Design Republique

Part 1 : School vs Industry

2009-03-11T00:44:00.010+08:00

In the foreseen circumstance that there might very well be a hundred parts to this series, I shall begin by documenting the random ( sometimes irrelavant and incoherent) thoughts that pass through my tiny mind.

I shall not attempt to list "Top 25 things I should have learnt in school", though that caption might garner more interest. This is just my wayward process of documenting my growth as a young practising designer. Besides, believe me when I say I could come up with "Top 100 things I should have learnt in school".

In Part 1, I'd like to address what it means to be a designer, THEN vs NOW.

Back in school, we were nourished with design process charts, design thinking modules, how to produce good design etc. Everything was taught with methodoligical precision. And being so young and impressionable ( Ok at least I was), I sucked it all in like a sponge.

As a student, being a good designer meant following the design process to the tee, being able to come up with fresh perspectives to everyday problems, as well as having a good set of skills. ( Model making, 2D and 3D renderings etc).

The questionable area is, design cannot be taught. It is a genre so subjective and diverse, that unlike engineering, no two people can arrive at the exact same design, even though the brief is exactly the same. It's called talent. Or creativity. Can it really be taught?

I believe that design is like playing the piano. At first you learn the process and methods, but after a while, you've got to let all go, and design with your heart.

And so, being a typical student, being a good designer simply meant "getting the A". Getting the A meant:

1) Designing an aesthetically pleasing product that all your professors agree on
2) Showing good analytical process in deriving the final solution
3) Having an exorbitant amount of work ( sketches and renderings) to show that you've slept under your desk again for 5 consecutive days, and indirectly proving just how hardworking you are
4) Being able to describe your work with concise explainations (good training because if your designer vocation doesn't work out, you can still become a salesman).

Good designer = having a good design + good set of skills

So what changed? Having spent a close 4 years in the industry, I realized that no matter what product you're designing, it's always boils down to ONE THING.

Money. Money. Money.

You can produce the most beautiful design, you can render the most realistic renderings, you can have the world's best design skills, but if your design doesn't sell, then that's the end of you. In other words, having the best design doesn't necessarily make you the best designer......understanding your market would.

So unlike school, having a good design process won't suffice. The key is to understand what your clients are asking for, and design a product that would fit their target segment.

Good designer = good sales of products (irregardless of whether your product looks like crap or not)

Munny makes the world go round.

Hypershot/Modo

2009-03-10T17:12:00.002+08:00

Looking for Hypershot and Modo. (More Hypershot).

Lemme know if you have it, or know where to get it. :) I will buy lunch.

Please email me at dianne.loh at gmail.

Chris Bangle Leaves BMW

2009-02-28T21:52:00.003+08:00

Chris Bangle, the highly controversial design director of BMW, takes his final bow. I'm not sure why people dislike him so much, and blame him for screwing up the new generation of BMW cars. I stubbornly think that he's quite the genius, and that people just don't get him at all.

I like his conceptual thinking, his passion to explore new grounds in the automative industry. And highly conceptual work seldom sits well with the public, because conceptual work is often raw, and filled with flaws.

I became a firm fan after I saw this.

Architecture, Industrial Design and Product design

2009-02-28T21:31:00.004+08:00

When people ask me what I do for a living, the reply "Industrial Design" never fails to raise an eyebrow.

In the past, people have often mistaken Industrial Design as design of industrialized products, such as cranes, heavy machinery etc. Of course, people also often ask me what the difference is between Industrial Design and Architecture.

I had quite a hard time explaining to people that I do not design buildings. One simple way of explaination is : Industrial designers design in centimeters, whereas architects design in meters.

We're the guys who design the small stuff, such as mobile phones, DVD players, Modems etc.

And then comes the question, " So are you guys product designers then?"

Well we're definitely also classified as product designers. And to explain the key distinct difference between Product Design and Industrial Design is a little tricky.

Industrial design focuses on designs with heavy mechanical and electrical dependency. Meaning objects like Mobile phones, DVD players etc.

Product design focuses on areas such as furniture, lifestyle products, anything from waterbottles to pens. Basically products that have less complicated internal structures.

Of course the two disciplines are very loosely termed, and can be intertwined intrinsicly. Industrial design is a deeper form of design, as compared to PD. Manufacturing processes know how and engineering based knowledge is extremely important. And no matter how much I detest engineers, I hate to admit that we are somehow, semi-engineers ourselves.

This is the best way that I know on how to differentiate the two. Hope it clears up the air, and if any of you have a better way of explaining it simply, do lemme know :)

ID Sketching

2009-02-25T17:03:00.003+08:00

Found a cool sketch site that teaches you 2-point and 3-point perspective sketching. ID Sketching shows you everything from basic line drawings, to line weights, to marker renderings.

I did follow some of it :D

So I did a quick sketch of a foot massager. ( Set the horizon line slightly above eye level)

And confused myself with my own perspective lines ( in yellow) . The whole thing looked odd. Errors circled in red. Oops.

So I re-did the sketch. This time, I didn't draw in the pers boxes. ( So i wouldn't confuse myself) LOL. Added in the line weight, using techniques such as Lines A, B and C.

Added in some colour. I've got limited copic markers.....so didn't really have a great spectrum to showcase highlights.

And my white prism colourpencil is broken. No highlights. :( I'm gg to microwave it now). According to the guys @ ID Sketching, it helps to prevent breakage. I hope my oven doesn't explode.

Sometimes it's not the design.

2009-02-25T14:18:00.003+08:00

Firstly, please don't ask me why I have photos of urinals, since I obviously do not use one.

But I am highly amused by the perverse thoughts that go through my head when I see this.

I'm not sure if normal toilets provide separating boards in between urinals. I assume if there are boards, the main purpose of it would be to shield the privacy of the users from err.....roving eyes of other users.

So I'm not entirely sure what the purpose is, for putting up boards that hang the same height as the urinals. I imagine that IF I were standing there, I'd be able to see my neighbour's little toot in its full glory.

And exactly how are two guys going to stand there at the same time? I can only conclude one thing. The placement design was designed by a gay.

Obviously.

Dedon

2009-02-25T13:40:00.007+08:00

I'm bringing up Dedon, because they seem to be advertising their loot in every single design magazine I've been reading thus far.

The one thing that caught my eye a few years back, was this particular piece, The Orbit.

A good mix of form and function, not to mention eye-catching. And it looks pretty comfortable too. Who doesn't like a chair with a convertible top?

A few years on, Dedon goes on to design other signature pieces like these.... The Phoenix.

And of course, their Slim Line Range. Their designs seem to command a strong architectural influence, yet still retaining a lightweight elegance that does not overpower.

That was until....I saw this recently, The Summer Cloud.

I'm not sure exactly what to pinpoint on where this design has gone wrong, but it looks too Over The Top, and sticks out like a sore thumb when looking at their entire range as a whole. The "shade" provides little coverage to the person lying there ( must see their magazine where it showcases actual people lying there).

Also the sun moves so quickly, and getting up to rotate the bed just seems like too much effort.

Thankfully, this is labelled under their signature pieces. Good Avant Garde attempt though.

Tic Tac Toe

2008-07-08T22:48:00.002+08:00

I really love simple designs that make u go "Hmmmm." And this is precisely what Shahar Peleg did. The childhood board game is so old school, yet when designed this way, it brings a fresh new perspective to it. I likey!

From http://dvice.com/archives/2008/07/mirror_tic_tac.php

Nixon

2006-12-11T16:45:00.000+08:00

Nixon

When someone mentions Nixon, I can only think about their watches. A fairly high maintenence watch, meaning if it gets scratched, or broken, or torn in some areas, the part that need to be shipped in can cost almost 3/4 the price of the watch itself!

Anyhoo....this is Nixon's newest. As usual, the promise of design excellence lingers. Looking mighty sharp there I must add.

All natural wood. It does make you look twice doesn't it? It just so happens that the clock screen is so tiny, that it makes reading the time a virtual struggle. This watch is NOT for anyone with poor eyesight.

CORDLESS 1930's Style Retro Phone

2006-12-11T16:40:00.000+08:00

CORDLESS 1930's Style Retro Phone

Got this off Gizmodo.

Interesting 1930's modelled phone that cordless. A must have for any retro fan. Going at US$189, it's pretty decent.

More info here.

WIll you Marry me?

2006-11-29T14:29:00.000+08:00

So I've been looking at a lot of design stuff lately but nothing really prompted me to feature it here. So I visited my old links and let myself be immersed in pure amazement once again as I surf my idol's website.

TOMMY FORSGREN will you marry me?

Designers often ask themselves if it's imperative to join design competitions to further elevate their skills. The most politically correct answer would be, "No, because there are many good designers out there who do well without joining any competition."

The sad thing is, most of them aren't good enough to be classified good. So unless you can draw like the fella above, pls......do join a competition or two.

PIMP ME

2006-11-24T13:00:00.000+08:00

PIMP ME TYRES

Pimp me up till I cannot be pimped anymore! Found these tyres off a website someone sent me. It's in Korean.....so I can't really give any two cents. enjoy!

If Women ruled the world

2006-11-23T12:15:00.000+08:00

IF WOMEN RULED THE WORLD

This is how design would be affected if women ruled the world. Hilarious. enjoy!

My own project

2006-11-23T10:41:00.000+08:00

SIDE PROJECTS

Brief:
The theme for this competition is Innovative Fusion of Art and Technology. The competition is in search for an innovation that can transform a mundane object into a piece of art as well as furniture. We are looking for a common design as a unifying element for the Circle Line. The seats can be in a series of the same design or variations of the same element. The inspiration for your design may take a historical reference, sculptural form or be simply whimsical in nature. Whatever inspires you, the seat must be ergonomically designed to be comfortable and safe for all users. The choice of design will be based on the artist's ability to evoke both pleasure and inquisitiveness using the visual and tactile nature of the seat. The challenge in creating an art seat is to mesh together the functional and essential everyday element which is the ‘seat’, with the subjective, imagery associated with the element which is the ‘art’, all within the context of the train platform.

Concept:
Inspired by a canvas behind a glass panel in a painting, these transparent chairs become the panel, waiting to be filled by humans, the art. The way people sit, their clothes pressed against the chair, their body shape and posture, creates an ever changing art piece, framed within each chair.
The suspended transparent chairs create an illusion that people are floating in air. Each human body becomes an admirable sculpture.
The transparent material still allows sweeping views of the station. Each chair is suspended by industrial cables and is held in place by the tension of the cables.

The presentation board.

VITEO

2006-11-21T13:58:00.000+08:00

VITEO - INVERTED SHOWER

VITEO - Featuring a clear and functional design by Danny Venlet, ideal for the garden or around the pool and can also be used on a jetty or a patio. You step onto a white, round plate made of non-slip plastics and with your own weight you launch mechanics which produce a water jet about 4 metres high. The water comes out of little holes along the brink of the disk, then falls gently down in the middle. Water supply results from a standard hosepipe with a „Gardena“ connection.

JB Classics

2006-11-21T13:24:00.000+08:00

JB CLASSICS!!

While growing up, JB's fascination and love for footwear led him to become an avid sneaker collector. JB envisioned that one day, he would be able to bring art to life. JB classics intermingles the world of footwear fhasion and art design into a wearable piece of art.

Here's my favourite pair of the whole collection. Such a perfect blend of artsy, yet not too cutesy...with a tinge of coolness.

Uncommon goods

2006-11-09T14:19:00.000+08:00

UNCOMMON GOODS

Interesting products from UNCOMMON GOODS.

girley shoes

GELOSHES

Does your little girl have a fetish for her own shoes? Does she want to wear it everywhere she goes? Well now she can! With these geloshes, fashion and form marry together.

Back in Time
SPIRELLA WALL CLOCK
This clever design by Lawrence Chu takes its cues from yesterday's heavy-duty fans. From protective cover to decorative wall clock, the chrome-plated shape looks thoroughly modern telling time from the wall. With hands reminiscent of fan blades, the nod to retro air movers is undeniable, while a sleek shine and new responsibility keeps the timepiece firmly in the 21st century.

Time Line
ELECTROLUMINESCENT WATCH
From sundials and hourglasses to analog and LCD watches, we've been inventing new ways to count the minutes since time began. This modern design by Brieuc du Roscoat is based on a simple, yet revolutionary, concept - count the blocks, tell the time. The orange EL display's (electro luminescent) sharp image and wide viewing angle can be read in virtually any light. Features an alarm and sturdy yet comfortable black rubber wristband. A must for watch enthusiasts and techies alike. Time is fleeting - why not have fun with it?

Life in the Fast Lane
RECYCLED STREET SIGN BRIEFCASE
A perfect gift for the man about town, this one-of-a-kind briefcase is not for those who drive in the slow lane. The aluminum case, created by artist Tripp Gregson, gets its dose of color and modern iconography from lawfully salvaged traffic signs. Interior organizer and file pockets, combination locks, a laptop compartment and carrying strap get you to the office and back, while its unique exterior make this briefcase anything but pedestrian.

kitchen critters
WOODLAND CREATURE UTENSIL
PAIRHousehold chores are much more fun with this duo around to help. When it comes to scrubbing pots and pans, the nylon-bristled punk-u-pine is a real animal. And his pal the woodpecker cuts through tough jobs with his sharp stainless steel blades (but closes with a safety latch for storage). Both are made of high-density plastic and ergonomically designed. Now get back in that kitchen and have fun! Sold as a pair.

The Key to Not Losing Your Keys
HIS AND HERS KEY HOLDERS
Never lose your keys again with these whimsical "his and hers" key holders. Just add a key to your key chain and insert it into the wall-mounted key holder each time you return. Your keys will hang ready to be plucked away conveniently for a quick getaway every time. And the fun "his and hers" designs are a great addition to your wall, too

Hi?Tech Hothouse
STEEL FLOWER BOUQUET
Give a gift of flowers guaranteed never to die! These gorgeous blooms manage to look just-picked from nature, despite their space-age sheen. The bouquet of 18 silver or gold-plated blossoms, containing an array of futuristic flowers, is ready to go in "fresh from the florist" packaging. Use at home for a stylishly modern take on the traditional flower arrangement or arrive at the party with a hostess gift that is light years ahead of the crowd. Sold as a bouquet of 18 sterling silver stems or 18 24 karat gold-plated stems.

2006-11-09T13:41:00.000+08:00

MORITZ WALDEMEYER

Source from designboom.

The hi-tech concepts of moritz waldemeyer were on show at at rabih hage gallery,london earlier this yearthe electric kid is the result of an predilection for corian®,by DuPont, LED’s, furniture, home entertainment and product design. the show consisted of two table designs, 'pong table', and the 'roulette table'

Funhight

2006-11-08T20:47:00.000+08:00

FUN HIGHT!

Chanced across this blogger who put up really cool stuff. Fun Hight! Worth surfing for out of this world stuff!

Check out the Top 6 tree houses!

The sewer is probably the last place you'd think of living in. But judging from these pictures, i wouldn't mind living here! They've turned these large sewer pipes into designer cosy little dens.

Hanging art! Creates an astounding visual. It must have taken the artist a long time to assemble the little pieces into perfection. *two thumbs up*

The Watchismo

2006-11-07T00:19:00.000+08:00

The Watchismo

The Watchismo is a cool collection of Industrial Design's finest watches.

1970s' Rado Diamaster"A touch of the classical and a dash of the futuristic" -Rado.com
Omega describes the elliptical casing as "results from an advanced study of the anatomy of the wrist". Bright wide striped bullseye dials, minimally graphic markers, brushed Monocoque stainless steel case, hermetically sealed crystal, self-winding movement and famously fitted with single piece corfam bands that appear to go through the watch case. Straps are usually pierced with 30 aerating holes; widened near the case to fit firmly and comfortably on the wrist. Crown integrated to the case in order not to break the aerodynamic line which inspired this famous model's name.
Victor Vasarely, Op-Art pioneer. Profoundly influenced by Bauhaus, constructivism, cubism, and surrealism he began his unmistakable geometric abstraction from the 1930's through his heyday of optical illusion of the sixties and seventies.Late in his career, Bulova produced a series of wristwatches with Vasarely's artwork on the dial and engraved signature on the caseback. Very difficult to find, one of the more interesting models was the 'Four Squares' pictured above. A double-sided propeller style seconds hand added uniquery.
Motorities Wheel Watch Petrolhead by Dunhill. Case design based upon metal "Spinners" used to attach wire wheels to vintage sports cars. And in the same spirit, the 40 hour power reserve is fashioned as a fuel gauge. Others in the series include the Pressurehead, Wheel Watch Chronograph, and Carwatch (featured above).

Crispin Jones

2006-11-06T23:43:00.000+08:00

CRISPIN JONES

Crispin Jones, british based designer, creates some really funky stuff, playing with light and vision. He also comes up with out-of-this-world experimental design. Check it.

Electrophile is a tool for adding a sense of devotion to email messages. The keys on the keyboard deliver an electric shock to users. The electric shock becomes progressively larger as more characters are entered. The keyboard is designed for celebrity fans who have limited means for communicating the fandom through email messages.

Social Mobiles - Here are 5 social mobiles - phones that in different ways modify their users behaviour to make it less disruptive. These are not actual products, rather their function is to provoke discussion about the social impact of mobile phones. In collaboration with IDEO.

The spinner is a sound reactive spinning top. The lines of leds on the top face illuminate different patterns in response to different sound levels.

This tablet pc is designed to create a feeling of emotional attachment - it marries elements of traditional craftwork and pattern design with contemporary technology to form an unexpected whole. The design aims to inspire the user in their work (whatever that may be), by stretching beyond the purely utilitarian. In this sense it is conceived as a "pc for poets".

2006-11-01T12:31:00.000+08:00

Ariston! And on...and on...and on.

Who could forget that funky Ariston advertisement more than 10 years ago. The tagline is still stuck in my head. And on...And on...And on.

This is the new Ariston advert! Wow...I'm sure this is going to stick in my mind for another 10 years.

Three thumbs up to the geniuses behind this creative advert!

See

ADVERTISEMENT HERE

2006-11-01T12:22:00.000+08:00

FRONT!!

Awesome stuff by Front.

Is it possible to let the first sketch become the object, to design directly in space?

Watch this YOUTUBE VID.

The four members of FRONT make it possible to materialise hand made sketches through using a unique method where they combine two highly developed techniques. Invisible pen strokes in the air recorded with Motion Capture become digital 3D-files. Through Rapid Prototyping, the files are materialised into real pieces of furniture.

Powerbook G4

2006-10-27T12:45:00.000+08:00

POWERBOOK G4 FOR SALE!

Reality has finally got the better of me. I've decided to sell this baby off and buy myself a new desktop.

Bought at S$2700. 10-11 months old. Selling at a grand price of S$1800. Comes with software bundle too. It's a 12 inch, perfect as a travel companion.

For reviews on this little tyke, go HERE.

Interested please contact me dianne.loh@gmail.com

Funky Paperbag designs

2006-10-27T12:19:00.000+08:00

FUNKY PAPERBAG DESIGNS

Don't you just love ingenuity?

Vitamin - A Life Less Ordinary

2006-10-25T18:09:00.000+08:00

VTAMIN LIVING - A Life Less Ordinary

If there was one design shop in the whole world that truly amazes with every single product, it's got to be Vitamin. Their designs seem to border obscure reasoning, balancing between whacky design and thinking design. This is one of their old range and particularly one of my favourites. "Tab B" combines an ashtray with a plant pot. The pot sits on top of the ashtray, concealing it both visually and aromatically.
This self-watering plant pot's main feature is a medical drip feed. This unique characteristic allows the plant to be nourished with water and food as it is required.This is from their new range for 2006. This is i-pal, Web browsing watch. I bet the price on this baby would make most people browse right by.
A stacking set of glasses, cups, and saucers. Looks better in real life than the picture above.
The already infamous Urban Gnome now has a new role as a pair of bone china stereo speakers.
E-Light - Lights that subtly interact to movement sound and the arrival of emails. Might I say I am mighty impressed with this one. I love interactive furniture!

This is from their newest range, not launched in the market yet. The Game Shell is designed to hide unsightly controllers and envelop them with a slick, pebble-like form, the containers come in black and white high gloss cast acrylic with chrome details and a flocked interior.

This dartboard is designed to be both played and admired. The screen-printed felt dartboards are double-sided giving you an option of 2 attractive designs to display. The product comes with a set of three darts, with matching flights, in a felt pouch.

A chat with the designers reveals a shockingly high cost for this product. *shall not reveal it here* They are in the process of cutting costs for mere mortal like us.

Powder Seat allows you to use your snowboard as the seat of the bench. The board attaches to the legs of the seat via suckers to keep the board protected. It can also be flat-packed for easy storage.

Thelermopnt Hupton

2006-10-25T16:14:00.000+08:00

Thelermopnt Hupton

Thelermont hupton was created by David Hupton and Yve Thelermont. It features a small range of funky designs that covers a whole range of genres. I particularly like their accessories selection.

Little wall handles to hang stuff, themed towards kitchen ware.

Same concept, only with hand signs. Looks a bit freaky to me though. Ha.

I love this! A simple concept of dressing the lamps with stocking converst the light into an overhead ambient lamp.

And lose me not bags! Gives you a better grip on your bags in case of robbers. Funky concept!

This unfinished clock looks like a sun rising from the clouds. Perhaps that's the inspiration. A touch of Japanese styling mixed with contemporary thinking.

There are absolutely adorable in real life. Kinda sadistic because it looks like the animals are about to be BBQ-ed to death.

Audi

2006-10-25T15:58:00.000+08:00

AUDI

Wow, this trend of customization is seriously becoming more apparent. This is AUDI R8. This is one cool piece of industrial design.

Comes with custmizable side panels! Very thoughtful.

Sharp

2006-10-13T09:35:00.000+08:00

Requires Flash. But it's a website worth looking at.

Turn up your volume.

Click on image below or here.

Lust list.

2006-10-12T17:18:00.000+08:00

I am updating my lust list for 2006.

In no particular order.

1) Karim Rashid watch under Alessi.

It looks absolutely gorgeous in real life.

1) Gamplusfratesi embroidery chair. I cannot stop thinking of this chair.
3) Aaaah, in celebration of one of the best female designers who stormed in to 2006. Patricia Urquiola, cheif designer of Menu. This Bague lamp is soooooo gorgeous.

Zifir - Turkey

2006-10-12T17:03:00.000+08:00

Istanbul! Never imagined it as a design hub, but they have revealed themselves finally.

Zifir is a lighting design and manufacturing company which was foudned in 1979. Zifir is actually a new brand of Celikdizayn that consists of speical designed items of collection.

They do design "normal" looking lamps. But check out their showcase of special edition design!

Mathmos

2006-10-12T14:19:00.000+08:00

Typically, Mathmos never fails to wow. I bought one of their lamps last season and now I think I should have saved my money instead, cos THIS season really blew me away.

And hey hey, here is a sneak preview as to what Mathmos will carry in future. Thanks to David who sent me the CD all the way from London to Singapore. Winning entries from the Mathmos lighting competition. My personal favourite - the one below by Alison Counsell.

Made out of a few think pieces of sheet metal, each laser cut with intricate details and the smushed together to form a piece of art. Low cost and clever design-looks even better in real life.

Richard Lawson was inspired by tea candles when he came up with this concept of using energizer batteries to create light. The idea is simple but the impact is enormous.

Another winning entry of the Mathmos design competition would be this piece below by Aleksandar Dimitrov. The design comprises two candles stuck together to form an aesthetic piece. It can be broken in two, and the candle piece will have two wicks, and two flames! Neat.

One thing for sure, the picture below does NOT do justice to the design at all. One of the designs that really caught my eye below was this piece by Benjamin Hubert. Inspired by a flower, its form takes after the soft shadows of flowers in the breeze.

This Light by Joe Wentworth (below) is nothing new design wise, but the visual language it exudes is really spectacular. Acting like a nifty torchlight, but designed 10 times better. Runs on batteries too.

Paper Art

2006-10-11T10:40:00.000+08:00

It's amazing what some people can do with a single sheet of paper!

Be Inspired~!

Water sensations

2006-10-04T16:45:00.000+08:00

Sand and Birch

2006-09-08T17:01:00.000+08:00

Diamond Shape
Diamond Shape is part of the Diamond Collection. The table is realised in mirror-like aluminium and plate glass. The structure of the Diamond Shape is constituted from three bands of aluminum bent. Its winding shape is seductive like the light of a diamond.

Diamond Sofa
The Diamond sofa thought by Samanta Snidaro and Andrea Fino of Sand & Birch design studio is entirely realised in mirror-like aluminium. On the wide stripe 160 crystals of Swarovsky will be disposed creating images. The lamp on its side is a fluorescent or a led one.The Diamond sofa was thought not only for sitting, but also as an object of very provocative design. It has been studied for entering houses and, at the same time, for inspiring pure luxury. Sand & Birch is bringing forward a project in which the objects lose their proper primitive functions and acquire other meanings. In this way, the Diamond sofa becomes an expression of predominantly aesthetical value: from just a sofa it becomes a jewel.The Diamond sofa is produced in numbered limited edition (100 sofas) Dim: L 150, H 90 (190), P 100 cm

Soft Pipe
Soft Pipe is the last seat thought and designed by Samanta Snidaro and Andrea Fino.
Soft Pipe is a chaise lounge covered with soft leather in various colours and metallic parts.
The structure is totally realised in iron pipe covered with compact polyurethane.

M'ama non m'ama Chair

A lover is plucking the petals off a daisy wondering about his/her love ... From this image is born the "M'ama non m'ama" chair. Mirror-like aluminium structure and different coverings are the characteristics of this chair.

So pretty. Even with the bad bad rendering, it's still a lovely piece of furniture for the ladies.

IFA Berlin

2006-09-08T16:55:00.000+08:00

IFA berlin was a B-L-A-S-T!

However, there is a tentative ban on electornics on this blog....sooo....do check this out instead. This is the coolest thing that IFA has to show this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd99gyE4jCk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egizmodo%2Ecom%2F%3FrefId%3D199168

iBar

2006-09-07T11:05:00.000+08:00

What is iBar ?
iBar is a system for the interactive design of any bar-counter. Integrated video-projectors can project any content on the milky bar-surface. The intelligent tracking system of iBar detects all objects touching the surface. This input is used to let the projected content interact dynamically with the movements on the counter. Objects can be illuminated at their position or virtual objects can be "touched" with the fingers. The iBar system is ready to be installed completely into any kind of bar-counter, there's no need for any further installations on the ceiling or something like that. The software is flexible and can be adjusted and enhanced.Videos, Newspaper, Brochures, Games, Fun, Visuals. Ambience etc

Very neat Idea...the only downside....they just HAD to call it iBar. Couldn't they have come up with a better name after showing their superiority in technology? Sheesh!

SEE THE FULL VIDEO DEMONSTRATION.

Lifestyle

2006-09-06T10:10:00.000+08:00

Pop chair by Enzo Bertichair Swing by Enzo Berti

4 way candle holder by Jon Russel

Torus designed by Jiri Evanhuis

Designed by Jiri Evanhuis

This is a table lamp and does not come with a floor stand.

Floor Lamp designed by Janne Kyttanen

UNO ashtray design by Helle Damkjaer
The unique funnel shape ensures that cigarettes and matches are automatically extinguished when they are put into the ashtray. It conceals the ash and cigarette ends. The shape makes the ashtray perfect for outdoor use because the ashes are prevented from blowing out onto food or people. The many curves combined with the polished finish allow for many vivid reflections. The ashtray is available in two sizes: a small one for individual use and a larger one to be used for parties or cigars. It is made of polished stainless steel.

Chair and footstool by Olav Eldoy, Johan Verde and Ole Peter Wullum

Inspired by falling orange peel.

More Designs by Sam and Jude

Sit it on your desk or fix it to the wall. Display the time and date, pre-set messages, program and save personalised messages. Simple remote control. Wall fixings included.

Globe by Verner Panton

Composite globe structure in transparent acrylic Lucite. Five reflectors in hollowed-out aluminium, with coloured lacquered finish. Lacquered colours inside: White, Blue and Orange. Each piece carries an individual number stamped into the stem of the lamp. Each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity with the corresponding number. This is to avoid parallel importing as well as to enhance the edition quality of the product towards the end client.

IFA Berlin!

2006-09-04T11:53:00.000+08:00

IFA Berlin entries to come in 3 days!

Connection here is a tad wonky.

Anyway do check this out. The iTalk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56uLXupE-oU

Zanotta

2006-08-31T10:19:00.000+08:00

Contemporary pieces by Italian Manufacturer Zanotta. They boast names like Christophe Pillet, Garth roberts, Louise Campbell. Their style is varied, with pieces ranging from clean minimalist to country.

Lama by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba
One of my favourite pieces, the Alfa sofa chair by Emaf Progetti. Sleek lines in audacious red are always a winning combi for me.

Ironically, the yuki armchair by Christophe Pillet had no arms.

Doris by Dominique Mathleu.
Another one of my favourites! the Veryround chair by Louise Campbell. I can picture this as a patio or garden piece.

colours by Ilka Suppanen. Comes in varied forms as this chair can be linked to other similar chairs to form a long sofa.

Butterfly table by Alex Taylor. Gives that little extra Omph to the room with this centerpiece.

Established and Sons

2006-08-29T11:58:00.000+08:00

Established & Sons is a British based design and manufacturing company with a commitment to quality UK-based production and an ambition towards fostering and promoting the best of British design talent on an international platform.

Established & Sons work with both world renowned designers and brilliant new talent, realizing their visions with a respect and understanding for each designers’ individual style. A belief in the significance of these distinctive styles has encouraged a diverse and eclectic premier collection. The advocacy of celebrated designers and emerging names is integral to the company’s mission: to build an exemplary representation of British creative excellence.

‘writing desk’ by michael young
‘Drift bench’ by Amanda Levete / Future System

axis’ low table by michael marriot
alex taylor with his ‘tank’ suspension light
‘swarm chandelier’ by zaha hadid
‘pinch’ chair by mark holmes

‘fold’ table lamp by alex taylor

Kartell

2006-08-29T11:31:00.000+08:00

Lovely furniture pieces from Kartell. Kartell's products express the language and atmosphere of the period in which they were created, but at the same time, they are contemporary articles, they incorporate many other values and messages and this is why they have become an integral part of the domestic scene.

Sofa chair by Philippe Starck. It's simplicity is stunning. Great for a centrepiece in any room.
Lounge chair by Maarten Van Severen. It's lime green exterior gives the impression that it glows in the dark! Very clever system for holding the piece together.
Lamp by Ferruccio Laviani. It has all the classical design works, yet the usage of clear acrylic projects it into the modern era.
Side Table by the Bouroullec brothers. A little hard to integrate into modern living, but the form on its own is simply breathtaking.
Chicos by Philippe Starck. One of my favourite pieces via Kartell. The organic shape is inviting, and it really makes you take a second look.
Side chairs by Marcel Wanders. I love anything acrylic. The textures on the chairs give it a very morrocon feel.
Another one of my favourites by Piero Lissoni and Carlo Tamborini. The base is actually made out of glass, not acrylic! Seems like the cushions are floating on air.
Side table in typical Patricia Urquiola style. Simplistic form but peppered with a large amount of detialing. Very nicely done.

I can't believe they are cakes!

2006-08-29T11:21:00.000+08:00

Pretty eh? I wonder how long it took to do one up. Thanks Ben for sending the pics over.

Muji comp

2006-08-28T12:09:00.000+08:00

Been drowning in work lately, hence the lack of entries. However, the stress died down on Friday. So while feeling bored, I was convinced by a fellow designer to submit for the MUJI award competition.

Presenting the 90 minute design! Sketch, CAD, Render, Presentation boards all in 90 mins. A tad slip shot, but hey, it was all in good fun.

12 midnite: Conversation with fellow designer ends.

12.03 am: Sketching session complete

12: 20 pm: 3D Cad complete

1 am: Renders complete.

1.30 am: 2 presentation board complete.

Presenting CHOKEN!

Milan "fall" design

2006-08-28T11:44:00.000+08:00

Perhaps after this post, people would stop sending me their design links.

Although the Milan Fair has shown the world some pretty good designs, you've got to admit that there is a whole lot of crap in there too! I've been flipping through hundreds of brochures, surfing tonnes of links on Milan, and here I bring you - the ??? products. Products that I feel really don't deserve a space in Milan. See first. Shoot me later.

Fernando + Humberto Campana for Edra
Jurgen Bey for Swarovski
Andrea Salvetti for Zerodisegno
Johan Linton and Kallemo

And there must be a champ for every catagory. In this case, there are two champs! I can't decide between the two below, but does it matter anyway? This award goes to Steven Holl.

Steven Holl for Horm

Javier Mariscal for Magis

iPod headphones for women

2006-08-20T18:21:00.000+08:00

If you are looking for the perfect present for your girlfriend, or if you are yourself a "Geeky" girl... Well Elecom may have the perfect headphones for you with the Ear Drops series which will be cover by "Diamond" like crystals and for a very one model will have the cute shape of a heart. We didn’t have the chance yet to use these little wonders but from what we can see from the Elecom’s PR pictures, the overall quality and product seems very nice. Also you will be soon available to order all of these 3 models on GeekStuff4U.com

Danese

2006-08-17T15:08:00.000+08:00

Design Collective- Danese.

The Danese identity this year concentrated on the original stool/shelf designed by Yves Behar (Kada-referring to the marvelous island off the coast of Istanbul, Buyukada). This origami radiates astute simplicity, graphic character and variety of uses.

Kada by Yves Behar. Amila by Naoto Fukasawa.

Dutch Galore part 6!

2006-08-16T18:01:00.000+08:00

I cannot help but admire the detailing on works by Meesters&van Der Park, designed by Jo Meesters and Marije Van De Park. Their new techniques in model making produces some really unique pieces.

Botanical ceramics
In search of innovation within traditional crafts, botanical ceramics is born from a research project based on the possibilities of combining traditional crafts with technological and industrial production methods

The series of pots are manufactured using rapid prototyping technology based on the idea of flowerbulbs being natural containers in cooperation with Willem Derks
Reshaping wood
In search of innovation within traditional crafts reshaping wood is born
from a research project based on the possibilities of combining traditional crafts with technological and industrial production methods

This woodwork inspired table is fabricated combining waterjet cutting technology and traditional woodwork.

Dutch Galore Part Vijf!

2006-08-15T14:46:00.000+08:00

Lama develops and produces the complete collection with great care of quality and detail. Industrial with a human touch.All products are designed by Yvonne Laurysen and Erik Mantel.

Zem
Loft
Cell
Cube You

Zem

Basten Leijh presents his concept work with minimalism constructive design. His works seem to be a collective derived from Dutch and German Influences. Two thumbs up for his simplistic website.

Great Electric Vehicle
Fruit bowl

Giant Downtown
Sandwich Bike

Scultural Design presents designs by Gijs Kaayk. His designs are a mixture of "cuteness" with a touch of "Sexiness". They kinda look very yummy and edible!

Dutch Galore Part Vier!

2006-08-15T12:47:00.000+08:00

Jongerius Lab designs are classically Dutch. Simplistic form but peppered with wondrous graphics.

I like the simplicity of Joost Van Bleisweijk. Form and Function that definitely calls for a second glance.

Oillamp Roman-Stainless Steel Lamp
WaterKannen -ceremic
No Glue and No Screw! No Glue and No Screw!Oillamp Distance

Here is an Installation Feature from product designer Simon Heijdens.

Reeds- TH inside gallery
Reeds : A connected forest of elements that overgrows furnitures and areas, providing light and covering to create muted spots within a space. Windgusts that pass the building outside are measured and translated to travel through the reeds inside. As the reeds slightly bend one after the other with an intensity and speed depending on the varying winds outside, the space regains the natural chrater that it has walled out.

rising slowly - Chandelier for Swarovski.

Furniture from Birdman! Very architechtural. Furniture is good for barnhouse effect and also modern living.

Huting and De Hoop designs a range of furniture from chairs, tables to lighting and shelving. Their designs always include a slight twist of originality that adds differentiation to their products.

Dutch Galore Part Drie!

2006-08-15T11:25:00.000+08:00

I'm baaaack! On to Dutch Galore Part Drie!
Lighting designs from Customr Greenlight, led by designers William Van Der Sluis and Hugo Timmermans.

Airco

Interesting shape for an overhang. Design adds to the funky feel, definitely a good consideration to for a center piece for your dining table.

Flat

I love this design because it's so modern. Reminds of of an iBook flipped opened and hung on two wires. Simplicity of the design keeps it versatile for any interior fitting.

LilyEau

Not quite an overhang, not quite a floor lamp, thus making this lamp very unique. Creates quite a bit of ambience and adds that special touch to your pretty little garden.

Biodomestic

I have no idea how to use this lamp, but I guess it's the same design theory as the Lily Eau. Very Star trekky design.

And all the way from Rotterdam, this is Studio Demakersvan. I adore their creative mindset and not afraid to be different. Product Design by Judith De Graauw, Joep Verhoeven and Jeroen Verhoeven.

Here are furniture pieces by Ineke Hans.

Designs from Benno Hartjes. He creates anything from autonomous dreations to industrial product designs.

Three layers of thin beech multiplex form the construction of this chaise longue.A slight shift of weight changes your position.In rest she finds her equilibrium in the middle.

This lighting fixture consists of nothing but a lycra cover!An elegant shapefull light, using a minimum of material and shipping space.

light that displays the lightsource instead of hiding it.

Up up and away

2006-08-08T13:06:00.000+08:00

Bye guys, I will be gone till Sunday. Gonna do a little white water rafting this week.

See ya all sunday!

Christie Anisette

2006-08-08T10:44:00.000+08:00

Pardon me but I am about to unleash my girlie fantasies again. A girl can never have enough shoes, clothes ang bags! Thank you Hailey for sending over this glorious website link!

I can't seem to pinpoint my favourite picks from the Christie Annisette collection, because there are too many!

Their accessories!The stones are made up of antique gemstones. I love their range of colours. These are the two bags that I WILL buy from their site.

These are my second choice picks that I will buy.
And of course I WILL buy this too.
And perhaps consider these.

OMG, there are just too many good pieces in there!

Check it out ladies!

Driade!!

2006-08-07T20:40:00.000+08:00

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when u think of Driade? Chairs!

Right from the start it worked with designers able to anticipate new lines of research and trends. Its aim is to define a personal and quasi-aristocratic philosophy of home-living. Through the years it has produced furniture and objects to suit every furnishing and lifestyle requirement.

These are my favourite picks from Driade's latest carrying collections.

(left) PRINCE BUSTER Project by Platt & YoungWhite sand polyethylene armchair.

(right) DEAUVILLE Project by Christophe PilletStackable armchair (max. 6 pcs.) in polycarbonate available in the following versions: transparent, red, black.

MT3 Project by Ron AradRocking armchair in rotational moulding polyethylene available in three versions: A) sand white (outside) and orange (inside); B) red (outside) and black (inside); C) blue (outside) and light blue (inside).

TOKYO-POP Project by Tokujin YoshiokaPolyethylene stool. Matching with tables h. 90 cm. Indoor/outdoor use.
(left) AGUNG Project by Roderick Vos
Armchair. Painted steel frame natural wicker finishing.
(right) KRATON Project by Roderick VosEasychair. Painted steel frame natural wicker finishing.

LORD YO Project by Philippe Starck
Stackable armchair (max. 4 pcs). Aluminium structure. Die casting sandblasted frame. Polypropylene shell in the following versions: ivory, apricot, blue-grey, purple, white, red. Indoor/outdoor use.
ALCHEMILLA Project by Miki AstoriStackable chair (max. 4 pcs). Tubular steel frame painted aluminium grey, natural wicker finishing. Indoor use only.

And that screw chair from Ron Arad.

Moooi

2006-08-07T19:51:00.000+08:00

More from the Netherland boys!

Here are some great works of various designers via Moooi. For the second straight year, Moooi has continued down its excellently chosen route : outrage, under the watchful eye of art director Marcel Wanders.

To start off the Moooi collection, this.

Photo by Marcel Wanders. Wonderfully art-pornish.

(Top left) Mellow by Marcel Wanders

(Top right) Flower dining by Marcel Wanders. This dainty little piece by Marcel Wanders sports his flower motif, embellished with a high-gloss chrome finish.

(Bottom left) Lovenet by Ross Lovegrove. Cuddle with a loved one on a glorious sunny day, maybe exchange a lustful kiss or make the moment with a love drenched proposal. Which ever you decide the Lovenet from Ross Lovegrove is the ideal place to be.

(Bottom right) Cork high & Low by Jasper Morrison. Stools turned from agglomerate cork. Can be used as a small side table, a stool, or ottoman.

(Top left) Trix by Marcel Wanders.

(Top right) Animal Horse by Front. Who wouldn’t want a horse to lighten up your home and a pig to serve your guests? Furniture to fall in love with at first sight or hate forever.

(Bottom left) Random light Black by Bertjan Pot. A resin drained yarn is randomly coiled around an inflatable mould creating a magic translucent 3D fabric. The Random Light is the lighter way to occupy a space.

(Bottom right) Light Shade Shade d70 by Jurgen Bey. ‘Light Shade Shade’ is a one way mirror that reflects its environment as well as concealing the chandelier within. When the light is turned on, the ‘Light Shade Shade’ reveals its unforeseen identity and projects the former beauty that lies within.

Dandelion by Richard Hutten. People need peoplePeople need lightOut of nothingDandelion was bornAnd there was lightAnd we saw the lightAnd we saw it was mooooooooi

Dutch Galor part twee!

2006-08-07T14:36:00.000+08:00

This is Dutch Galore part twee! From Eindhoven, to Rotterdaam to Zaadam, there is just too much good stuff in this country!

Samira Boon was born in the Netherlands. After graduating with a Masters degree in architecture from Delft University of Technology, Netherlands in 2002, she was granted a Monbusho Research Student Scholarship for 18 months at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, architecture department. Meanwhile she founded BOONDESIGN.

RUNNING VASE
By folding a piece of textile, vinyl or leather with horizontal and vertical incisions, it can hold glass tubes. The flexibility of the material allows the user to change the arrangement. By adding or removing glass tubes, the vase becomes longer or shorter in length.Material: vinyl, felt, leather

GET WELL SOON MASKS
The very sterile looking white gauze mask inspired to make it more cheerful and funny while still serving its purpose. This new mask is no longer masking, but transforming the part of the face it is hiding, integrating face and mask.Currently there are 15 types of masks, varying from animals and human snouts, to zippers. Next to this customized masks are available, such as the mask for the Hanshin Tigers

SOLE MATES
The slipper and thong consists of one piece of fur or felt. An incision in the sole-shaped material creates the thong of the slipper. The thongs are folded towards the front and attached to the sole in a unique way.Material: lambskin, felt.

Here's my picks from Buro Bruno!

Spin turns your senses around. Not sure to be round or square she plays with your perception. Every angle you examine her she shows you a different look. Her versatile appearance is due to the acrylic (PMMA) used, available in many colors, whether transparant or pigmented.

Leonardo offers you 4 to 6 seats all together. He feels at ease in large hallways but is a perfect partner in your private interior as well. He loves the company of friends, whether intimate or just business-like, always trying to please its guests in the best possible manner.This is a design for a soap tile! LOL!

The link and lady Violet.

2-usage office supplies

2006-08-04T17:03:00.000+08:00

Ok this is too good not to post. Thanks for submitting the link Ben! Don't you just love the ingenuity of some people when they are totally bored at work?

Now all you need is for a big-name designer like Starck to redesign the file and VIOLA! You've got yourself a multi-million dollar product.

Dutch Galore!

2006-08-04T15:08:00.000+08:00

I've decided to do a series of Dutch Design features. I've been bombarded with so many good Dutch designs/designers lately that I just have to do a tribute to them.

This is from ++AlissiaMT Design.

Rocking Stools - 100% Rotterdam. 100% Extrusion. Seems to be the new thing in the design world nowadays eh?

Trunk chair. Check out the broken bough too! Sweet.

A ceramic plate that looks like a paper plate. Clever ergonomics.

Oooh! more diamondy stuff. Good for punching robbers in the face too. Kidding!

And how can we miss out the good stuffs from Maartan Baas. Bet you've never seen anything like this! He's done a series of furniture made from clay with solid iron infrastructure within. So technically the furniture he produces can be used functionally.

His furniture was featured in Milan and also Mu.

And this is by Belli!

Necklace design.

It's a vase of test tubes, cleverly held together by magnets!

It can be a high table/high chair, or low table/low chair or just a simple shelving system.

This metallic ball pendant opens up to reveal photos within! How deliciously sweet.

And of course, how can i have a Dutch tribute without mentioning the famous Tord Boontje.

This piece most probably shot him to fame. The Garland Light is a 1.6 meter long metal garland of flowers that can be wrapped around a light bulb.

Ah that bunny vase!

(Left) A beautiful etched table created with nails!

(Right) A metal table with etchings to create the intricate patterns!

The midsummer Light is a new light designed for Artecnica.
The lampshade is made of 2 layers of cut Tyvek. This is a very strong synthetic paper and has a Mylar cone inside that keeps it away from the light bulb.

The screen is laser cut silk.
The screen can be cut and used as a streamer in a space.

Ok well...I think I'll stop here for now. I'll post more of my favourite Dutch designs up soon!

Asana

2006-08-03T20:33:00.000+08:00

O you sexy thing. (Via Frame) Asana is a glass sculpture that lights up its surroundings. It's made from lacquered fibreglass. An organic seat rises from the chrome-steel base. The diffuser features Murano triplex blown glass. Designed by Gurioli Giorgio. Height 205 cm.

However, I HAVE seen a similar conceptual design by another designer before. Lemme see if I can find it...Hmmm....

2006-08-03T18:10:00.000+08:00

SPROUT HOME believes a modern aesthetic can live in both the home and garden. Inside, our HOME offers a wide range of contemporary products from amazing soy candles, to hard-to-find home accessories, to sustainable furniture. Outside, SPROUT offers products any urban gardener would need - from ground basics, to tools and accessories, to that one must-have plant for your garden. Please feel free to stop in and browse our product selection and see how modern design can be utilized both inside and outside the home.

Bodosperlein

2006-08-03T17:43:00.000+08:00

Bodo Sperlein Ltd. is a London based design consultancy and manufacturer with an international client base. Bodo's designs are subtle and clean, capturing the essence of the modern with the substance and beauty of the classic. Abstract shapes and textured surfaces create highly decorative effects, whilst the object remains multi-functional.

IDEA

2006-08-01T21:28:00.000+08:00

The IDEA (Industrial Design Excellence Awards) are dedicated to fostering business and public understanding of the importance of industrial design excellence to the quality of life and the economy.

Here're some of the best projects.

2SECONDS is a self-erecting tent designed for Declathon. Just throw it in the air and it opens on its own before reaching the ground. All that's required are six pegs to secure it to the ground. The key to the design are the two spring hoops made of fiberglass, a material that reduces the diameter of the hoops and allows it to be easily folded for compact storage.

Compared to standard tents, 2SECONDS has fewer parts to lose and break while still providing an attractive, lightweight, waterproof shelter. Disassembly is easy as well: in 15 seconds the tent folds back into its self-contained package complete with carrying handles.

The Eva Solo Tea-maker is a complete solution to tea making designed by Tools Design (Denmark). The Eva Solo design utilizes a solid metal cup that when depressed fully encases the leaves, preventing further steeping and the tea from becoming bitter. Because the elongated filter allows the leaves to extend to the bottom of the carafe, a partial pot is easily brewed. When pouring, the unique flip-top lid opens automatically with the metal lip preventing messy drips. The fabric cover (referred to as a “tea-shirt”) keeps the tea hot and accentuates the sleek lines of the glass jug as well as protects the pourer’s hand and the table from heat. The “shirt” comes in a variety of colors and materials to allow consumers to “dress” their tea maker to fit their personal style.

Featuring the student's designs!

The MIN.CHAIR
CREDIT: Chul Min Kang
CLIENT: Pratt Institute
The MIN is a fun, engaging chair for children aged five to eight that also converts into a rocking chair. Made from a single piece of injection molded plastic, the design offers great manufacturing efficiencies and could be produced in a wide range of fun colors. With no legs and its single, rounded form, the MIN.CHAIR is ambiguous at first glance. But the cleverness of its dual function soon wins over all who see it.

Fun text

2006-08-01T20:49:00.000+08:00

Not something typical I'd put here, but hey...all in good fun.

If you can't make out what the above says, use your fingers and pull the sides of your eyes away from each other.

Motorola Fone

2006-07-31T23:30:00.000+08:00

Announced last week, the Motorola FONE promises to bring wireless telephony to the rest of the world. Beyond its emerging market focus the 9mm thick, seemingly simple device, will no doubt have a place in the hands of veteran wireless users as well.

It's small and sexy, but made with cheap parts so it will be easy for anyone to get one. No one has seen screenshots of the interface yet, but I expect it to be rather simple. I did just found these pictures of the FONE in red, a more stylish version of the simple black original. Expected availability is by this holiday season.

BimBamBanana

2006-07-31T23:01:00.000+08:00

THE LIGHTING DOOR HANDLE – This is funky! I got this off Bimbambanana. This site really has loads of cool stuff. Just when you thought you've seen it all, they never fail to amaze.

The Lighting Handle glows green to indicate unlocked ness, and red when it is occupied!The Lighting Handle has an acrylic tip that glows red or green. The Lighting Handle is connected to a power outlet through the door, and flash red or green depending on the state of the door lock (activated by the thumbs turn). But for a whopping USD$440, no thank you.

The Lighted Slippers are ideal for night time trips to the bathroom. HOW IT WORKS:Light sensor alerts LED to come on only in darkened conditions. Powered by 2 replaceable lithium batteries that are included in each slipper.Weight sensors alert the LED in each slipper to activate. Each LED is angled upward for projection of light. These remarkably bright LEDs will easily illuminate an area 20 to 25 feet in front of you. After removing the slipper, a built-in timer delays LED shut-off to allow time to see your way safely back to bed.

The sandal for men.These are the sandal which will put your mark on the beach.There is no doubt that this fantastic message will cause a good few conversations on the beach this year.You are the centre of attention and the rest is up to you.

And this is my ALL TIME FAVOURITE PICK!

This is the alarm clock that is guaranteed to wake you up!Nobody sleeps through this!It wakes you up by firing four puzzle pieces up in the air, and then it is your task to get the pieces and put them back in the alarm clock - it won't turn off until then.

Oluce

2006-07-31T21:39:00.000+08:00

Feature! Lamps from Oluce! Their form is such an inspiration.(right) designerVico Magistretti Suspension lamp giving direct and diffuse light in blown PMMA.

(left) designer Marco Romanelli & Marta LaudaniTable lamp. Transparent and sand-blasted Murano glass diffusers. Glazed anodized metal base.

(right) designerFerdi GIardini with Giancarlo Mainaand Marienzo FerreroTable lamp giving diffused light made of trasparent crystal. Container for water and aroma-terapic essence and light-shade in amber glass. With dimmer.

(left)designerMarta Laudani and Marco Romanelli with Marcello Pinzero Table lamp giving diffused light by LED. PMMA transparent diffuser. Anodised and satin-finished aluminium base. Lamp provided of rechargeable batteries for Wireless connection. Lamp provided with external battery charger.

Wooden Clock

2006-07-29T01:39:00.000+08:00

A digital clock made of wood makes about as much sense as a granite laptop, but this particularly stylish block of timber is one of the most eye-catching and unique timepieces I've ever seen.

Until the numbers illuminate, the Wooden Clock looks exactly like a regular block of wood - albeit a smooth, sanded, slightly Swedish-looking one.

Diamonds are not forever

2006-07-29T01:19:00.000+08:00

Check this out from fireox.

Before you know it you'll be cooling down your drinks with hefty sparklers that look exactly like authentic, Pink Panther-sized rocks. The difference is these diamonds are not forever because they're made from frozen water and worth about ten gazillion pounds less than the real thing.

Salvati

2006-07-26T11:04:00.000+08:00

Feature from Salvati glass. Venetian glass is composed out of soda and silica. The soda gives a "long" glass, which allows the glass-master to work and model it for longer periods of time. The glass mix is melt in big pots called “crogioli”, and there is one pot for each color.

Glass workers are usually organized in teams of four people: the maestro (master), his serventi (first assistants) and serventini (second assistants). For such a team to work successfully requires a tremendous amount of dexterity, co-ordination and strength.

So sweet.

Rene Caovilla

2006-07-26T10:25:00.000+08:00

This is the 100th time I've checked into the Rene Caovilla site. Their spring summer collection is finally out! See my eyes glaze over.

And when I die, I want to be buried with this pair on.
Rene Caovilla created most extraordinary open-toe, having signature entwined snake 4″ sandal in gold Swarovski crystals.

When the big boys fell

2006-07-26T10:06:00.000+08:00

It's a classic example of design dominating a product, form over function. The two basic functions of a phone: to talk to people, to sms. Must say i was mighty disappointed, especially when this product was the baby of two greats in the electornics world, B&O and Samsung.

The "huh?" products

2006-07-26T00:15:00.000+08:00

Over the years, I've collected literally hundreds of links. And I do come across some rather odd products. Here's one.

The S.T.U.B.A (or Submersible Tubular Universal Boiling Apparatus) is a "product" without precedent. It is self-propelled, self-contained underwater cooking appliance. Designed for hungy underwater explorers, the S.T.U.B.A can be filled with delectable seafood, sealed, ignited and released. It cooks as it rises. When it reaches the surface it is collected by other members of the party, eager to partake in the feast form below.

I think the person who taught of this concept must have been suffering from the bends.

The only saving grace is that it's only a concept. And not an actual product. But then again, all those brain cells wasted on this.

My mind's overloaded with these babies.

LG player

2006-07-25T23:43:00.000+08:00

I know I set a ban on electronics on this blog, but perhaps, one or two won't kill. LG is really up and coming. I've been following up with their design processes rather closely. Their designs have really taken a turn for the better since their 2005 Q2 release.

LG's new MFFM20 is said to be a sexier version of the old Rio Karma, with a dash of Sony and llo.
Wherever this 512MB or 1GB device got its asymmetrical design cues from, the little shiny OLEDtastic player supports PlaysForSure, and has a 20 hour battery life. Not much else to see here, as expected, but for those whose eyes it caught, know that it appears to be heading for Euro release before landing ashore in the US .

Iwasake Design Studio

2006-07-24T13:51:00.000+08:00

Iwasaki Design Studio is run by Ichiro Iwasaki. After working at the Design Center for Sony in Tokyo, he moves to Italy. The studio covers mainly product design- household goods such as tableware, home electronics and telecommunication tools.

Manhatten Loft

2006-07-24T12:56:00.000+08:00

Here's another feature from Manhatten Loft, your place for real contemporary furniture. I like particularly their lamps and leather beds. Gimme gimme gimme!

(top) THE BULBOHEDRON LAMP
One of the coolest, thought provoking lamps, available at any price. Pure Geometry, the icosahedron is the only mathematical solution for the distribution of 20 light bulbs around a central point.Brass housing assembled in Dr Niks' Manhattan studio, using 120 rivets. Packed with electronics, Stainless steel legs and dimmer control.

(bottom) AURA LAMP
The Aura’s glowing shade appears to float freely, tethered by its gently coiled cord set that exits out of a side portal. The Aura is injection molded in clear tinted acrylic for optimal clarity and durability.

No pressure here, because this is not your normal casting couch! The Hollywood Sofa’s solid wood frame and webbing system give this unique sofa a sturdy support for the cushions. Polyurethane foam padding sits on top off the coils providing structure and shape. Feather filled back cushions finish the look. Covers for back cushions are removable for easy cleaning.

(top) ZEN PLATFORM BED

Shown with optional headboard and TV table.
Where East meets West…These curved legs will make any one sit up and take notice The Zen Platform Bed features a 10 position adjustable head elevation for sleeping or lounging. Easy to operate with a flexible Loft mattress. Solid steel frame is available in grey or matte black finish.These platform beds are made with a very strong steel frame, center steel beam, center support brace and Euro style beech wood slats.

(bottom) BOND PLATFORM BED

Be your own 007 and sleep like a secret agent in this platform bed in ivory leather look upholstery. Metal legs in a chrome finish. Slat frame for interior bed contains 9mm laminated beech-wood slats offering a 10-position head elevation.

public furniture

2006-07-24T10:32:00.000+08:00

It's always interesting to see the design element creep into our environment. The past always saw boring outdoor furniture for the public. Public furniture is evolving.

Polypello by Erik Osterland. Private personal space within a public environment.
Park Lane by Bjorn Dahlstrom

(Left) Moa Bench by Gunilla Delund. Moa is a romantic steel bench made of double layer cut sheet steel. Moa persists in all kinds of weather and can easily be attached to the gorund.

(Right) Paxa Bench by Katarina Gunnarsson and Ingemar Holmlid. A simple and sturdy bench with a low-voiced but clear design expression.

The Wave Bench by Gunilla Hedlund. An International Award Winner, this undulating steel bench creates a defined personal space for the user. Manufactured from rugged flat bar steel, Wave is designed to perform in the most demanding interior or exterior environments.
Dyning by Miquel Salinas. Dyning is served as a design focal point. It can be creatively combined to form a long billowing horizon along the landscape.

Gallery chair designed by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen. It's a stool meant for guests to sit on while they enjoyed painting on show at the gallery. Hidden behind the minimalist design, lies an innovative technique that has made it possible to shape veneer in several dimensions.

Media history

2006-07-24T09:37:00.000+08:00

This is very interesting. People who wish to know more about what to expect in sharing their information online (personal advertising)

http://64.191.61.82/flash09/epic/epic(www.albinoblacksheep.com).swf

GamPlusFratesi

2006-07-22T16:08:00.000+08:00

Occassionally I do come across products that just make me weak all over. GamPlusFratesi lauched their new range of funiture made from carbon fibre and lace.

"LACE CHAIR"
This project is the result of an intense study that embrace tradition as well asadvanced technology; an idea emerged from reflections of contrasts.A fascination of a fusion between high performance composite materials,as glasfiber, and the aesthetics from the antique art of lace.
With inspiration from working methods in the textile industry, we have beenexperimenting with various techniques applicable to the glasfiber.This project is a dialog between many specialized sectors, and differenthistorical references.

"LACE TABLE"

”NINFEA” (”water-lily”)
Inspired from this fairytale of Hans Christian Andersen, they have created these seats that “float” on the floor. Different patterns like the butterfly and the flower are becoming a surreal and fairy-like landscape of waterlilies. An interesting meeting between wood and felt. The construction is inspired from plywood; layers of felt andwood screwed together. The felt has a decorative function as well offers comfort and structural properties.The U-constructions of the felt gives a great flexibility and softness to these floor level sitting.

”LUISA” chaiselounge

Inside out – a non typical experience of the materials; to have the warm soft material, that usual would bein contact with the body, is here closed in between two layers of transparent acrylic. As well the flower-motifsare closed inside the acrylic, so you have the visual contact with the softness and the decoration – You can seebut not touch…

"LUISA” stools/tables

Lily Yung

2006-07-22T15:39:00.000+08:00

When i was 18, i had this crazy notion that i was born to be a jewellery designer. Because sketching and rendering jewellery was the only thing that came naturally to me. Rendering pearls, diamonds, rubies, gold and silver..I had a lot of mumbo jumbo jewellery fun back then.

Lily Yung's collection is one of a kind. She uses textile techniques in wires and beads to transform them into exquisite jewellery.

AlphabetSync

2006-07-21T18:13:00.000+08:00

AlphabetSync has the most adorable stuff I tell ya! They feature lifestyle products that sometimes give you the element of surprise! I like!

The photo coat hanger reminds of a project I'm working on now. I got to say the favourite is the "Big HEad" coaster! Absolutely adorable.

Toshiyuki Kita

2006-07-21T15:51:00.000+08:00

This is by Toshiyuki Kita. Featured in Milan 2006. I like the design because it reminds me of 1980s design (perhaps it's the feet), but also at the same time, the design has a new age quality about it. Sleek.

Designed for Miura - total sound.

Other projects by Toshiyuki Kita that were featured in Milan, in collaboration with design companies in Singapore.

E&Z for Enzer Electronics.

Furniture for Air Division.

It was interesting to hear from Air Division on their collboration with Kita. The Air Division identity was always about functional design, furniture produced solely for usage. However, there was a clash between the styles of Kita and the Air Division designers. Kita had a more emotional approach, his designs boasted organic forms and curvy curves, a complete opposite of the Air Division identity.

It was a good laugh to hear Nathan, head of Air Division comment, " If you want emotion, get a pet!" He still sticks to his principle that furniture should not be emotional because forming relationships with your furniture is just WRONG.

Well said dude. LOL!

Toys for Stikfas.

Jewellery for Lee Hwa.

Sony Esprit

2006-07-20T10:00:00.000+08:00

When the iPod was born, Apple had created a design revolution by empowering the concept of simplicity. For a while, the concept of simplicity dominated the design world...so when I first came across Esprit by Sony Design, I wasn't blown away. The thought of "cluttering" up product surface with patterns was too avant garde. Not when the iPod design reign was still so strong.

Perhaps the consumer markets have had their share of simplicity, and now the trend of patterns is starting to emerge. After reading up more on the concepts behind Esprit by Sony, I have a greater appreciation of the patterned designs, and what Sony wanted to achieve with it.

Esprit concept by Sony.

More examples of the pattern trend emerging!

Electrolux "War on White" (WOW) series

Nokia, always the leader in trends, released the L"Amour range.

Of course Hewlett Packard is also gearing towards the pattern. Check out their new marketing slogan, "The computer is personal again".

Consumer electronics designs used to be based on techological innovations. It used to be seen as separate from house interior. Although there have been attempts in the past to combine consumer electroni designs with home interiors, there was not much success.

Now, consumer electronics are designed not only with technological innovations in mind, but also consumer lifestyle.

It's time to take a second look at the old embroidery books stashed in your mum's cupboard.

Nike iPod sports kit

2006-07-19T12:49:00.000+08:00

Check out the new Nike iPod sports kit.

Once you put the sensor in your shoe, your're ready to run. The receiver connects to your ipod nano, collecting run data with every run.

It's a nice idea, but I can't even tolerate sand in my shoes, let alone a whole sensor! It retails at 19 pounds.

Nice kitchen concept design

2006-07-19T12:43:00.000+08:00

Featured in "Your way to conway" design competition via designboom. Nice concept.

SIC

2006-07-19T12:21:00.000+08:00

Here are the winners from the "Shelter in a Cart" competition via designboom. The main brief of the competition was to design a cart for the homeless. A place for them to call home and also a functional vehicle for them to lug their belongings around. The winning designs are featured here.

name of design : changador

design by : marco praga + michinao komatsu + nestor marsiglia from argentina

name of design : per tutti

design by : hariesh kumaar sankaran from italy

name of design : the street cart named survivor

design by : ing-tse chen from china

name of design : hown

design by : panagiotis dramitinos + karaolis alkis + alexandros papageorgiou from greece

Best designs of the month!

2006-07-19T10:04:00.000+08:00

I've selected my best design/shop of the month. Menu has the best range of products to match your living room , dining room, kitchen and garden. This is one website that gets two thumbs up from me too. Very nicely done, from their product design excellence to their website design. You just have got to love Scandinavian Design.

(Left) Tall oil lamp in frosted glass, non-slip rubber and heavy steel – designed to fit in perfectly with the rest of MENU's extensive garden range.
(Mid) The Fireball uses ordinary tealights, and can either be placed directly on the ground, or fitted into its accompanying rubber stand and placed along the terrace.
(Right) The candleholders' glasses have now been decorated with hearts, circles and flourishes in gold and platinum.

(Left) Press the air out of the pipette. Then release it, draw up the contents - and drip the aroma, colour or flavouring directly into meals, salads or coffee. Drop by drop.
(Mid) Combined lid and saucer for Menu thermo cups. The lid is designed to keep the cup contents warm for even longer.
(Right) The little “weight lifter” in Menu's toothpick dispenser holds up a clean toothpick in his outstretched arms every time you lift and drop the black cover.

(Left) Just place the nut on the metal plate and cover it with the rubber dome. Give the dome a light tap and the nut will be ready to eat.
(Mid) The idea behind the Torch is to extend this tradition into the future by combining classic materials and modern, Scandinavian design.
(Right) The Menu Feeder String is a decorative and refreshing alternative to the traditional feeding table for garden birds.

(Left) The upper part is a bowl and holder in brushed stainless steel, the lower part a weighted base in glass with a hole for the candle.
(Mid) The set consists of two identical forked spoons to combine the best from the classic spoon/fork salad serving set, featuring heavy, flowing lines.
(Right) A simple, beautiful vase that combines materials and traditions from Scandinavian Design with a touch of Japan.

(Left) Pernille Vea uses terracotta fired at high temperatures. This produces a frostproof material – both an unglazed terracotta that gives a warm glow and a glazed terracotta in charcoal grey.
(Mid) The hurricane shares both its cone shape and materials with the award-winning Menu Torch, introduced last year to universal acclaim.
(Right) Outdoor tea-light lantern, for hanging on branches and twigs in the garden. The glass's frosted surface gives the lantern a characteristic, opal-white light.

(Left) The candle is placed in the matt polished stainless steel insert.
(Mid) Create a relaxed and light-hearted mood with a set of the successful Galerie Candleholders, which were awarded the Danish Formland Prize in 2000.
(Right) A classic little candleholder with a fine curve, which will adorn and create a cosy maritime feel on windowsills, in living rooms and in work rooms.

(Left) Vase with light. An innovative use of brilliant LED diodes that change through all the colours of the rainbow.
(Mid) Add-on candelabra with two basic elements that are completely interchangeable to create different light sculptures.
(Right) The inspiration for the Tulip tealight holder came from the world of flowers and Asian design.

(Left) The rubber vase is both fun and unusual: for those seeking something completely different and modern.
(Mid) Decorate a paper shade, wrap it around the glass, light the tealight – and see it all in a whole new light.
(Right) The Galerie Vase from Menu was inspired by the shape of a perfect rose. The two pieces, an inner and an outer vase, can be used separately or one inside the other.

(Left) Create a cosy, rustic atmosphere with candles and glass in the colours of the natural world.
(Mid) The Galerie Candleholder changes mood as you change the contents.
(Right) The Galerie Sphere, a light, nearly floating, glass sphere, can be decorated by filling it with objects.

(Left) Take the temperature of your wine and get the most from the taste. The wine thermometer only need be attached like a belt around the bottle
(Mid) With the new vacuum stopper, just a few pump actions will remove all the air from the bottle and seal it for up to six days
(Right) porcelain bowls are perfect for the mobile, hectic lifestyle when a cup of soup in front of the TV can work wonders after a long day.

(Left) An unusual oil lamp in a combination of glassware blown by mouth and internal silver plating, very similar to the way mirrors were made in days of old.
(Mid) Elegant and fun – and full of swing. The large, circular dish is the focal point of the collection.
(Right) The 1976 design paved the way for a whole new concept and use of the glass.Glassed drinks look very inviting when they are served in these Hot & Cold Glasses.

(Left) As playful, geometric figures, the triangles fit one inside the other and form an ever-changing pattern depending on how they are placed.
(Mid) The round mirrors of the Megatumbler spread smiles and beauty around the table – and are a hygienic solution for serving gastronomic sea salt and ground pepper.
(Right) Candy Top is a refreshing and funky alternative to the traditional candy bowl. It is made of clear glass with a black rubber lid.

(Left) intertwined« dumbbells – each weighing one kilo – are simply a beautiful sculpture.
(Mid) The massage top is an effective, beautiful and hygienic massage aid made from stainless steel.
(Right) This design come most clearly to expression in its playful contrast between nature and technology, juxtaposing organic motifs from the world of coffee with entirely modern form elements and materials.

(Left) Menu's award-winning cup holder is designed to hold standard 21 cl cups. The elegant cup holder wraps around the cup for a steady grip.

(Mid) The broad base ensures the right aeration of the wine. And the stainless steel metal rim can be detached from the glass part to prevent bacteria forming in the gap between the materials.

(Right) It may look like magic, but it's real enough: the air corkscrew releases the cork from the bottle with just a little bit of air.

iPoor -iPod spoof

2006-07-19T09:58:00.000+08:00

I love spoofs. The iPoor is a product for those who cannot afford an iPod. Brain child of Brian, senior design manager of Nakamichi. A good laugh at the iPod crazy world.

Swarovski Lovelots

2006-07-18T12:25:00.000+08:00

Everyone knows Swarovski as that company that features elegant and beautiful crystals. Who knew they would completely shake off that image by producing the Lovelots!! The website alone is funky enough to hypnotise me into buying one.

Presenting to you, the Lovelots! Nothing can stop them now. (You have to go into their website to get the correct mood)

Shiri Zinn

2006-07-18T12:16:00.000+08:00

Well, there you go, the dildo edition, as promised!

Shiri Zinn is a self-made woman! When she graduated from London’s renowned fashion school St. Martins in 2000, the press went crazy about her final art works. Why? Because she made a whole collection of sex toys for women out of the finest materials you can imagine: snake skin, quartz crystals, Swarovski crystals, feathers, fur and silver. Realizing her success and that her pleasure products were unexpectedly “accepted”, Shiri took a deep breath and dived right into the market. Her toys now sell like hot-cakes to celebrities like Kate Moss or Baby Spice and are considered a must have fashion accessory.

Oooms

2006-07-18T11:31:00.000+08:00

Introduced by Hunn, who is now studying at the Design Academy in Eindhoven. He is now doing a short stint at Oooms. Cool stuff they have. Whacky design that positively irk you. Check this out. Here are my favourites.

The idea behind this is, when your light dies, you can use it as a wineglass. Dual funciton products.

One of my favs from Oooms. Au Naturale USB Sticks.

The change in value of an insignificant office product into a staple on piece of jewellery.
This series of chairs remind me the wireframe when cadding in Alias 3D software. Imagine seeing it in a wireframe format in a 3D cadding program and then say, " Hell, I'll just make this into a chair!"

The drawers of these cabinets cannot be closed at the same time. When closing one drawer, the one next to it will open a little. If you want to open a fully closed drawer, just hit the open drawer next to it. Imagine giving this to those people who fuss over order and neatness. It'll drive them crazy!

Furniture that has it's own character and personality.

Dildos! There are so few dildo designers out there. I think i'll do a dildo series in my next post.

Senheisser

2006-07-17T17:58:00.000+08:00

Senheisser Street Sports and Style range.

Earphones for the poor who can't really afford the real thing (read : Bang & Olufsen). Still excellent in their design. All three have ingenius ways of preventing earphone "poppages", which is that terrible moment when they unglue themselves from your ear.

I still prefer the B & O design. Naturally.

Vases

2006-07-17T17:24:00.000+08:00

Vases from Fontana Arte . More on their lamp series below.

Fontana Arte

2006-07-17T16:28:00.000+08:00

Fontana Arte is a great place to scour for that special lamp you need in your house. It offers a wide variety of table, floor, ceiling, wall lamps. Hundreds of lights for you to choose from.

Biorb

2006-07-17T16:00:00.000+08:00

I love the slogans from Biorb.

Made from strong, crystal clear acrylic and featuring the identical filtration system as the popular biOrb means it is simple and quick to maintain!Includes biUbe tank, Halogen Light unit, Plug top 12 volt transformer, Air pump, Ceramic Media, Filter cartridge, Bubble Tube, Airstone, Tap water treatment and sample pack of fish food.

Haier Living

2006-07-17T15:37:00.000+08:00

Was walking down Amoy Street when I saw an eye catching and retro looking stripey vase. It's part of a collection from Haier Living. They newly inaugurated Asia first styling haus offers premium house accessories from around the world. A wide selection of soft and hard furnishing ranging from bed linen to carpets, cushion covers to artifacts, vases to tableware and floral settings to window coverings.

Immerse yourself into the pleasure of dining with a palette of sensual colours and styles from avante garde names like La Mediterranea.

Live up your place with our wide range of beautiful florals creatively arranging by our stylist to enhance the asethetic of your home.

Madamoiselle Blanche

2006-07-17T14:39:00.000+08:00

Hear Ye! My birthday's coming (Yea right!) . Gimme one of these!

Collections from Madamoiselle Blanche. These are my picks.

Patricia Urquiola

2006-07-17T13:38:00.000+08:00

“She’s like a volcano,” someone said during the Milan furniture fair in April. “A hurricane,” according to another. Virtually unknown a couple of years ago, Patricia Urquiola stormed Milan this year.

(Left) Seeking a new shape for a non-upholstered seating element, a lounge chair or a chaise longue, the design blossoms from a “cellular” genesis of petals sewn in triangular shapes, creating ample patterns.

(right) Table lamp in three different sizes, made of a perforated metal net covered with a silicon resin, with a satin screen diffuser.

Max Design Chairs

2006-07-17T13:08:00.000+08:00

Fatabulous chairs from Max design.

Inhabit wall art

2006-07-17T11:19:00.000+08:00

Stumbled across these while searching for some cool wallart for my bare bedroom walls. I can just picture these on my wall, arranged in sets of 3.

Available in most of Inhabit’s unique designs. These art pieces come in six sizes and make a dramatic impact on any room for an affordable price. Stretched on 1 1/2” deep stretcher bars and ready to hang out of the bag. All Inhabit stretched wall art is designed, handprinted, and constructed by Inhabit in the USA.