Innovative Designs

Wearable Device: Smart Watch
First it was the desktop computer, then it was the laptop, and then it was mobile devices. What’s next in the progression? Many speculate the wearable device… and if it’s anything like this concept by Zissou then we’re all for it! Wrist-Borne combines the functionalities of fitness-tracking band, cellphone, and wristwatch into one device that focuses on practicality and ease-of-use in a surprisingly simple way. No buttons, no knobs…it’s the opposite of the Swiss army knife in this category, and that’s why it works!
Features:BluetoothPairs with your phone/computer/tablet3-axis accelerometerRetina-quality touch displayUSB Connection/storageBlood flow monitorPerspiration monitorThermometerWater resistant
Designer: Zissou
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Ecooking vertical kitchen
Space crunch + kitchen has always equalled to a compromised kitchen. Realistically speaking, designer Massimo Facchinetti has nailed it with his Ecooking vertical kitchen. This single module kitchen is a hub for sustainable cooking. The technologies of the project highlight energy-saving systems, and come integrated with an internal retrieval of energy system. This is achieved thanks to the close proximity and interaction of appliances with each other and the exchange of heat and moisture.

Ecooking vertical kitchen
• The electrical elements of the kitchen are powered by the energy produced by solar panels.
• On one side of the kitchen module there is placed a small vertical garden, which allows the cultivation of aromatic plants for daily use.
• The water coming from the sink is filtered and reused in the dishwasher; then undergoes a second filtering process and is used to water the plants in the vertical greenhouse.
• A retractable tap that disappears into the sink.
• Large refrigerator, an integrated cooking system (induction hob and microwave), systems for rinsing and washing (sink and dishwasher with adequate capacity).
• The rotating hood contains a light that follows you while operating around the column and softens in different shades at lunchtime and when using the extractable tables.
• In the hood the air treatment system, based on nanomaterials of titanium dioxide, it purifies the ambient air and is capable of purifying a medium sized room in a few hours.
Designer: Massimo Facchinetti for CLEI
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Fusion Kitchen Knives
You have to credit the simplicity that the Fusion Kitchen Knives exude. A literal mix of East and West, Industrial design and craftsmanship, the knife set blend in the common language of design and tell the story. Handmade in Kyoto as a limited edition by Japanese artist- craftsman Issei Hanaoka, these knives are inspired by the traditional Japanese art of wood crafting and they have a minimalist design: extremely simple yet modern and universal.

Fusion Kitchen Knives
Details
An ergonomic handle for slip-resistant ultra-comfort grip. Available in two sizes and two types of blade: serrated, ideal for bread, and non-serrated, ideal for cheese, fruit, and desserts. Thanks to their ultra-fine edge, the knives are extremely sharp but also easy to sharpen. For the packaging, the traditional Japanese boxes “kiribako” have been re-defined according to Italian design where shape is driven by purpose.
Material: Ebony / White Maple
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Atmos Desk
Atmos is a must-have desk for those who prefer their own personal space in a crowded office or dorm. The design takes inspiration from Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic structures and Do Ho Suh’s fabric cladding sculptures. What I love about the desk is the cozy enclosure and private space that it creates. It works better than cubicles and monolithic room dividers. Researchers too agree that a personal haven reduces stress and anxiety amongst workers and students.
To keep it enterprising, the Atmos uses translucent fabric and geometric science of triangles create an organic sphere of diffused light that spreads illumination evenly on top of the work surface. This even makes it look more spacious. Atmos can be designed using different fabrics to customize according to user’s specific needs as well as LED color lighting for establishing mood-setting environments.
Designer: Jeremy Lee
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The Marshall Dicycle
The Marshall (yes, as in the amp maker!) Dicycle combines the functionalities of two unexpected pairs in one wild cycle design that parties on the go! The side-by-side wheels support Marshall amps for impromptu, plug-and-play concerts! Hit the jump to watch the show!
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iMessaging With iBackpack
Love the idea of owning the iBackpack, a simple communicating tool for cyclists. The backpack features a transparent window through which your tablet (aka iPad) can be seen. It syncs in with your Smartphone via Bluetooth and using a special app, you can let the world know if you are going to be taking a right or a left turn. The Smartphone doubles up as a rearview mirror and relays info like break signal or emoticons and messages to the tablet.
Here is how it works:
Rear Mirror: Scenes behind users are displayed on their smart phone by using camera on tablet PC in the backpack.
Turn Signal: Using swipe and gyro sensor in smart phone on bicycle handle bar.
Break Signal: When riding speed rapidly slows down, speed sensor in Smartphone will recognize it and relay it.
Message: Users can display messages on their tablet PC by selecting saved messages on smart phone.
Designer: Soohun Jung

iPhone Lego
No matter how small Apple’s Lightning cable port might be, I still manage to get objects from my pocket lodged inside it! Here’s a clever, interactive solution that uses everyone’s favorite building-blocks to protect the device’s port and entertain the user. Each Lego in the Brick series adapts to the port, making your iPhone an integral part of your creation! Do want!
Designer: KBme2
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The iriver On
The iriver On is a player that helps you enjoy your music and track your exercise routine progress in an easy interactive way. The device features sensor technology that can monitor and transmit biometric data. It sports an ergonomic design for the neckband, which fits snugly even during most strenuous exercises. Crafted from high-quality urethane material, the neckband hosts 6 function keys that are placed on either sides in front. They offer controls to the entertainment and health monitoring systems.
Details:
The buttons are waterproof and integrated into the design.
The device features stereo earphones with a built-in measurement sensor made by innovative technology.
Users can receive various information including accurate heart rate and related data from earphones.
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Origin task chair
The Origin task chair focuses on natural ergonomics, positive posture reinforcement & even weight distribution to keep the user’s body in check while they work. With other task chairs, users still have to lean forward to access their keyboard or mouse, thereby negating the chair’s ergonomics. Here, a split keyboard & mouse are integrated into the armrests so the spine can remain supported while weight is distributed to the forearms rather than the wrists. Oh, yeah… it’s also really really really ridiculously good looking!
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Right Angle Stapler
Innovative stationery has always fascinated me and the Right Angle Stapler is a winner in my eyes. We have managed to increase the width, size and capacity of the humble stapler but no one has ventured into its orientation. Stapled papers develop ugly dog-ears and the Right Angle Stapler prevents this. I have only two words for this concept – LOVE IT!
Designers: 42 Design – Jeong Jun Yeon, Jeon Hyeongho, Mee Ree, Jeon Youngha & Ji Eun Lee
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Opencase System Shelves
Even with its minimal, seamless aesthetic, the Opencase System has a warmer, handmade feel that sets it apart from other industrial-style universal shelving systems. Working like a peg board, the system evolves with the user’s needs, adapting to function as a wardrobe, pantry, utility closet, library and more! Each component is handcrafted from the very best materials in a palette of steel, solid wood and leather fittings, as well as pieces sculpted from solid composite panels.
The backbone of the system is an interchangeable set of precision-machined steel rod supports, which allow for a variety of elegant functional components to be attached to the wall – and to be changed out in minutes by the user. The base of each rod remains fixed within the panel, while the rods can be unscrewed and moved to create different configurations. A collection of specialized components rest on the rods allowing them to be easily re-configured. A single panel can be configured to store wine and can then be reconfigured for use in a hallway for example. Starting point configurations have been developed for pantries, wine storage, entryways, libraries, offices, wardrobes, utility closets, laundry, and children’s rooms.
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The Solar Electric Plug Socket:
The Window Socket offers a neat way to harness solar energy and use it as a plug socket. So far we have seen solutions that act as a solar battery backup, but none as a direct plug-in. Simple in design, the plug just attaches to any window and does its job intuitively.
Designers: Kyuho Song & Boa Oh
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The Solar Electric Plug Socket:
The Window Socket offers a neat way to harness solar energy and use it as a plug socket. So far we have seen solutions that act as a solar battery backup, but none as a direct plug-in. Simple in design, the plug just attaches to any window and does its job intuitively.
Designers: Kyuho Song & Boa Oh
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Stockholm's Wooden Skyscraper
It might surprise you to find that this 34-story residential skyscraper proposed for Stockholm’s cultural hub is composed not of steel, but almost entirely of wood! Though not often used in such vertical structures, the material was chosen for its lightness, natural climate regulation, acoustics and exposed aesthetic quality. While the exterior facade shines with glass, the full effect of the construction is felt inside where every wall, ceiling and floor is clad with natural, warm wood.
Designer: Berg | C.F. Møller Architects

XTRUD Concept Phone
The tech industry is on an innovation overdrive, what’s fresh today gets obsolete within days. The loss belongs to the end consumer actually; we all felt the twinge when Apple introduced two new iPhones barely months apart. Its human nature to want the newer product, hence designer Francois Rybarczyk has a good solution for this: the XTRUD Concept Phone.
• One part supports all the components, and features a very simple aluminum or plastic profile.
• The architecture allows the users to easily replace the phone components, (for example changing the original camera module for the new Sony one), but it also allows the users to change and customize the design of their phone by buying new profile parts.
*Disclaimer “Sony” is just for representational purposes only and doesn’t reflect the company’s ideations.
Designer: Francois Rybarczyk
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BookDesk
There’s the bookshelf, there’s the desk… and then there’s the Bookdesk. As the name suggest, it merges the functionality of both into a compact workspace that’s great for small spaces. The minimal form goes to show that even a slight modification of an already simple structure can give objects an entirely new purpose! It’s perfect for a referencing your books quickly while you work or putting your favorite reads on display.
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