The LighterSaber, as its name implies, is a lighter which looks like those wonderful laser swords from that one movie, whatsit? Ah yes…. Star Wars. Instead of spending years in Jedi training, running around Dagoba with small greet creature attached to your back, Iqbal Ameer and Singapore-based Expedio Design are bringing you the next best thing in…
The rotary tool (Dremel) is the ubiquitous hand tool for low skill prototyping. The magic wand of the prototyping world. And by that, I mean it can make sparks, dust, and smoke. The real magic is how all those theatrics can produce such a small cut (and leave such a razor-sharp edge). It is time…
If there is one thing kids really want to do, it’s to drive a car just like mom and dad. Inversely, if there’s one thing a lot of grown-ups wish they could do now, it’s to return to the simplicity of childhood and play in a cardboard box. The full-scale cardboard Karoq SUV by British…
Beside your 1986 ‘Electric Swan’ Trapper Keeper with bits of plastic falling off it, there are thousands of notebook, notepad, journal, planner and portfolio options to the point it’s hard to stand out. Yet, HappyEarth Notebooks has managed to do just that with their arguably unique take on a centuries-old method for trapping bits of paper.…
It would be relatively easy to mistake this bed design as a bunch of thin wood planks stacked atop each other. Apparently tired of sleeping on mattresses held up by squeaky frames, the Polish home designers at Gie El have created a bed whose frame is just as alluring as the prospect of getting a…
A good hoodie can last you years. The only time to get rid of it is when it’s worn so much it falls apart or is just too darn small. A small hoodie – that’s just the worst, isn’t it? So, two inventors design one big enough for any… well, most people, to ensure you’ll…
We’re all familiar with the old ‘pull the chair out from under an unsuspecting friend or coworker’ trick. But what if said chair did the whole ‘pulling out from under the unsuspecting individual’ thing on its own? Such is the premise behind a new furniture collection from RISD students George Duan and Megan Lee. Teeter…
From custom hand-milled creations to 12-sided behemoths designed for roleplaying games, it’s impressive how far dice have come since they were first discovered in archeological digs and were estimated to be between 2800 to 2500BC. CoDi dice are a standard six-sided die CNC machined out of steel or brass (depending on preference) and come with…
From paring tomatoes to slicing through thick bread crust, few tools are as valuable in the kitchen as a sharp and reliable knife set. In fact, connecting with a great knife set is so important, it’s one of the few kitchen tools culinary schools require their students to purchase on their own. And while there…
If you’re a beginner looking to get into the wonderful but painful world of skateboarding, there are a couple of tips you might want to keep in mind. First, a good helmet might cost a little bit of money up front, but it can save thousands on medical bills—not to mention, your life. Second, treat…
Of all the places you’d expect the sad remnants of a wrecked automobile to show up, on a wrist as a high-end watch likely isn’t at the top of that list. Yet. designers Christian Mygh and Jonathan Kamstrup of REC Watches have done just that with their P-51 Timepiece; a luxury watch made from discarded…
Ceramic craft is considered to be one of the most primitive and natural examples of product design. For Seattle-based artist Katie Marks of Silver Lining Ceramics, that means quite literally taking inspiration from under the Earth’s crust for her latest collection inspired by crystal formations. But just as mesmerizing as her final product—is the way…
Ah, LEGO blocks – the real-life equivalents of Minecraft. From tiny model PlayStations to a gigantic 7,541-piece Millennium Falcon, almost everything has been made a subject by these Denmark-based construction blocks. To add to the never-ending list of things you can create with this deceptively-called children’s toy, Astonishing Studios has created a handy how-to guide…
It may look like a simple block of wood, but Nissha’s Mui does much more than sit on your wall as an aesthetically pleasing living room decoration; underneath that warm earthy texture is a touch-based internet-connected interactive display capable of displaying information and controlling IoT devices. The display is designed to match to your environment…
For many, a line of LEGO-inspired 3D printed jewelry is sure to bring a wave of nostalgia. For others who still regularly buy LEGO sets, it’s simply an ingenious way to repurpose those extra bricks as fashion accessories. Such is the premise behind the new jewelry line from French design studio Hint Lab. Thomas and…
At first glance, the Velux Cabrio looks like an absurdly large window. It could even pass as a solar panel. But see it in action, and you’ll soon realize why its size seems so ridiculous. Just take a look at this video: Simply put, the Velux Cabrio is an ingenious window design that converts into…
Not everyone loves cats, but those who do think they are the cutest thing since… well, dogs. They’re cuddly, fluffy, and can cough up a gooey hairball on your keyboard. What’s not to love? But one thing that apparently drives cat owners mad is their cats’ unsightly behinds. But don’t worry, there’s a design for…
Considerably more complex than a typical desk lamp or a child’s nightlight, the folks at CE Lighting have come up with a modern reinterpretation of everyone’s favorite boogeyman buster. At first glance, the Skala Lamp looks like a pencil holder without the…you know, pencil holding feature. In fact, it looks like little more than a…
The Migra surfboard bag is the brainchild of two friends who for more than fifteen years have travelled to remote islands in search of the perfect wave or “rip” as it’s call by surfers. While each destinations yielded a new thrill, the getting there left something to be desired. The biggest challenge they faced on…
A long time ago, I learned I could use my campfire charcoal to filter any questionable water sources if no other water was available. Not surprisingly, charcoal can have a profound effect on softening ordinary tap water, too. London-based design firm Black+Blum recently designed an interesting (BPA free) water bottle to take advantage of a…
It’s not very often—if ever—that a software app is made in response to a mass distaste for a particular hardware feature. And as Apple’s design team has learned time and time again, you can’t please everybody all the time. The most recent example comes from the “notch” in the physical body of the new iPhone…
Product design whiz Eric Strebel is at it again – this time with his personal guide on how to create a small batch of 200 vacuum-formed panels for display at a car show. Eric starts the same way he begins all his designs: in the ideation phase. Even though panels aren’t the most complex products,…
Don’t believe what other people tell you – rocking chairs are NOT just for old people! In fact, they’re one of the comfiest pieces of furniture out there. Even so, a rocking chair isn’t the most portable seat. Since most of them rely on rockers or springs to operate, they can’t really be disassembled and…
As you read this, you’re probably at your desk, killing time while waiting for the workday to end. But do you know just for how long you’ve been sitting down? How about your daily water intake for the day—or meals you’ve eaten? One of the more obscure applications of A.I., the SmartDesk 3 ISN’T a…
Thanks to killer set design in movies and television, almost everyone wants their own secret room. And who wouldn’t? Having your own private sanctum sounds like a blast: peace and quiet, the freedom to do what you want, plus the rooms are usually sealed off in the coolest way possible — waterfalls, anybody? Creative Home Engineering…
Maslow’s hammer: If your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Design engineering is a constantly evolving field. It is forming and shaping faster than a complex hexagonal honeycomb micromesh structure growing out of a Carbon3D printer; from new technologies with implementable applications to tools, software, and manufacturing processes. Keep…
When it comes to upcycling, it’s not always easy to create something new out of discarded waste that doesn’t appear as repurposed…discarded waste. Yet, Czech artist Veronika Richterová seems to have pulled it off. For her recent PET Luminaries series, the artist sliced and diced dozens of discarded plastic PET bottles to create a collection…
William Whiteley & Sons, a well-known scissor company in England, sure knows their stuff when it comes to cutting instruments. They’ve been around for 257 years; combining traditional handcrafting with current world technologies to make scissors capable of cutting through Kevlar (just take a look at their manufacturing process in the video below). Different scissors…
Presented by The future of making things—that’s what Autodesk University is all about. As the preeminent conference for designers, engineers, architects, and makers of all stripes, AU is the place to share knowledge, learn about the latest trends and technologies, and build connections. This year, the future of making things comes into new focus with…
The WESN titanium knife (West East North South) from designer Billy Chester looks like a handy little tool for camping trips and knife-related activities. While the handle of the knife is made from grade 5 titanium, the blade itself is composed of AUS8 heat-treated steel. What distinguishes this knife from other bladed weapons is how…
With his near-seamless ability to fuse traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, it’s no wonder designer Love Hultén consistently makes his way into mainstream media with his clever interpretations of retro arcade cabinets. Heck, one of his creations even ended up on the Tonight Show. The Swedish designer, whose approach to design is to present genuine…
Let’s be honest: commuting sucks. When you aren’t hurrying to find a cab or Uber, you’re spending an uncomfortable journey in the back of a stranger’s car with sticky floors. Student Jack Davies was so fed up with his everyday commute that he decided to find an alternative solution. The result is the Fusion E-Board…
Society has become more accepting of four-legged pets when it comes to where they are allowed to go. A decade ago, you might catch flack for bringing your dog to the public park. But these days, you’ll see dogs and cats in stores or malls wearing miniature costumes while lounging it up with high society.…
Contrary to popular belief, not all chairs are made for the same purpose. There are Monobloc chairs made for public events, rolling chairs designed with the sole purpose of spinning around while sitting in them, and chairs with arms so comfy you never sit in them quite properly. The Hybrid Chair serves two of those multiple…
While it can be daunting to create LEGO models consisting of an absurd amount of blocks, you might consider the sense of accomplishment when building something with the least amount of blocks possible. Case in point: these tiny LEGO PlayStations. Twitter user SUU2100 has turned all four of Sony’s video game consoles into bite-sized LEGO models.…
It’s not always easy to juggle multiple hats in the design and engineering worlds—but if there is a common language that will likely end up saving you a lot of time and frustration down the road, it’s having g basic knowledge of visual communication. While nobody can become an Aaron Draplin overnight, having a strong…
There’s nothing like attending a global design or engineering conference. You get to see and hear all the latest and greatest stuff. But I say even better than attending a conference is the opportunity to be a presenter at one! The big event for PTC Users is the annual LiveWorxs Global Conference. So if you’ve…
Last year, we brought to your attention Eduard Locota’s DelMare table – an unconventional table that looks like a section of seafloor extracted from a azure blue coastline. With a low center of gravity, different sizes, and a €7,000 price tag (roughly $8,214), you can bet you get your money’s worth for a mesmerizing piece…
When it comes to inspirational source material, NASA’s archive of open source multimedia is a treasure trove for creatives. No, seriously. Among others, French designer Harold Sangourd recently pulled some source material for the creation of his Apollo 11 Table—a tribute to the famous NASA expedition. The table, which consists of molded fiberglass covering a…
It’s more engine than motorcycle. Yep, you read the headline correctly; this baby runs on a Subaru WRX engine. When New Zealand toolmaker Marcel van Hooijdonk received a challenge from his Aussie friend to build a motorcycle around a car engine, he couldn’t say no. You see, this isn’t the first Subaru WRX motorcycle. (Of…
Sure, mushrooms are good in your salads…but you’ve likely never given any thought into mushrooms as a medium for physical products. Call it a typical Brooklyn experiment, but the GROW lamp from Ecovative just might have some sense behind it. In combining the essence of DIY with the power of nature, the GROW is a…
Born out of a successful Kickstarter campaign back in 2013, CandyLab Toys has been one of the most popular Kickstarter campaigns to date. The NYC toy company, founded by two friends with a mutual love for classic American cars, has even been elevated to Kickstarter Gold status—even making a feature in the platform’s retail partnership…
As we become increasingly tied to our digital devices., the longing and joy for analog experiences continues to inspire a realm of new digital products that aim to capture the best of both worlds—products like the reMarkable e-ink tablet. The Yashica Y35 is the latest to enter this realm—with the goal of capturing the joy…
Calling all designers, engineers, and would-be sketching aficionados! Grab your drawing sticks because Inktober 2017 has officially kicked off! For those of you not familiar with Inktober the short story is that it’s a 31-day drawing challenge created by a guy name Jake Parker back in 2009. His aim was/is to inspire creatives to improve…
Studio Ghibli could be considered the Japanese equivalent of Walt Disney Pictures. If you haven’t watched at least one of their heartfelt children’s films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, or Spirited Away, please stop reading this and do that instead (you’ll thank me later). The movies have as much impact on Japanese…
File this one under “why didn’t I think of that?” Created by ‘Eric and Angela,’ a husband and wife team with a love for all things outdoors and product design, Firefly is a brilliant replacement for the near-useless ‘toothpick’ accessory that comes standard with the Swiss Army Knife. Using the same form factor as the…
It seems no matter how small the problem, there is someone willing to provide a slick design solution. This time around, the problem is cargo management. Not the heavy duty kind of cargo you need for construction; I’m talking about conundrum and troubles of placing things like groceries in your trunk. Stayhold, an Irish company…
When it comes to coffee, hardcore aficionados take every step of the process seriously—from the origins of the bean, down to the milliseconds for brew time and method. And while making a solid cup of coffee at home can be done with the ultra-simplified pour over method, espresso machines have been another story—unless you’ve been…
We seem to be talking a lot about pencils lately. From a pencil holder/extender to a pencil/stylus, we do love to cover our notebooks in wood shavings and lead. But let’s give a tactical pen some love this time around. The GP 1945 bolt-action tactical pen isn’t your normal click pen. In fact it’s, quite surprisingly,…
Too many of us are too busy to be bothered by life’s trivialities. When the world is moving at a breakneck speed, you don’t really have time to worry about things like paying bills, washing yourself or finding your keys (but seriously, you should take care of those bills). They gobble up those precious minutes…
