Precision. Portability. Swiss-grade craftsmanship. These have been Horizon’s calling cards since we first dubbed their Helvetica® ruler the “Swiss Army Knife of sketching tools.” Their 2025 Kickstarter stays true to that ethos while pushing in a new direction: adding vibrant new finishes to their compact multi-tools and introducing a numbered, hand-machined mechanical pencil for the design purists in their community.

The lineup sounds straightforward enough. Byzantine Purple, Irish Green, and Classic Blue colorways for both the Horizon Helvetica® and Helvetica® Max rulers, plus the collector-worthy Horizon Titanium S mechanical pencil, and the Horizon Hypatia A5 Notebook to go with it. But there’s an interesting tension here between what made Horizon successful and where they’re trying to go. The rulers that fit in your wallet are getting prettier. The new pencil costs significantly more and demands pocket space. One’s an iteration, the other’s a bet.

Designer: Ufuk Koc of Horizon Ruler

Click Here to Buy Now: $32 $40 (20% off). Hurry, only 40/50 left!

We covered the Helvetica® Max back in 2024, and the fundamentals haven’t changed because they don’t need to. Credit card-sized, measures up to 6 inches and 15 cm, packs a protractor with 180-degree markings, includes both imperial and metric compasses, offers quick circle guides from 3mm to 10mm, features isometric grids for 3D sketching, Swiss-made Bystronic laser cutter for precision, bold Helvetica® Neue typeface for readability, and TSA-approved with no sharp edges.. The original Helvetica® follows the same philosophy at a slightly smaller scale, topping out at 3 inches and 7 cm. Both are machined from 304 stainless steel, and honestly, they’ve earned their spot in designer EDC kits because they solve an actual problem: needing drafting precision without lugging around a drafting kit. Team Horizon also has improved the silk screen coating and UV-protected layering on all models 2025 onwards.

Byzantine Purple is having a moment, apparently. Irish Green and Classic Blue round out the new color options, joining the six finishes that already exist. Which, fine, this makes sense beyond pure aesthetics. When you’re pulling a ruler out of your wallet seventeen times a day across different projects, instant recognition matters. Purple for branding work, green for environmental projects, blue for UI mockups. Color coding is practical, not decorative. Horizon seems to understand this, or at least they’re banking on the more than 10,000 backers from their seven successful Kickstarter campaigns to recognize it.

While the titanium pencil jumps categories and the color rulers iterate on existing wins, the Horizon Hypatia A5⁺ Notebook slots directly into the workflow Horizon has been building toward: precision tools need somewhere to actually make marks. It’s sized at 150 × 220 mm, which makes it slightly larger than standard A5, giving you genuinely useful space without tipping into the unwieldy territory of A4. The paper is 140gsm ivory stock across 92 pages, thick enough to handle fountain pens and markers without bleed-through, which matters when you’re sketching with the same tools you’re using for technical notes. Machine-sewn spine with manual casing-in and hand-applied endbands, all finished by hand. The whole thing opens completely flat thanks to exposed spine stitching and hand-applied water-based PVA. Limited to 1,125 pieces, each with a hand-applied cotton label reading “A blank page holds infinite potential; don’t let your thoughts go unwritten,” which toes the line between inspirational and overwrought but probably lands correctly for the audience buying hand-bound notebooks. This is the product that actually complements the Helvetica rulers instead of competing with them for identity. You pull the ruler from your wallet, open the Hypatia flat on your desk, and the entire system makes sense.

Now about that titanium pencil. Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V, which is aerospace-grade material with a 6:4 aluminum-to-vanadium ratio. German-made LAMY 0.5mm lead mechanism. Hand-machined by Maurizio in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, limited to 300 numbered pieces with gift-ready packaging. Every single detail screams premium, and that’s exactly where things get weird. Horizon built their entire reputation on $26 to $39 tools that fit in wallet-sized spaces. A full-length mechanical pencil cannot and will not fit in your wallet. It lives in a different part of your bag, serves a different function, competes against Rotring 800s and Tactile Turn Side Clicks and every other machined metal pencil that attracts design nerds with disposable income.

Grade 5 titanium is overkill for a pencil, which is precisely why it works as a statement piece. LAMY mechanisms are reliable, 0.5mm is the technical drawing sweet spot, and the hand-machining story provides artisanal credibility for whatever price point they land on. But does their audience actually want this? Because the people who loved Horizon loved them for making precision portable. Titanium S brings Horizon’s precision into a full-sized tool, where craftsmanship and balance redefine the sketching experience. It’s a different value proposition entirely, aimed at a designer who wants their tools to announce taste rather than disappear into workflow.

Honestly, the color expansion feels overdue. Designers have been stuck choosing between silver, black, and maybe gold finishes for pro-level technical tools since forever, as if precision work requires visual boredom. Byzantine Purple breaks that assumption hard. It’s a specific, confident color choice that suggests someone at Horizon actually looked at contemporary design trends instead of just defaulting to “professional” metallics. Irish Green and Classic Blue follow suit, giving creatives permission to match their tools to their aesthetic without sacrificing functionality. Your sketching kit doesn’t have to look like an engineer’s toolkit from 1987. It can look like it belongs to someone who cares about visual culture, who understands that the tools you carry say something about how you see the world.

The titanium pencil plays into the same idea but from a different angle. It’s a statement piece, numbered and limited, hand-machined instead of mass-produced. Grade 5 titanium is genuinely excessive for pushing 0.5mm lead across paper, but that excess is the entire point. It sits on your desk and announces that craftsmanship matters, that the weight and balance of a pencil affects how you think. Whether that resonates depends entirely on whether you see tools as utilities or extensions of creative identity.

The Kickstarter campaign just dropped, featuring early-bird rewards with significant discounts across the lineup. Exact pricing and availability are live on the campaign page, but based on Horizon’s past launches, the Horizon Helvetica® starts around $32, with the Helvetica® Max beginning at $39. Bundled tiers like the Duo, Core Trio, and creative sets offer even stronger value for backers looking to expand their toolkit. The Titanium S, limited to 300 pieces, commands a premium that reflects its hand-machined titanium construction and collectible nature, while the newly introduced Horizon Hypatia A5⁺ notebook completes the ecosystem, offering more space for ideas, notes, and sketches.

Helvetica® is a trademark of Monotype Imaging Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

Click Here to Buy Now: $32 $40 (20% off). Hurry, only 40/50 left!

The post The Swiss Army Knife of Sketching Tools Returns With Bold New Colors (And A Titanium Pencil) first appeared on Yanko Design.

I’ve been telling people for years that owning a NAS (or Network Attached Storage) is one of the smartest tech investments you can make (here’s my list of top tech essentials for 2025 and beyond). Your data lives locally, you pay once for storage instead of renting it forever, and you get complete control over how everything works. The long-term economics make sense, the customization potential is massive, and you avoid the very real problem of your photos being scraped for AI training or handed over to government agencies or sold to data brokers. Cloud storage sounds convenient until you realize you’re paying $200 a year for the privilege of someone else owning your memories and potentially monetizing them in ways you never agreed to.

That said, NAS devices have always had a learning curve that scared away casual users. The setup process, RAID configurations, network settings, and maintenance requirements made them feel like enthusiast gear rather than consumer products. UGREEN’s new ARM-powered NASync DH2300 and DH4300 are trying to change that equation by targeting the specific use case of automatic photo backup and basic file storage. They’re priced at $210 and $430 respectively, which positions them as direct alternatives to multi-year Google Photos or iCloud subscriptions. The question is whether these ARM-based units make sense when UGREEN’s own x86 models exist at higher price points with significantly more flexibility.

Designer: UGREEN

What you get for the budget price is a 2-bay DH2300 that runs on a Rockchip RK3576 processor with 8 cores at 2.2 GHz, paired with 4GB of non-upgradable LPDDR4X RAM and a 32GB system drive. These NASync models have Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI output, USB-C, and two USB 3.2 Type-A ports. The design uses a top-down lidded approach that makes drive installation easier and reduces the footprint. You can theoretically store up to 60TB with two 30TB drives, but most people will mirror their drives in RAID 1 for redundancy, which means 30TB of usable storage. The 4-bay DH4300 bumps things up with a Rockchip RK3588C at 2.4 GHz, 8GB of RAM, and a 2 Gigabit Ethernet port. It supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, with a maximum 120TB raw capacity using four 30TB drives. Both units run UGOS, which is Debian-based and has matured considerably over the past few years based on user reviews and testing.

The ARM architecture choice creates very specific trade-offs that you need to understand before buying. These processors use RISC instruction sets that prioritize power efficiency over raw performance and x86 compatibility. What this means in practical terms: the DH2300 and DH4300 will handle automatic photo backups from your phone beautifully, organize files efficiently, and run UGOS’s built-in apps without breaking a sweat. They draw roughly 20 to 25 watts during operation and 4 to 6 watts on standby, compared to 35 to 45 watts and 10 to 15 watts for typical x86 NAS units. Over five years of 24/7 operation, that power difference translates to actual money saved on your electricity bill (which admittedly has been getting more and more expensive over the past few months). The thermal efficiency also means quieter operation since less heat requires less aggressive cooling. If your NAS sits in a bedroom or living room, that silent running matters more than benchmark scores.

But here’s what ARM struggles with or can’t do at all. Plex transcoding, which is when you stream your movie collection to different devices and the server automatically converts formats so everything plays smoothly, won’t work well here. Docker container support exists but many of these apps that tech enthusiasts install are built for computer processors and won’t run properly on ARM chips. Installing alternative operating systems like TrueNAS or Unraid is technically possible but practically more trouble than it’s worth. Virtual machines, which let you run multiple computers inside your NAS for testing or experimentation, are essentially off the table. If you want to use your NAS for homelabbing projects like running Pi-hole as a network-wide ad blocker or Home Assistant as a smart home controller, you’re going to hit limitations. The UGOS app ecosystem is functional but nowhere near as extensive as Synology’s DSM or what you can build on a computer-processor system with Docker. This is a photos and files appliance, not a do-everything server platform.

UGREEN made two decisions that genuinely puzzle me. First, they removed the SD card slot that every other NASync model includes. If you’re targeting people who want automatic photo backup, a significant portion of that audience shoots on DSLRs or mirrorless cameras that use SD cards. Photographers need to offload those cards regularly, and having to use a USB adapter or card reader adds friction to a workflow that should be seamless. Second, the RAM is soldered and non-upgradable. The DH2300’s 4GB might become a bottleneck when using AI photo organization features, which are increasingly standard in modern NAS photo apps. Given that competitors offer RAM upgrade paths, this feels like an unnecessary limitation for devices you expect to use for five to ten years.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: UGREEN’s own x86 models. The DXP2800 costs around $314 to $349 depending on sales, which is $104 to $139 more than the ARM DH2300. For that price, you get an Intel N100 processor, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, dual M.2 NVMe slots, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. That hardware can run Docker containers smoothly, handle Plex transcoding (for streaming local media), support virtual machines, and give you the flexibility to grow into more advanced use cases. The DXP4800 is around $495, just $65 more than the DH4300, with similar spec advantages. For enthusiasts or anyone who might want to experiment with self-hosting services beyond photo backup, those x86 models are objectively better investments. The extra upfront cost buys you options and longevity that ARM fundamentally cannot provide.

So who are these ARM units actually for? The person who just wants their iPhone or Android phone to automatically back up photos when they connect to home WiFi, organized by date and face recognition, accessible from any device on the network. The household that’s tired of paying Google or Apple $10 to $20 monthly for cloud storage when a one-time hardware purchase eliminates that subscription forever. The user who values quiet operation and low power consumption because the NAS lives in a shared space and runs constantly. The beginner who doesn’t want to learn about advanced containers or storage configurations beyond the basics and just needs something that works out of the box for a specific, limited purpose. Worth noting: basic AI photo features like face recognition and object detection work fine on these ARM chips, but if you want to run multiple AI services simultaneously or more computationally heavy models, you’ll hit performance walls. If you fit one of those profiles and you’re confident you won’t expand into advanced home server territory, the DH2300 or DH4300 will serve you well.

The broader competitive landscape shows these units priced reasonably but not exceptionally. TerraMaster’s F2-212 costs $169.99 for a 2-bay unit, though with weaker specs. Synology’s DS223j sits around $250 but comes with Synology’s superior software ecosystem. QNAP’s TS-464 offers more expansion options at a higher price point. The real comparison point is UGREEN’s own lineup, where the price-to-performance ratio of their x86 models makes the ARM versions look less compelling unless power efficiency and simplicity are your primary concerns. Synology remains the software king with the most polished interface and mature app ecosystem, but you pay a premium for that experience. UGREEN’s UGOS has closed the gap considerably and works well for basic tasks, even if it lacks the depth of features that enthusiasts want.

Here’s my take: if you know you only need photo and file storage, never plan to run Plex or Docker, and value low power consumption, the DH2300 or DH4300 are solid choices at their price points. They do exactly what they promise without pretending to be something they’re not. But if you have even a slight interest in expanding your NAS usage beyond those basics, or if you might want to experiment with self-hosted services down the line, spend the extra money on the x86 DXP2800 or DXP4800. The flexibility is worth it, and you won’t feel limited six months after purchase when you discover something cool you want to try but can’t because of ARM’s architectural constraints. And if you’re a photographer who regularly shoots on actual cameras, skip both ARM models entirely and get something with an SD card slot. That omission is genuinely hard to justify for a product positioned as a Google Photos replacement when a huge chunk of serious photo-takers don’t use phones as their primary camera.

The post UGREEN’s New ARM-powered Budget NAS Is Perfect for Photos, Just Don’t Expect Much Else first appeared on Yanko Design.

Australia’s tiny house movement has found its perfect ambassador in the Harper, a stunning 20-square-meter dwelling that redefines what small-scale living can be. Created by Gold Coast-based Black Clay, this compact home proves that downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading when it comes to style and comfort.

The Harper stretches eight meters long and 2.5 meters wide, built on a robust triple-axle steel trailer designed for full transportability. What immediately strikes visitors is the exterior’s sophisticated blend of curved Decobatten aluminum and Colorbond steel cladding. This combination creates a timber-like aesthetic that demands attention while requiring minimal maintenance.

Designer: Black Clay

Interior Design Excellence

Step inside, and the Harper reveals its true character through carefully selected materials and thoughtful design choices. Architectural birch plywood lines the interior walls, creating warmth against the rich timber oak flooring. The kitchen serves as the home’s centerpiece, occupying 2.5 meters of prime real estate with Caesarstone benchtops and Laminex cabinetry in Porcelain Blush and Coolum Sand finishes that add subtle sophistication.

Living spaces flow naturally throughout the Harper’s interior, with the built-in lounge featuring hidden storage drawers beneath the seating. The bedroom continues the home’s commitment to both comfort and style, incorporating a queen-size bed base with additional storage underneath and subtly curved walls that create an enveloping sanctuary feel. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout flood the interior with natural light and create seamless connections to the outdoors.

Sustainability and Investment

The bathroom showcases modern design sensibilities with full tiling and a striking concrete basin, while environmental consciousness runs throughout the Harper’s design. Earthwool insulation in walls and ceiling ensures energy efficiency, and full off-grid options cater to those seeking complete energy independence. This sustainability focus aligns with the growing desire for more intentional living that respects environmental boundaries.

Black Clay founders Justin and Rachel have positioned their company around creating “thoughtfully designed tiny homes built for people to enjoy in beautiful environments.” Priced from around US$77,500, the Harper represents a significant investment that delivers luxury finishes and thoughtful design typically associated with much larger homes. The Harper tiny house demonstrates that small-scale living can embody sophistication, comfort, and environmental responsibility, offering a compelling vision of downsized luxury for those ready to embrace intentional living.

The Future of Downsized Living

The Harper’s versatility extends beyond personal use, positioning it perfectly for the growing short-term rental market and luxury retreat sector. Property investors are increasingly recognizing the potential of high-end tiny homes as Airbnb offerings, where guests seek unique accommodations that provide both novelty and comfort.

The Harper’s sophisticated design and premium finishes make it an ideal candidate for such ventures, capable of commanding premium nightly rates while offering guests an immersive experience in minimalist luxury. Its transportable nature also allows owners to relocate their investment to capitalize on seasonal tourism patterns or changing market demands.

The post This $78K Tiny House Has Curved Walls & Luxury Most Homes Never Get first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nike reinvents movement with powered footwear, aiming to do for running what e-bikes did for urban mobility. The sports giant unveiled Project Amplify, the world’s first powered footwear system designed to make running and walking accessible to millions who previously found sustained movement intimidating or physically out of reach. Unlike elite performance gear designed to shave seconds off race times, Project Amplify targets everyday athletes who want to move more, go farther, and actually enjoy the experience.

Designer: Nike

While several startups explored exoskeletal running concepts, Nike’s Project Amplify is the first to reach this level of integration and scalability. The announcement positions powered footwear as an inclusivity tool rather than a performance enhancer, explicitly designed for recreational athletes running at a 10-12 minute mile pace. For a parent jogging with a stroller or a new runner tackling hill repeats, Project Amplify promises a new layer of agency. This approach echoes Nike’s founding ethos that “if you have a body, you are an athlete,” updated for an era where assistive technology can remove physical barriers to participation.

System Design and Human Integration

The system combines four components into a wearable exoskeleton: a lightweight motor, a drive belt, a rechargeable battery cuff, and a carbon fiber-plated running shoe that functions with or without the robotic assist. Built on motion algorithms developed at Nike’s Sport Research Lab, the design targets natural lower leg and ankle movement patterns. Athletes who tested the system describe it as feeling like “a second set of calf muscles” or “part of their body” during use.

The design goal centers on augmentation rather than replacement. Nike’s approach makes uphill terrain feel like flat ground and turns a typical 12-minute mile into a 10-minute mile with less perceived exertion. The carbon fiber shoe maintains performance credentials even when disconnected from the motor system, addressing concerns about dependency on powered assistance.

Testing involved over 400 athletes across 2.4 million steps (equivalent to 12,000 laps around a 200-meter track), with Nike iterating through nine hardware versions to achieve the seamless integration athletes reported. Michael Donaghu, VP of Create The Future, Emerging Sport and Innovation at Nike, positions the technology as something that “adds movement to your life,” whether that means exploring new routes, extending outdoor time, or making exercise adherence sustainable long-term.

Notice the seamless integration of the drive belt and the sculpted battery cuff in Nike’s official imagery. The ergonomic and aesthetic details set a new standard for wearable robotics.

Inclusive Performance Philosophy

What distinguishes Project Amplify is the user-centered design philosophy behind it. Rather than optimizing performance for competitive runners shaving seconds off race times, Nike explicitly designed for recreational athletes running at a 10-12 minute mile pace. The target users are people who want to extend their walking commutes, run longer without fatigue, or simply make movement feel less intimidating and more fun.

This inclusive approach to performance design updates Nike’s founding ethos for an era where assistive technology can democratize access to movement experiences previously limited by physical capability or conditioning. The development process reflects this commitment to real-world usability, with testing focused on achieving the seamless integration that makes athletes report the system feels like part of their body.

Project Amplify launches alongside three other Nike innovations this October: Air apparel technology in the Therma-FIT Air Milano Jacket, advanced cooling systems in Aero-FIT performance gear, and neuroscience-based footwear designed to promote calm and focus. Still in performance readiness testing, the powered footwear system is being developed in partnership with robotics company Dephy, with broad consumer availability planned for the coming years.

With Project Amplify, Nike lays the groundwork for a new era of accessible, technology-driven movement. Expect follow-ups as the story develops.

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In the arid heart of Phoenix, Arizona, a once hardworking horse barn has been quietly reborn, a poetic fusion of history and modern design. Reimagined by The Construction Zone, this 750-square-foot guest house is an ode to restraint, light, and material honesty. What was once utilitarian now breathes as a serene desert retreat, proof that thoughtful design can honor the past while creating something entirely new.

Approached through a winding path from the main residence, the guest house emerges as a sculptural volume nestled within the landscape. The journey itself is part of the experience, a slow reveal that ends in an outdoor gathering space defined by a bocce court, a jacuzzi, and native desert flora. The scene feels effortless, yet deeply intentional: a study in proportion, texture, and place.

Designer: The Construction Zone

The architectural language is quiet but confident. A flat roof stretches outward, forming generous overhangs that temper the desert sun while framing long horizontal lines against the open sky. Beneath it, warm Douglas fir eaves run continuously from exterior to interior, creating a seamless ribbon of wood that guides the eye and softens the transition between architecture and nature. It’s this gesture, simple, fluid, and tactile, that anchors the design.

Inside, restraint becomes luxury. The layout is compact, yet feels expansive thanks to full-height, north-facing glass that floods the space with soft desert light. The open plan connects a pared-down kitchen, living area, bedroom, and bath, each space flowing into the next with a quiet rhythm. The material palette is kept minimal: concrete, timber, steel, and glass. Every surface feels deliberate, every junction crisp.

The kitchen exemplifies functional minimalism, sleek cabinetry, essential appliances, and a slender bar table that serves as both dining spot and workspace. Just beyond, the lounge invites stillness: low seating, framed views, and the golden tones of late afternoon light bouncing off concrete and wood.

In the bedroom, a poured concrete wall doubles as the headboard, introducing a sculptural gravitas that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding warmth of timber. The tonal palette, gray, muted red, and honey wood, evokes the desert’s chromatic subtleties, balancing cool industrial precision with natural intimacy.

The bathroom continues this narrative of quiet refinement. Matte gray tiles, a matching concrete vanity, and precise wood detailing keep the mood grounded yet elevated, minimalist, not sterile.

Outside, the transformation feels almost cinematic. The barnyard’s past life lingers only in memory; its present is one of calm sophistication. The bocce court stretches into the horizon, the jacuzzi glimmers under a desert sky, and a curated garden of cacti and succulents completes the sense of place.

This is not just a renovation, it’s an act of design empathy. The Construction Zone has created a dialogue between heritage and modernity, between shelter and openness. By retaining the barn’s essence and reinterpreting its form through contemporary sensibilities, the architects have crafted a living sculpture, one that celebrates the desert not as backdrop, but as collaborator.

What began as a working horse barn now stands as a refined retreat, an architectural meditation on light, texture, and history. By preserving the structure’s spirit and introducing a language of calm modernity, The Construction Zone has definitely created a guest house, but also a living dialogue between past and present, between the rugged desert and the comforts of modern design.

The post The Construction Zone Transforms A Horse Barn Into A Guest House In Phoenix, Arizona first appeared on Yanko Design.

You can be forgiven for not knowing who Axiom RV is. They’re relatively new to the towable RV industry, but their presence is already being felt. Especially with the introduction of the Vendetta, a model designed to set a new standard in fifth wheels and toy haulers through its distinctive design and conceptualization.

The toy hauler market is typically dominated by rugged rigs built for adventurous couples seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. The Vendetta, however, targets the other end of the spectrum. It’s designed to accommodate larger groups in comfort and style. If you’re a football team planning a camping trip together, this is exactly the kind of experience Axiom RV—founded by three industry veterans—had in mind with their latest offering.

Designer: Axiom RV

What sets the Vendetta apart is not essentially its insignificant clearance from the ground to make it a toy hauler for the days on the unpaved roads, but ideally its mammoth 47-foot real estate that can accommodate up to 12 people without feeling cramped. Based on a triple-axel trailer, the fifth wheeler has a dead weight of roughly 22,000 pounds and is easily the most extravagant camping trailer you can get your eyes on.

This distinction, of course, for most other rigs would start at the exterior or the luxurious interior. For the Vendetta, if I may, it starts at the roof, which has been essentially cleared out of any vents or holes; it’s a clean, new style of roof canvas for the user to explore. The body is made from marine-grade fiberglass with gelcoat, which Axiom proudly highlights, making no use of the unattractive wood or metal. The smooth and interesting finish is also durable. If you have been reading about the trailers and RVs we feature here on the website, you wouldn’t be surprised; most of the new adventure rigs are now employing fiberglass and composite materials in their construction, as Axiom RV boasts.

Once you enter the Vendetta, things really blow up in front of your eyes. The interior is nicely spaced and laid out to feel spacious and capable. And interestingly, the space inside is highlighted by the tall ceiling, which, according to the company, measures 9’10” high. The living area (in the middle) is outfitted with a U-shaped couch with 12 recliners, while the primary bedroom sits in the front of the trailer, and the garage goes into the rear side.  The trailer has four slides to create additional space, along with the convertible living space to sleep up to 12 individuals.

While the solitary bathroom may be a letdown for such a large occupancy, the open spaces, courtesy of a patio and the additional open garage door ramp, provide ample breathing room. Most fascinating still is the Vendetta’s huge rear kitchen. It is packed with extensive storage and large countertop space for homelike cooking on the road. The heating and cooling are catered to by the Mini Split HVAC system and rear-mount generator system, which allows for true pass-through storage. Available in two models: base model V4250 and a higher model V4250SP, priced roughly around $200,000, are provided with an entertainment system with a 65-inch TV, a 170-gallon fresh water tank, a 110-gallon gray water tank, and 200 watts of solar power. There is a range of add-ons that you can look for on the official Axiom website.

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Apple will gladly sell you a $3,500 headset that wraps curved virtual displays around your entire field of view, but the company has never once shipped a physical curved display. Not on the iMac. Not on the Studio Display. Not even a subtle waterfall edge on the iPhone. This isn’t an oversight or technical limitation, it’s ideology made manifest in aluminum and glass.

While competitors like Samsung have built entire marketing campaigns around dramatic curved edges and Dell has carved out profitable niches with wraparound gaming monitors, Apple has spent decades systematically avoiding curves with the dedication of a geometry teacher. The result reveals something fascinating about how the world’s most valuable technology company thinks about design, professional workflows, and the fundamental nature of what a display should be.

Image Credits: Sarang Sheth

The Philosophy Behind the Flat

Jony Ive’s design philosophy wasn’t just about minimalism, it was about what he called “truth to materials.” Every curve had to justify its existence through function rather than form. In his worldview, inherited from design mentor Dieter Rams, displays served a singular purpose: presenting information with maximum clarity and minimum distraction. Curves introduced visual complexity that violated this core principle.

This wasn’t mere aesthetic preference but philosophical conviction. When Ive described transforming the iPad Pro from curved to flat edges, he emphasized how engineering advances allowed them to achieve “a very simple straightforward edge detail.” The language reveals everything: simplicity and straightforwardness were virtues, while curves represented unnecessary complexity. For Ive, flat displays weren’t just better designed, they were more honest about their purpose.

When Curves Meant Compromise

Physical curved displays present real-world problems that Apple’s engineering obsessives couldn’t stomach. Curved monitors suffer from geometric distortion near the edges, making straight lines appear bent, a nightmare for professionals working on architectural drawings or precise graphic design. Color accuracy varies across the curved surface as viewing angles change, violating Apple’s commitment to professional-grade color reproduction.

Manufacturing curved panels also means lower yields and higher costs, factors that conflict with Apple’s desire for predictable production economics. More importantly, curved displays complicate internal component layout, thermal management, and the kind of seamless integration that Apple prizes above flashy visual effects. Every curved panel represents engineering compromises that Apple’s teams historically refused to accept.

The Professional Workflow Justification

Apple positioned their displays squarely in professional creative markets where accuracy trumped immersion. Video editors, photographers, and graphic designers need displays that present images exactly as they’ll appear in final output. Even subtle curvature can introduce distortion that makes precision work difficult, particularly when multiple team members need to view the same screen from different angles.

This professional focus also explained Apple’s resistance to gaming-oriented features like high refresh rates until recently. Curved displays were marketed primarily for gaming and entertainment, markets where immersion mattered more than geometric precision. Apple’s customer base of creative professionals had different priorities, and the company built its display strategy around serving those specific needs rather than chasing broader consumer trends.

Virtual Reality Changes Everything

The Vision Pro’s enthusiastic embrace of curved virtual displays exposes the fundamental contradiction in Apple’s anti-curve stance. The latest visionOS update explicitly promotes wraparound displays that “curve around your periphery,” creating immersive experiences that physical displays simply cannot match. Apple actively markets these curved virtual screens as superior to traditional flat displays.

Virtual curvature solves every problem Apple cited with physical curved displays. Software can eliminate geometric distortion through pixel-perfect rendering. Color accuracy remains consistent because the underlying pixels are physically flat. Manufacturing yields become irrelevant because curves exist only in code. Most importantly, users can switch between curved and flat presentations depending on their task, providing the flexibility that rigid physical displays cannot offer.

Ive’s Geometric Obsession

Understanding Apple’s curved display aversion requires understanding Ive’s broader design philosophy, which extended far beyond hardware into software. His push for flat design in iOS 7 represented the same geometric principles applied to digital interfaces. He described the aesthetic as “profound and enduring beauty in simplicity,” explicitly rejecting decorative elements that didn’t serve essential functions.

This geometric obsession influenced every Apple product during Ive’s tenure. The iPhone’s evolution toward increasingly flat surfaces, the MacBook’s elimination of curves wherever possible, and even architectural elements in Apple Stores all reflected this commitment to geometric purity. Curves were acceptable only when they served clear functional purposes, never as decorative flourishes or visual drama.

The Industry’s Curved Rebellion

While Apple maintained its flat display orthodoxy, competitors found success with curved screens across multiple product categories. Samsung’s Galaxy Edge phones created differentiation through dramatic curved edges. Gaming monitor manufacturers like ASUS and MSI built enthusiastic followings with ultrawide curved displays. Even premium TV makers embraced subtle curves to enhance viewing experiences.

The curved display market grew substantially without Apple’s participation, suggesting that consumer demand existed for these products. Professional users began adopting curved ultrawide monitors for tasks like video editing and financial trading, undermining Apple’s argument that curves were incompatible with serious work. The company watched potential revenue streams flow to competitors while maintaining its geometric principles.

What Apple’s Missing (and Why They Don’t Care)

Apple’s curved display absence has cost the company market opportunities in gaming, entertainment, and even some professional segments where immersive displays provide clear benefits. Curved ultrawide monitors have become popular among content creators for timeline-based work, offering advantages that Apple’s flat Studio Display simply cannot match. The company has effectively ceded these markets to maintain design consistency.

Yet Apple seems remarkably unconcerned about these missed opportunities, and their Vision Pro strategy suggests why. The company appears to view curved physical displays as a transitional technology, something to skip entirely in favor of the ultimate curved display: virtual reality. Why compromise with curved glass when you can eventually sell customers infinitely configurable virtual curves instead? It’s a typically Apple approach, waiting to leapfrog an entire product category rather than participate in its incremental evolution.

The contradiction between Apple’s curved virtual displays and flat physical ones isn’t really a contradiction at all. It’s the logical endpoint of a design philosophy that values function over form, professional utility over consumer spectacle, and long-term vision over short-term market participation. Apple didn’t avoid curved displays because they couldn’t make them work. They avoided them because curved glass was never the destination, just a waypoint on the road to curved light.

The post Apple Refused to Make Curved Monitors For Decades. Here’s Why… first appeared on Yanko Design.

Rivian didn’t simply add another e-bike to the market. Through their new ALSO spinoff, they applied automotive-grade engineering to reimagine what two-wheeled transportation could become when stripped of mechanical constraints. The TM-B e-bike represents a fundamental shift in how we think about pedal-powered vehicles, replacing century-old drivetrain conventions with a software-defined riding experience.

Designer: Rivian

What emerges is a platform for modular micromobility that prioritizes adaptability over specialization. The design philosophy centers on one radical premise: remove the mechanical connection between pedaling and propulsion, then rebuild the entire vehicle around what becomes possible.

Proportions Freed from Mechanical Constraint

Traditional bicycle design bows to the demands of mechanical drivetrains. Chains dictate frame geometry. Derailleurs determine clearances. Gear ratios constrain wheel sizing. The TM-B dismisses these limitations entirely.

The pedal-by-wire system, which Rivian calls DreamRide, severs the physical link between your legs and the wheels. When you pedal, you’re powering a generator. That energy charges the battery, which then drives a motor at the rear wheel. The implications for design freedom are profound.

Frame tubes can be sized for structural efficiency rather than mechanical routing. Standover height becomes a pure ergonomic decision. Wheel placement optimizes handling instead of accommodating chain length. The entire architecture flows from rider needs rather than mechanical requirements.

Full suspension with 120mm travel front and rear creates spatial generosity in how the bike absorbs terrain. Those gold-anodized stanchions aren’t just premium visual cues, they signal a riding experience tuned for urban chaos and trail exploration equally.

Modular Surfaces: One Frame, Multiple Identities

The top frame isn’t fixed structure but rather a design canvas that transforms the vehicle’s purpose in seconds. This modularity enables three distinct configurations without tools or complex adjustment procedures.

Swap in a solo seat configuration, and the TM-B becomes a personal urban runner with dual water bottle mounts. The proportions read athletic, lean, focused. Slide in the bench seat instead, and suddenly spatial relationships shift. The bike lengthens visually. Room for a passenger or substantial cargo alters how you perceive the vehicle’s stance and capability.

Mount the utility cargo rack, and form follows function most overtly. That 77-pound capacity reshapes what this platform enables: grocery runs, equipment transport, daily errands that traditionally demanded four wheels. The transformations require no tools. Seconds to swap. The design intelligence lies in creating attachment points that disappear when not in use while providing industrial-grade strength when loaded.

Each configuration tells a different spatial story while maintaining design coherence. The frame proportions accommodate all three personalities without compromise.

Material Reduction Through Digital Shifting

Eliminating the mechanical drivetrain removes visual and tactile complexity from the entire right side of the bike. This creates unprecedented surface cleanliness that most e-bikes can’t achieve because they still rely on traditional bicycle components.

No derailleur hanging vulnerably from the dropout. No cassette stack creating width at the rear wheel. No chain requiring guards, maintenance, or lubricant. The Gates carbon belt drive (on the pedal input side) delivers power silently and permanently to the generator, not to the wheel directly. It’s designed to outlast the bike itself with zero maintenance intervals.

This material reduction extends to the cockpit. Traditional bikes clutter the handlebars with shifter pods, brake levers, and sometimes throttle controls. The TM-B consolidates everything through a central touchscreen that floats between the grips. Gear selection happens through software, not mechanical clicking. Ten levels of pedal assist adjust seamlessly. Sport, Trail, All Purpose, and Conserve modes reshape the riding character without adding physical controls.

The visual result is clean surfaces throughout. The bike reads as intentionally minimal rather than stripped down, because the design removed complexity rather than hiding it.

Battery Architecture as Design Element

Most e-bikes conceal batteries within frame tubes, prioritizing invisibility over accessibility. The TM-B makes power storage a designed interaction.

Two removable battery options (538Wh and 808Wh) twist free without tools. The larger capacity delivers 100-mile range, extraordinary for a vehicle this size. But range becomes secondary to the design thinking behind making batteries user-facing rather than integrated.

USB-C charging at up to 240W means these packs double as portable power banks. The batteries become part of your broader electronic ecosystem rather than single-purpose components. Pull a battery, charge your laptop at a coffee shop, return it to the bike. The design acknowledges that modern urban life revolves around managing multiple devices, not just transportation.

An e-ink display on each battery provides status without requiring phone connectivity, giving you physical feedback and immediate information. This creates designed confidence where you know exactly how much range remains before needing to swap or charge.

Lighting Rituals: Biomotion Safety

Integrated lighting typically means front and rear LEDs that meet minimum legal requirements. The TM-B’s lighting philosophy comes from automotive safety research.

Biomotion lighting highlights the rider’s body movement (head, arms, legs) rather than just illuminating the bike’s extremities. Studies show that drivers recognize moving human forms faster than static vehicle shapes, especially in peripheral vision. The lighting system transforms the rider into a more recognizable threat that drivers process earlier.

This isn’t decorative accent lighting but rather lighting as designed protective intervention. It borrows from decades of automotive human factors research and applies it to two-wheeled vulnerability.

Security Through Remote Architecture

Physical locks represent designed failure. Cable locks cut easily. U-locks require carrying bulk. Frame locks add weight. The TM-B makes theft functionally pointless through software architecture.

When you walk away, the bike automatically locks the battery, wheels, and frame. Not physically, but electronically. Attempt to ride a locked TM-B and nothing responds. The motor won’t engage. The battery won’t discharge. The entire vehicle becomes an expensive sculpture.

Remote bricking takes this further. Report a bike stolen, and ALSO can disable it remotely. The bike becomes worthless to a thief: not resellable, not rideable, not even useful for parts. Security becomes invisible, permanent, and comprehensive without adding physical bulk or weight.

Regenerative Braking as Range Extension

Hydraulic disc brakes handle primary stopping. But regenerative braking captures energy during deceleration and feeds it back to the battery.

The design outcome: up to 25% range extension from energy that typically dissipates as heat. It’s not dramatic enough to feel like engine braking in an EV car. It’s subtle, seamless, almost unnoticeable, which represents successful design integration rather than engineered compromise.

The system demonstrates how automotive EV thinking translates to micromobility. Every descent, every slow-down, every controlled deceleration becomes an opportunity to extend range without conscious rider input.

Manufactured Variants as Design Personas

Three trim levels don’t just offer different equipment but represent distinct design philosophies about what this platform should express.

The Launch Edition ($4,500, spring 2026) introduces the concept with unique blue, purple, and other launch finishes that communicate newness and differentiation. It’s ALSO announcing they’ve arrived with something visually distinct.

The Performance trim (same price, summer 2026) adds air suspension and higher output motor specs. Design shifts from introduction to capability. This version targets riders who prioritize dynamic range over value positioning.

The Base model (under $4,000, late 2026) strips back to essentials with 60-mile battery and simplified spec. The design message becomes accessibility: getting this platform’s core benefits to wider audiences without the premium finish work.

Each trim tells a clear story about who this bike serves and why. The pricing strategy keeps Performance and Launch identical, making the choice about timing and aesthetics rather than value hierarchy.

The Quad Evolution: Four-Wheeled Platform Thinking

ALSO’s roadmap extends beyond two wheels to pedal-assisted quads designed for cargo delivery.

The TM-Q vehicles represent the same core philosophy applied to different constraints. Remove mechanical drivetrain limitations. Build software-defined platforms. Enable modular transformation. Optimize for bike lane operation rather than automotive infrastructure.

The design thread connecting the TM-B and TM-Q products is platform thinking: creating foundational architecture that supports multiple form factors rather than designing discrete vehicles. It’s how automotive manufacturers approach product development, now applied to micromobility at urban scale.

Form as Manifestation of Vertically Integrated Engineering

The TM-B doesn’t source components from Shimano, Bosch, or other e-bike suppliers. Rivian developed the battery, motor, electronics, and software in-house. This vertical integration enables design decisions impossible with off-the-shelf components. Where most e-bikes still rely on partial automotive supplier components, Rivian’s approach is pure ground-up integration applying full automotive engineering rigor to two-wheeled transport.

The pedal-by-wire system exists because Rivian controlled the entire drivetrain stack. The security architecture works because they own the software. The battery packaging succeeds because they designed the cells and the enclosures simultaneously.

What you see in the TM-B’s form is the physical manifestation of engineering control. Proportion and surface decisions made possible only when every component answers to a single design vision rather than marketplace constraints.

Over-the-air updates will refine this bike’s behavior throughout its life. The riding characteristics you experience at delivery represent a starting point, not a fixed state. Software-defined vehicles evolve. The TM-B’s design accommodates continuous improvement rather than planned obsolescence. Service and repairs happen at Rivian’s automotive service centers, not traditional bike shops, treating the TM-B as an extension of their vehicle ecosystem.

Why This Matters for Design

The ALSO TM-B demonstrates what becomes possible when automotive engineering rigor meets micromobility scale. It’s not about making bikes more expensive or complex but about removing century-old mechanical constraints and rebuilding around what riders actually need.

Modular transformation without tools. Batteries as portable power rather than hidden components. Security through software instead of physical locks. Drivetrain without mechanical compromise. Lighting that makes riders more visible through human factors research rather than brighter bulbs.

Rivian took their EV platform thinking (vertical integration, software-defined experiences, continuous improvement through updates) and scaled it to two wheels. The result challenges what we accept as inevitable in bicycle design.

The TM-B isn’t trying to be a better traditional bike. It’s showing what happens when you throw out the script entirely and rebuild from first principles. That’s what makes it worth studying, regardless of whether you ever plan to buy one.

The post Design Philosophy: When Automotive Thinking Meets Micromobility first appeared on Yanko Design.

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

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

Designer: Mingzhou Gu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Designer: Airthings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The puffer jacket is a winter staple for a lot of places that experiences really cold weather. But most of the ones in the market aren’t the most eco-friendly. Everlane has just launched what might be the fashion industry’s most sustainable puffer jacket yet. The EverPuff represents a groundbreaking approach to circular fashion design, proving that warmth, style, and environmental responsibility can coexist beautifully.

What makes the EverPuff revolutionary is its commitment to true circularity. Nearly every component of this sleek puffer jacket is crafted from certified recycled materials, from the insulating fill to the outer shell. The only exceptions are three small metal trims, making this jacket 97% recycled content. This isn’t just about using eco-friendly materials; it’s about creating a product designed for multiple lifetimes.

Designer Name: Everlane

The jacket’s exterior features 100% recycled polyester that’s both water-repellent and water-resistant, ensuring you stay dry while maintaining a lighter environmental footprint . The recycled down filling provides exceptional warmth without compromising on sustainability principles. All materials are bluesign certified and PFAS-free, guaranteeing safer chemistry for both workers and consumers while reducing harmful emissions.

But Everlane’s innovation extends far beyond materials. The EverPuff comes with an unprecedented lifetime warranty and comprehensive repair program through their partnership with Tersus Solutions . If your jacket needs fixing, Everlane will repair it for free. If it’s beyond repair, they’ll replace it entirely. This commitment to longevity challenges the fast fashion model by encouraging consumers to invest in pieces that last. The design process itself was revolutionary. Everlane’s team worked closely with Debrand, a specialized recycling company, to ensure the jacket could be easily disassembled at the end of its life . By using mono-materials and avoiding complex stitching, they created a garment that can be completely broken down, with each component recycled into new products.

When your EverPuff finally reaches the end of its usable life, Everlane will take it back and transform it into a new garment. The polyester shell, down filling, and hardware are all separated and sent to specialized facilities for recycling into fresh materials. This closed-loop system represents the future of fashion manufacturing. The EverPuff also integrates with Everlane’s broader sustainability ecosystem. Through their partnership with Poshmark on the Re:Everlane program, customers can easily resell their jackets, extending the product’s life even further. The system automatically populates style details and original pricing, making resale effortless.

Available in five sophisticated colors including navy, black, dark green, peyote, and merlot, the EverPuff retails for $298 for the standard length and $348 for the long version . While the price point reflects the quality materials and comprehensive warranty, it represents a shift toward valuing durability over disposability. The EverPuff isn’t just a jacket; it’s a statement about the future of fashion. By proving that luxury outerwear can be both stylish and completely sustainable, Everlane is setting a new standard for the industry. This innovative approach to circular design shows that consumers no longer need to choose between looking good and doing good for the planet.

The post Everlane’s Everpuff Is The Jacket That Never Dies first appeared on Yanko Design.

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

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

Designer: Beleve Vision

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When designing a home that genuinely reflects your personality, it is natural to focus on color schemes, furniture layouts, and curated decor. These elements shape the foundation of a space, but there is one often-overlooked design element that can completely transform how your home feels, and that is playful furniture design.

This does not mean that you need to fill your space with childish or overly quirky pieces. Instead, it is about choosing furniture with unexpected shapes, bold colors, or whimsical details that spark joy. These thoughtful and personality-driven touches add charm, create visual interest, and infuse your interiors with warmth and wonder.
Let’s understand how playful furniture design can turn ordinary spaces into lively, emotionally uplifting designs.

1. The Psychology of Playful Design

Design goes beyond aesthetics as it influences how people feel and interact with their surroundings. Playful furniture, with its bold colors and unexpected shapes, can spark curiosity and joy, challenging the idea that furnishings must be strictly functional.

By incorporating unconventional pieces, such as a sculptural chair or a whimsical bookshelf, interiors become more engaging and less monotonous. Studies suggest that novel environments can enhance creativity and reduce stress. In this way, playful furniture is not just decorative, but it supports emotional well-being and helps create a home that feels vibrant, inspiring, and deeply personal.

The Fossil Furniture Collection, a collaboration between Ukrainian designer Dmitry Kozinenko and oitoproducts, reinterprets classic furniture forms through the use of sculptural monolithic shapes and bold geometric compositions. Each piece merges simple volumes, both square and round, into a cohesive design language that feels familiar and fresh. The Fossil chair combines two straight, supportive back legs with a rounded front base, creating a dynamic form that serves as a comfortable stool and a visually engaging footrest.

Echoing the chair’s silhouette, the Fossil pouf retains the distinctive base and seat module while omitting the backrest, offering a more casual and adaptable seating option. The bench expands the pouf’s form, featuring an elongated rectangular seat to accommodate two or three individuals, making it suitable for dining areas, entryways, or shared spaces. Together, the collection blends functionality with playful design, demonstrating how geometric reinterpretation can elevate everyday furniture into sculptural statement pieces.

2. Clever Ways to Add Whimsy

Adding playful furniture to a space does not mean giving up comfort or sophistication. It is about selecting pieces with personality, like a bold pouf, a sculptural table, or a quirky-backed chair that injects charm without overwhelming the room. These accents can become focal points and spark conversation.

To make smart selections, one can think about function, proportion, and how each item complements your existing decor. It is important to prioritize quality craftsmanship and sustainable materials, so your fun finds also stand the test of time and infuse a touch of joy.

The Doodle Collection by Ring presents furniture pieces that evoke the whimsical appearance of twisted paper clips, transformed into bold, sculptural forms. Inspired by blind contour drawings brought into three dimensions, each piece is crafted from nickel-plated steel arches, meticulously hand-bent and welded around a cast resin core. The collection includes an abstract table and a pair of chairs that appear impossibly delicate yet remain structurally stable. The table’s cast resin surface, seemingly suspended against gravity, enhances the sense of playful defiance that defines the series.

Ring describes the design approach as “free and exploratory,” resulting in creations that blur the line between functional objects and artistic statements. With their unconventional forms and dynamic silhouettes, these pieces feel more at home in an art gallery than in a traditional showroom. Designed for bold, adventurous collectors, the Doodle Collection serves as a statement against predictable design, offering a lively and imaginative addition to contemporary interiors.

3. Using Playful Materials and Textures

The tactile quality of furniture is just as important as its visual appeal. Designers often use varied materials and textures to make interiors feel more inviting and engaging. Unexpected choices like recycled plastics, woven rattan, or soft felt not only add visual interest but also a sensory layer that enhances the user experience.

Combining textures, such as pairing a smooth metal frame with a plush velvet seat, introduces depth and sophistication. These contrasts keep the eye moving and the space feeling curated. Also, mixing elements like wood, leather, fabric, or metal creates a multi-sensory environment that feels intentional, comfortable, and uniquely welcoming to everyone who enters.

The Moopi chair collection reinterprets the playful spirit of childhood playgrounds into sculptural, ergonomic seating for modern interiors. Inspired by slides, tunnels, and rocking horses, each design captures the posture and sensation of these familiar forms. MOOPI 01 (Blue) evokes the cozy enclosure of a playground tunnel with its circular opening, inviting users to curl up or lounge. MOOPI 02 (Green) features a gentle slope reminiscent of a slide, ideal for relaxed seating or casual conversations. MOOPI 03 (Orange) recalls the backward seating position often found on rocking horses or slide edges, offering both comfort and a whimsical silhouette.

Crafted with smooth contours and vibrant finishes, the collection is designed to be visually striking while remaining functional for all ages. The bold colors reference classic plastic playsets, instantly adding energy to any space. More than just seating, Moopi pieces serve as statement designs that blend nostalgia, creativity, and comfort, making them ideal for living rooms, studios, or curated interiors.

4. Designing for All Ages

Playful furniture offers a smart way to design spaces that are stylish for adults and welcoming for children. Instead of filling rooms with separate items, families can opt for multi-functional pieces that serve everyone. A low, rounded table, for instance, works as a coffee spot and a child’s play surface.

Soft edges enhance safety while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. Versatile pieces like storage ottomans or modular seating adapt easily as family needs change. This thoughtful approach proves that a home can be beautiful and practical.

The Rolly table by Mike & Maaike blends functionality with playful design, featuring four identical circles that serve as wheels and visual anchors. Crafted from solid wood or multi-ply, these circles highlight natural grain or bold colors while forming the table’s structural base and mobility. Supported by a minimal steel frame and a clever swivel mechanism, Rolly moves effortlessly across floors. Its swiveling rear wheel offers smooth control, allowing it to function as a stationary side table, portable serving cart, or stylish display stand.

Available in finishes ranging from light Scandinavian-inspired woods to rich stains, vibrant colors, and striking black-and-white stripes, the Rolly table adapts to a variety of interiors. Clean lines, seamless joinery, and a spacious tabletop reflect meticulous craftsmanship. Designed for design lovers and collectors, it turns simple tasks like serving drinks or rearranging a room into enjoyable experiences, making it a standout piece that merges versatility, movement, and modern style.

5. Upcycle for a Personal Touch

Upcycling old furniture or using upcycled materials offers a budget-friendly, eco-conscious way to add personality to any space. A bold coat of paint on a vintage chair or reupholstering with fun fabric can transform overlooked items into standout features.

DIY projects allow for creativity and customization, whether it is painting patterns on drawers, adding colorful legs to a plain table, or making cushions from vibrant textiles. These efforts result in distinctive pieces and a sense of accomplishment. Playful design celebrates imagination and resourcefulness, showing that style can be sustainable and uniquely personal.

The Hana-Arashi (Flower Storm) collection by Paola Lenti showcases a refined approach to sustainable outdoor furniture design, transforming surplus 100% polypropylene mesh fabric into sculptural, functional pieces. This recyclable mono-material, celebrated for its durability, water resistance, and extensive range of approximately 180 colors, is reimagined through a high-frequency thermocompression technique. Leveraging polypropylene’s low melting point, multiple fabric layers are fused without adhesives or threads, selectively hardening certain areas for strength while retaining translucent sections that allow light to pass through, creating a luminous, ethereal effect.

The production process begins with assembling large fabric offcuts into a base, then welding smaller, precisely cut remnants to enhance texture and depth. Rolled and fused into fluid, three-dimensional forms, the resulting pieces evoke the organic beauty of swirling petals. Lightweight yet robust, Hana-Arashi is well-suited for public spaces, parks, and community areas, merging structural integrity with artistic elegance while advancing Paola Lenti’s commitment to eco-conscious innovation.

By selecting pieces that prioritize happiness, you can transform your space into a reflection of your personality and a haven of well-being. It’s about moving beyond the conventional and creating an environment that encourages laughter, creativity, and a little bit of fun.

The post Your IKEA Couch Is Dead: 5 Sculptural Pieces That Actually Spark Joy first appeared on Yanko Design.

Whenever I visit museums, I always enjoy looking at the artworks, of course. But sometimes, I wish I could bring home a replica or even just a postcard or sticker to commemorate it and have a piece of it with me. Not all of them have something accessible like that, though. This new collaboration between the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Mattel is bringing high art and popular culture together so that people can appreciate art more through playing and collecting.

This collaboration isn’t just a one-time thing, as it is a multi-year partnership between the global toy giant and one of the leading cultural institutions. The goal is not just to have something for collectors but also to bring modern and contemporary art to new audiences by creating interactive and accessible experiences. People will be able to view high art not just through the lenses of museums but actually interact with it and even take it home with them.

Designers: MoMA x Mattel Creations

The first capsule collection will be available this coming November 2025 and will feature seven iconic pieces inspired by some of the best masterworks from MoMA’s permanent collection. They will be available in MoMA Design Stores in New York and Japan, and on the MoMA and Mattel websites.

The centerpiece of this collection is a Barbie doll that’s inspired by the iconic “Starry Night” masterpiece by Vincent van Gogh. Barbie is dressed in a gown that serves as the canvas for the ethereal and dreamlike quality of the painting. You’ll see dreamy swirls, blue skies, and stars in the runway ready gown.

If your taste is more surrealist, then you’ll want to take home the Little People Collector featuring a Salvador Dalí duo. One is a self-portrait figure with his famous twirled mustache, while the other is still Dalí but with elements from his painting “The Persistence of Memory.”

Another Little People Collector set, this time, features impressionist master Claude Monet. One of the figures is him working in his studio, while the other is a three-dimensional self-portrait inspired by his “Water Lilies” paintings.

Part of the capsule is also a special edition of the Magic 8 Ball, but instead of the usual colors, you get a vibrant abstract tapestry on its surface by Alma Woodsey Thomas. Out of the twenty usual answers, nine have been updated with custom phrases by Thomas as well.

Car enthusiasts also have something to collect with Hot Wheels die-cast replicas of cars like the Citroën DS 23 Sedan, complete with an opening hood and custom Real Riders wheels. There is also a die-cast replica of the Jaguar E-Type Roadster, which is one of the earliest cars that MoMA exhibited in the 1950s.

Lastly, you can take home works from famed artists like Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh, but this time in a UNO Canvas deck. The cards also include works by Sonia Delaunay and Liubov Popova for the Wild cards.

As we look ahead to this groundbreaking collaboration, it’s clear that the Mattel x MoMA partnership represents something much larger than a simple product launch. It’s a bold reimagining of how we can experience and connect with art in our daily lives. This five-year partnership promises to continue breaking down the barriers between high culture and everyday life, proving that great art doesn’t have to remain behind velvet ropes to maintain its power and beauty.

For those of us who have wandered through museum halls wishing we could take a piece of that inspiration home, this collection offers exactly that opportunity. Whether it’s displaying a van Gogh-inspired Barbie on your shelf, playing UNO with masterpieces in your hands, or racing Hot Wheels replicas of design icons, these pieces transform passive art appreciation into active, joyful engagement.

The post MoMA and Mattel give high art masterpieces a pop culture makeover first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smartwatches aren’t just wrist accessories anymore; they’re powerful, purpose-driven extensions of your lifestyle. Whether you’re an athlete, a gamer, a style enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to stay connected, the right wearable can elevate your daily routines. As October 2025 brings fresh innovation and daring new designs, the world of smartwatches is more diverse and exciting than ever.

From minimalist e-paper displays to rugged adventure companions and even a gaming PC for your wrist, this year’s lineup is packed with options that speak to every need and personality. Our list explores the best smartwatches available now, highlighting their unique strengths, standout features, and potential drawbacks. Dive in to find the perfect wearable for your wrist and your world.

1. MSI Gaming PC Watch: A Gaming Rig For Your Wrist

The MSI Gaming PC Watch is a spectacle for anyone who lives and breathes gaming. With its MSI dragon-red theme, transparent façade, and visible hardware, it’s an unmistakable tribute to high-performance rigs. This wearable doesn’t just tell time—it showcases your passion, sparking conversations and envy alike. While it might look like a traditional watch at first glance, its true identity is a full-fledged mini PC strapped to your wrist.

Analog watch hands are visible but understated, hinting at its timekeeping function. Four side pushers let you toggle features, and the construction feels robust with a metal alloy case. Not everyone will need or want a wearable computer on their wrist, but for those who do, nothing else comes close to this level of commitment and flair.

What we like

• Visually striking design that turns your wrist into a gaming showcase.
• Unique concept that marries PC hardware and wearable tech in an unprecedented way.

What we dislike

• Timekeeping is a secondary feature, not the main focus.
• Likely to be bulkier and less comfortable for daily wear.

2. Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Pinnacle Of Display Technology

Apple’s Ultra 3 brings a new dimension to smartwatch displays, boasting the largest and most advanced screen ever fitted to an Apple Watch. With wide-angle OLEDs and LTPO3 technology, it’s readable at any angle—even in direct sunlight or underwater. Apple’s design team has maximized the display space by shrinking the borders, so you get a bigger, better canvas without a larger watch.

Always-on features are smarter and more efficient, staying visible without draining the battery. Real-time seconds and instant stats make it a must for athletes and adventure seekers. If clarity, screen quality, and high-tech durability are priorities, the Ultra 3 is at the head of the pack.

What we like

• Expansive display with best-in-class readability in all conditions.
• Always-on screen with high refresh and low power use.

What we dislike

• Premium price puts it out of reach for some buyers.
• Large size may not suit those with slimmer wrists.

3. Pebble Time 2: E-Paper Simplicity, Modern Craft

Pebble’s comeback is all about maturity and minimalism. The Time 2 features a stainless steel case and integrated lugs that create a seamless, intentional flow from the case to the strap. The nearly edge-to-edge 1.7-inch color e-paper display sits flush with the glass, inviting you to run your finger along its perfectly smooth edges. This is a smartwatch for those who crave simplicity and customization without sacrificing style.

Available in Silver, Black, and Champagne Gold, the Time 2 lets you swap out standard 22mm bands, making it adaptable for any look. It’s a refined, user-first foundation that feels both nostalgic and modern. The e-paper display also means longer battery life and easy outdoor readability.

What we like

• Minimalist, sophisticated design with customizable bands.
• E-paper display is gentle on the eyes and extends battery life.

What we dislike

• Lacks the premium sensors and apps found on flagship smartwatches.
• Refresh rate is slower than traditional OLED or LCD screens.

4. WearPods Hybrid Smartwatch: Earbuds On Your Wrist

WearPods is a clever hybrid, hiding a pair of true-wireless earbuds within the body of a smartwatch. It’s designed for the forgetful and the futuristic, merging two essential devices into one. The 1.93-inch display and smart features are impressive, but the real magic happens when you pop out the earbuds with a satisfying click, ready for calls or your favorite playlist.

This all-in-one approach does come with some trade-offs. Packing both a smartwatch and earbuds into such a compact form means battery life isn’t stellar, and the ergonomics for both components might not suit everyone. Still, for tech lovers who want to reduce pocket clutter, it’s a novel solution.

What we like

• Ingenious all-in-one design keeps your earbuds always accessible.
• Appeals to gadget lovers and those prone to losing accessories.

What we dislike

• Reduced battery life compared to single-function wearables.
• Fit and comfort may not match dedicated smartwatches or earbuds.

5. Ollee Watch: A Classic Casio, Supercharged

The Ollee Watch turns the classic Casio F-91W into a customizable smartwatch through a mainboard swap. You keep the retro resin case, LCD, and water resistance, while gaining step tracking, notifications, and Bluetooth. It’s a clever, open-source upgrade that bridges nostalgia and modern convenience.

DIY fans will appreciate the upgrade process, which doesn’t require advanced skills. The result is a connected, functional timepiece that feels both familiar and fresh—ideal for those who want to retain the original’s charm while adding new tech.

What we like

• Maintains the beloved Casio design with modern smart features.
• Open-source and DIY-friendly for personal customization.

What we dislike

• Installation requires some technical ability and patience.
• Not as feature-rich as premium smartwatches.

6. Garmin Instinct 3: AMOLED Or Solar For Every Adventure

Garmin’s Instinct 3 offers versatility with AMOLED and solar-powered variants, each available in two sizes. The AMOLED model delivers vivid visuals for gym goers, while the solar model boasts unlimited battery life in sunlight—ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Up to 24 days on a single charge sets a new standard for smartwatch endurance.

The Instinct 3 is built tough, with extensive fitness tracking and navigation features. While its rugged look won’t win fashion awards, its performance and battery options make it a reliable companion for any adventure.

What we like

• Choice between super-bright AMOLED and solar-powered battery.
• Outstanding battery life and rugged durability.

What we dislike

• Solar models require regular sunlight for the best results.
• Functional, utilitarian design isn’t for style seekers.

7. TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing

TAG Heuer’s collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing produces a standout luxury smartwatch. The 45mm DLC titanium case, bold racing-themed strap, and dial make it a collector’s item. It’s packed with features for health, fitness, and lifestyle, all wrapped in the prestige of Swiss watchmaking.

This is a watch for motorsport fans and those who appreciate both tradition and cutting-edge tech. While its price and look may not be for everyone, it’s a striking fusion of speed and sophistication.

What we like

• Luxurious materials and exclusive Red Bull Racing design.
• Offers comprehensive smart features with top-tier build quality.

What we dislike

• High price limits its accessibility.
• Bold styling may not suit everyday wear or all tastes.

8. Apple Watch Series 11: The Ultimate Health Monitoring Device

Apple’s Series 11 sets a new bar for health-focused smartwatches. With advanced sensors, silent killer detection, and always-on ECG, it’s the most feature-packed Apple Watch yet. Hardware upgrades ensure it’s more durable and connected than ever, while seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem makes it a natural choice for iPhone users.

It’s designed for those who want a blend of style, utility, and medical-grade monitoring on their wrist. The only major downside is its battery life, which still requires daily charging.

What we like

• State-of-the-art health monitoring and medical features.
• Refined design and perfect compatibility with iPhone.

What we dislike

• Battery life is only average, requiring daily top-ups.
• Works best only within the Apple ecosystem.

9. Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro: Built For Endurance

The Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro is built for athletes who need their gear to last. Its sapphire crystal display and titanium case shrug off scratches and impacts, while the 21-day battery life is a game-changer for training camps and expeditions. Peak brightness makes it easy to read outdoors, and pro-grade GPS and tracking features cater to serious runners and cyclists.

While its focus is on endurance and performance, it may not have the app ecosystem or lifestyle features of more mainstream smartwatches.

What we like

• Ultra-durable with sapphire crystal and titanium construction.
• Long-lasting battery ideal for extended use and adventures.

What we dislike

• Limited app selection compared to Apple and Wear OS.
• More fitness-focused, less suited for general lifestyle use.

10. Ksana Hybrid E-Ink Smartwatch: Essential Information, Always

Ksana’s hybrid smartwatch puts a small E Ink display at the center, overlaying an analog dial with glowing hands. This battery-saving approach means you get only the essential info, without distractions or frequent charging. The analog movement adds classic charm, while the display excels in any lighting.

It’s ideal for anyone who values simplicity and mindfulness over a barrage of notifications. The pared-back approach means you’ll miss out on richer app experiences, but for many, that’s a feature, not a bug.

What we like

• E Ink display provides superb battery life and readability.
• Analog-mechanical movement adds timeless appeal and night usability.

What we dislike

• Limited information display and few smart features.
• Not for those who want colorful screens or app-rich experiences.

Final Thoughts: Which Smartwatch Fits Your Life?

Choosing the right smartwatch in October 2025 is all about matching your personal style, needs, and habits. This year’s lineup is more diverse than ever, from the boldest gaming wrist rigs to the most subtle hybrid analogs. Whether you crave battery life, health tracking, luxury, or sheer uniqueness, there’s a wearable that aligns with your priorities.

The best smartwatch is the one that disappears into your day and amplifies what you value most, whether that’s adventure, connectivity, or simplicity. As innovation continues to redefine what’s possible on your wrist, you have more freedom than ever to choose a device that feels tailored just for you.

The post 10 Best Smartwatches To Consider In October 2025: Find The Perfect Wearable For You first appeared on Yanko Design.

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

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

Designer: MIH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There’s a new camera brand in town called Xtra, and it’s selling cameras that look exactly like DJI’s most popular models, except without the tariff markup. I’m talking functionally identical hardware here. The Xtra Muse is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. The Xtra Edge is the DJI Osmo Action 4. Same specs, same build, same everything, just different branding on the box and a price tag that doesn’t include the Trump tax that’s been crushing DJI’s US pricing for the past year.

Here’s where it gets wild: Xtra has no history, no visible headquarters, no executives with public profiles, and exists seemingly for the sole purpose of selling rebranded DJI cameras in America. The Verge literally tore down the Xtra Muse and found that the internals are identical to the Osmo Pocket 3, down to the circuit boards and processors. This isn’t some knockoff operation reverse-engineering DJI’s tech. This is DJI’s tech, just with a different name slapped on it. The only logical conclusion is that DJI created Xtra as a shell brand to dodge tariffs and customs scrutiny.

Trump’s trade war turned DJI’s US pricing into an absolute disaster. Baseline tariffs on Chinese goods started at 10 percent, then got ratcheted up to 25 percent and higher for electronics. DJI drones and cameras got hammered. The Osmo Pocket 3, which should cost around $500, now sells for $799 in the US after multiple tariff-driven price hikes. Add to that the fact that US Customs has been randomly blocking some DJI shipments entirely, citing vague forced labor concerns even though there’s no actual ban in place. The company has been caught in this bureaucratic nightmare where products either vanish from shelves, show up at inflated prices, or appear through sketchy third-party sellers with no clear connection to DJI.

So DJI ‘allegedly’ decided to get creative. Can’t import cameras under the DJI brand without getting slapped with massive tariffs? Fine, just create a new brand and import them that way. Xtra sells exactly three products, all of which correspond perfectly to DJI’s current consumer camera lineup. The Muse is the Pocket 3. The Edge is the Action 4. There’s another action camera variant that also maps directly to a DJI product. Every single item in Xtra’s catalog is a DJI camera wearing a disguise. The company has zero web presence beyond a barebones storefront, and when journalists ask DJI about any connection to Xtra, the company refuses to comment. That silence is basically an admission.

The Verge’s teardown really sealed the case. They pulled the Xtra Muse apart and photographed every component. The sensor, the processor, the gimbal mechanism, the circuit board layout, everything matches the Osmo Pocket 3 exactly. You can’t fake that level of identity through copying. These cameras are coming off the same production line, built to the same specifications, probably in the same Chinese factory. The only differences are cosmetic: different logo, slightly tweaked packaging, maybe some altered serial number formatting. That’s it. You’re buying a DJI camera, you’re just not buying it from DJI, at least not officially.

Xtra products don’t sell through DJI’s official US store, which has been a ghost town for months due to the tariff chaos. Instead, they show up on Amazon through sellers like AeroTech Hubs, which has no existence outside of its Amazon storefront and sells almost nothing but DJI-adjacent gear. AeroTech also sells one random hairdryer for some reason, presumably to look less suspicious. The whole operation feels like a front, and that’s because it probably is. By routing products through Xtra and using different product codes, DJI can potentially avoid the tariff classifications that hit Chinese-branded electronics and slip past customs agents who are specifically looking for DJI shipments. It’s logistical sleight of hand.

Customs enforcement has been wildly inconsistent, which creates the exact conditions for this kind of workaround. Some DJI shipments get blocked. Others go through fine. There’s no clear pattern, no transparent ruleset, just arbitrary decisions made by officials applying vague guidelines. DJI has clearly decided it’s not going to sit around waiting for clarity or hoping tariffs will ease. The company needs to sell cameras in America, so it’s going to sell cameras in America, even if that means inventing a fake brand to do it. The audacity is almost impressive.

Tariffs only work if customs can identify and tax the goods being imported. DJI’s Xtra scheme exposes how fragile that enforcement actually is in the age of global supply chains and e-commerce. Change some branding, tweak the packaging, route things through intermediaries, and suddenly your 25 percent tariff disappears into bureaucratic confusion. The US government can tax DJI cameras all it wants, but if those cameras show up under a different name at the original price, what exactly has the tariff accomplished? It’s performative policy that sounds tough but collapses the moment a company with resources decides to challenge it.

DJI is making a statement here, both to regulators and to customers. To regulators: your tariffs are ineffective and we’ll prove it by continuing to sell our products anyway. To customers: you can still get our cameras, they’ll just arrive in a box that says Xtra instead of DJI, and honestly, does that really matter? The hardware is identical, the performance is identical, and the price is better because you’re not paying the Trump tax. Most buyers won’t care about the brand name as long as the gimbal works and the footage looks good. DJI knows this, which is why the strategy makes perfect sense.

The fact that this is happening so openly is the most brazen part. Xtra isn’t hiding in the shadows or operating through obscure gray market channels. The cameras are right there on Amazon, available for anyone to buy, with product pages that make only minimal effort to pretend they’re not DJI products. The specs match, the design matches, the accessories are compatible, everything about the presentation screams “this is a DJI camera” except for the brand name. It’s DJI basically winking at US customs officials and daring them to do something about it. And so far, customs hasn’t figured out how to respond.

This whole situation reveals the limits of using tariffs to target specific companies in a globalized market. DJI is too big, too sophisticated, and too embedded in worldwide manufacturing and distribution networks to be easily contained by trade policy. The company can pivot, rebrand, reroute, and adapt faster than regulators can write new rules. Xtra proves that. You can slap a 25 percent tariff on DJI products, but if DJI can simply create a shell brand and import the same products under a different name, your tariff is pointless. You’ve created paperwork, not protection.

American consumers are the real winners here, assuming they’re comfortable with the absurdity of buying a DJI camera that pretends not to be a DJI camera. You get the Osmo Pocket 3’s incredible stabilization and 1-inch sensor without paying an extra $300 for the privilege of geopolitical posturing. You get the Action 4’s rugged build and high frame rates without the tariff markup. The cameras work exactly the same because they are exactly the same. DJI’s gamble is that most people will take that deal, and they’re probably right. Brand loyalty matters less than price and performance, especially when the brand in question is basically an open secret.

What happens next is anyone’s guess. US Customs could crack down on Xtra imports once they figure out what’s going on, but that requires resources and enforcement mechanisms that may not exist. DJI could expand the Xtra lineup to include drones and other products if the strategy works. Other Chinese companies facing similar tariff problems could copy the playbook. Or the whole thing could collapse in legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny. For now, though, Xtra exists, DJI cameras are flowing into the US at pre-tariff prices, and the tariff regime looks ineffective and easily gamed. That’s the story.

The post DJI Just Launched a Secret Camera Brand to Dodge US Tariffs (Here’s Where To Buy It) first appeared on Yanko Design.

Baluchon has done it again. The French tiny house builder, widely regarded as the most innovative craftsman in the industry, has just revealed their latest masterpiece: Nouvelle Danse. This light-filled sanctuary represents everything that makes Baluchon the gold standard in compact living design. Custom-built for a passionate seamstress, Nouvelle Danse transforms the traditional tiny house concept into something extraordinary, seamlessly integrating a dedicated workspace into a surprisingly spacious two-bedroom layout that proves even the most specialized needs can be met within compact dimensions.

The exterior showcases Baluchon’s signature aesthetic mastery through high-contrast natural wood cladding that plays beautifully against matte black insertions flowing across the roof, door, and window frames. The entrance commands attention with modern glass doors framed in striking black paneling, ensuring the home turns heads whether nestled in a tiny house community or positioned in a remote natural setting. Natural light floods every corner of the interior, creating an atmosphere that feels anything but cramped while providing the perfect environment for creative work.

Designer: Baluchon

A Portfolio of Innovation

Nouvelle Danse joins an impressive roster of recent Baluchon creations that continue pushing boundaries in small space design. The Eden tiny house demonstrated how smart design maximizes functionality, serving as both a residence and a remote office, while the minimalist Avalon showcased the builder’s ability to create perfection through restraint, with sleek styling within an ultra-compact footprint. The recent Ivy model boasted 441 square feet of luxury, featuring innovative elements such as raised lounges and direct loft access from the bathroom. In contrast, Leila focused on homey comfort, with enlarged kitchen spaces and charming reading nooks.

The company’s attention to craftsmanship remains uncompromising across all builds, consistently using sustainable materials like red cedar construction, natural insulation including cotton, hemp, and linen, and predominantly natural wood finishes or eco-friendly dyes. These choices reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Industry observers consistently note that Baluchon homes never look plain or somber on the outside, while interiors maximize every square inch through clever storage solutions and multi-functional design elements.

Setting the Standard for Custom Design

What sets Baluchon apart in the crowded tiny house market is its refusal to create cookie-cutter designs. Every project begins with understanding the client’s specific needs, then crafting a completely personalized solution. The seamstress workspace in Nouvelle Danse exemplifies this approach perfectly, demonstrating how the builder’s reputation encompasses pure artistry and endless creativity. Each Baluchon creation tells a unique story tailored to its owner’s lifestyle, whether addressing accessibility concerns with single-floor layouts or incorporating specialized work areas for creative professionals.

As tiny house living continues gaining popularity worldwide, Baluchon remains at the forefront of innovation. Their latest creation proves that downsizing doesn’t mean compromising on style, functionality, or personal expression. Nouvelle Danse stands as a testament to the possibilities that emerge when masterful craftsmanship meets thoughtful design, creating spaces that truly enhance their owners’ lives rather than simply sheltering them. The French builder continues setting the standard for what tiny house living can become when imagination meets expertise.

The post This Tiny House Looks Impossibly Small Outside But Hides A Full Sewing Studio Inside first appeared on Yanko Design.

IKEA has fundamentally reimagined its most enduring furniture icon, and the result is nothing short of transformative. The POANG armchair, a global bestseller that has graced millions of homes since 1977, just received its most significant design evolution in nearly five decades. The late Noboru Nakamura, the chairs original designer, came out of retirement in 2022 to personally oversee this dramatic redesign before his passing in April 2023. His final act was removing the signature headrest entirely, creating a low-back version that prioritizes social interaction over solitary comfort.

Designer: IKEA

The Design Philosophy Behind the Cut

Nakamuras approach to this redesign exemplifies the intersection of form, function, and human behavior that defines exceptional furniture design. Known affectionately as Nacka within IKEA, Nakamura built his reputation on radical simplicity: The Japanese flag only has a circle. Its so simple. I like to approach my design in a similar way. This philosophy guided his most decisive design choice for the POANGs evolution, one strategic cut that fundamentally altered the chairs social dynamic.

The elimination of the headrest serves multiple purposes beyond aesthetics. By lowering the overall profile and opening the back, Nakamura created seating that encourages conversation rather than retreat. The modification transforms the chair from a personal sanctuary into an invitation for interaction, reflecting contemporary living patterns where multipurpose spaces demand furniture that adapts to various social contexts.

Technical Excellence Meets Social Innovation

The low-back POANG retains every technical element that made the original a design classic while introducing subtle improvements that enhance its contemporary relevance. The frame construction uses the same layer-glued birch veneer with clear acrylic lacquer finish that has proven durable across millions of units sold worldwide. The signature cantilever design, with its engineered flex and gentle rocking motion, remains unchanged, preserving what Nakamura called the emotional richness that furniture should provide.

However, the proportional changes are significant. The lower seat height and reduced back create a more approachable silhouette that works particularly well in smaller spaces where the originals commanding presence might overwhelm. The chair now accommodates users up to 242 pounds and comes with IKEAs standard 10-year limited warranty, maintaining the brands commitment to accessible durability.

Material Innovation and Sustainability Integration

The updated POANG incorporates contemporary sustainability practices without compromising on comfort or aesthetics. The cushion system features polyurethane foam comfort filling with recycled polyester wadding comprising a minimum of 80% recycled content. The removable, machine-washable covers come in cotton-linen blends designed for real-world use, addressing one of the primary maintenance concerns of the original design.

Color options reflect both contemporary tastes and historical references. The bold Vissle red pays homage to the vibrant palette that defined 1970s Scandinavian design, while new black and beige options provide versatile neutrals for modern interiors. Frame finishes include natural beige and black-brown, each treated to highlight the natural wood grain that defines the POANGs visual identity.

Historical Context and Design Legacy

The POANGs journey from concept to global icon illustrates the enduring power of thoughtful design. Originally named POEM when it debuted on IKEAs 1977 catalogue cover, the chair underwent construction improvements in 1992 that reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining quality. The rename to POANG, Swedish for point, reflected its refined status as a design statement rather than merely functional seating.

Nakamuras design philosophy centered on furniture as emotional experience rather than static object. A chair shouldnt be a tool that binds or holds the sitter, he explained in 2016. It should rather be a tool that provides us with emotional richness, and creates an image where we can let off frustration or stress by swinging. This philosophy shaped not only the POANGs signature cantilever flexibility but also informed his decision to create a more socially oriented variant decades later.

With approximately 1.5 million POANG chairs sold annually, the design has become one of furniture historys most successful pieces. Even IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad used the same POANG for 32 years, testament to both its durability and timeless appeal.

Market Positioning and Consumer Impact

The low-back POANGs pricing strategy maintains IKEAs commitment to accessible design while reflecting the enhanced manufacturing precision required for the modified proportions. Basic configurations start at $99, with premium fabric options reaching $139. This pricing positions the chair competitively within both the entry-level market and the mid-range seating category dominated by contemporary furniture brands.

The launch timing as part of IKEAs Nytillverkad collection, celebrating the companys 80th anniversary, provides additional context for understanding this redesigns significance. Rather than simply creating a variant, IKEA positioned the low-back POANG as a tribute to Nakamuras legacy while addressing contemporary living patterns that prioritize flexibility and social interaction.

Expert Analysis: Design Impact and Future Implications

From a design perspective, the low-back POANG represents more than aesthetic modification. It demonstrates how established design can evolve to meet changing cultural needs without abandoning core principles. The chairs success will likely influence other manufacturers to reconsider how traditional furniture forms can be adapted for contemporary social patterns.

The timing of this release, following significant disruptions to home living patterns, suggests IKEAs recognition that furniture must adapt to spaces that serve multiple functions. The low-back design accommodates this need while preserving the design integrity that made the original endure for nearly five decades.

Availability and Long-Term Considerations

The low-back POANG is currently available through IKEAs retail channels and online platform as part of the limited Nytillverkad collection. While IKEA has not specified whether this variant will become a permanent offering, the significant investment in design development and manufacturing tooling suggests potential for ongoing production based on market response.

For consumers considering the low-back versus traditional POANG, the choice ultimately depends on intended use. The original remains superior for reading, relaxation, and solitary activities, while the new version excels in social settings, smaller spaces, and contemporary interiors where furniture serves multiple functions.

The Design Legacy Continues

Nakamuras final design represents the best of Scandinavian design philosophy: purposeful simplicity that enhances human experience. The low-back POANG proves that even icons can evolve when guided by the same principles that made them successful initially. In removing elements rather than adding them, Nakamura created something that feels both familiar and revolutionary, a fitting conclusion to a design career dedicated to furniture that serves not just bodies, but human connection.

The low-back POANG stands as proof that great design transcends trends by focusing on fundamental human needs. As living spaces continue to evolve, furniture that prioritizes adaptability and social connection over static function will likely define the next era of home furnishing. Nakamuras final contribution ensures that the POANG remains relevant for another generation of users seeking furniture that enhances rather than dictates how they live.

The post IKEA Transforms Its Most Beloved Chair Into Something Completely Different first appeared on Yanko Design.