some experts predict the next two years could look like the last two months. through the summer and possibly into 2021 face masks will be required to get on a plane, walk into a grocery store, or move about within urban spaces. it’s for the public good. it’s also now bad mask etiquette without one.
yes, a mask offers protection in that it stops the spread. but the mask sometimes feels suffocating, fogs opticals, and makes us mumblers or screamers. i find myself storing my mask in a ziploc bag and then taking it in and out of my back pocket 5-6 times on an afternoon errand. what could be more inconvenient. a reusable shield is a game changer. i can put it on and leave it on until i reach the safety of my home.
right now there are probably 30 face shields being created by car manufacturers, engineering companies, architects and designers. this is all good but the shields look very much like ones that already exist. there are just now more of them. why can’t we make something better while at the same time more fashionable so more people will want to wear it ?
may we remind you that raymond loewy said that between two products equal in price, function and quality, the one with the most attractive exterior will win.
the face shield presented here is almost perfect. however, here are some ideas for consideration: incorporate a transitional lens for low light activities; shave the top to accommodate a hat for all-season wearability while also shedding weight; include a fashionable carry-case.
look, fashion is really quiet during these stay-at-home days. fashion producers are making medical gowns while fragrance houses are making hand sanitizer. in two months our creative community has gone only practical. it’s time to think about fun and fashion as well.
fashion is trendy, because the very nature of trends is to come and go. fashion can be practical too. from dresses to pants for ease of movement. from briefcases to backpacks for carrying things. from business attire to leggings and sweatpants for comfort. sweatpants! from sun glasses to face shields for protection.
the timing is ripe for a life-saving fashion accessory. kickstarter calling…
lockdown cut-proof bag by travelon / home organization + storage / booth n6031
with features like safetex cut-proof strap and body material, sold brass lock and one-piece construction valuables are safe when on-the-go.
safetex material cannot be cut with knives, scissors or razor – nor can bolt cutters cut the strap. lockdown bags come in two sizes, one for essential items the other for larger iPad size items.
theft is a crime of opportunity and the travelon¨ anti-theft lockdown bag stops theft.
below> fledge – flip edge cutting board by dreamfarm / kitchen hand tools + cutlery / booth n8107
fledge is the world’s best cutting board. fledge has unique flip up edges that prevent food from falling or rolling off the sides when being transported to a pot, bowl or table for serving. both fledge and the double-sized big fledge (coming soon) have non-slip rubber feet and knife-friendly patterns on both sides, and a generous juice groove for carving on the underside. won’t warp in the dishwasher.
below> flex by joseph joseph / bath + personal care / booth n7900
the concept behind the head is appearing in a variety of products. what makes this product standout is the unique head design and elegant packaging that easily stores with its minimal footprint, even if you don’t have a utility storage room.
conventional toilet brushes hold dirt and liquid, making them messy and unhygienic to use and clean. also their bristles can distort and wear, meaning they need to be replaced regularly. flex™ is an innovative toilet brush designed to solve all these problems.
it features a flexible, d-shaped head that reaches all areas, even under the rim. it has widely spaced bristles that prevent dirt clogging, allowing liquid to drain quickly and minimising drips between cleaning and storing.
it also has durable bristles and comes with a slimline holder for neat storage.
below> ta da over the sink drying mat by jascor housewares / cleaning / booth s1217
dry your dishes right where you wash them. made with fda-approved silicone and reinforced with stainless steel rods, this simple, sturdy mat allows runoff from freshly washed items to drip directly into the sink. you can even use it to rinse and drain fruits and vegetables. roll up and put away when you’re done. that’s how to-do becomes ta-da.
below> sensor mirror compact by simplehuman / personal electrics / booth n7735
a simple concept tweak creates a must-have travel companion. tru-lux light system simulates natural sunlight, allowing you to see full color variation, so you’ll know when your makeup is color-correct and flawless. the 3x magnification gives you a hyper-clear view of every detail. sensor turns light on automatically when taken out of the sensor pouch, and turns it off when put back in. the power button lets you toggle between 650 or 300 lux dual brightness settings. a fold-out ring handle is secure and comfortable in your hand, or can be used as a stand for hands-free viewing — and it comes with an attached button strap that keeps the mirror secure inside the pouch. the mirror is rechargeable, and one charge lasts up to 1 week with typical daily usage.
below> titan – trash compactor by joseph joseph / household + home electrics / booth n7900
titan is an innovative waste solution with a patented, hygienic compaction system. this allows it to hold up to three times more than a similar-sized household bin. compacting your rubbish means you empty your bin less often and use fewer liners. titan also features an anti-tear design that won’t stretch or pinch the liner and a replaceable odour filter to neutralise any unpleasant smells.
below> cuisnart venture portable gas grill submitted by the fulham group / cook + bakeware / booth s1672
the cuisinart venture portable gas grill is not your average “tailgating” gas grill. the sleek and modern aesthetic, with store ‘n go design inspires adventure and helps couples enjoy those intimate moments. perfect for the date night picnic or small group gatherings. the wooden lid doubles as a chopping board; simply remove the cutting board from the top to prepare your meal or use it for cheese and crackers to enjoy while sipping a glass of wine. the grill grates are porcelain enameled cast iron, giving off more heat and holds heat longer than steel. a simple, complete, and compact portable grilling system.
below> globe watering can – jet and shower watering can by eva solo / home décor * gifts / booth8324
globe watering can allows the user to select between a jet watering or shower watering with a simple turn of the spout. practical hole in the side for easy filling. perfectly balanced for easy pouring.
below> messy mutts travel water bottle and bowl by jascor / pets/ booth s1217
perfect for your thirsty mutt on the go! just fold up the silicone bowl and press the quick release button. unused water drains back into the 700ml or 24 oz stainless steel bottle after use and the bowl folds back over the bottle for easy portability.
care > disassemble and hand wash with warm water and mild soap or place in dishwasher. hand wash recommended. do not microwave. silicone bowl can be removed from cap. bpa and pvc free.
below> cubit by plott / smart home products / booth L14000
cubit is the first tool that can bring your dimensional data to your smart device and also extract it back into the real world after you have manipulated it. this means that after you measure your space and arrange it to your liking in the app, cubit will then guide you to make your design a reality bringing your project to life. editor’s and gia judge note: with regard to category strength the smart home products category contained quite a few exceptional products and a shame we couldn’t have had a tie amongst two or three products.
thawthat! deluxe defrosts meat right on the countertop without any external heat or power source for a gentle, even thaw in less than half the time of traditional countertop thawing.
features >
dissipates cold and draws ambient warmth to the surface / eco-friendly / rugged anodized aluminum, abs, polypropylene construction / cleaner than soaking and gentler than microwaving / faster (up to 2.5x) than traditional countertop thawing / concave surface directs melted liquid / green – no wires or batteries required / hand wash recommended
promeco has created tempcontrol® technology which keeps dinnerware warm or cold for more than 30 minutes.
this technology is presented via the calido onyx black dinner plate by sanodegusto, offering the perfect backdrop for a culinary tour de force. the anti-scratch structure ensures multiple use without devaluing the design. moreover, the integrated revolutionary tempcontrol® technology makes sure any dish stays warm for at least 30 minutes. sanodegusto is a division of promeco.
[ gia global innovation awards – product design ] the iha innovation awards have honored the best in product design at the international home + housewares show for the past four years. the award’s name and tagline have now changed to the iha global innovation awards (gia), honoring product design excellence.
all products entered into the new product showcase will have a chance at winning. innovative products will be judged by a panel of experts that includes designers, retailers and news media.
product finalists selected by the judges were announced prior to the show and will be featured in each buyers club and at the iha global innovation awards display in the lakeside center lobby.
editor’s note: ron kovach has been a judge since inception of this award.
we strive to be a pioneer in accessible and affordable innovations for the vision impaired and the deafblind to lead independent, fulfilling lives. ~ dot inc.
the dot watch braille smartwatch is the first of its kind to provide the time with tactile information instead of visual clues. you don’t see time ticking away, you feel it. dot not only tells the time, but also creates text messages, sns, as well as traffic or weather information, with just a tap of your finger.
there’s also an open dot api so anyone can develop apps or services for dot. existing apps can be easily adapted. apps for braille education, social networking, navigation, newsfeed, weather and many more are already in development.
it launched in late 2016 but for practical purposes this is a 2017 product. the dot ‘feels’ like a 2017 best product-of-the-year candidate.
the epic react debuts a new sole that replaces eva foam. it’s lighter and way springier. so soft and springy that the mid-sole is taller to absorb bumps and wider for support. the sole has been tested 17k miles by nike’s best runners and ready for prime time 22 february 2018.
nike labels the springiness “energy return” and seems self-explanatory.
the upper is the one-piece bootie from the flyknit racer with a refined modifications. very light, supportive and breathable.
designer hossein baghdadi, director of nike nxt footwear, is lead on react.
A Memorial Day Weekend tradition, started by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 2004, an avid biker himself, Lake Shore Drive is closed for cyclists. From 5:30a to 10:15a you can ride north to Bryn Mawr then go south to the Museum of Science and Industry as many times as you want, a loop of 30 miles. This is a fun(d)-raising event costing $62 dollars. But with online registration already closed on the morning of the event, and an expected 20,000 riders, getting a free pass is not too strictly enforced.
Google Glass was really introduced without much thought to its use. Probably because it doesn’t have to worry making money out of the gate. As a result there are more skeptics than believers. 2014 should convert many to the promise of ‘enhanced POV real-time visualization’ that’s now in the marketplace. Example, I just discovered [ Recon Snow2 ]: Many, me, ski for the thrill derived from falling a little out of control but these glasses conjur up a different motivation to hit the slopes. Note the emphasis on motivation as in what motivates one to use a product. That’s why Glass is perfectly tied to fitness because fitness for many, me, requires a great deal of motivation, passion, competition and fun.
snow2
DesignApplause is not a fitness destination but folks, this is the last week of the year and we know how almost empty the health clubs are this week and then packed in January and February. By March much of the motivation to ‘work’ has moved on. But just maybe Glass will be a life-changer. Stay fit, my friends. Happy New Year.
[ Nike ] is releasing a limited-edition City Collection to celebrate the launch of the Nike Free Flyknit, a new running silhouette that marries two Nike landmark innovations: an ultra-lightweight Flyknit upper and a flexible Nike Free outsole. Featuring a new-generation Nike Flyknit that adds more elasticity and 360-degree lockdown, the shoe’s unique build includes a bootie-constructed heel that offers a snug fit around the ankle to eliminate slippage, all riding on a Nike Free articulated outsole allowing the foot to flex and stretch.
above > tokyo
above > shanghai
above > london
above > rio
above > paris | seen in milan
The Nike Free Flyknit City Collection features colorways and custom lace jewels that pay tribute to key running cities that are home to Nike Running Crews: London, Tokyo and Paris (available in their respective cities starting July 20th), Shanghai (July 28th), NYC (August 9th) and Rio de Janeiro (September 5th).
Select Release Dates:
July 20th, 2013 (Saturday) – London, Tokyo and Paris
July 28th, 2013 (Sunday) – Shanghai
August 9th, 2013 (Friday) – New York City
September 5th, 2013 (Thursday) – Rio de Janeiro
#####
Just in and not confirmed. Today in Milan (below) at Stadium Milano five shoes were presented from the following cities: NYC, London, Tokyo, Paris and Shanghai. The (above) info from Nike’s blog though the Nike’s title says five cites and six are listed. Confused, like the concept, and you heard it here first.
If you’re like me you start your day by unscrewing the plastic caps of your cheap, ugly contact lens case, putting the darn contacts in your eyes and then ushering the unsightly case out of sight as quickly as possible. Until recently, so did Portland-based designer Beverly Moon, but unlike the rest of us, she decided to do something about it.
It took her a year to design, produce and fund (via Kickstarter), but it looks like the MOON case is ready to begin its mission of replacing all the ugly conta-ct lens cases of the world.
“It’s a routine that many of us go through at least twice a day and it’s an object that holds a prominent place on the bathroom sink,” said Moon. “I wanted an object that complemented my space and felt good in my hands. So I applied simple, modern design to beautiful materials to make the MOON Case for a more refined everyday experience.”
The case is made from Corian, a hypoallergenic, non-toxic material that’s also non-porous, so it doesn’t harbor the growth of bacteria. Also, it’s beautiful. Corian not only gives it a heft heretofore unseen in contact lens cases, but they seem to glow from within – at least the ones in white do (they also come in Concrete and Sand). Moon also had the cases made at a local manufacturer, minimizing the environmental impact and giving her the ability to work face-to-face with the machine operators during the process.
MOON is just the first in what will hopefully be a long line of projects as part of her Pretty Mundane Objects series, an annual undertaking that aims to make the everyday beautiful. “It’s not about designing new things,” Moon said, “but refining the experiences and relationships between us and our objects. It’s about looking at products that are essential to our routine, but that most designers haven’t bothered to observe. To take a second look at the mundane objects that we use daily and re-think our interactions with them.”
Zemgear says… “The 360 is the feather light star of ZEMs barefoot collection. The design weighs in at 2.5 oz and is equipped with a pliable but abrasion robust phylon outsole ideal for runners. Integrated gecko grip rubber pods add traction & secure footing. An updated tech band design contributes increased lateral hold and stability. The split toe pattern and the high “mold-ability” of all materials maximize barefoot agility for many activities”. Price tag: $60. Enjoy!” [ zemgear ] [ review by barefoot angie bee ]
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