Upstaging the new Lamborghini and McLaren super cars as well as the special edition Bugatti Rembrandt at the Geneva auto show was of all things a Jeep vehicle–called the Renegade. It’s tough and lovable at once, with a size and shape suggesting that it is baby brother to the classic Wrangler.
Cadillac’s electric car, the ELR, is not as spectacular a performer as the Tesla Model S but it is arguably a better design. The Caddy could have ended up as mundane as the Chevrolet Volt, whose basic mechanism it shares. Instead, the so-called extended range electric, which includes batteries but also a supplementary gasoline engine, has been given a very cleverly shaped body. Outside, the wedge shaped body plays all sorts of visual tricks to make a chunky shape dynamic. Inside, overlapping layers of materials, including a suede texture, carbon fiber, leather and wood frame a high tech instrument panel.
An innovative bike light that does not need to light the way as much as to make others aware of your presence. Lucetta is set of two small magnetic bicycle lights. Easily attached to several different parts of a bicycle, the two small lights – white for the front, red for the rear – are switched on and off with just one click.
Made up of two small magnetic lights, the Lucetta is the new, essential light for your bike. Easy to attach to any bike, the two small lights – 1 red and 1 white – switch on with just a click and are guaranteed to stay securely in place even on the bumpiest street. You can select a steady beam, a slow or fast flashing light by simply clicking the light on the bike. When you reach your destination, remove the lights, join them together and slip them in your pocket ready for your next outing.
• Includes: white front LED light + red rear LED light
• Steady light / slow flashing / fast flashing modes
• Wide angle for best visibility
• Run-time: up to 40 hours
• Available in 3 colors: black, red, white
• Power supply: 2 x CR2032 batteries per light
• Intensity: 15000 mcd white / 4000 mcd red
• Batteries included
• Weather-resistant
designer: emanuele pizzolorusso
producer: palomar
period: 2013
above> a smart design competition in a very smart venue | galeria 1 messe frankfurt
Companies from 29 countries entered Design Plus 2014. To be accepted the entries may not have been on the market for more than two years and must meet high expectations with regard to function, design and sustainability. The jury selected 30 products from 24 companies from ten countries. Three Design Plus winners were also showcased in ‘solutions‘, an exhibit about innovative functionality.
mu | toyo ito | alessi
tea-jay on the rocks | flöz industriedesign | blomus
fissler bionic | professor thomas gerlach via 4 design gmbh | fissler [ solutions winner ]
lucetta | emanuele pizzolorusso | palomar [ solutions winner ]
to go | niels kjeldsen | stelton
georg | christina liljenberg halstrøm | skagerak denmark
[ products 2014 ]
[ jury ]
Designer: Mark Braun, Berlin
Design trade: Volker Hohmann, Ikarus Design Handel GmbH, Gelnhausen, Germany
Design Management: Hugo Macdonald, Studioilse, London
Design Teaching: Hubert Kittel, Burg Giebichenstein
University of Art and Design Halle
Design press: Stefan Nilsson, Trendgruppen, Stockholm
Design manufacturer: Philipp Mainzer, E15, Frankfurt/Main
Sponsor: Andrej Kupetz, German Design Council, Frankfurt/Main
Sponsor: Julia Droege, German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Frankfurt/Main
above>a 70-meter super yacht concept: 70m of innovation.
scott henderson ~ SPIRA derives its name from the Latin word for Breathe. When one thinks of a Super Yacht’s traditional archetype, the primary elements that come to mind are the hull and superstructure and how the decks interact within that composition. Three decks slice through the superstructure diagonally, not horizontally. This unexpected structural solution suggests an aquatic breathing metaphor…a formidable sea creature’s gill, and gives SPIRA’s side-view a unique and stunning look. At the same time, this treatment of the vessel’s structure evokes the iconic image of a ship’s sails overlapping each other while being filled by the wind.
The three decks seem to be layered on top of each other at the bow, peeling apart and rolling their edges outward and upward as they move aft, naturally and elegantly forming the side barriers for the exterior decks on each of the three upper tiers.
The upper decks cross diagonally through the superstructure instead of a more traditional horizontal intersection. From the interior looking outward, this creates the visual effect of an open loft space, as much larger and more open views of the outside surroundings are obtained through the superstructure’s exterior glass walls which are no longer confined by horizontal and parallel fields of view. To achieve this effect, the interior decks are floating from the inner wall of the superstructure’s exterior glass by a half-meter.
The yacht incorporates an integrated and intersected helipad on its bow which comfortably lands a Robinson R44 Raven II or Eurocopter AS365, with access through a flush hatch which leads into the interior of the cabin. At the stern, the volume behind the Jacuzzi houses two jet skis and other water toys which load into the water via a sliding ramp that positions the jets skis past the swim deck prior to lowering them into the water.
An A.Frame structure intersects the three upper decks as one visually continuous surface, flowing into the arced communications tower above the sun deck and then back down to the main deck. This bold surface visually simplifies the architectural composition of the mega.yacht because of its singular and continuous line. The bold and dominate A.Frame’s outer edges blend into the superstructure’s exterior glass tangentially, heightening the look of her fearsome power and ability to slice through wind and ocean with streamlined efficiency.
A high level of functionality, her clean ‘hydro.dynamic’ form factor, and the emotional resonance of the ‘aqua.pomorphic’ and nautical metaphors intrinsically imbedded into her design, the mega.yacht SPIRA is instantly memorable and iconic.
[ scott henderson ] is an American product designer working in Brooklyn, New York City. Known for his innovative consumer products in the areas of houseware’s, electronics, furniture and his line of Museum Store gift objects called MINT, the 70-meter SPIRA Super Yacht follows his earlier concepts: PRIONA, QUILLON and MANTA from, 2012.
The car the designers were talking about at the Detroit auto show was overlooked by the crowds. It was Nissan’s idX concept, originally unveiled in Tokyo. Channelling the spirit of the classic Datsun 510, which has roots in American 1970s memories as well as those of Japan, the idX has deeper rationale of DIY
behind it.
[ official release ]
The way people are buying cars is changing. A choice of colors and matching wheels is no longer enough. In a society where cars are purchased as a reflection – and enabler – of a driver’s lifestyle, the way future models are designed needs to be revolutionized. This was the thinking behind the visionary “co-creation” of the Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO concept cars, which make their first appearance in the United States at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The co-creation product development approach requires input from consumers early in the process. It was designed to appeal to “digital natives,” the generation born after 1990, and integrates their feedback into the creation process. Nissan thinks this approach could have real applications in the near future.
“IDx NISMO and IDx Freeflow show how Nissan is using new and innovative product development methods to meet the needs of younger customers who have novel, exciting ideas, and engage with them to build the cars they want,” said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
The two IDx concept cars offer radically different characteristics, each with their own unique identity, and reflective of their creation by this new approach to product development. The first, the IDx Freeflow, reflects a casual/lifestyle-focused vision. The second, the IDx NISMO, is an ultra-sporty model of the future that looks as if it came directly from a driving simulator.
[ IDx: A Fresh Start ]
Co-creation defines a new relationship between Nissan and its customers. The prefix Nissan gave to the two new concepts, “IDx,” reflects those ideals. “ID” is the acronym taken from “identification,” relating to the things all individuals relate to on a personal level in a car. The “x” is the variable, representing the new values and dreams born through communication.
Engaging with members of the digital native generation created an opportunity to incorporate a range of new insights and creative possibilities. The co-creation dialogue reached far and wide, from the basic framework of cars, to the last details and finishing touches.
The design of the two IDx concepts incorporates digital natives’ direct expression of the ideal form of ultimate simplicity in a compact sedan. It was as if they were given a clean, white canvas to freely conceptualize anything that was intriguing.
What Nissan derived from this communication was young drivers’ desire for a basic, authentic configuration for a car – a car without legacy influences, based on the ideal proportions and straight stance of a simple three-box shaped car design. Thus, the IDx concepts share the same three-box genesis – vehicles made up of three compartments: engine, passenger and cargo areas. Nissan designers infused the idea of an “authentic car configuration” into their thinking behind this starting point in the form of a “flexible box.”
Several unique approaches were made from a structural standpoint so the IDx concepts could take on various appearances. For example, the front/rear fenders and side structure, such as the door panels, seem to sandwich the cabin to focus attention on the center of the vehicle.
This structure allows the car to differentiate itself from others through the side and front face, with vast freedom for customization. The parting lines (panel partitions) clearly separate the sides and top, and enhance visual clarity while creating a unique and crisp boxed form. Additionally, viewed from the front and rear, the car retains its compact lines while maintaining low and wide body proportions, thereby instilling a sense of it being a “real” car.
Both the interior and exterior share the aim of a simple design, with just the right amount of functions and accessories that are standard on cars to provide a solid sense of build reliability.
In order to have enough flexibility consistent with the creativity inherent to the IDx approach, some areas of the interior incorporate a dual-layered “tight-fit skin.” For example, the instrument panel is simple yet refined, created by employing cast molding in parts in the body structure and on the ventilation ducts. By combining this with sparingly used, close-fitting trim, the instrument panel can be a foundation for various expressions and functions. Similarly, the gauges, center console and floor console were crafted to enable any necessary parts to be installed in an easy and seamless way.
The IDx concepts’ interiors are ultimately the expression of digital natives’ values in a flexible form that is malleable enough to project an exquisite structure, while rendering a unique space inside.
[ IDx Freeflow ]
The IDx Freeflow reflects the sensibilities of the co-creators – the outlook of people who seek natural and tasteful things in every aspect of their daily lives. They seek to employ a simple and clean attitude, using the authentic items that they favor to artfully combine various things and give substance to their self-expression.
The interior details of the four-passenger IDx Freeflow are a carefully selected mix of fashionable functionality and comfort in a design brimming with creative originality. It is meant to feel like a living room inside, where the owner and his or her friends can relax.
The round, no-nonsense steering wheel, attached to the level instrument panel, mounts a modern-looking speedometer that would not seem out of place in a younger person’s lounge. Together with an analog clock prominently located above the centered function monitors, the cumulative effect is an interior that feels heavily influenced by the wish for a cozy, relaxing space.
Additionally, the coordination of metal finishers with the thick surfacing material on the instrument panel and console, combined with the denim selected to cover the seats and certain trim areas, produces sections that dazzle the eye but are balanced by more calming hues in other spots. This is the unique quality of the co-creators’ taste as expressed in the interior appointments. In particular, the moderately faded texture and color of the denim used in the interior conveys a new kind of quality, a back-to-basics charm seldom seen in cars until now.
Though compact in size – about 13.5 feet in length, 5.6 feet in width, and 4.3 feet in overall height – the IDx Freeflow impresses with its daring yet dignified exterior.
The car’s “floating roof,” a seamless rounded roof shape, is another design twist that accentuates the simple box form of the body. The “floating roof” design cue is shared with the Nissan Resonance and Sports Sedan Concepts, which preview future Nissan production vehicles.
The IDx Freeflow’s exterior color is a sophisticated combination of white and flax (a pale yellow shade), invoking a casual feeling like that produced by the pairing of the venerable white T-shirt with khaki chinos, and highlighted with silver accessories or a belt. The overall visual effect is completed by the addition of stylish 18-inch chrome wheels wrapped in 195/50-18 tires.
The digital native cohort’s quest for authenticity can also be interpreted as a demand for economy and efficiency in their everyday car. For this kind of vehicle, the requisite high level of fuel economy and driving performance could come from a powertrain with a 1.2-liter or 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
[ IDx NISMO ]
Many digital natives grew up playing racing simulation games that feature cars of the past and from all corners of the globe. They have a natural desire to realize that virtual driving experience in real cars of their own, and that is the basis of the IDx NISMO concept.
Not limited to being inspired just by racing cars, IDx NISMO was born from a refined combination of the freedom to borrow liberally from memorable vehicles of yesteryear and the present, in addition to whatever was felt exudes “cool.”
The IDx NISMO’s co-creation dialogue took the distilled heritage of Nissan’s basic box-shaped racing vehicles of the past and married it with various intriguing new details. This resulted in a car that appears to be timeless and moored in a place all its own.
Though IDx NISMO shares the overall length and height of its Freeflow cousin, the 5.9-foot width (versus 5.6-foot for the IDx Freeflow) of the car is testament to its low, wide stance that emphasizes its sporty proportions.
One of the hallmarks of box-type racecars is speediness conveyed by a reverse-slanted nose. On IDx NISMO, this frontal design element is embellished by an aura of seriousness communicated by the use of carbon panels. Side mufflers provide a pleasing exhaust note. The car also has contemporary touches such as front/rear and right/left aerodynamic spoilers and a lightweight 19-inch wheel and 225/40 tire package.
To meet the high expectations for a powertrain equal to the task of propelling such a formidable car, one proposal from Nissan’s engineers is the combination of a high-performance, eco-friendly 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine, together with a sporty CVT with 6-speed manual shift mode and synchronized rev control. The result is no less than an appealing mix of racing heritage with the finest of modern knowhow.
Scanning the IDx NISMO interior reveals racing-inspired crimson Alcantara® seat covers that entice the eyes, complemented by Spartan-looking meters and gauges that animate the racecar ambience. The lustrous metal surfaces contrast with the bright red suede trim that is augmented by blue stitching.
“This machine’s soul-stirring design echoes the racing car imagery of the past united with the buzz digital natives get from the virtual world they know well,” said Nakamura. “That this car could result from co-creation dialogue alone exemplifies Nissan’s fresh approach to contemplating car design, and even kindles a fire in the hearts of people fond of the good old days of high-performance cars.”
The IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO will be shown at the Nissan display at Detroit’s Cobo Hall during the run of the 2014 North American International Auto Show, January 18th through 26th.
[ nissan ]
[ chicago anthenaeum ] [ hyundai ]
[ official release ] For the third year in a row,Hyundai’s innovative and unique design language has earned a GOOD DESIGN™ Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe was awarded this accolade in the transportation category for its dynamic character lines and bold design features.
Now in its 64th year, GOOD DESIGN Awards honor the yearly achievements of the best industrial and graphic designers and world manufactures for their pursuit of extraordinary design excellence. GOOD DESIGN is the oldest and the most prestigious architecture and design Awards Program organized worldwide, and strives to create a revived awareness about contemporary design and to honor both products and industry leaders in design and manufacturing that have chartered new directions and pushed the envelope for competitive products in the world marketplace.
For 2013, the GOOD DESIGN Awards were judged in Chicago by an international jury of design professionals, architects, experts and cultural leaders. The jury honored more than 700 product designs and graphics from over 38 nations with GOOD DESIGN Awards.
“Hyundai prides itself on pushing the envelope in regards to style and design,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design Center. “With the 2013 Santa Fe, we wanted the vehicle to be a functional, mobile sculpture and receiving the 2013 GOOD DESIGN Award for transportation acknowledges this design achievement.”
The all-new Santa Fe adopts its own design concept called “Storm Edge,” which captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm. Featuring sophisticated and refined lines, which are in harmony with its bold and voluminous surfaces, the Santa Fe presents a more masculine appearance that its predecessor.
want to go to mars? the selection criteria. once on mars, there are no means to return to earth. via mars one [RK]
Walter D’Silva, head of design for the Volkswagen group still has time on his hands after directing the look of Audi, VW, Bentley, Lamborghini, Seat, Skoda and—I can’t remember em all! So he has designed a chair. Dave Pinter [ explains ]
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