Designtide Tokyo 2010 witnessed the merger of Italian design company, Alessi and Japanese product manufacturer Iida, who teamed up to present a line of cell phones at the event. To make sure their venture was a success, the two hired designers like Stefano Giovannoni, Marcel Wanders and Patricia Urquiola to create and design a line of phones that merge art and life without compromising on the practicality of the device. Stefano Giovannoni creation in this line was based on the idea that people can no longer live without their electronic gadgets. Thus, the designer’s cell phone is designed to be the user’s “partner for the day”. The phone is shaped like a face- there is a moving circle on the back of the display which is symbolic of 'eyes', a small curve in the phone's form which is symbolic of a 'nose', while the black hinges of the phone are reminiscent of 'hair'.

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With the progress and development of technology, digital camera’s today not only display the image just captured but also feature projector’s that allow you to project the image on a screen! Although still new, these cameras are sure to become a rage. Designer Rene Lee too seems to realize the future prospects of such camera’s and hence created the concept Pico camera. A camera that doubles as a projector, this unique concept even features a small tripod stand to place the camera when its projection feature is on. Fun, sleek and super awesome, I really loved the idea of the Pico projector camera.

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Visually impaired persons are benefitting from the number of gadgets that are being developed to aid them and make their life easier. The latest gadget developed to help the visually impaired is dubbed the Plan-B and created by Germany’s Orik Designbüro. The high-tech device translates the map of a city in a tactile map designed for the blind allowing the user to navigate easily through the city. Within few second, the Plan-B gadget offers a relief surface for the user which indicates its location, its environment and also gives an audible signal.

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The One Line Watch concept by designer Sam from Germany truly beckons the fashion conscious watch lover. The smart and sleek concept analog watch is a single line design which combines the hour hand and the minute hand. Resembling more like a bracelet than watch, this fashionable timepiece is truly a class apart. One single material is used throughout the timepiece i.e. the strap and timepiece are both made of the same translucent material. In daylight it appears that someone has drawn a line on the bracelet while when its dark, the watch easily lights up to allow you to read the time. A fancy analog watch, it has one extended hand that functions as the hour and minute hand. The thick end is the hour’s indicator while the thin end is the minute indicator.

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Wellington International Airport in New Zealand seems to be reeling in the after effects of Halloween. That is the only explanation for the unique Pumpkin-shaped terminal that they just unveiled. Studio Pacific Architecture collaborated with Warren and Mahoney to create this unusual looking terminal which has been christened, The Rock. The Rock is an eco-friendly structure a fresh aesthetic, the terminal is intended to create a unique and memorable experience for travelers. Made from economical and recycled building components, this terminal will surely be a favorite with travelers.

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While there are benefits of both soft and hard couches, not all are financially blessed to have two types of couches in their homes. Usually one has to be compromised for the other. This at times may lead to arguments with your partner, but alas it can’t be helped. That was until the advent of the unique Curb Couch. Brainchild of designer student Karlijn Kuipers, this concept couch is both soft and hard. Yes, one side of the couch is made of a stiff wood oblong while the other side is a giant poof built up with layers of wool, cotton, and horsehair. The sofa is covered in cotton and Lycra. The only thing missing is a back rest.

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No matter what the condition of the global economic climate, the beauty market is always prospering. Given peoples obsession for beauty, new innovations and products can always expect to find a market. So when Notion was approached to create a product for Slendertone, they took it up as an opportunity. Notion worked with the BMR Slendertone team to build Face, an innovative new facial electrotherapy device that approaches cosmetic treatment from the point of view of healing instead of concealing.

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