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Concept

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Flowlight: Like a Blackboard With Lasers

Precisely how the Flowlight would work is a little unclear, but the design page notes that a base station would focus a laser beam 100 times a second into a point in the space, creating small plasma points that glow in mid air. Users could then use the pen to draw and write, making doodles look like some sort of fantastic light show. It's kind of like a cross between and blackboard and a laser pointer—which would be extremely cool if the product actually existed. More »

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Cutting Edge Algorithmic Architecture

Architecture has always been a mixture of art and engineering, but as we press on through the 21st century, the role of computers in the design process is becoming more and more integral. Algorithmic architecture is on the cutting edge of this movement, and the complex, rhythmic designs can be truly breathtaking. With that in mind, OObject has collected a list of 15 schemes that portray this emerging field at its best. [OObject]

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Mouse Uses "Alien Technology" to Relieve Stress and RSI

Whenever a gadget is focused on ergonomics, buckle up for some seriously weird looking design. A prime example of this phenomenon can be seen in this "Alien Mouse" concept from designer Mizanur Rehman. The idea was to create a mouse that would strictly adhere to the principles of ergonomics and provide maximum comfort by molding itself to the user's hand with a body constructed of soft gel and cellulose. It even features a pulsating central core that reverberates throughout the frame to help relieve stress.

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HAS_PROPERTIES

The "Hang On" Outlet Reminds You To Unplug Your Gadgets

Saving a little extra money on your next power bill is as easy as unplugging your power cables now and then. After all, those greedy gadgets keep sucking power from the grid even when not in use. Designer Paulo Oh has come up with an extremely simple solution to this problem with an outlet that includes hangers for your plugs. Naturally, this little feature means that you don't have to deal with cords lying all willy-nilly on the floor. It is only a concept at this point, but with this whole power conservation thing catching on, I wouldn't be surprised to see something similar available in the near future. [Yanko via Ubergizmo]

usb

USB Watch is Deconstructed Electronic Geekiness In Action

This concept USB watch, dubbed "Timeless" is either a fabulously ironic piece of deconstructivist electronic art, or a geeky overload. Whichever way you look at it, it's kinda neat: basically it's a simple digital watch, with an internal battery that's charged when you plug it into a USB socket. And then the same USB socket plugs back into the watch face, secured with PCB mount-style latches, with the ribbon cable as a strap. It's a concept... but I could rattle off a pretty long list of people I know who'd probably love to own one. [DesignBrothers via CoolestGadgets]

concept

Pillo Lamp: A Light Source That Doubles As a Man-Fort

According to the designer, Pillo is a "modern way of living" that can be described as "furniture or micro architecture." Essentially, it is a series of carbon fiber rods covered in fabric that can be easily unfolded or collapsed for easy transport. Throw a little light source in there and you have yourself one cozy, blinding little fort for adults that can also function as a unique focal point and lighting source in a room. Obviously, this thing has the word "concept" written all over it, so I wouldn't expect to see it being sold to the public anytime soon. More »

earplugs

Rind Disposable Earplugs Are the Perfect Wallet-Sized Ear Protection

Next time you're headed to a rave and want some additional protection when things start to heat up, consider throwing a pair of these Rind disposable earplugs alongside that other well-known wallet-based protection. And because these plugs lie flat like a credit card when not in use, there will be no embarrassing ring-shaped mark pushing its way through the leather when it comes time to pay for drinks at the bar. When you're done, the plugs collapse and store back in the card, and remain effective for "several months" (instructions below). Try doing that with used latex! More »

concept

Cryptex Phone Concept Makes Calls a Puzzling Experience

Sometimes I pick up my phone and say to myself “Gee, this communication device just isn't cryptic enough. It's too user friendly and not enough like a puzzle out of the Da Vinci Code.” Apparently designer Marc Schömann was listening in, because he's now created a baton style mobile that forces you to twist sections of it to make calls. More »

glider

Orlens Glider Concept is Green, Recyclable Air Transport of the Future

This concept glider, dubbed Orlens, is attention-grabbing through its rather beautiful shape alone. But when you look into how it would work, you can see that designer Roland Cernat has put a lot of thought into its greenness. It would be made of entirely recycled materials, and be recyclable itself, would have photovoltaic cells atop the wings for energy for eco-friendly propulsion and have an aerodynamically-efficient body. The body too would be made from a flax-based bio-compound that would be CO2 neutral. It's pretty much what green personal air-transport of the future should look like, which is why it's just won Roland the Lucky Strike Junior Designer Competition. Impressive, and I'd love to take it up and give it a spin, were it not just a concept. [Inhabitat]

uavs

'Airknife' UAV Concept: A $2 Million Knife With Wings

We have seen a lot of UAV news come down the pipeline in recent years, mostly because the military realizes that they can be a safe, effective and cost efficient way to kill, spy, and kill some more. But is the US military ready to shell out around $2 million for a flying knife that can stab the enemy from great distances? More »

sensesurface

SenseSurface: Stick Real Control Knobs On a Flat-Panel Virtual Display

Touchscreens are great, but for many of us nothing beats old fashioned tactile controls. That seems to be one of the reasons why Lyndsay Williams of Girton Labs is in the process of developing SenseSurface—a system that allows users to stick working knobs to on-screen virtual controls. Apparently, the magnetic knobs can be placed anywhere on an LCD because the movement is picked up by a "unique sensing surface" attached behind the screen. It seems fairly unnecessary, but I'm sure that there are practical applications for this for music and graphics fields—or anyone who is tired of smudging up a touchscreen. Must be seen in video: More »

digital cameras

Flee Throwable Camera Captures Your Girlish Tosses For Posterity

It seems that there is interest amongst the design community to develop a tossable camera, which is why the Flee Digital camera is not the first of its kind. Is it the novelty value of seeing images from a unique perspective? Is it for reconnaissance missions over your neighbor's yard? I'm not quite sure, to be honest. Still, the Flee concept is out there, and it is designed to take photos at regular intervals when thrown, then beam them back to your cellphone using Bluetooth. So, when you consider the range of Bluetooth devices, this is one situation where having a girl arm could be beneficial. Either way, it probably won't become a real- world product anytime soon. [Design Page via LikeCool via Ubergizmo via OhGizmo]

transport

Jaambaaro Vehicle Puts the Rickshaw in Ambulance

All joking aside, there are plenty of places in the world where getting speedy medical attention is difficult. And that's where the Jaambaaro concept from designer Benoît Angibaud comes in. It's a two-person pedal-powered ambulance, designed to get the sick and wounded to hospital in areas where motor vehicles are rare. It would have solar panels to help generate some energy, and be made of locally-salvaged materials. Great idea, though I have to admit the first thing that came to mind when seeing the stretcher's blister canopy was a short dude in glasses, shouting "Choppers!"... [Yanko Design]

bicycle

The Backpack Bicycle For Ultra-Portable, Potentially Dangerous Transportation

The idea of a compact, folding bicycle is nothing new, but designer Chang Ting Jen is hoping to take the concept even further with his Backpack bike. According to the specs, a production version would weigh around 12 pounds and fold into a backpack that measured just under 2 feet in length. Naturally, that means that you could pick up and carry your bike around just about anywhere. More »

led

LED Bath Tiles: Either a Very Good Or Very Bad Idea

The idea of LED illuminated tiles is a good one in theory, but I'm afraid it'll end up like fiber optic lighting and Bluetooth headsets in that people with no taste will take it over, ruining it for the rest of us. The waterproof tiles snap together Lego style and have a repeating connectivity scheme, much like model train tracks, except these light up and illuminate your kitchen or bathroom. And the layouts aren't static, they can be changed at a whim. I'm hoping that some people exercise restraint if these ever come to market. [Dvice]

design

The Nahamer T450 Toaster Eliminates Toast Popping For Toast Dropping

The Nahamer T450 toaster concept from Rob Penny gets a big thumbs-up in the design department with its good looks and viewing window. Plus, instead of popping up, the toast slides gracefully onto your plate—simplifying the mechanics in standard toasters. More »

projectors

LG Projector Phone Is Like a Media-Throwing Web Shooter

The winner of LG's next phone design challenge has been announced—and by the looks of things, it appears that Spider-Man's web shooter was a major source of inspiration. The device is actually a pen-shaped cellphone/mobile projector that can throw images, video and other information on the back of the user's hand when mounted on a wrist strap. I'm not sure if LG still plans on manufacturing the winning concept phone, but slinging a mini or pico projector image around like a web shooter has definite geek appeal. UPDATE: This phone concept is actually a runner up. Hopefully we will know more about the winning entry from designer Dave Schultze soon. More »

robots

Seascout Lifeguard Robot Is a Far Cry From Baywatch

Designer Andre Harley's Seascout robot concept aims to save lives in dangerous waters by taking the lifeguard out of the equation. The device can be programmed to locate a swimmer, deployed manually or autonomously guided via a GPS tracker integrated into a watch or clothing. It even features internal lighting and a two-way radio system to help a victim communicate with rescuers on land. If the Seascout ever makes its way onto our beaches, it is easy to see how it could help save lives—but where is the fun in drowning if you are not going to be saved by buxom, bikini-clad blondes? [Andre Harley via Coroflot via DVICE]