October 28, 2009
Design Tools, General Design, Graphic Design

This advice for how to better render is a good set of guidelines. I, like others who have read this and posted, do not agree with the last one, though. ”Always cheat” is a bad way of saying reference what is around you. Underlays and references to scale and style are not cheating, so the wording threw me for a loop. But overall, it’s a good article.
October 21, 2009
Innovators & Creators, Product Design, Product Innovation, Prototyping, Upcoming Inventions

Geometric package designs for snacks are coming from all directions. Doritos has had a conceptual design overhaul, making a play on its famous triangular snack shape.

Impact extrusion is used to create this new Coke can redesign. Looks cool, I just hope it feels cool and can match the structural integrity of the current can.
October 20, 2009
Product Design, Product Innovation

Harnessing energy through the action of a rocking chair is a clever way to illuminate a reading light. The Murakami Chair does just that, and even has an OLED lamp that knows when it is needed and when to store energy for later use.
October 15, 2009
General Design, Product Design, Product Innovation
Combination gadgets never get old, and here are some new ones to make kitchen tasks a little easier.

Designed to cut through pizza and then flip sideways to dish it up with a flick of the wrist, this pizza cutter and spatula looks like it could even work its way through a dessert or two.

Grilled cheese and soup never look so good as when they are sharing the same plate. This combo bowl and plate set is the perfect size for any soup & sandwich.

Combining a strainer and measuring cup, this fat separator helps to keep the flavor of gravy, soups and stock without the fat. Non-slip grip and see-through design are always useful when working in the kitchen.

Grater, herb scoop, peeler, zester and knife all in one — this combo knife set does it all. Saving drawer space is smart design, and by using this tool, you can ditch those four other tools and save some valuable space.

This 5-in-1 utensil set combines a scraper, strainer, spreader, spoon and server made from reclaimed nylon. It even locks together for storing flat and has a 450-degree melting point.
September 23, 2009
Product Innovation, Upcoming Inventions

Simple ideas are the best, and this is an example of one – a reusable lid for plastic bags. Buy in bulk, or cut open a bagged package of food and then use this to snap it closed without a twist tie or chip clip. Copoc Bag Clips can be used on big bags of M & M’s, bulk grains, sugar; the possibilities are endless.
September 16, 2009
Innovators & Creators, Product Innovation, Upcoming Inventions


This design is an award winner from Japan’s Ryoji Takahashi that offers a new look and feel to shredding. The tube-like paper shredder can be held over a waste basket and is less obtrusive than the traditional rectangular electric paper shredder. Seems to be a desk-friendly redesign; now we have to wait until it comes to the States.
September 14, 2009
General Design
With Halloween right around the seasonal calendar, a lot of people are going to begin designing their own costumes. I have found a few creative costumes for your enjoyment and inspiration — some cute, some scary, and some just really clever.








Construction machinery dinosaur with a cage baby monster baby Nacho Libre chicken crossing the road Indiana Jones video game monster iPhone vending machine Bumblebee
September 10, 2009
Product Design, Product Innovation, Upcoming Inventions


A shower in your pocket? A pontoon on your back? A fold away grill? Camping is a little more compact these days. These three designs make packing up your gear a little easier, and smaller, to boot.

September 3, 2009
Product Design, Product Innovation, Upcoming Inventions


Did you change out old bulbs with CLF’s or go digital with your photos? Making a camera planter or light bulb pot is a great way to find a second life for some old objects around the house.

What about those old books, ruined books, or doubles you may have stored around the house, in the garage or attic?


And those old vinyl records you can’t listen to anymore?


And, of course, there is always the option of trying to reuse the old phone booth lying around!