Tuesday, March 13, 2012

The Design blog

The Design blog


Axolotl Hybrid Amphibious Vehicle makes crossing waterways safe and comfy

Posted: 13 Mar 2012 06:19 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

With the growing network of waterways across major cities in the world, the need for an amphibious vehicle is also growing. The Axolotl Hybrid Amphibious Vehicle is one such vehicle concept that seeks to serve as a medium of personal transport on land as well as water. This kind of a vehicle would be aimed at people living on islands or those living across major rivers or lakes that generally need to depend on a ferry or a boat to reach land.

Axolotl amphibious vehicle
Axolotl amphibious vehicle

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Axolotl amphibious vehicle
Axolotl: innovative Hybrid amphibious configuration for boating

The Axolotl Hybrid Amphibious Vehicle is propelled using solar and wind power and can be constructed using a fiberglass or aluminum structure to keep its body lightweight. Due to this reduction in weight, the vehicle would consume less energy in water as well as on land. The designer has not specified the exact number of wheels that the vehicle would be offered with though it can be built in three and four wheel configurations depending on the kind of land use owners want to put it through.

The amphibious vehicle was inspired by the Axolotl salamander which is born with mammal like legs and can even navigate aquatic terrain with less water. The Axolotl Hybrid Amphibious Vehicle provides mobility in water and on land with its versatile, functional and unique form being derived from ergonomic vehicles from Yachtsmen as well as Piaggio.

Two engines would power the vehicle with the engine at the back being used to operate the propeller when the vehicle is used in the water. The front engine would power the vehicle on land. Both the engines would powered by a combination of electric and petrol energy with the protective glass of the vehicle soaking up the sunlight to generate solar power.

Source: James Dyson Award


T Haler to improve inhaling techniques of asthma sufferers

Posted: 13 Mar 2012 06:16 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America claims that around 5000 people visit emergency room everyday for asthma related ailments and according to doctors most of the patients practice improper inhaler techniques that further worsen their condition. The T-Haler concept, developed at Cambridge Consultants can prove to be a life-changing technology for such patients. It is an asthma inhaler training device with interactive software to examine how a patient uses their inhaler. The device is wirelessly connected to an interactive video game that provides real-time feedback about the patient's compliance with their inhaler.

T-Haler
T-Haler

The T-Haler gives visual feedback for easy interpretation so that users can work on the areas that need to be worked upon and could help in reducing the number of asthma sufferers worldwide. The most remarkable feature about this device is the ease with which users learn using this device.

T-Haler
T-Haler

The T-Haler gives feedback on the basis of three major factors. First significant factor is whether the patient shakes inhaler before using it. Secondly, the force applied to puff in the inhaler and thirdly, the process of releasing air out after having the puff of drug. The whole process is based on these three steps and decides the efficiency with which drug is taken using real metered dose inhaler device (MDI).

Though the device is not ready yet but the training concept was carried out to demonstrate effectiveness and simplicity of this device. The device could prove to be a real blessing for around 235 million asthma sufferers worldwide.

Via: Cambridge Consultants


iPad integrated Ultra Lite Fuselage makes aerial mobility more chic

Posted: 13 Mar 2012 05:54 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

Created for a small Adelaide, Australia-based company, the Ultra-Lite Fuselage and iPad Integration Proposal by student designer Dale Wakeham proposes to incorporate a new digital gauge system that is centered on an iPad for displacement and relay needs. Each year, the company manufactures a few Ultra-Lite airplanes bare framed and wanted to explore the possibilities for manufacturing bigger crafts. Since the current lot of Ultra-Lite crafts available in the market is offered with a naked chassis, the designer based his proposal on an iPad-integrated fuselage for the crafts.

Ultra-Lite Fuselage with iPad Integration
Ultra-Lite Fuselage with iPad Integration

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Ultra-Lite Fuselage with iPad Integration
Ultra-Lite Fuselage with iPad Integration by Dale Wakeham

With numerous configurations for the Apple tablet, the concept craft with its aggressive and uniquely bold aesthetic looks to exploit this gap in the market. With the iPad mount in the center of the craft, the articulating arm is able to fold away into the main center beam of the Ultra Lite plane. The iPad can also be stored away in the side slot when it is not needed. Depending on individual preferences, the iPad can be placed in the A frame of the steering or even on either of the mounts. The mounts can be rotated and slid for adjustment and the iPad is always tethered for safety

Several intake vents and aggressively styled lines make the fuselage an attractive offering. A comfortable sitting position is provided by seats that flip down for rear access and storage space and the nose cone provides wind protection and incorporates ignition controls and two gas gauges. The seat’s sides have also been incorporated with CB radio with an aerodynamic shape and flowing line aesthetics complimenting the fuselage's two tone finish, “fast back” roof fins, “duck tail” rear and “coke bottle” hips.

[Cheers Dale]


ZuesHydration distills muddy water into potable water

Posted: 13 Mar 2012 05:44 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

Access to drinkable water is the universal problem faced by people living in rural areas across the entire globe, be it any country. In an effort to lend helping hand to the people suffering from water crisis, designer Kwan Ken Yong has come up with the ZeusHydration water collector concept that promises to provide safe water in developing countries. It's a simple device that takes in water from a variety of sources, stocks it up and purifies it, making it suitable for human consumption.

ZuesHydration concept
ZuesHydration concept

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ZuesHydration concept
ZeusHydration water collector concept by Kwan Ken Yong

Practice of collecting rainwater is very common in rural areas and this device works on the same practice. The ZuesHydration comes with a "sponge" element that works as a micro-filter that soaks up moisture and water when brought in contact with water sources and releases clean water on compression. The device absorbs water from the ground surrounding it especially after a rain shower. Water can even enter the "sponge" through its cover. The efficiency of the device can be easily made out from the fact that it can even absorb and filter muddy pool water.

Once the "sponge" has absorbed an adequate amount of water, the user simply have to place the bottom cover and compress the whole device. This is when micro-filters of "sponge" come into use and force out clean water from the center of the top cover on removal of its cap. The device is tremendously lightweight and easily compressible when dry, therefore could be transported and stored with an ease.

Via: Red-dot


Rescue vehicle R 112: Contemporary can be cutting edge too

Posted: 13 Mar 2012 05:34 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

There are many futuristic vehicle prototypes nowadays causing quite a stir in the market for high tech transportation. Each one of these sports their own POD’s. However here’s one player which boasts of employing cutting edge contemporary technologies rather than the enthralling futuristic concepts. Come to think of it, the use of existing technologies makes more sense. It ensures project viability and feasibility of execution. The RT 112 shall be a state of the art rescue machine coming to aid in almost all terrains and situations.

RT 112, an all terrain vehicle
RT 112, an all terrain vehicle

RT 112's design has been cleverly and ergonomically inspired from man-made mechanical wonders such as all terrain vehicles and helicopters. It draws inspiration quite deftly from nature as well by replicating and incorporating the mechanism of a camel kneeling to pick up people or load. These are just a few highlights of the package that is The R 112. Read on as we explore further into its true potential.

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RT 112, an all terrain vehicle
RT 112, an all terrain vehicle by Tomasz Siemek

Each and every part of RT 112 has been designed keeping in mind rescuing factors. Inner shell of the vehicle is made up of Makrolon, a polycarbonate that bestows many styling options and also allows creating seamless metal shell and window functions. Few parts of the vehicle are covered with extra layer of special foil to barricade heat carried by light. The air suspension helps loading wounded people by allowing considerable change in its height. Added features include front and back lights with three intensity levels and telescopic light tower on its roof to brighten large area around the parked vehicle.

The vehicle comes equipped with water tanks and electric motors to promote rescue operation in disaster areas. Care has been taken while placing heavy elements of the vehicle to maintain the center of gravity. Cockpit and seats complement each other to strengthen the whole body. The rear section is completely adjustable to suit any situation and location. In short, this all-terrain vehicle puts functions before form.

Source: Siem


iPhone Mug Case wipes all traces of Apple goodness from your iPhone

Posted: 13 Mar 2012 05:32 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

Why does the world love an iPhone? Because it's sleek? Because it's shapely? Because once it slips into the palm of your hands you can barely feel its weight on your wrists? Well, those are all the reasons why the world loves the iPhone. But I guess the Korean know a thing or two about iPhone usage that we don't which is why this Taylor Mug for the iPhone created by Korean design studio Connect Design baffles us so much but the people in its advertisement look so pleased using it.

iPhone Mug Case
iPhone Mug Case

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iPhone Mug Case
iPhone case is self-standing with a mug handle that works as a stand

The mug or half mug shall we say, is basically a stand for the iPhone which takes away all the industrial sleekness of the device that engineers at Apple came up with after months and years of research. The website for the design studio claims that the half mug lets you securely place your iPhone in the this ugly cradle so that you can view it in portrait mode, at a 45 degree angle as well as in landscape mode.

The makers claim that the mug makes the phone much more fun to make and receive calls with though we think showing up to the office with your phone in a half mug might get you a visit from the company shrink and perhaps the company's HR manager might ask you if everything is alright with the missus.

Also a great way to ensure that you can never fit your iPhone inside your pocket again, the Taylor iPhone Mug costs $22 and is a surefire way to completely destroy your reputation at work and among your relatives.

Via: Gizmodo


Care-Us Horse Drawn Vehicle to serve the elderly living in cities

Posted: 13 Mar 2012 05:28 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

For the elderly living in cities, social isolation is a huge problem. Due to lack of daily contact with the outside world, they tend to become depressed and often their illnesses are magnified by the lack of social interaction. Another major problem for this part of the population is the fact that they often have to cook and clean for themselves which makes them more prone to accidents in the kitchen. The Care-Us Horse Drawn Meal Delivery Vehicle by designer Francois-Xavier Martouzet looks to provide a solution to both these problems via a single food van/mobile social club.

Care-Us
Care-Us

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Care-Us
Care-Us by Francois-Xavier MARTOUZET

The horse drawn carriage is a little less industrial looking than most meal vans and food delivery carts that function in the city. The unintimidating look of the Care-Us Horse Drawn Meal Delivery Vehicle makes it an ideal food delivery vehicle for the elderly who can subscribe to a meal service and have their breakfast, lunch and dinner freshly prepared and delivered to a location near them.

The vehicle also comes with an extendable exterior that can be turned into an open air dining space with a wooden floor, a covered overhead space and a table for six people. This lets the elderly socialize around the vehicle while they have their meals. Being a horse-drawn vehicle, the Care-Us Horse Drawn Meal Delivery Vehicle also doesn't pollute the environment which makes a safe vehicle for the elderly with respiratory problems to hang out around.

Source: Hall Design


Paper and technology bound together ‘smartly’ in one notebook

Posted: 13 Mar 2012 05:23 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

"Smart phone note" blends multimodal utility of the iPhone with the traditional style of note taking in a very interesting manner. This hi tech notebook for the post-digital generation, designed by Korean designer Jin-woog Koo, provides iPhone storage along with a paper notebook for easy portability that might prove extremely helpful for situations that require both the objects. But the notebook we are talking about here is an upgraded version of smart phone notebook by Nothing Design Group. Smart Phone Notebook version 2 presents updated features of their previous model to make it more interacting and useful.

Smartphone Notebook
Smartphone Notebook

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Smartphone Notebook
Smartphone Notebook by jin-woog koo

The new journal can hold iPhone 4 within, thereby acting as a carrying case and eliminating the need of carrying an extra casing to hold the device. The case for iPhone has been fashioned in a very smart manner with cut-outs on each page that continue throughout the notebook. This enables user to interact with the iPhone as well as physicality of the paper notebook simultaneously. The notebook measures 185 x 260 mm in size and holds 176 pages.

The look and style of this novel notebook is better than its previous version. It's a smart design presenting neat and simple idea. The only concern is the hole for the cable doesn't go out through the upper part of the paper sheet, which means every time you turn a new page you will have to thread the headphones through the hole. Other than that it's a beautiful design that merges conventional as well as contemporary practice of keeping records.

Via: Design Boom


Eco E-Trike to change the face of urban mobility

Posted: 13 Mar 2012 05:21 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

To cater to the changing mobility needs within fast developing world cities, designer Stephen Reon Francisco has created the Eco E-Trike concept. The Electric Trike offers the desired response that commuters in the city want with its beautiful aesthetic design providing them the necessary fashion edge that they need. As a sustainable technological solution, the concept is also very practical as well as easy to manufacture and market.

Eco E-Trike
Eco E-Trike

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Eco E-Trike
Eco E-Trike by Stephen Reon Francisco

The powerful and dynamic shape of the E-Trike is underlined by essential characteristics for city-specific mobility solutions like novelty, dynamic performance and passion which are essential elements in a bicycle for a city-based user. The Eco E-Trike allows commuters to move through city traffic with ease with the clean efficient vehicle receiving parking tax exemptions and various other incentives from municipalities that promote eco friendly vehicles. The vehicle is inspired by the three wheeled cabs currently in vogue across South East Asia though it improves upon the design to make it more accessible for western traffic and weather conditions.

The clear design of the vehicle receives a boost from its innovative colors, comprehensible structure and the choice of materials it is constructed in. In terms of quality and technical functionality, the design of the Eco E-Trike can set new standard since it uses many elements that are not found in other existing trikes. The improved safety features and structure of the trike offers it certain advantages over the current designs that make it more suitable for everyday use in metropolises.

Source: Stephen Reon Francisco


ChopChop chopping board helps you collect vegetable juices while chopping

Posted: 13 Mar 2012 05:18 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

Created by designers Kenneth Lylover & Sylvester Vantore of design studio lylover|vantore, the ChopChop is an innovative chopping board concept that basically looks and functions like a regular traditional chopping board but comes with a whole new set of features that makes it an advantageous buy for the kitchen.

Chopchop
Chopchop

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ChopChop
ChopChop innovative chopping board concept

The design is bendable in both directions around the center-line which is fashioned in molded silicone. This flexible center-line is a patent pending feature allows users to gather the chopped vegetables and meat in the center of the board to easily transfer them into another pan without spilling them from the side.

The groove of the silicone center-line also helps collect the juices from the chopped vegetables and meats which can be poured out into another pan easily. This allows users to easily separate the juices that can be used in stocks while leaving the chopped pieces of veggies and meat relatively juice-free.

The feature works great for juicy cuts of meat as well as vegetables and fruits like tomatoes and oranges that tend to ooze out a lot of juice when being chopped. The ChopChop chopping board concept allows users to maximize their produce and enrich their cooking with juices collected during the chopping process.

Source: Lylover


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