich soundscapes and innovative features that cater to various tastes and preferences. Dive in and explore the products that can elevate your home audio setup to new heights!
1. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition Earbuds
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition earbuds represent an exciting combination of cutting-edge audio technology and high-performance design. These earbuds are inspired by the dynamic world of motorsport, combining Bowers & Wilkins’ renowned sound quality with McLaren’s iconic style. They deliver exceptional audio fidelity in a true wireless format, providing a listening experience that is both immersive and convenient.
The Pi8 McLaren Edition earbuds are ideal for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound in a compact form. They deliver clarity and emotional impact, making every listening session immersive and engaging. You could be a fan of F1 engines, or the delicate nuances of a jazzl ensemble, irrespective, these earbuds will ensure an unparalleled auditory experience.
What we like
Exceptional sound quality with precise audio reproduction.
Stylish design inspired by McLaren, appealing to motorsport enthusiasts.
What we dislike
Limited edition, potentially difficult to find.
Premium pricing may not suit all budgets.
2. Side A Cassette Tape
The Side A Cassette Speaker is a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern technology. Styled like a classic mixtape, this Bluetooth 5.3 speaker offers a unique audio experience. With microSD playback and a warm, analog-inspired sound, it captures the charm of the cassette era. Its compact design and portable nature make it an ideal companion for music lovers who appreciate both form and function.
This speaker’s cassette-inspired design evokes a sense of nostalgia, while its modern features provide convenience and versatility. It’s perfect for those who miss the analog days or simply want a cool, conversation-starting piece in their audio collection. You can also carry it around with you wherever you go, ensuring your audio requirements are always met!
Nostalgic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity.
Portable and versatile, with microSD card support for offline listening.
What we dislike
Limited sound power due to compact size.
Analog-inspired sound may not suit those preferring digital clarity.
3. CD Jacket Player
Today, digital music reigns supreme, but the CD Jacket Player is here to offer a nostalgic return to physical media. This device allows you to enjoy your beloved CDs while appreciating their album art. Designed for both portability and aesthetic appeal, it seamlessly integrates CD jackets, transforming them into visual art.
The Portable CD Jacket Player revitalizes the experience of listening to CDs by combining audio playback with visual enjoyment. Its minimalist design and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity make it versatile, allowing you to connect with wireless speakers and earphones for an enhanced listening experience. You can mount it on a wall in your home, or carry it along with you on your travels, it will offer a timeless connection to your music collection always.
Combines audio playback with visual appreciation of album art.
Bluetooth connectivity for flexible audio streaming options.
What we dislike
Limited to CD playback, which may not cater to those favoring digital formats.
Requires physical storage space for CDs and jackets.
4. Elevate Stand (For CD Jacket Player)
The Elevate Stand is the perfect accessory for your CD Jacket Player. Crafted from sleek L-shaped aluminum, this stand adds modern elegance to any room. It allows you to position your player on windowsills, shelves, or any location where wall mounting isn’t feasible, offering flexibility and style. The stand enhances your listening experience and also contributes to a chic, contemporary aesthetic in your space.
The stand provides a stable platform for your CD player and ensures optimal positioning for sound quality and visual appeal. Its stylish design complements any interior, making it a valuable addition to your home audio setup. Pair it up with the CD Jacket Player to create the ultimate and efficient audio setup.
Enhances the aesthetic of your audio setup with a modern design.
Provides flexibility in positioning your CD player for optimal sound.
What we dislike
Limited to use with specific CD players.
Does not directly improve audio quality, serving primarily as an accessory.
5. Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers
The Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers offer a unique approach to audio amplification. Made from vibration-resistant Duralumin, these metal speakers require no battery or electricity, using the golden ratio design to enhance sound naturally. Simply place your smartphone in the speaker, and enjoy amplified sound waves that fill the room. This eco-friendly option boosts your smartphone’s audio but also enhances the ambiance of your space.
These speakers provide a sustainable way to enjoy amplified music without the need for power sources. Their portability and design make them suitable for various settings, from your desk to outdoor gatherings. You can place it in your living room, bedroom, or even your home office – it has a sleek and minimal charm that lets it effortlessly blend with any environment.
A fresh twist on functional design, the Tiki lamp brings a lively sense of whimsy into any interior space. Instantly recognizable with its bird-like silhouette, Tiki perches elegantly, inviting both admiration and interaction. For lamp collectors, designers, and anyone with an appreciation for playful details, it’s a delightful addition that easily becomes a talking point in the room.
What truly makes Tiki stand out is its approach to arrangement. Rather than sitting alone, these lamps are meant to be clustered together, forming flocks that animate tables, shelves, or any chosen setting. Each bird-shaped lamp seems to communicate with the others, bringing a sense of movement and connection. This flocking concept encourages creativity, letting you design your own illuminated landscape with personality and charm.
The essence of Tiki lies in its expertly carved form. Using robotic techniques, each lamp is sculpted from milky-white acrylic, creating a flawless, translucent body that feels both delicate and futuristic. The shade is perfectly balanced above a geometric metal base, making for a dynamic visual pairing. This careful meeting of materials and textures adds to the overall sense of refinement while still keeping things lighthearted.
The lamp uses a built-in, rechargeable LED, powered by a custom battery that ensures lasting brightness. Charging is a breeze thanks to the magnetic base, which easily connects with a USB-C cable; no fiddling with cords or awkward plugs. These practical upgrades mean you can move your Tiki lamp anywhere: bedside, coffee table, or workspace, without worrying about wires.
The interactive experience is where Tiki truly shines. Adjusting the brightness is as simple as rotating the bird’s body on top of its perch, making the act of lighting up a space playful and intuitive. The motion is smooth and invites touch, transforming a mundane action into a small daily pleasure. This tactile control not only adds charm but also makes Tiki accessible to a variety of users.
Tiki’s updated palette introduces a fresh batch of colors that suit any taste, from matte warm white and striking blue to gentle olive green, alongside the classic gloss-black finish. These shades accentuate the sculptural curves and ensure the lamp looks just as good as a solo piece as it does in a flock.
What we know about robots and how they are created is constantly evolving as we see scientists draw inspiration from the natural world to create innovative and efficient machines. The latest marvel to emerge from this fascinating intersection is a small, agile robot that forgoes traditional locomotion in favor of a wing-assisted hopping mechanism. Developed by a collaborative team of scientists from MIT, the University of Hong Kong, and the City University of Hong Kong, this tiny bot is demonstrating a unique approach to movement.
Designer: MIT
This remarkable creation, standing just over 5 centimeters tall and weighing less than a single gram, utilizes a vertically oriented, spring-loaded carbon fiber rod as its primary means of propulsion. Functioning like a miniature pogo stick, this leg compresses upon impact with the ground, storing energy that is then released to launch the robot into the air. However, what truly sets this robot apart is its integration of four insect-inspired flapping wings, powered by electrically activated artificial muscles. These wings aren’t designed for sustained flight in the traditional sense. Instead, they play a crucial role in augmenting the robot’s leaps, providing additional lift and enabling it to achieve impressive heights of up to 20 centimeters. Furthermore, these wing movements contribute to its lateral agility, allowing it to traverse distances of up to 30 centimeters per second.
This novel approach offers a potential advantage in terms of energy efficiency compared to traditional flying robots. By primarily relying on the spring-loaded leg for vertical movement and utilizing the wings for assistance and stability, the robot can potentially operate for longer durations on a limited power supply. Currently, this groundbreaking robot is tethered to an external power source and relies on an external motion-tracking system for guidance. This suggests that it is still in the experimental phase, with future development likely focused on miniaturizing the power source and integrating onboard control systems for autonomous operation. The concept of combining hopping and wing assistance is not entirely new in the realm of bio-inspired robotics. Researchers have previously explored similar ideas, such as the “Hopcopter” developed by the City University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, which combined a commercially available quadcopter with a spring-loaded hopping leg for efficient ground traversal. Similarly, researchers at Stanford University developed a “jumpglider” that used a spring for takeoff and pivoting wings for gliding, showcasing the potential of combining different modes of locomotion.
This latest winged hopping robot represents another significant step forward in this field. Its lightweight design and impressive agility open up possibilities for various applications, such as exploration in confined spaces, environmental monitoring, or even search and rescue operations in complex terrains where traditional robots might struggle. As research progresses and the technology matures, we can anticipate seeing more robots that cleverly combine different forms of movement to achieve greater efficiency and versatility, taking inspiration from the incredible adaptability found in the natural world. This little hopping robot with wings might just be the herald of a new era in robotic locomotion.
Upgrading your fitness setup is a move that pays off every time you walk into your home gym or studio. For those looking to boost both performance and comfort, the RitFit 3-Section Adjustable Weight Bench steps up as a game-changing option. Beyond just another exercise bench, it’s a powerhouse designed to handle heavy lifting and versatile routines, all while saving space and looking sleek in any training environment.
The first thing you’ll notice is just how adaptable this bench is. With three seat angles, ten backrest settings, and nine headrest positions, you can easily find the perfect configuration for anything from incline presses to decline sit-ups and everything in between. The patent-pending adjustable headrest is a rare touch that delivers extra support right where you want it. Its flexibility at its finest, letting you dial in adjustments to fit your unique training style.
For those who want to challenge themselves with serious weight, peace of mind is essential. The RitFit BWB02 is built on an ultra-rugged 11GA steel frame, available in two sizes to fit your needs. The 60×60 inch version supports up to 1500 pounds, while the 75×75 inch version takes that to an incredible 2000 pounds. That kind of capacity means you never have to worry about stability, no matter how intense your workouts get.
Its space-saving convenience easily sets this bench apart from the rest. At 57.4 inches long and just over 25 inches wide, the RitFit bench fits seamlessly into home gyms and studio spaces alike. Moving it around is a breeze thanks to the sturdy chrome handle and integrated wheels, so you can quickly reposition it for different exercises or tuck it away vertically after use. Space-efficient and easy to maneuver, it’s perfect for those who want their training area to stay organized.
That said, comfort can’t be overlooked for those long training sessions, and this bench is all about making things easier on your body. The thick 70mm cushion provides ample padding, helping reduce strain and letting you focus fully on your sets. Durable double-stitching ensures the upholstery stands up to repeated use, while the flat headrest support post adds stability, making the bench suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced lifters.
The RitFit 3-Section Adjustable Weight Bench uses premium-grade materials not just to flaunt it but also to guarantee long-lasting performance. The 1mm thick PVC covering is not only waterproof and sweat-resistant, but also super easy to clean. After a hard session, a quick wipe-down keeps it looking brand new. Stains are no match either, so your gear will always look as sharp as your motivation, workout after workout.
Safety features are woven into every part of the BWB02’s design. The trapezoidal base keeps the bench grounded, even when you’re pushing your limits with heavy weights. Non-slip foot pads boost grip on any surface and shield your floors from scuffs or scratches. Adjustable support columns increase structural stability, eliminating wobbling or tilting and giving you the confidence to go hard without hesitation.
A quality adjustable weight bench does more than just expand your training options. It opens the door to a wider range of exercises, targeting different muscle groups and supporting varied fitness goals. With the RitFit 3-Section Adjustable Weight Bench, you can shift seamlessly from full-body workouts to focused strength training, thanks to its customizable settings and rock-solid build.
When your equipment makes every session easier and more enjoyable, it’s easier to stick to your routine and push yourself toward new achievements. The RitFit 3-Section Adjustable Weight Bench’s mix of smart design, reliability, and comfort offers a compelling solution for anyone aiming to get the most out of their workouts. If your goals include better performance, increased versatility, and a tidy, user-friendly gym space, this bench is a smart upgrade that delivers on all fronts.
Workout gear often starts with ambition and ends in dust. That pull-up bar you bought with every intention of sculpting your upper body? It’s now holding three jackets, a tote bag, and last week’s laundry. Instead of ignoring this all-too-common evolution, RAK embraces it by design.
RAK isn’t trying to hide the fact that home gym gear often becomes a glorified hanger. Instead, it leans into the reality and transforms it into a strength. This hybrid training system functions as both a pull-up bar and clothing rack, designed to support your workouts and your wardrobe.
Need to exercise? Just slide the clothes aside. When you’re done, shift them back into place. No guilt, no clutter – just a product that moves with your rhythm.
Most exercise equipment announces its presence with bulky frames and an aggressive design language. RAK takes a different path. Its form is minimal, its silhouette clean. The width is calculated for maximum workout efficiency without interrupting your room’s flow.
When it’s not in use, it fades naturally into your space, like it belongs there.
Hidden at the core of RAK is a clever motion sensor that quietly counts your reps. No apps, no wearables, no setup. It measures movement directly from the equipment itself, delivering accuracy that wrist-based trackers often miss. It’s smart without being needy.
Whether you’re perfecting your pull-up form or checking your posture, RAK adapts to your needs. Its central module allows attachments, dip bars, mirrors, and more, giving you full control over how it functions and how it looks. It’s not just about exercise; it’s about creating a space that reflects you.
RAK takes the pain out of setup. With a reduced number of parts and a straightforward joining system, it’s ready to go in no time. But don’t let the simplicity fool you, this thing is solid. Thanks to a steel plate at its base, RAK remains steady even under pressure.
Performance tests showed that it could handle 150kg, with only 14mm of deformation and a safety factor of 6.14, well beyond industry norms. Translation: it’s more than strong enough to support real workouts, day after day.
RAK didn’t start as a concept, it started as a problem. The creator, tired of clunky home gear, measured their own equipment, studied how clothes naturally hung on it, and reverse-engineered a better solution. That practical origin lives on in every design decision, from dimensions to material choice.
Forget oversized packages filled with endless bolts. RAK arrives in a single, sleek box, thoughtfully packed for both safety and style. The branding and unboxing experience align with the product’s mission: to reimagine fitness as something that fits into your life, not the other way around. It respects your space, adapts to your habits, and supports your goals, without trying to take over your home. Whether you’re mid-routine or mid-laundry day, it’s ready. One product, endless possibilities.
The architectural principle of “form follows function” is a cornerstone of design, but few projects embrace this concept as wholeheartedly as the Gambit Office by KWK Promes. Created for a pipe distribution company, this distinctive building gives the impression of being constructed almost entirely from metal pipes.
Situated in Gliwice, Poland, the Gambit Office stands out as a playful example of memetic architecture. The project began when KWK Promes was tasked with designing a new office for Gambit, the pipe distributor, while working within a limited budget. The idea emerged to use metal pipes for the building’s facade, taking advantage of their cost-effectiveness and direct connection to the company’s core business.
The original plan to use actual metal pipes for the building’s facade proved unfeasible. Instead, the architects opted for raw aluminum sheeting, which was carefully bent and shaped to mimic the appearance of pipes, completely enveloping the building’s concrete structure. Achieving this effect required a lot of attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship. The ambitious project spanned around 11 years from its initial design phase to completion, reflecting the dedication and persistence of everyone involved.
“The facade was ultimately not made from Gambit pipes – designed for underground use – as we found that they oxidized under UV light and did not meet fire safety requirements,” said KWK Promes. “Instead, we reached for inexpensive, raw aluminum sheeting, which was not only cheaper but also proven in our previous projects such as the OUTrial House, Unikato, and Konieczny’s Ark.”
To address practical concerns, the pipes along the building’s edges are capped to prevent wind from creating unwanted whistling sounds, while the remaining pipes are left open, providing inviting nesting spaces for birds and insects. KWK Promes states that the raw aluminum exterior will gradually weather over time, developing a concrete-like patina that enhances its visual appeal and also ensures low maintenance requirements. The building’s overall shape is influenced by both local planning regulations and the steeply pitched roofs of neighboring houses, allowing it to blend harmoniously with its surroundings while maintaining a distinctive and innovative architectural character.
The interior of the Gambit Office offers a generous 943 square meters (approximately 10,000 square feet) of usable floor space. The main office area is located within a two-story section that features distinctive sloping walls, while an adjoining lower section is dedicated to workshop activities. The building also includes an unheated warehouse specifically designed for pipe storage. The décor highlights the exposed concrete structure, creating a modern industrial aesthetic. Ample glazing, including multiple skylights, ensures that natural light fills the space, resulting in a bright and welcoming atmosphere that enhances both comfort and productivity for those who work inside.
Forget sync apps and smart displays. This 3D-printed perpetual calendar clock keeps perfect time until March 2100—with no help, no updates, and no nonsense. A quartz-powered mechanical marvel, it wears its gear-driven logic on its face, literally. The skeleton design reveals the intricate dance of gears and mechanisms that most clocks keep hidden behind closed doors. There’s something captivating about watching the perpetual calendar mechanism in action, a complex system that accurately handles all month lengths, including February in leap years. Yet despite this complexity, it runs on nothing more than a standard quartz clock movement with limited torque.
The creator has poured considerable thought into both form and function. Every component serves a purpose while contributing to the clock’s visual appeal. The drive gear train connecting the hour hand to the main cam sits concealed behind the front panel, minimizing the gap between clock hands and index markings. This creates a cleaner reading experience from any angle.
A perpetual calendar automatically adjusts for varying month lengths and leap years. The system accommodates the quirks of our calendar, including 30-day and 31-day months, as well as February’s variable length during leap years. This mechanical intelligence operates on minimal torque from a standard quartz movement.
The calendar sub-dial hands for day, month, weekday, and 24-hour time all align perfectly with the front panel, preventing visual offset when viewed from different positions. Even the main clock hands sit close to the front panel, maintaining visual harmony.
The skeleton design serves multiple purposes – it reveals the mechanical workings while making assembly more straightforward. You can watch time progress through the movement of gears and levers, adding a visual dimension to timekeeping that is typically hidden in traditional clocks.
Designed for Longevity
The calendar advances automatically until March 2100. Powered by a commercially available battery-operated quartz movement, it runs for extended periods without external power. The design also addresses practical concerns – a flat rear surface allows it to hang flush against a wall, creating a clean silhouette from any angle.
No visible screw heads on the front contribute to its professional appearance. The calendar functions can be adjusted by manually rotating the clock hands, making setup and occasional corrections straightforward.
The mechanism handles the calendar’s complexities automatically, eliminating the monthly ritual of advancing calendar displays. This balance of complex function with minimal maintenance demonstrates thoughtful design.
Maker-Friendly Construction
All parts are optimized for 3D printing without support structures, eliminating one of the most frustrating aspects of 3D printing projects. The design works within the limitations of home 3D printing technology rather than fighting against them.
Assembly follows a logical progression that respects the delicate nature of the mechanism. The instructions emphasize careful removal of blobs and debris on gears, crucial since the entire system operates on minimal torque.
The quartz movement requires modification: shortening the mounting thread with a hacksaw and shaving the hour hand shaft to create flat sides for secure gear engagement. These precise adjustments ensure reliable operation.
Multi-material printing options enable the creation of stunning, multi-colored faceplates. Using systems like Prusa MMU or Bambu Lab AMS creates a visual distinction between the face, dial, and index markings, enhancing both aesthetics and readability.
For those with single-material printers, the design accommodates filament changes during printing to achieve similar visual effects, maintaining accessibility without sacrificing appearance.
Global Design Considerations
The creator offers faceplates in Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Danish, Portuguese, German, and Ukrainian, with more languages available upon request. This global approach transforms a niche project into something with worldwide appeal.
Month abbreviations, day names, and text elements are carefully positioned and scaled to maintain visual harmony regardless of language. This attention to detail demonstrates how thoughtful design can transcend linguistic boundaries.
The multilingual support isn’t merely cosmetic – it’s fully integrated into the functional design, allowing the clock to serve as both a practical timepiece and cultural object in homes around the world.
Technical Ingenuity
The gear system requires precise assembly to ensure smooth operation. The perpetual calendar mechanism relies on specific interactions between components – a notch on the week-driven gear must align with the week hand, while a protrusion on the date rotor must position correctly relative to the date hand.
Springs provide just enough tension to advance the calendar displays at the appropriate times. Too much tension and the quartz movement lacks sufficient torque; too little and the calendar won’t advance reliably. This balance represents a core engineering challenge.
The design accommodates the limited torque available from a standard quartz movement through clever gearing and weight distribution. The main arm incorporates a steel M8 nut as a weight, utilizing gravity to assist with calendar advancement—a solution that works within physical constraints rather than requiring more powerful components.
Visual Communication Through Mechanics
The exposed mechanism does more than satisfy curiosity; it provides visual feedback on how time is tracked and measured. The interaction between gears, the positioning of the calendar indicators, and the movement of the hands all communicate function through form.
In an age of digital displays and smartwatches, this mechanical timepiece reveals the physical process of timekeeping. The skeleton design shows how simple components, arranged with precision, can track complex calendar patterns.
The visual logic extends to the interface; calendar adjustments occur through direct manipulation of the hands, rather than hidden buttons or digital menus. This transparency of function represents a design philosophy where understanding and usability merge.
A New Take on Traditional Timekeeping
This clock demonstrates how modern manufacturing techniques can breathe new life into traditional objects. The 3D-printed components achieve precision that would be difficult with conventional manufacturing at small scales, while the quartz movement provides reliability without sacrificing the mechanical calendar display.
The design strikes a balance between visibility and organization, revealing the mechanism without creating visual chaos. The careful arrangement of gears, hands, and indicators maintains readability while showcasing the engineering underneath.
For horological enthusiasts, 3D printing hobbyists, and design appreciators alike, this perpetual calendar clock offers both technical achievement and visual interest. It transforms timekeeping from a background utility to a focal point of mechanical design.
The clock exemplifies how digital fabrication can preserve and enhance traditional mechanical crafts rather than replacing them. By combining accessible manufacturing with clever mechanical design, it brings a once-exclusive complication into the realm of personal creation.
Practical Elegance
Beyond its technical achievements, the clock functions as a practical household object. The ease of wall mounting, clear readability, and automatic calendar advancement make it as functional as it is fascinating.
The design decisions prioritize both visual appeal and everyday use, from the alignment of hands to prevent parallax errors to the clean front face without visible fasteners. This attention to practical details elevates it from a mere demonstration piece to a fully realized product.
For makers looking to challenge themselves with a project that integrates mechanical engineering, aesthetics, and practical functionality, this clock provides both the process and the final result. The final product serves as both a timekeeper and a demonstration of creativity. It provides a daily reminder of how thoughtful design addresses complex problems with elegant mechanical solutions.
Bali. The name alone conjures images of verdant rice paddies, ancient temples, and a spiritual calm that feels almost mythical, perhaps even a touch overplayed in travel brochures. Yet, capturing that elusive essence in architecture, particularly for hotels, remains a profound challenge. Too often, concrete structures land like disconnected objects, disrupting the very tranquility visitors chase. It forces us to ask: how do you build in Bali, harmonizing with its spirit, rather than just building on its land?
Archigods, an Indonesian firm deeply familiar with this context, offers a compelling response. Their concept for a boutique hotel isn’t about imposing scale but fostering a gentle embrace of the landscape. Named the “Blooming Ring,” the design envisions a circular structure cradling a central oasis – a literal sanctuary within a sanctuary. It feels less like an imposing building and more like an organic landform emerging naturally from the earth, whispering integration rather than shouting arrival.
Designer: Archigods
The circular layout is pivotal – Think ancient enclosures or communal gathering spaces; the form inherently turns inward, focusing energy and attention on the lush courtyard. This central space, planned with local flora and calming water features, becomes the hotel’s vibrant, green heart. Guest rooms radiate outwards, offering privacy, yet the core experience constantly pulls you back to this shared, protected haven, fostering a subtle sense of community amidst personal retreat.
Forget predictable smooth render or ubiquitous timber cladding. Archigods proposes embedding crushed pistachio shells within the facade’s plaster. Yes, actual pistachio shells. It’s a wonderfully quirky bit of material alchemy, turning food waste into architectural texture. Imagine the subtle, variegated surface catching the tropical light – tactile, unexpected, and deeply earthy, a far cry from sterile perfection.
This textural innovation sits alongside locally sourced bamboo and timber, materials intrinsically linked to Balinese building traditions. The pistachio shell facade provides a fascinating counterpoint – familiar natural materials meet clever, sustainable upcycling. It’s a statement about resourcefulness, minimizing environmental impact, and creating a building that truly feels rooted, right down to its unique, shell-flecked skin telling a quiet story of reuse.
The design intent clearly targets wellness and sensory rejuvenation. Movement through the space would likely follow the ring’s gentle curve, revealing constant glimpses of the central garden, reinforcing that connection to nature. Natural light is choreographed to flood interiors, while views are carefully framed towards tranquility. The material palette – those intriguing shells, the warm wood, cool stone – aims to create a tactile journey, contributing to a sense of grounded calm.
This project aligns beautifully with the principles of biophilic design, striving to weave nature seamlessly into the built environment. The Blooming Ring feels like a mature, sensitive application, specifically tuned to the Balinese context. It sidesteps flashy architectural gymnastics, prioritizing experiential richness derived from its embracing form, its careful manipulation of light, and that standout sustainable material choice.
Although conceptual, Archigods’ Blooming Ring presents a potent vision for hospitality design in places demanding deep respect for nature and culture. It champions architecture that doesn’t merely occupy space but actively collaborates with the landscape, using innovative, sustainable materials to enhance the restorative escape Bali promises.
The only company better than Google at leaking their own phone designs seems to be Carl Pei’s Nothing. After weeks of constant teasing different details of the Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro’s design, they’re back with their latest device from the company’s budget wing, CMF. The CMF Phone 2 is slated to launch on the 28th of this month, but Nothing decided to lift the veil on its design a week in advance, getting its Asia-focused market excited well in time to line up to buy the device. The CMF Phone 2 Pro (yes, the budget line has a Pro variant too) was officially revealed in a video on Twitter (do we still have to call it X?), showcasing two beautiful colorways – white and that eye-catching orange.
The design is a masterclass in iterative evolution. The overall flavor of the phone remains the same, with the plastic body, the customizable backplate, and the knob on the bottom right corner of the back. However, the camera layout gets a revamp, going from a capsule-shaped build to two individual metal rings and one capsule beside them. This confirms all past sources, bringing the camera count of this budget-beast to 3 lenses. Eggs might be expensive, but camera lenses apparently are a dime a dozen!
Designer: CMF by Nothing
While the camera layout hasn’t been particularly new information (we learnt about it more than a month ago), the new design reveals an interesting backplate upgrade. While last year’s model had a single-color backplate, punctuated by the camera layout and the knob at the bottom, the Phone 2 Pro’s design comes with a dual-tone finish. The orange and white variants both showcase an interplay between matte and metallic finishes on the backplate, giving the phone’s blockish form an exciting visual break. As an industrial designer, I absolutely love it – it’s exciting without looking gaudy (like some budget phones and their atrocious holographic shimmering backs). The design is subtle and sophisticated – something that still lets you set yourself apart as design-conscious even in the budget-phone category.
CMF confirmed earlier that the Phone 2 Pro will be powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 Pro, a modest upgrade over the previous 7300. It’s a 6nm SoC built for efficiency and mid-range performance. It’s not flagship power, but it has enough punch to keep up with demanding games and multitasking, and that silky 120Hz display refresh rate CMF teased for battle royale enthusiasts. That detail alone places this phone squarely in the gamer-on-a-budget lane.
The triple camera setup features a 50MP wide sensor, another 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide for those expansive cityscapes and group shots. Early samples teased with the tagline “Built for light, depth and detail” suggest a sensor configuration that leans hard into contrast and sharpness. If the software pipeline holds up, this could be one of the few affordable phones where the telephoto isn’t an afterthought.
One element CMF hasn’t confirmed is whether that dual-tone design will extend to additional colors at launch. If orange and white are just the start, this might be a new wave of expressive hardware. CMF is pushing aesthetic diversity with functional depth—think Playdate meets Android. It feels like the next step for Nothing’s design-forward philosophy: take the playful transparency of the original Nothing Phone and evolve it into modular expressionism.
If you run a few miles every morning, play football regularly, or spend occasional time on the track, you know the importance of a recovery footwear. It allows the body to recuperate, providing relief to the feet, ankles, and knees. While most of the available shoes/slides meant for recovery cost under a $100, they are well within the range we can afford. It is not the case with the new Nike x Hyperice Hyperboot. It costs a staggering $899, and is therefore only something serious athletes would put their money on.
Nike and Hyperice both obsess about the athletes. They create and innovative, putting an athlete at the center of the idea. Such is the case with Hyperboot, which reimagines what a recovery shoe can be and how it can better assist an athlete in warm-up and recovery. It is a silhouette that uses heat and compression in tandem to help with the foot recovery. And since it’s from Nike, rest assured it is made from premium footwear materials, which should together with the imbibed tech, justify the tag.
For every athlete competing at the world stage – or even for the other competitive performers – recovery is most important to get their bodies ready for the next day. It is also equally imperative for them to warm-up the body, especially the feet and legs, to avoid injuries and perform better. This is what Nike x Hyperice intends to provide with the Hyperboot: A shoe that combines Nike’s footwear experience with the Hyperice expertise in recovery technologies.
The Hyperboot is built ground up for a purpose. Therefore, performance was never a question with this silhouette. The idea was always focused on helping the wearer recover, for which Hyperice had to stick within the Nike shoe design and integrate recovery tech into it, without changing the elegance of the shoe. So, for the interplay of design and functionality, the Hyperboot uses dynamic air compression to provide, recovery essentials, heat, and compression around the Achilles and the heel area of the wearer. Using the air compression, the shoe is able to drive heat deeper into body, which can better assist with the warm-up and recovery process of an athlete.
With the better mobility in the joint and deeper penetration of heat into the tissues, the Hypeboot can create a wonderful recuperating experience, which not only helps around the foot but also allows the heat to travel up to the calf and the leg for more relief and comfort. Athletes can customize compression intensity and temperature modules to their preference pre- and post-workout using the Hyperice App. Interestingly, the Hyperboot is not only about recovery, its midsole and outsole are designed to increase toe spring and add the heel spring, which makes it feel lighter when worn. For further stability and comfort, the shoe is high ankle, has an engineered mesh upper for breathability, and features removable insoles. Releasing May 17, 2025, this recovery silhouette for serious athletes will set you back $899.
In the fast-paced urban environment, maintaining a polished appearance while balancing a hectic lifestyle is crucial for the modern gentleman. Personal care is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling confident and ready to take on the world. We have curated a collection of the 10 essential personal care products that every urban man should have in his grooming arsenal. Each product is carefully selected to ensure precision, quality, and sophistication in your daily routine.
Each of these products offers unique benefits that cater to the needs of the modern urban gentleman. From precision grooming tools to innovative scent solutions, these essentials ensure you always look, feel, and present your best in any situation. Dive in, and pick the ones that perfectly suit your modern grooming requirements.
1. Paper Razor
Introducing the Paper Razor, a unique single-use razor that boasts an innovative all-paper body topped with a metal blade head. Its key feature is a flat-packed design that allows the razor to be easily unfolded and assembled in seconds. By simply folding in the sides, it transforms into a sturdy and ergonomic razor with a grippy handle, ready for use. Especially for the urban man on the go, this paper razor is a versatile solution for their grooming kit.
The Paper Razor’s origami-inspired design offers the same strength and maneuverability as a traditional plastic razor, while significantly reducing plastic usage by up to 98%. This environmentally friendly design makes it ideal for easy flat-packing and shipping, allowing it to be used efficiently before being disposed of responsibly.
What we like
The handle is designed to withstand water temperatures of up to 104°F (40°C), enabling you to shave comfortably with lukewarm water.
It presents an eco-conscious alternative to traditional disposable all-plastic razors, aligning with sustainable living practices.
What we dislike
Being a single-use razor, it is not intended for multiple uses, which may not appeal to those looking for a longer-lasting shaving solution.
2. Auger PrecisionCurve Scissors
True grooming is an art that requires precision and attention to detail. The Auger PrecisionCurve Scissors are designed for those who value exacting standards in their grooming routine. With ultra-thin curved blades, these scissors offer razor-sharp refinement for sculpting beard lines and defining brows with surgical accuracy.
Developed by Kai Corporation, a leader in Japanese blade-making since 1908, these scissors embody the perfect synergy of craftsmanship and modern engineering. They are compact, lightweight, and equipped with a protective cap, making them ideal for both at-home and on-the-go grooming. The sleek and stylish scissors are a perfect fit for the modern man!
The curved blades allow for targeted accuracy, ensuring clean, controlled trimming without stray hairs.
Made from titanium-coated stainless steel, these scissors maintain sharpness and resist corrosion over time.
What we dislike
Primarily designed for detailed trimming, they may not be suitable for cutting larger sections of hair.
The high-quality materials and craftsmanship might come at a higher cost compared to standard scissors.
3. AromaCraft Clothes Brush
Transform your wardrobe care routine with the AromaCraft Clothes Brush – a luxurious tool that combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern aromatic enhancement. Handcrafted by the Miyakawa Hake Brush Workshop, this brush is designed to clean and refresh fabrics while infusing them with a customizable fragrance. The use of boar bristles and a walnut wood handle speaks to the dedication to quality and detail, offering a tactile and sensory garment care experience.
Each brushstroke removes dust and pollen, and also imparts a subtle scent, elevating the simple task of clothing maintenance into a ritual of relaxation and renewal. The AromaCraft Clothes Brush is perfect for the discerning gentleman who appreciates the finer things in life and seeks to maintain his wardrobe in pristine condition.
Made from natural materials and features a biodegradable washi paper insert.
Allows personalization with your favorite essential oils for a unique scent.
What we dislike
Primarily used for clothing, so it may not serve broader grooming purposes.
Additional purchase of oils is necessary for fragrance customization.
4. Auger PrecisionFlex Razor (+6 Blade Refills)
Shaving is more than just a daily routine – it’s a ritual of self-mastery and refinement. The Auger PrecisionFlex Razor is designed to elevate this ritual, offering effortless control and sharp definition for a clean-shaven look or a sculpted beard line. Featuring an advanced 5-blade system, a 3D pivoting head, and a world-first 30° adjustable head, this razor adapts to every contour with unparalleled flexibility.
This razor embodies the essence of masculine refinement through its precision engineering and minimalist sophistication. It ensures every stroke is executed with quiet confidence and precision. It’s an essential tool for the modern man who values both performance and elegance in his grooming routine.
The adjustable head and pivoting mechanism provide a tailored shaving experience.
The sculpted handle ensures a secure grip and comfortable use.
What we dislike
Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain blade hygiene and performance.
The advanced features and technology might be priced above standard razors.
5. 3-in-1 Luminous Mirror Diffuser
Elevate your personal space and daily rituals with the 3-in-1 Luminous Mirror Diffuser, a cutting-edge product that seamlessly integrates customizable lighting, a precision mirror, and soothing aroma diffusion. This multifunctional device is designed for the modern man who values both style and functionality in his personal care environment.
Offering shadow-free illumination, a 360° rotatable mirror, and a gentle aroma diffuser, it transforms ordinary routines into elevated experiences. The sleek design complements any modern interior, making it a versatile addition to your home or office. The Luminous Mirror Diffuser is perfect for creating a calming and inviting atmosphere, enhancing both your grooming practices and everyday living.
Combines lighting, reflection, and aroma diffusion for a comprehensive experience.
Offers various color temperatures and brightness levels to suit any mood or task.
What we dislike
May require some setup and adjustment to utilize all features effectively.
While lightweight, its size might limit portability compared to more compact grooming tools.
6. Auger PrecisionGrip Tweezers
Attention to detail is crucial in achieving a well-groomed look, and the Auger PrecisionGrip Tweezers are designed to provide that exact level of precision. These tweezers offer a flawless grip and seamless control, making them essential for any grooming routine focused on perfection. Whether you’re shaping brows or removing the finest stray hairs, the Auger PrecisionGrip Tweezers ensure impeccable execution with every pluck.
Developed by Kai Corporation, these tweezers combine surgical sharpness with an ergonomic grip, offering a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering. The sleek, all-black aesthetic reflects a minimalist approach to grooming, emphasizing the importance of subtlety and refinement. The Auger PrecisionGrip Tweezers are a must-have for the urban gentleman who desires precision and durability in his personal care tools.
The ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue and provides absolute control during grooming.
The titanium finish ensures durability and resistance to wear and tear.
What we dislike
While excellent for precision tasks, they may not be suitable for broader grooming needs.
Despite their compact size, the need for careful storage with the protective cap might be a minor inconvenience.
7. Legacy Precision Nail File
Experience the timeless art of nail care with the Legacy Precision Nail File from Yoshida Yasuri, a product that embodies the rich heritage of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Celebrating its 120-year legacy, this nail file is crafted from stainless steel using Edo-period metalworking techniques, offering unmatched precision and durability.
Its intricate three-stage sharpening process ensures a fine, long-lasting edge that transforms the health and appearance of your nails with just a few minutes of care. Rust-resistant and washable, this nail file is designed to provide gentle yet effective maintenance, preserving the natural structure of your nails.
Crafted from stainless steel, it resists wear and maintains performance over time.
The intricate sharpening process ensures precise and gentle nail care.
What we dislike
Designed specifically for nail care, it may not be versatile for other grooming needs.
Unlike electric files, it requires manual filing, which might not suit everyone.
8. Aroma Fragrance Pin
Add a touch of elegance to your everyday attire with the Aroma Fragrance Pin – a discreet accessory that allows you to carry your favorite scent wherever you go. Crafted from aluminum and designed to resemble stylish buttons, these pins contain small pieces of cotton infused with essential oils, offering a continuous, refreshing aroma throughout the day.
Whether pinned to your clothes or accessories, the Aroma Fragrance Pin seamlessly blends with any outfit, making it a versatile addition to your style. This pin is perfect for the urban gentleman who desires a subtle yet effective way to incorporate fragrance into his daily routine, enhancing his presence with a calming and refreshing scent.
Blends seamlessly with clothing and accessories, offering a subtle fragrance option.
Allows you to carry your favorite scent wherever you go with ease.
What we dislike
The scent may need regular reapplication to maintain its intensity.
Requires the purchase of essential oils for use.
9. Rotating Nail Clipper
Revolutionize the way you clip your nails with the Rotating Nail Clipper, a tool designed to eliminate wrist strain and awkward angles. Made from high-carbon stainless steel and anodized aluminum alloy, this clipper features a rotating blade that adjusts to any angle, making nail clipping easy and stress-free.
Available in maroon and silver, it combines functionality with style, ensuring that maintaining well-groomed nails is a breeze. Whether you’re clipping your nails or assisting someone else, this innovative clipper offers convenience and precision, making it a must-have for any grooming kit. The Rotating Nail Clipper is ideal for the modern man who values both efficiency and comfort in his personal care tools.
The rotating blade offers flexibility and ease of use, reducing wrist strain.
Constructed from high-quality materials for long-lasting performance.
What we dislike
Primarily designed for nail clipping, it may not cater to other grooming tasks.
New users might need time to adjust to the rotating mechanism.
10. niostem
The niostem smart hair loss wearable is an innovative device designed to address hair loss and promote hair regrowth within 6 months. According to the company, the effectiveness of this wearable was demonstrated in a human trial over six months, where it was shown to increase hair density by an average of 19.3% and hair thickness by 9.1%.
Beyond merely preventing further hair loss, the niostem device is engineered to reactivate dormant stem cells, thereby encouraging the natural hair growth cycle to resume. It is quite incredible because it initiates your hair’s natural growth process and actively contributes to regrowing hair. It employs advanced stem cell reactivation technology, which not only stimulates hair growth but also adapts to your skin’s specific needs, offering a personalized treatment approach.
What we like
The device is user-friendly and designed to comfortably fit over your entire scalp, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
It operates without disrupting your hormonal balance and is free from negative side effects, providing a safe option for most users.
What we dislike
Despite the absence of negative side effects, being a wearable device means it should be used with caution, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
I swear there’s probably a secret society of EDC makers who are constantly challenging each other to make the gosh darn tiniest EDC possible. It’s relentless, and every single week or month I see a new EDC that’s smaller yet somehow just as capable as its predecessor. Meet the Wolf Fang 2.0, a pint-sized EDC barely over 2 inches long. Designed to look quite like the fang of a cyberpunk animal, it serves as possibly the tiniest pencil ever made. Equipped with an eternal pen tip, the Wolf Fang 2.0 can write for decades, and when you’re not using it to draw, it also works as a pry tool, a box opener, and even a bit driver, thanks to the fact that the fang’s hollow design can store precisely one hex bit.
Somewhere between a survivalist’s toolbox and a designer’s desk toy lies the Wolf Fang 2.0. At just 2.17 inches long and weighing a featherlight 0.49 ounces, it’s shockingly easy to underestimate. But underestimate it once, and you’ll be borrowing one from the guy who saw the Kickstarter page before you did.
This thing is tiny, but it’s built like a tank. Machined from aerospace-grade titanium, it trades bulk for resilience, holding its own in a world of cheaper, G10-and-steel wannabes. Titanium isn’t just overkill here—it’s the secret sauce that allows the Wolf Fang 2.0 to stay so minuscule without sacrificing an ounce of durability. You can toss it onto concrete, wear it on a hike through rain or sand, let it rattle around on your keychain, or even drive your car over it. It’ll come back looking like it just left the CNC mill.
The fang shape lends this EDC perfectly to writing. Sure, it feels like a bit of a pencil stub, but unlike a pencil stub that’s usually at the end of its journey, the Wolf Fang 2.0 can write for literal miles. Instead of traditional ink, it uses a specially alloyed metal tip that oxidizes on contact with paper, leaving a dark, legible mark—no smudges, no refills, no drying out. The tip is replaceable, but you likely won’t need to anytime soon. This pen doesn’t leak, run out, or fade, and it works in conditions where standard pens give up—cold, heat, or even zero gravity if you ever find yourself in orbit.
But the writing end is only one-third of the story. Unscrew the back and inside you’ll find a hidden magnetic bit driver. Paired with internal bit storage that cleverly nests a 1/6-inch hex bit, it turns the pendant into a quick-fix machine. Whether you’re tightening screws on your EDC knife or opening up a stubborn battery compartment, the Wolf Fang 2.0 is ready. Heck, you can even use the bits (or the pen tip) to open boxes, and for especially stubborn paint lids, the reverse end of the Wolf Fang 2.0 serves as a makeshift pry bar. Every inch of space on the Wolf Fang’s body is utilized to a fault, leaving no real estate bare. Excess material is removed, resulting in cutouts on three sides of the fang’s cylindrical body, and if you thought the designers would just leave it at that, it’s where the EDC’s tritium vials shine through, making it visible and accessible at night.
The tritium slots are where the Wolf Fang 2.0 really flirts with jewelry status. Designed to house three 2mm x 16mm glow tubes, it emits a low, perpetual glow that feels part tactical, part cyberpunk. When worn as a necklace, it’s both a statement and a beacon—visible in the dark, impossible to ignore. There’s an energy to it, like carrying a little bit of future tech around your neck. Most people wear metal dog tags or animal fangs around their necks – this, in its own unique way, is a fusion of both!
The Wolf Fang 2.0 is an ideal EDC for anyone with a creative streak. Instead of tucking a pencil behind your ear, the fang is perfect to have on your person, either as an edgy pendant, as a keychain essential, or even as a zipper pull. Use it when you need it, forget about it when you don’t, the Wolf Fang 2.0 challenges the notion of how much it can achieve with its hyper-compact design. Replacing over a 100 pencils while also simultaneously vowing to last a lifetime, the Wolf Fang starts at a cool $32 and ships globally starting June 2025.
Usually, I never give a drinking water bottle a second glance. Water costs hardly anything, and it’s such a utility/necessity that elevating it to a design icon level is something only luxury brands like Evian or Dasani attempt at doing. That basically means the remaining 90% of brands have the most boring water bottle designs on the planet, made to be used and thrown – but the Sprinkle bottle doesn’t look at packaging that way.
Designed to capture the journey of their water, Sprinkle’s bottles come in 3 design formats – one in glacial form, one in an intermediary stage, and one as glacial water that usually then gets bottled at source. The bottle comes sans label, allowing this beautiful distinction to stand out, while its overall motto remains to be a brand that doesn’t dwell in excess. The lack of a label reinforces Sprinkle’s overall “REDESIGN TO REDUCE” mindset.
Designer: Prompt Design for M.WATER COMPANY LTD.
The Sprinkle bottle evokes a sense of purity, with its crystal-like design. It’s entirely clear, with the bottle looking almost like an ice sculpture itself. There’s no label, no graphic, not even an interplay of matte and gloss surfaces. It’s all monolithic and shimmery, which really allows the 3-part design to shine through.
The bottle displays the water’s journey from source to sip. It starts with a block of arctic ice, which slowly melts into glacial form, finally becoming the spring water we associate with freshness and purity. The journey of ice to water is also a cautionary tale of sorts, showing climate change through design. The bottle’s design journey shows the loss of ice caps, and sure, while we’re left with a lot of drinking water as a result, there’s still a sense of unstoppable change and of loss that’s difficult to shake.
The bottle was designed by the folks at Prompt Design, who had to work with a unique set of challenges. Apart from needing to create a bottle that was impactful and memorable enough to stand out on a grocery shelf or refrigerator, they also had to work around the label bit, finding unique places to list important information. To that end, the company devised a way to print the barcodes on top of the bottle cap, keeping the entire bottle itself looking incredibly pristine.
Cake Architecture, a London-based studio, has finished a communal wellness center in Canary Wharf, featuring a sauna that accommodates 65 people and a lounge with an amphitheater design, intended to capture the vibrant energy of a nightclub. Called Arc, this wellness center focuses on contrast therapy, which involves alternating between hot and cold environments to stimulate the body’s natural stress and relaxation mechanisms.
Cake Architecture created this space for White Rabbit Projects, a hospitality specialist seeking to position Arc as a unique alternative to traditional nightlife culture. The client’s brief specified certain functional needs, including various room types, equipment, and capacity requirements. The interior was also designed to offer a sense of rhythm as guests move through the different areas.
Cake Architecture crafted the space for hospitality expert White Rabbit Projects, aiming for a design that embodies Arc’s identity as a distinct alternative to traditional nightlife. The client’s brief specified particular functional needs, including room types, equipment, and capacity. The interior was also designed to offer a seamless flow, creating a rhythmic experience as guests move through the various areas.
“We aimed to create a space that facilitates communal transcendence – an environment that offers a step away from daily life,” said the creative director Hugh Scott Moncrieff. “The challenge was finding a design language that bridged the clean, health-focussed world of wellness and fitness while echoing the hedonistic energy found in dance floors and nightclubs.”
The project drew inspiration from both ancient and modern history, referencing the Roman Baths of Caracalla and the creations of architects and designers like Andrea Branzi, Archizoom, and Shiro Kuramata. The design seeks to explore contrasts such as hot versus cold, open versus closed, and natural versus artificial. Each area boasts its distinct character, while a cohesive material palette unifies the overall scheme.
“The materials contribute to a grounded, tactile experience, connecting guests to nature in a subconscious way,” said Scott Moncrieff. “Metal, wood, and clay work together to evoke a sense of ritual and timelessness, helping to define each space’s mood through their inherent properties – texture, finish, and color.”
The guest experience centers around four primary areas – a communal changing space, a circular lounge, a plunge room with eight semi-sunken two-person ice baths, and the largest sauna in the UK, accommodating 65 people. Across these spaces, materials such as red terracotta and deep-blue dreadnought quarry tiles are used on vanity units, tiered seating, sauna hearths, and ice baths to reinforce a sense of consistency throughout.
Wood was incorporated to provide a warm contrast to the tiles, utilizing various types of timber for fixtures like custom lighting, changing room vanities, sauna interiors, and a circular plunge bench. The lounge area was conceived as a communal space for guests to connect and rehydrate with water or herbal teas. It features circular tiered seating arranged around a monolithic table crafted from a cedar slab by sculptor Simon Gaiger.
The evolution of foldable devices has primarily followed predictable paths – either compact clamshells or book-style tablets. Huawei’s Pura X introduces a refreshingly different design philosophy that questions fundamental assumptions about how we interact with our devices. This wide-format foldable explores new territory through thoughtful proportions, tactile materials, and visual harmony.
Designer: Huawei
At first glance, the Pura X’s physical presence communicates intentional design decisions. The unfolded dimensions of 143.2 x 91.7 x 7.15mm create a canvas that’s deliberately wider than tall, breaking from the elongated rectangular forms dominating today’s market. This 16:10 aspect ratio isn’t arbitrary – it reflects careful consideration of how humans consume content, from reading to video viewing to productivity tasks.
Folded, the device transforms into a nearly square 91.7 x 74.3 x 15.1mm form that sits naturally in hand. This geometric transition showcases Huawei’s industrial design expertise. The Xuanwu teardrop hinge mechanism utilizes space-grade materials rated at 1900 MPa, allowing for fluid movement while maintaining structural integrity. The hinge’s engineering permits a nearly gapless closure while accommodating the flexible display technology within.
The weight distribution deserves particular attention. At 193.7 grams for the eco-leather version (195.9 grams for glass), the Pura X achieves remarkable lightness without sacrificing durability. This weight places it firmly in the ultralight category for foldable – an impressive achievement considering the complex internal components and battery capacity.
Material Narrative
The Pura X’s material choices tell a sophisticated design story through five distinct finishes. Pattern Red and Pattern Green showcase textured eco-leather with extraordinarily precise 0.05mm embossing. This micro-texture creates a subtle tactile experience that rewards touch while providing practical grip benefits. The leather variants speak to users who value organic warmth and patina development over time.
For those drawn to contemporary minimalism, Moon Shadow Gray, Zero White, and Fantasy Night Black employ transparent glass with different reflective qualities. Each color interacts uniquely with light, creating visual depth that changes throughout the day. The glass variants feature nano-etched textures that reduce fingerprints while maintaining the material’s inherent luster.
These material choices reflect Huawei’s understanding that smartphones exist as both technological tools and personal accessories. The color palette avoids trendy shades in favor of timeless options that integrate seamlessly into various lifestyles and environments.
Display Architecture
The Pura X’s display design represents perhaps its most significant contribution to foldable evolution. The 6.3-inch inner flexible OLED screen with 2120 x 1320 pixel resolution (~396 ppi) and approximately 87.5% screen-to-body ratio creates an expansive visual canvas with balanced proportions.
This LTPO2 OLED panel supports 1 billion colors with P3 wide color gamut coverage, ensuring color accuracy for creative professionals. The 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate technology intelligently adjusts based on content requirements, preserving battery life during static content viewing while delivering fluid animations when needed.
The 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming represents a thoughtful inclusion for user wellbeing, reducing eye strain during extended use sessions. The 2,500 nits peak brightness ensures visibility in challenging lighting conditions, from direct sunlight to dimly lit environments.
The external 3.5-inch square OLED display (980 x 980 pixels) deserves equal recognition for its considered design. The perfect 1:1 aspect ratio creates visual harmony in the folded state. This display shares many technical specifications with the main screen – adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, 2500 nits peak brightness, and HDR Vivid support – ensuring a consistent visual experience regardless of which screen is in use.
Functional Aesthetics
The Pura X’s camera array demonstrates how technical requirements can inform distinctive visual design. The horizontal arrangement of four lenses creates a recognizable profile while maintaining clean geometric alignment with the device’s edges. This quad-camera system includes:
50MP main camera with f/1.6 aperture, RYYB sensor, and optical stabilization
40MP ultra-wide with f/2.2 aperture, RYYB sensor, and macro capabilities
8MP telephoto with f/2.4 aperture, OIS, and 3.5x optical zoom
A dedicated 1.5MP multi-spectral color sensor
The camera housing rises from the rear surface with gentle contouring rather than abrupt edges, creating natural light transitions across the back panel. This treatment reduces the visual weight of the necessary protrusion while maintaining the device’s overall design language.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrates seamlessly into the frame, positioned for natural thumb placement. This location allows for consistent access whether the device is folded or unfolded – a thoughtful ergonomic detail that demonstrates consideration for real-world usage patterns.
Interior Engineering
The Pura X’s internal architecture reveals equally meticulous design thinking. The 4,720mAh dual-cell battery configuration distributes power sources to maintain balanced weight distribution and optimal thermal management. This arrangement supports 66W wired fast charging, 40W wireless fast charging, and bidirectional charging capabilities (7.5W wireless, 5W wired) without compromising the device’s slim profile.
Thermal engineering showcases sophisticated three-dimensional thinking. A graphite plate with 2,000 W/m·K thermal conductivity efficiently dissipates heat across the device’s internal volume. This system maintains comfortable external temperatures even during processor-intensive tasks while protecting battery longevity through consistent thermal regulation.
The internal component layout accommodates comprehensive connectivity options without compromising structural integrity. Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB Type-C 3.1 with DisplayPort capabilities, and an infrared port all find homes within the compact chassis. The Collector’s Edition models even incorporate satellite communication hardware – a significant engineering achievement given the space constraints.
Accessories as Design Extensions
Huawei extends the Pura X’s design language through three purpose-built accessories. The three-dimensional hand-held protective case adds practical functionality while maintaining the device’s visual identity. The geometric plain leather protective case introduces additional textural elements that complement the phone’s materials. The ultra-thin plain leather protective case prioritizes minimal bulk while providing essential protection.
Each accessory has been developed as a thoughtful extension of the core product rather than an afterthought, sharing material qualities and design language with the Pura X itself.
Design in Service of Experience
Pura X’s design philosophy ultimately enhances the user experience in meaningful ways. The wide-format display creates natural reading environments with comfortable text columns. Video content benefits from cinematic framing that reduces letterboxing. Productivity applications gain usable screen real estate for complex tasks.
The external display transforms quick interactions through its square proportions, providing sufficient space for meaningful engagement without requiring the device to be opened. This thoughtful approach to dual-screen design reduces unnecessary wear on the folding mechanism while streamlining common tasks.
HarmonyOS 5.0.1’s visual design complements the hardware through consistent geometric principles and spatial relationships. The Xiaoyi voice assistant’s breathing visual effects demonstrate attention to animation as a design element. The system’s AI capabilities, including eye movement page turning and intelligent content caching, show how software and hardware design can work in harmony to create cohesive experiences.
The Pura X represents a significant design achievement in the foldable category through its willingness to question established norms. By exploring alternative proportions, materials, and interaction models, Huawei has created a device that offers genuinely new possibilities for how we might engage with mobile technology. Whether this design direction resonates broadly with consumers remains to be seen, but the thoughtful execution and clear vision deserve recognition from the design community.
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a piece of New York City’s rich architectural history in your home, furniture maker Richard Haining has found a way to make that dream a reality. His latest creation, a stunning chandelier crafted from decommissioned NYC water towers, transforms salvaged California Redwood into a breathtaking, organic masterpiece. More than just a lighting fixture, this one-of-a-kind piece infuses any space with the warmth and character of an exotic tree, making it a focal point in any interior.
Sourcing high-quality wood in a city like New York may seem like a daunting challenge, but Haining has made a name for himself by embracing the abundance of discarded materials found throughout the metropolis. Instead of relying on traditional hardwood suppliers, he meticulously collects offcuts from woodshops, as well as old-growth lumber salvaged from pre-war buildings. This innovative approach has become the foundation of his signature STACKED Collection, turning what would otherwise be waste into stunning, functional art.
Haining’s ability to reclaim and repurpose these materials is a testament to his commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. By utilizing salvaged California Redwood from decommissioned water towers, he not only preserves a piece of NYC’s architectural history but also reduces the environmental impact of sourcing new materials. This dedication to responsible design ensures that his pieces carry both artistic and ecological significance.
The chandelier itself measures an impressive 36 inches in diameter, with ten fully dimmable LED bulbs that enhance its warm, inviting glow. The design showcases Haining’s meticulous attention to detail, as each wooden segment is carefully arranged to highlight the natural grain and texture of the redwood. The rich, warm tones of the wood contrast beautifully with the soft illumination, creating an ambiance that is both sophisticated and organic.
Each segment of wood tells a story, bearing the marks of time and weather, repurposed into a work of art that elevates any space. These remnants of NYC’s past, once part of towering water tanks dotting the city skyline, now find new life in an elegant and functional form. The chandelier serves as a reminder of the city’s history while providing a modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly into contemporary interiors.
Unlike mass-produced lighting fixtures, this chandelier is a singular creation, ensuring that no two pieces will ever be the same. The uniqueness of the wood, combined with Haining’s expert craftsmanship, makes it a truly bespoke addition to any interior. Though its price remains undisclosed, its rarity and artisanal quality make it a prized collector’s item for those who appreciate exclusive, handcrafted designs.
Haining’s work demonstrates that sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive. By giving new life to discarded materials, he not only preserves the beauty of NYC’s architectural heritage but also redefines what it means to create timeless, environmentally responsible design. His chandelier stands as a beacon of artistry, sustainability, and history, offering a statement piece that embodies the essence of New York’s past and the promise of a greener future.
People who are deaf or cannot speak, or both – have long been aided by the American Sign Language (ASL) in communicating with people. Although the accuracy of the communication solely depends on the understanding of people on both ends, that can be a problem if one or more conversants are not that fluent in ASL. Researchers at Cornell University have recognized this problem and want to leverage the goodness of wearable technologies to make it smoother for people who are differently abled to communicate with the world as they intend to.
The experts at the university have employed the smart ring platform to develop a wearable that tracks the American Sign Language gestures of the wearer to accurately transcribe them into understandable text or audio to a computer or a smartphone. They call it the SpellRing, and it can be worn on the thumb to get the desired input for the translated data. The wearable comes with embedded sensors including a mini-gyroscope to measure the angular data from hand movement. The on-board speakers and mic detect the inaudible sound waves from the movement. All these components are housed inside a 3D-printed housing that’s no more than the size of a quarter.
The smart AI ring can detect all 26 letters in the English language with micro-sonar technology to precisely track the fingerspelling of the wearer. For more accuracy sonar images are also fed into the system. The data that is received from all the sensors and hardware is then processed by a deep-learning algorithm. All of this is done in a split second time to predict the ASL fingerspelled by the wearer. To make possible an in-depth and unbiased view of the wearable for further development, the researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Stony Brook University, along with the researchers from Cornell University have tested the wearable thoroughly.
In the conducted tests, 20 amateur and experienced ASL signers were asked to spell more than 20,000 words to see the accuracy of the AI-assisted wearable ring. The 3D-printed wearable passed with a combined accuracy of around 90 percent with both signed words, as well as, sentences. It was even tested to perform actions such as web search, map navigation, or typing in notes with the input. According to Hyunchul Lim, lead author of SpellRing’s papered documentation, “ASL is a very complicated, complex visual language,” and the focus is right now on tuning the algorithm to make the AI ring understand words and phrases with maximum accuracy.
The SpellRing is currently in the prototype stage and there is no word on the availability of the ring yet. The team is confident that even in the current stage, ASL fingertyping will be significantly faster than typing on your smartphone’s keyboard. Researchers want this ring to be a tool for fast and accessible text entry with a niche set of benefits targeted toward a set of users. The prospects of this AI ring graduating to the wearable market are very high since it costs just $30 to make the current prototype AI ring. When it will be mass produced that cost can be further trimmed down.
Forget the Apple Watch as you know it. New patents discovered at the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) show that Apple’s looking to incorporate foldable tech into its smartwatch series. If these patents are foreshadowing the future, we could be looking at a dual-screen Apple watch that basically feels like a tiny flip phone on your wrist. That isn’t all, the patent also looks to factor cameras into the wearable, giving you a tiny yet capable FaceTime device that lets you take video calls directly from your wrist.
The patent, filed by Apple Design Lead Vladimir Krneta, details a potential watch with ‘movable’ screens. While this doesn’t immediately imply a flip-phone-style clamshell smartwatch, Apple’s patent document showcases drawings of one, leading to speculation that maybe that’s the format Apple’s gravitating towards. The rest of the images in this article are visualizations based on the patent documents, created using AI. Although Apple has no immediate plans of launching a folding watch, the fact that they’ve filed the patent means that the R&D branch is working on a potential use-case of a foldable wearable for your wrist… with included cameras that turns the watch into something vastly more useful than a mere health wearable. But will it run Apple Intelligence???
Designer: Apple
Conceptual Visualization
Image Credits: Apple via United States Patent and Trademark Office
“A user may want the display to be extended when using certain applications, making phone/ video calls, playing games, browsing the web, etc,” the patent describes. “On the other hand, the user may want the display to be folded for convenience and portability, such as when the user is going about their day-to-day activities, outdoor activities, etc.”
Conceptual Visualization
The patent goes on to highlight other features, potentially turning the ‘health wearable’ into a practical extension of your phone. “For example, the wearable electronic device of the present disclosure can provide intuitive access and enhanced usability of features for convenient video calling, camera usage, web browsing, messaging, and interfacing social media.”
This description is supplemented by the proposed inclusion of multiple cameras – something Apple (and even other makers) have notably left out of their smartwatches. The patent hints at possibly two cameras (like in a phone), one for external capture as well as a wearer-facing camera for video calls.
Conceptual Visualization
It’s worth noting that this patent was filed in 2023 and discovered only recently by news outlets combing through the millions of patents at the USPTO. What Apple is doing with the Watch is not too different from what they did with the iPhone, i.e., replace a larger device. The iPhone was supposed to be a powerful laptop that fits in your hand, and now, Apple is scaling it down further, turning the Watch into an iPhone that fits on your wrist.
However, it’s best to take these patents with a massive grain of salt because Apple files hundreds of patents each year, hardly 1% of which actually translate to real products. If the foldable watch does become a reality, it wouldn’t be the first wrist-worn foldable device. A long time ago, Motorola teased a bendable phone that was flexible enough to fit around your wrist like a chunky bracelet. Sony’s even teased smartwatches with e-ink straps that change in color. Although both these are examples of products that never became mainstream, Apple tends to play the long game very well, waiting for the right time to launch the right, polished product. Until then, we apparently have a folding iPhone on the horizon!
Female designers remain dramatically underrepresented in industrial design. The numbers tell a sobering story that cuts across continents and specialties. A mere 5% of product and industrial designers in the UK identify as women. The United States fares marginally better at 19%. Australia reports just 11% of Creative Directors in graphic design are women—statistics that highlight a persistent imbalance.
King Living is a notable example of an Australian furniture company working to address this industry-wide pattern. The company has cultivated a team where several female designers lead significant projects and shape the brand’s direction, though, like most furniture manufacturers, it likely still has progress to make toward full gender parity.
Their work represents a shift in thinking about furniture. These designers prioritize adaptability, inclusivity, and longevity in ways that traditional approaches often overlook. The result? Pieces that respond to human diversity rather than forcing users to adapt to standardized forms.
Meet the Designers
Alinta Lim is a Senior Designer at King Living. Her award-winning creation, the Issho dining table, has become one of the brand’s most celebrated dining designs and exemplifies the company’s innovative approach.
The Issho collection, whose name means “together” in Japanese, began as what Lim describes as “a form exercise,” exploring how repetitions of a singular sculpted piece could create a harmonious pedestal volume. In her own words: “Issho started out purely as a form exercise, seeing how repetitions of this singular sculpted piece could come together harmoniously to create a full pedestal volume. Or how rotating them open completely changes the feel of the table with this dynamic spatial tension between the angled pieces.”
What emerged features curved pillars that can be arranged in open or closed configurations, allowing the table to adapt to different spaces while maintaining structural integrity. The table utilizes material technology previously unused at King Living, enabling the creation of curvaceous forms with strong visual impact.
The modular nature of the design led to an organic expansion beyond the initial concept. Lim explains: “We didn’t plan to have so many pieces, but with the base pieces being modular it made a lot of sense to reconfigure it into different sizes and table shapes. The coffee and side tables were perhaps the most surprising iterations. Each base set of legs is made of a single dining leg cut in half. They ended up being some of the most unique pieces, with the shapes being so organic and imperfect in a non-symmetrical sense.”
Lim has spoken candidly about gender disparity in design. She acknowledges: “I’ve been fortunate in my career to have had both female and male mentors who have been very encouraging and led me to believe that women can excel at all levels in Design. However, it would be remiss to say gender disparity in design teams isn’t noticeable.”
She advocates strongly for diversity in design leadership, stating: “Having more female designers in leading roles, and representation for all types of people, will foster more diverse and empathetic design thinking which benefits everyone.”
For more than a decade, Tanya Rechberger has been an integral part of the King Living creative team as Senior Design Development Manager. Her skilled hand extends to almost every product category, from indoor and outdoor dining to bedroom furniture and beyond. Sofa design, however, has become her signature strength, benefiting the younger in-house designers she mentors.
Several years ago, Rechberger led the high-stakes project to iteratively improve the best-selling Jasper modular sofa. “Jasper is an iconic furniture product in Australia, so it was an honour to work on its next iteration,” she says of the beloved piece originally designed by company founder David King in 2003. The challenge was substantial. “Our brief was to improve it, add extra features and make sure that everyone still loved it. It was a very complicated process with no room for teething issues, but I loved everything about that challenge, and the result was – and is – beautiful.”
King Living Jasper II
Her knack for iterative improvement and problem-solving makes Rechberger—who holds a Bachelor of Industrial Design and a Master’s of Engineering Management from UTS in Sydney—ideal for her concurrent role as Continual Improvement Manager. “I want our products to be the best they can be. We are constantly looking at ways to improve design and manufacture of both current and past pieces,” she explains.
For Rechberger, functionality and aesthetics must work in harmony. “Comfort and quality are at the heart of the King Difference. It doesn’t matter how beautiful a piece of furniture is, if it’s not comfortable and it doesn’t last, then it’s just not going to work with your lifestyle. I could never have an uncomfortable sofa, no matter how good it looked!”
Once the only female in what has become a consciously diverse design team, she now holds the most senior designer position. Her responsibilities extend beyond design to collaborating with the engineering department on manufacturing upgrades, researching global trends, and attending key international trade shows.
The Milan Furniture Fair provides particular inspiration for her creative process. “The Milan Furniture Fair, which I love to attend each year, is amazing – so much inspiration and fresh design ideas, mixed with impeccable craftsmanship and design heritage all in one place,” she enthuses.
Design has been Rechberger’s passion since childhood. “Growing up, I was just one of those kids who liked making things. At first, I thought I wanted to be an architect…” Her path changed after discovering industrial design through her sibling’s university handbook. “Architecture is interesting, but there’s something special about the ability to physically interact with a smaller design product like furniture,” she notes.
This intimate connection between form and function drives her approach. “Making something both functional and beautiful is a difficult thing to get right – and the more you learn about furniture, the more you realise how important that functional aspect is, particularly in a country like Australia where people value laid-back looks and ease of use so much.”
Rechberger’s understanding of Australian aesthetic sensibilities informs her work. She describes this distinctive style as “a combination of relaxed, comfortable, pared back and unpretentious – but also elevated,” qualities embodied in every King design. This philosophy extends to her definition of “the King Difference”—that they “never just design ‘a product’, it’s a product plus so much more. An armchair is never just an armchair for us; we’re always searching for how it can be a better product and engage most effectively with your life.”
This commitment to excellence manifests in practical longevity. “Our products are designed for longevity from the get-go. If we are going to put our energy into making something, we want it to be as good as it can possibly be, and made so that it can change with the times and evolve with your life. Changeable furniture covers are just one example of that.”
The sustainability aspect of King Living’s approach is particularly important to Rechberger. “We want customers to keep loving their furniture for decades, not years. In fact, customers can bring back items to the service centre to have them fixed or updated. That’s the King Difference.”
Working from Sydney headquarters provides her with tangible evidence of this durability commitment. “We see the products that come into the servicing department. It’s amazing to see a 30-year-old sofa coming in and getting recovered. It’s indicative of the quality of King design.”
Her design philosophy balances contemporary trends with timeless appeal. “We are always on trend, but we also design each product to have timeless appeal. I think that approach really suits the ‘pared back’ Australian aesthetic.”
Another significant female-led design project at King Living comes from designer Zara Fong, who created the Aura Sofa. This piece exemplifies the intersection of functional furniture design and artistic expression.
Fong designed the Aura specifically for contemporary living needs, particularly for more compact spaces. Her vision transcended mere functionality—she wanted to create something that would serve as both a comfortable piece of furniture and an artistic statement.
“Aura was designed to respond to how we live today – there is a lot more compact space. We wanted Aura to be an art piece, but at the same time be comfortable and functional to suit modern day life,” Fong has explained.
Aura Collection
The Aura Sofa gained additional artistic significance through a collaboration with Indigenous artist Lizzy Stageman. The sofa was covered with fabric featuring Stageman’s “Against The Elements” artwork, creating a unique piece that merged furniture design with Indigenous art.
These talented women represent the diverse creative voices shaping King Living’s innovative design philosophy. Their work demonstrates how different perspectives enhance furniture creation, resulting in pieces that balance striking aesthetics with practical functionality—designs that evolve with changing lifestyles while maintaining their essential character and quality.
Women in Leadership Beyond Design
Women at King Living have also played crucial roles in the company’s global expansion and business leadership, providing additional context for understanding the company’s approach to gender diversity.
Rose Bernard serves as Regional Retail Manager for the UK, leading a team of 18 across three King Living showrooms. Her decade-long career with the company has spanned three countries—Australia, Canada, and the UK—where she has been instrumental in establishing King Living’s international presence.
Ili Ibrahim has been with King Living since its first global showroom opened in Singapore in 2015. Now the Country Manager in Singapore, she has overseen the expansion of the showroom from 7,500 to 13,000 square feet and played a pivotal role in King Living’s expansion into Malaysia.
These leadership roles, while not directly in product design, help create an environment where female perspectives can influence the company’s direction and priorities.
Designing for Everyone
Universal design principles guide much of King Living’s work. This approach seeks to create products accessible to people regardless of age, size, ability, or other characteristics. The philosophy extends beyond accessibility features to embrace a fundamental rethinking of how furniture can adapt to human diversity.
King Living Showroom in the United States
The concept sounds simple in theory. It proves remarkably complex in execution.
According to company materials, the King Design Studio approaches comfort as subjective: “Comfort is such a subjective and personal thing. Modular furniture affords us the flexibility to adjust and reconfigure to suit our body ergonomics, lifestyles and home environments, all of which can change and evolve over time.”
This philosophy manifests in the company’s signature sofas. The Jasper and Delta collections feature adaptable components that can be reconfigured in numerous ways. Users can rearrange, add, or remove elements as their needs change over time, creating furniture that evolves alongside their lives.
Delta Sofa can be easily removed and reconnected.
The modularity serves practical purposes beyond immediate comfort. When moving to a larger home, a sofa can transform from a standard three-seater to a sectional. All fabric and leather covers are removable thanks to discreet Velcro fixings, making cleaning and replacement straightforward. Through the King-Care® aftercare service, most cover replacements can be done directly in the customer’s home, eliminating the need to send the sofa away for recovering.
This adaptability extends beyond seating to other furniture categories. The Issho table demonstrates how dining furniture can shift between configurations to accommodate different gatherings and spaces. The base can open or close to create different visual effects while maintaining structural stability.
The approach acknowledges a fundamental truth that traditional furniture design often overlooks: people live differently in ways that change over time and vary across cultures. Families gather in culturally specific ways. Bodies have different requirements for comfort. Spaces serve multiple functions.
By designing for this diversity from the outset, King Living creates furniture with broader appeal and longevity. Their pieces adapt to changing circumstances rather than becoming obsolete when needs or preferences evolve.
However, it’s worth noting that truly universal design remains an aspiration rather than a fully realized achievement. Even the most thoughtfully designed modular systems have limitations and may not accommodate all body types or abilities equally well. The cost of such adaptable systems can also place them out of reach for many consumers, creating an accessibility barrier based on economic factors.
Sustainability Through Adaptability
King Living’s approach to sustainability focuses heavily on product longevity. Their steel frame construction provides structural integrity that outlasts typical furniture, creating a durable foundation that can support multiple iterations of the same piece over decades.
This durability combines with modular design to extend useful life. When family circumstances shift, the furniture adapts through reconfiguration rather than disposal. When aesthetic preferences evolve, components can be reupholstered or rearranged to create essentially new pieces without manufacturing entirely new frames.
The environmental benefits can be significant when considered at scale. Furniture stays in homes rather than landfills. Resources go toward updating existing pieces rather than manufacturing entirely new ones with all the associated material and energy costs.
Zaza features removable covers that can be replaced to extend its lifecycle.
This philosophy represents a shift from consumption to conservation in the furniture industry. It challenges the fashion-driven cycles that render perfectly functional furniture “outdated” after arbitrary periods.
The approach requires balancing environmental considerations with performance metrics. Sustainable furniture must still be comfortable, beautiful, and functional—a balance the company has worked to refine.
While this approach to sustainability through durability and adaptability has merit, it represents just one aspect of environmental responsibility. A comprehensive sustainability assessment would also consider manufacturing processes, material sourcing, supply chain impacts, and end-of-life recycling programs. King Living, like most furniture manufacturers, likely faces ongoing challenges in addressing all these aspects of environmental impact.
The Power of Diverse Perspectives
King Living has emphasized the value of diverse perspectives in its company materials. Under the leadership of CEO David Woollcott, who has guided the company’s international expansion efforts, King Living has worked to incorporate diverse viewpoints into its design approach. Different perspectives create furniture that responds to a wide range of needs and preferences.
The benefits extend beyond gender diversity at the company. Cultural backgrounds, ages, physical abilities, and lived experiences all contribute to a richer understanding of how furniture functions in people’s lives and how it might better serve diverse needs.
Alinta Lim
This philosophy is reflected in the company’s collaborations with designers like Alinta Lim and Zara Fong, whose distinct approaches have resulted in innovative pieces like the Issho dining collection and the Aura Sofa. Their work demonstrates how diverse perspectives can translate into furniture that balances form, function, and adaptability.
Breaking Barriers
How might companies like King Living cultivate female design talent in an industry where women remain dramatically underrepresented?
Part of the approach involves recognizing that diverse teams can create better products. This recognition would translate into hiring practices and development opportunities that support female designers throughout their careers rather than treating diversity as a superficial metric.
Companies can provide visible role models for emerging designers. Women considering design careers need to see others succeeding in the field to envision their own potential paths. Environments where women occupy leadership positions and create award-winning designs can help increase visibility.
The impact extends beyond individual companies to influence the broader design landscape. As female designers gain recognition through awards and media coverage, they increase visibility for women in furniture design broadly. Their work demonstrates that this career path remains open to women despite historical barriers and persistent underrepresentation.
King Living’s examples of Lim leading the Issho collection and Fong creating the Aura Sofa provide tangible evidence of women succeeding in furniture design. These success stories can inspire other women to pursue careers in this field.
Has the journey been smooth? Hardly. The obstacles women face in design often force creative problem-solving approaches that can ultimately benefit the final products, but these challenges shouldn’t be romanticized. Systemic barriers to women’s advancement in design fields remain significant and require ongoing, deliberate efforts to address.
The industry still faces challenges in recruiting and retaining female designers, particularly in leadership positions. Educational pathways, hiring practices, work environments, and advancement opportunities all need examination to create truly inclusive design cultures. Individual success stories, while important, don’t necessarily indicate systemic change.
Design Through Collaboration
King Living’s design process appears to thrive on collaborative energy. Ideas flow between designers, engineers, and craftspeople in an iterative process that refines concepts through multiple disciplines and viewpoints.
For Lim’s Issho table, the process began with exploring form. According to her published comments, she investigated how repeated elements could create a harmonious whole. This exploration led to the dynamic tension between components that defines the table’s distinctive base while providing necessary structural support.
Material exploration and prototyping would typically follow the conceptual phase. Working directly with physical materials reveals possibilities and constraints that sketching alone can’t capture or address. This hands-on approach characterizes many furniture development processes, grounding creative concepts in physical reality through multiple iterations.
Throughout development, universal design considerations would ideally remain central to the evaluation process. Teams assess whether their designs will work for diverse users in various settings. This questioning can lead to innovations in adjustability and adaptability that might otherwise be overlooked in more conventional design processes.
The collaborative approach might extend beyond the design team to include user feedback. Companies can gather insights from people using their furniture in real homes under everyday conditions. These observations inform refinements to existing designs and inspire new directions that address previously unrecognized needs.
While this collaborative process has clear benefits, it also presents challenges. Balancing diverse perspectives while maintaining design coherence requires skilled leadership. The inclusion of more voices in the process doesn’t automatically translate to better outcomes without thoughtful facilitation and clear decision-making frameworks.
The Future of Furniture Design
What might King Living’s approach tell us about where furniture design could be heading in the coming years?
First, expect universality to become increasingly sophisticated. Designers will likely move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to create systems that accommodate human diversity without calling attention to specific accommodations. Future furniture may embrace inclusive design principles through adaptability, emotional consideration, and user-centered approaches that recognize the variety of human needs and preferences.
Second, watch for increasingly fluid boundaries between living spaces. Homes continue to accommodate multiple functions within limited square footage. As spaces serve multiple purposes, furniture will follow suit. Rigid categorization may continue giving way to flexible solutions that adapt to different activities throughout the day rather than requiring dedicated rooms for each function.
Third, anticipate deeper integration of sustainability principles beyond material selection. This could include structural approaches and business models that extend product lifecycles. Durability and adaptability may become central environmental considerations, extending product lifecycles and reducing waste through designs that evolve rather than requiring replacement.
Fourth, we expect more cross-disciplinary collaborations, such as the partnership between Fong and artist Lizzy Stageman. These collaborations bring fresh perspectives and cultural elements into furniture design, creating pieces that function as both practical objects and artistic expressions.
Perhaps most significantly, diverse design teams will likely continue creating furniture that works better for more people. Including perspectives previously excluded from the design process could lead to innovations we can’t yet imagine. As barriers fall and perspectives broaden through increased representation, our living spaces might better reflect and support human diversity in all its forms.
King Living summarizes this philosophy with the statement: “A balance of perspectives leads to a balanced, universal design.”
The work of designers like Lim and Fong demonstrates this principle in action. Their furniture accommodates diverse needs while maintaining aesthetic coherence and functional excellence. Their designs suggest that expanding who shapes our material world could create more sustainable, inclusive, and human environments.
That’s a direction worth following, though the journey toward truly inclusive design practices and genuinely sustainable furniture production remains ongoing. No single company has “solved” these challenges, and meaningful progress will require continued effort, innovation, and critical self-assessment from the entire industry.
Connexion
