The Coil Lamp, created for an exhibition of conceptual furniture in Chicago, has now found its way to your living room. The one of a kind lamp is made from wrapping an orange, 100 foot cord around an acrylic skeleton to create the form of a lamp. Bright idea? Sure.
With all of the talk about the new iPhone coming out soon, and everyone taking a bite at what may be the next iPhone, concept designs like this are popping up. I hope this is a joke, because having something like this go to market would just be an example of lazy design.
Do you think that you would have been excited to see a phone like this come out in 1996?
I will wait for the real thing, trying to ignore the speculative hype in the meantime, in the hope that Apple reveals a new device that is nothing short of revolutionary. The interface and function of the mobile communication device is not dead. We are not at a stopping point in how we can design and redesign the communication device as we know it. Simply extruding the length of the iPhone will be the demise of Apple as the leader in communication technology design. One day, the Apple iPhone will be the Beta or cassette of yesterday. I just hope that day doesn’t approach prematurely because of a failed design like this concept of the G4.
I always thought that the kinetic powered bike lights were a cool design; then I saw this. Although only a theory, the design should work. This concept uses the motion of the bike tire to spin a felt wheel that drops a trail of colored chalk from a hopper. The end result is a colorful trail that shows other riders and drivers where bicyclists have traveled. A nice way to leave your mark, a great way to find your way back, and a perfect way to promote safe riding practices. But, again, it is only in the concept stage, so we will have to wait!
Oobject has compiled a top 10 list of folding bicycles, complete with odd, ugly and functional designs for your viewing pleasure. In some of these concept designs, the designer has forgotten to consider the ”form follows function” theory. Creating a folding bicycle is no small feat, so there is not much room for criticism. I will say, however; I personally would prefer not to look like a bear on a bicycle when riding; the size of the wheel seems to be of great importance for ease of pedaling, and the suitcase-style contraptions seem very 1960’s. It was amusing to peruse this roster of fantasy bicycles, though.
This concept design is a heat wand that toasts your bread one side at a time. Ceramic by design, the inventor made it charge similar to that of electric toothbrushes. As you glide the heated wand over the toast the visual indicator appears to show you that your toasting is complete, this one with images of butterflies and ivy. Now that’s thinking outside of the box…or toaster, whatever. Expect this innovative concept to make it to market some time this year.
These heels have got to be the fastest looking shoes I’ve ever seen. The interior, sole and vamp are all streamlined like that of the famed Conino Lamborghini sportscar. Though only a concept, the detail is spectacular enough to lead viewers to question whether the images are truly of a shoe or, in fact, close-up shots of the real thing.
Oh, how I wish these were available for sale. Price being $TBA, I have no way of ordering these innovative Food Face plates for my daughter. Concept design is great until you want to get your hands on something!!
Oh yeah! Check out this illuminated MPH vest for cyclists. Yes, it is only in the concept stages, but the design is still cooler than cool. The link takes you to where you can read about the invention and how it is envisioned as an all-around sports vest to help spectators monitor the speed of their favorite athletes in action. But I think it is just fine as a cyclist safety vest.
Canon has taken mini to a new level with this finger-pointing knuckle camera. This tiny, ring-sized camera may appear odd at first glance, but it’s not like you’re walking around with a clock on a chain around your neck.
