Designlaunches.com

Something fishy about the Detroit MI

2009-01-05T09:21:56Z

The elements in Detroit can be pretty harsh and resident designer Edward Morgan knows this pretty well. This inspired him to design a train concept that could handle all weather situations comfortably. The fishy business comes in for the fact that he looked at the dolphin for the way it cuts through the water, which will be similar to how the train pushes through the snow during Detroit's harsh winters. With a warm and friendly exterior, the train also exudes a warm glow from within the cabins. ]]> The seating arrangement inside will consist of seating at either end of the train for longer rides and standing in the middle for short hops. The interior layout is set up to be open so it will be easy to clean and maintain. The body is so designed that it will seamlessly hug the platform making the transition between the platform and the carriage smooth.

Thanks Edward Morgan

Hodge Hawk Three-Wheeler Concept

2009-01-05T08:43:02Z

The only thing that makes me weary about bikes is the damage that they can cause to the human life when involved in an accident. No matter how well you may gear up, and it may not be your fault, but fast bikes and crazy roads are a deadly combination. On the flip side the dexterity of the bike and its compact size make them envy on crowded street junctions. Alex Hodge takes the best of bikes and marries it to the safety cocoon of a car to give us the Hodge Hawk Three-Wheeler Concept. It vehicle is powered by a Honda RC51 V-twin 999cc motor that touches 10,000rpm for a 120ps shot at the 19-inch front wheel. Carbon fiber and plastic coating is used to make the body lightweight. ]]> Looking much like a car, the body boasts of headlights and a windscreen stretching to the rear panorama-style. Hodge Hawk has the advantage of looking like a car but giving the feel of a bike. Road safety and shelter from the elements are its key benefits.

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Crosswind Car Concept knows hot to catch the wind

2009-01-05T07:59:03Z

This sporty car designed by Haishan Deng really knows how to catch the wind in its guts. The main view of the sports car is highlighted by a series of slanting airwind vents. The concept uses about 80% high strength plastic that promises to reduce the energy costs of the car. An electric engine under the hood means the green brigade will be pleased. The car features hydraulic arms that extend the movement of the cockpit when it encounters an impact thereby increasing the safety of the passenger. And the transparent floor panels endorse the sporty vibe. ]]> Designed for two modes, the Sporty mode makes you fly with the wind and the Comfort mode allows you to enjoy the drive. Non-inflatable front tire with elastic steel hub does away with the problems of flat tires.

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Power of The 1…innovative controller, phone etc.

2009-01-02T12:31:12Z

Imagine a device that does everything…yes everything. Use at home to lock doors, turn up the thermostat, and switch on the home theatre or lights. In the car use it to open the garage door, or adjust the seats, mirrors or engine. In your hand its like a genie…connecting calls, playing music and videos, tell you the time, weather. Browse pictures, send messages or ask for directions, this all-in-one gadget is the handyman of the future. Devised by Micheal DiTullo, The 1 has it all!]]>

Yo-Yo styled MP3 player

2009-01-02T12:28:30Z

Teens can be a tardy lot who really don't value their gadgets once they have got them. Shove it in their jeans or throw them in their backpack, very careless and fancy-free. The Yo-Yo styled MP3 player by Nicolas Cinguino is one of those carefree gadgets that doesn't require much attention. The rubber grooves on the side easily ring around the earbuds, so stowing away this champ is really not an issue. The color interface for the navi-buttons, too looks easy to maintain and the compact size an added bonus. ]]>

Advance Shark, the 12-wheel behemoth!

2009-01-02T11:54:24Z

Ok, I have been scuba diving and have swum with the sharks, and Gustavo Morales Santana's Advance Shark is no ways as beautiful and graceful as them. Agreed the behemoth design sees 12 wheels added to the vehicle giving it a menacing look, but I really wonder how comfortable the journey will be when you ride this baby. Just look at those pyramid wheels jutting out! I'm sure there is a plausible explanation. ]]>

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iShelf imitates the iPod Touch Coverflow Style

2008-12-31T06:23:35Z

Ok, here is a design that clearly has the Apple hangover. I know Mac World Expo is round the bend, but when experienced designers like Li Jianye take this Apple route for no apparent reason, I get hyper! This shelf does nothing spectacular except hold your current playing &favorite CDs, in the coverflow style as seen in the iPod Touch Ads. I wonder how many will fall for this bait?]]>

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Tetrish dishes out the game in a yummy way

2008-12-31T05:48:39Z

Seungyoub Oh and I have one thing in common we both are bad losers when it comes to Tetris. The story goes this ways, Oh considered himself to be a King at the game till one Christmas his cousin waltzed in and dethroned him. Embarrassed and defeated, I have a feeling the event left an indelible mark on his young mind that it prompted him to recreate the game in this eloquent manner. Besides the Tetris factor the human side to the Tetrish makes it more appealing. For his sake (and mine), I would love to add this crockery to my collection!]]>

Seungyoub Oh

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Chatting with Stuart Sharples

2008-12-30T08:03:13Z

British designer Stuart floored me with his earnest designs, which prompted me to urge him for an interview. His Sony Retro Hifi and EnergyMate are easy going designs that are practical and contemporary. Let's hear (or rather read) his side of the story.

Who is Stuart...where did his roots begin?

I grew up in a village south of the Lake District in North-West England. I was always interested in design and problem solving from a young age. I loved to draw things and then build them with Lego. Through school I always loved Design and Technology class, and became particularly interested in product design. Before University I took a gap year to travel Europe. This really opened my eyes to other cultures and ways of life and proved to be really inspiring. After returning from travelling I moved to Birmingham to attend Aston University. Aston offered the perfect product design course for me. It was engineering based rather than art based, meaning it was a very practical course with focus on function as well as form. I really enjoyed university life, particularly the social aspect and working with like-minded people. After University I was invited to attend the New Designers exhibition in London, and now hope to pursue a career in design.

]]> Besides designing products, what are your hobbies?

I love gadgets and new technology and like to have all the latest toys. This is often reflected in my design work. I also love to watch live music whenever possible.

As a creator, do you require something to inspire you to do designs or does it come naturally?

Most of my design work comes from problem solving. I look at things around me and question why it is the way it is, how it works, and could it be better?

If not a designer, what is the next best thing you would want to do?

I've wanted to be a designer for as long as I can remember. If I wasn't a designer, I would pursue my second choice career as a rock star!

Complete this for me please..

Stuart Sharples is... excited about 2009.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years....

I would love to be working for a small design agency on a varied range of projects, particularly consumer electronics.

You can find Stuart Sharples designs here.

Pause and sit for a moment

2008-12-30T07:54:11Z

While the Esc Clock will not let you be late, the Pause chair gives you the appropriate break to sit down and stretch your legs a little. An apt seating option, the chair comes in customized keys like Home, del, Esc Cancel, etc. Available at Mixco, the chairs looks to made from molded plastic with high gloss paint finish. The cat on top of the Pause just goes on to tell you how sexy/geeky you can feel, sitting on it!]]>

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Polaris Futurka kettle gets stylish and mod

2008-12-30T07:46:03Z

English tea and the frills attached to it are long forgotten in the modern fast paced world. Attune to the current trends, modernized kettles that let you catch your cuppa on the go are more practical and advisable. The Polaris Futurka fits the bill as a stylish and mod kettle. The one and a half liter jug uses open heating element to boil the water. Both Andrey Vostrikov and Nikolay Vorotnikov have used their talents on designing this piece. I like in black though. ]]>

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Minu Tuner alarm clock is not a radio

2008-12-30T07:10:58Z

If you think you have seen this before, then you are not quite off the mark, because the Minu Tuner is the minute edition of Time tuner. Using the same styling and base model, the Minu Tuner adds a dash of color and is more digitalized than the previous presentation. It is based on the linear flow of time and features an LED screen, line indicator for minutes plus big numbers for hours. The color options include red, yellow, blue, orange or green and the dimensions are 340x65x65mm. Designed by Mehmet Gozetlik it is being developed by Antrepo Design Industry.]]>

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Kissing Octopus Couple Drive is smooch-a-luscious!

2008-12-29T09:32:00Z

The T806 is the Kissing Octopus Couple Flash Drive from A-Data Technology. It has recently snapped the iF 2009 design award and rightly so. A refreshingly cute concept that adds a dash of humor to an otherwise hectic day, the drive comes in 2,4 and 8GB capacities. Kiss and make up with the octopus, else the monster crash will get you!]]>

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Tree Lighting Rack

2008-12-29T09:21:18Z

The Tree Lighting Rack features a bionicle inspired shape and has been created as a multipurpose lighting rack. Made from a single piece of rotational molded plastic and LED lights, the tree is an apt rack plus lighting solution for most homes. It's classic simplicity of design reflects its sophisticated styling of Esteban + Moreno design. ]]>

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Lupa the coolest swivel phone ever

2008-12-29T08:51:57Z

Our fav designer Mac Funamizu is back with his year-end project…one that simply amazes us with its ambitious concept. The phone comprises of two parts the top transparent screen swivels to open and the bottom touchscreen display hosts all the function keys. Lupa is loupe in Spanish and Mac says that he found it fun to design a mobile phone based on a certain concept. There are navigation keys on the rotating click wheel very akin to the iPod, although not completely the identical. I think Mac is in love with the transparent screen concept, which can be seen in many of his designs. ]]>

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