Saturday, January 28, 2012

The Design blog

The Design blog


Xerox Mobile Scanner scans documents on the go and sends them via Wi Fi

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 03:42 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

If you find yourself often stuck in a situation where you need to send out a scanned copy of something and cannot find a scanner nearby, the Xerox Mobile Scanner is just the thing for you. The device lets you create a JPG or PDF copy of any kind of paperwork instantly without requiring a power outlet or a connecting computer. To use, you simply have to switch it on, insert the document, select the file format you want the document to be scanned and saved in and the Xerox Mobile Scanner will scan it automatically for you. Users can then connect the device via a Wi-Fi to send the documents out directly to the cloud, a tablet, a smartphone or even a computer.

Mobile Scanner
Mobile Scanner

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Mobile Scanner
Xerox Mobile Scanner Sends Scans Wirelessly

The Xerox Mobile Scanner scans and saves documents as multi-page PDF files or as JPG images which makes it easier to directly send them to chosen recipients via wireless. The battery-powered scanner can be used with a free app for the Web, iOS or Android and even Mac or PC which makes it easier to scan and send documents even when you are away from the office.

The scanner can communicate with a number of devices and can even save a number of documents on the 4GB Eye-Fi SD card that is included with the purchase. The Wi-Fi enabled Eye-Fi SD card enables the Xerox Mobile Scanner to connect to the cloud or selected smart devices automatically. The Xerox Mobile Scanner retails for $249.99 and comes with an AC adapter, a USB cable, a carrying case and a rechargeable battery that lasts for over 300 scans.

Via: PCWorld


Sci fi Coffee Table for Star Trek fans

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 03:34 AM PST

Radhicka S Saxena:

This coffee table, crafted to look like the USS Enterprise, pays tribute to one of the most celebrated sci-fi series on television. Dubbed as the Starship Enterprise coffee table, all Star Trek fans will be blown by it. Anyone who is into space fiction or likes whimsical add-ons will be enthralled by the piece. The table is carved out of hardwood and bears a tinted light brown woody texture showing through its glass top.

Starship Enterprise Coffee Table
Starship Enterprise Coffee Table

Cherry, ash and poplar wood are used in its construction. The strength of the tough piece is reinforced with steel supports. A glass casing about a quarter inch thick, has been fitted on the top. The glass measures about 54 and 34 inches along length and breadth respectively. So, it is quite spacious and you can easily place a lot of refreshments on it. Weighty and sizable objects can easily be placed on this sturdy table.

Starship Enterprise Coffee Table
Starship Enterprise Coffee Table

However, the fantasy and fiction inspired design gets camouflaged by the demure materials used in construction of the table. Wood and glass are very refined and earthy. Outlandish or sleek materials would have been a better choice to bring out the look of this space odyssey. Also, the table has been built to look like it is moving around an orbit and circling a planet. The glass on the top has also been fitted to make it look like the piece is in motion. But, this visual sleight does not come through sharply.

Nevertheless, it is an interesting accessory for your living room or study. The oddball piece will also look great in a study, children's room or bachelor pad. The table has been handcrafted by the wood artist Barry Shields, who dedicated a whole month to its construction. Surely a lot of effort has gone into its craftsmanship; therefore the table is aptly priced at $3100.

Via: Technabob


Standing Power Wheelchair lets users stand and reach up with ease

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 02:01 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

The social and professional space in modern day may be more accommodating for people in wheelchairs, but it certainly is developed and fashioned to better serve the needs of people who do not have any disabilities. For a person with lower limb disability, this simply means that they have to find a way to work around the existing system which can be more than challenging when they have to access cabinets and shelves that are placed at what would be an overhead level for a person without disabilities. This can be a cruel reminder of one's disability and a psychological setback for people in wheelchairs who are trying to live independently. The Standing Power Wheelchair developed for Vertis Heartway Medical Co. by designer Bruce Lin is a wheelchair that looks to break away the restriction of the traditional wheelchair and allow people with lower limb disabilities to make vertical movements as well.

Vertis: Standing Power Wheelchair
Vertis: Standing Power Wheelchair

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Vertis: Standing Power Wheelchair
Vertis is a standing Power Wheelchair

One of the main motivations behind this design was to get rid of the medical device-like and mechanical appearance of the wheelchair to reduce stereotypical threats. Sociological studies reveal that by reducing such stereotypes, user’s self esteem and confidence can be improved which makes them more productive. The wheelchair is devised for non amputees in wheelchairs who have self care and independent living capacity.

The Standing Power Wheelchair allows users to make a vertical movement much in the same fashion that a non-disabled person does with the aid of a smooth functioning lifting action. By improving the supplemental value of standing function, the Standing Power Wheelchair also improves the blood circulation of the user and reduces the possibility of pressure ulcer and low blood pressure.

Source: Lin Bruce


Fully transparent and parking friendly Smart Ball Concept for the year 2046

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 01:55 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

Parking in the cities has become increasingly difficult thanks to growing urban traffic congestion. The Smart Ball Concept by Chinese designers Mu Cong and Dai Wei looks to make urban parking woes a thing of the past. Designed for the year 2046, the Smart Ball is a flexible dynamic mobility solution that can easily accommodate a couple of people, a bunch of their luggage and even a pet!

Smart Ball
Smart Ball

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Smart Ball
Smart Ball by Mu Cong, Dai Wei

The spherical body of the vehicle allows it to maneuver through parking space with ease while its transparent shell allows the driver and passenger to view the move through the parking lot without bumping into other vehicles. With a body that can rotate 360 degrees, users would not need to back up their vehicle out of parking spots and would be able to simply drive forward having already turned their vehicle on its axis in the parking spot itself.

The vehicle will also come with a clever fusion of power with interconnected lights and tires that would provide the driver and other vehicles around the Smart Ball with a better vision of the space. Lights embedded within the transparent rubber tires would allow other driver on the road to judge the intentions of the driver in the Smart Ball and they would thus be able to slow down, stop or sway aside accordingly.

Via: Michelin Challenge Design


Fortissimo Speakerphone makes communication more accessible for special users

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 01:54 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

At present there are over nineteen million Americans who have mobility issues. For these seniors, using a regular phone can be a big challenge. Clarity, a division of Plantronics has created a phone designed specifically for handsfree use. It uses voice activation for smart communication solutions and is a boon for senior citizens and others with health challenges. The revolutionary speakerphone is named Fortissimo and is ideal for those who have trouble using their hands or cannot move easily.

Fortissimo speakerphone
Fortissimo speakerphone

Through a remote pendant, Fortissimo allows users to operate the phone by chatting with the device. The speakerphone helps users identify incoming callers from a distance thanks to a big LCD touch screen and talking caller ID. By speaking out commands to Fortissimo, users can listen to news feeds, reply to email or text messages and even post on Facebook and Twitter via the Plantronics' Vocalyst voice service. The phone also allows users to make crystal clear conversations via the high fidelity speakerphone once it is activated. The innovative voice command software of the simple-to-use device lets senior citizens and people with ailments access the same modern technologies that their family members and friends use. The Fortissimo makes communication technology more accessible for patients with severe paralysis or those who have difficulty walking or using their hands.

By using their arm, leg, head or shoulder, users can touch the connected pillow or blow gently at the connected air sensors to manipulate every function of the phone. A wireless headset with Bluetooth connectivity lets users operate the phone remotely. Multiple handsets can also be connected with the Fortissimo which allows many people to join in on conversations or use the phone from different rooms. An answering machine and an innovative customer support technology called ClarityLogicTM is also included with the Fortissimo, which helps customer care representatives make repairs, upgrades and adjustments to the phone remotely.

Via: NexGadget


Foldable Hiriko Electric Car occupies just one-third of a parking spot

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 01:51 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

Parking in the cities can be a real bleep and finding the perfect spot for your sedan can be terrible way to start the work day if you live in a big city. It isn't like smaller cars fare any better either. Since all of us cannot commute to work on bicycles or make the traumatic transition to traveling in public transport systems, a petite car that can fold itself to a third of its street size can be just the thing for you. The good news is that such a vehicle not only exists but has also been prototyped and is ready to start production as well. Named Hiriko (Basque for “urban”), the folding electric car can fold to minimize the amount of space it takes in a parking spot.

Hiriko electric car
Hiriko electric car

Unveiled in Brussels in front of the chief of the European Union Commission, a full sized prototype of the tiny vehicle showed how once folded, three of the vehicles can fit in a typical parking spot. The smart car has free to be collapsed structure with doors being replaced by a single, upward-swinging windshield. Since each of the vehicle's four wheels are fitted with a suspension, braking, steering and a drive motor, it allows the vehicle to be compacted more easily and give the vehicle a zero-point turning radius allowing it to essentially spin in place which would make maneuvering out of tightly packed parking lots even easier.

Hiriko electric car
Hiriko electric car

With a battery pack that stays good for 100 kilometers, the Hiriko Electric Car is all set for trial runs and pilot programs in many European, Asian and American cities where it will be debuted as a shared use vehicle for now. For individual use, the target price for the vehicle is currently staled to be about $16,355.

Via: The Verge


Top Up Mobile Electricity (TUME) would let people get prepaid electricity

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 01:34 AM PST

Asmita Prasad:

In third world economies, electricity theft is a common nuisance. Both business as well as home users from lower income groups often resorts to peeling cables and hacking public power lines that not only leads to loss of revenue for companies that provide electricity but also leads to loss of life and property. One of the main factors that drive people to steal electricity is not the fact that electricity is far too expensive for the common man to purchase but because in these countries getting an electricity connection and paying the bills is not a simple process. To help people overcome these hassles, Mexican design firm NOS Design Consulting has created the TUME (Top-Up Mobile Electricity) concept.

TUME
TUME

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TUME
TUME ACCESS enables the user to obtain electricity from the grid by acquiring credit

The system comprises of two parts called the TUME ACCESS and the TUME BASE. The TUME BASE is the charging base which allows users to plug into electricity supply anywhere they want. These could be installed at dense traffic areas, bus stops and even lamp posts to allow street vendors to acquire electricity safely and legally to run their operations. The TUME ACCESS is the portable device that keeps track of user’s credit and usage and lets them connect devices into the TUME BASE to access electricity.

Through the TUME ACCESS, users can top-up their credit and pay for electricity as they use it. The system works just like getting a certain number of usage minutes on a prepaid mobile phone connection. Using the ACCESS, users can legally use electricity wherever they go and they don't have to resort to theft or illegal and unsafe methods to obtain power.


Levity LED lamp keeps your desk clutter free

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 01:20 AM PST

Radhicka S Saxena:

Levity LED desk lamp combines aesthetics with functionality and convenience. It has been crafted keeping in mind the need for systemization in work spaces. Most light pieces are fixed in one place, thus you do not always get enough light where you are seated. Beams emanating from desk lamps also have a limited reach and cannot always illuminate your reading material appropriately. But, this new lamp from the renowned industrial designer Peter Stathis attempts to resolve this hiccup. It has been crafted for Byrne Electric Specialists.

Levity LED Lamp by Peter Stathis
Levity LED Lamp by Peter Stathis

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Levity LED Lamp by Peter Stathis
Levity is the only task light of its kind that retracts into the work surface.

The specialty of the lamp is that it can be pulled out from the table top when light is needed and slotted back inside when you are not using it. The design is really sleek and industrial. When the lamp is inserted into the desk, you only see a flat slab of metal on the top. After being retracted, the lamp stands on two steel rods, which support a lighting contraption. It can then be moved up and down or inclined at various angles to throw light on the exact spot desired. By popping inside and disappearing out of sight, the lamp helps to keep your desktop organized. The glow emitted by the light piece is soft and strong.

The lamp can be installed in swish modern interiors and also in spaces that have an easygoing contemporary feel. It will easily blend into most office environments. It can also be used on a work bench set up at home. Mount it on your children's study table or nightstand, especially if your kids are sharing the same room. If only one of them needs a light at night, they can use the desk lamp, there will be no need to switch on other lights in the room.

Via: Contemporist


Hands of the Manifold Clock give birth to a 3D movement

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 01:09 AM PST

Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

A good-looking clock can be a great way to embellish plain looking walls, apart from reading time. How about owning a clock that gives birth to a 3D movement as the hands move ahead? Studio Ve has designed a unique looking clock that has fetched heavy inspiration from Riemann surfaces, which is a mathematical system and log (z) function. Christened the Manifold Clock, both the hands of the clock have been connected with a supple surface that gives it an attention grabbing existence.

Manifold Clock
Manifold Clock

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Manifold Clock
Manifold Clock by studio ve

Reading time is same as we do when using conventional clocks. The hands have been fitted to a sheet of Tyvek. The material is very flexible and is used to make protective cover walls and resistant envelops. The appearance of Manifold Clock transforms with every passing minute and is quite interesting when observed. This happens as the surface moves in space, which is a result of circular movement of hands. The surface moves freely around the hands and no complication arises in the clock's functioning.

Manifold Clock has a very modern design and makes good use of simple mechanics. It has a customized ABS injected base, which is further fitted with a manifold that has interesting patterns on it. The design details are amazing and all the parts have been placed together carefully. The flexible sheet used in the design gives the clock a very colorful appeal. This adds vividness and makes it look lively. Manifold Clock can be picked from three color patterns and a 30" diameter version will also be available.

Via: Kickstarter


PC Digital Skin to savor the charm of your tablet

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 01:08 AM PST

Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

There are a variety of gadgets available and owning all varieties can be a little difficult for everyone. Moreover, carrying various gadgets while traveling is just not possible and this forces us to settle with just one. Do you want to savor the charm of a PC, tablet and mobile phone in the same design? Then all you need is the PC Digital Skin, which will bow down to a variety of demands without many complications.

PC Digital Skin
PC Digital Skin

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PC Digital Skin
PC Digital Skin by Sono Mocci

PC Digital Skin has been designed by a designer named Sono Mocci from Japan. It will complement the personality of computer lovers and will leave onlookers impressed. The design comprises of PC tablet which has been merged with a mobile phone. The design can be used separately as a mobile phone, PC or tablet and at the same time will work as an everyday laptop when all the parts are combined with the keyboard pouch.

The PC tablet has a compact size, hence is easy to carry around. Both, the mobile phone and PC tablet can be stored in a zipper pouch, which comes smothered with a special lizard skin. This skin works as a keyboard when attached to the body of the design. The mobile phone measures 125mm x 45mm x 8mm, whereas the PC tablet has a measurement of 200mm x 125mm x 8mm. On the other hand, the keypad pouch has a size of 260mm x 145mm x 13mm. PC Digital Skin is simple and flexible, in terms of usage. It is a fun gadget that will fulfill all your daily computing needs.

Via: Designboom


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