Yanko Design - Form Beyond Function

The future of buses is without drivers

Posted: 20 Dec 2017 12:00 PM PST

There seems to be a lot of hype and talk about personal autonomous vehicles, and rightly so – but now comes the time for autonomous public transport. And one of the more exciting concepts of late is the Neoplan Aero 24-7 designed by Laura Lang, Daniel Brunsteiner & Ivo Wawer. Aero 24-7 is an aerodynamic high-efficiency coach that travels non-stop during night and day. The integrated autonomous driving mode lets the driver take his break while driving. Providing a private jet experience gives passengers the possibility to use their travel time efficiently by working or sleeping during the journey.

The design language found draped over this concept is one of high class and an elegant high-tech vehicle. This concept appeals to users of all lifestyles and status, with an array of features and interior nuances to make that overnight journey a blessing in disguise. Requiring several iterations, the team behind Aero 24-7 ran their initial model through an aerodynamic simulator in order to find the best efficient version of the vehicle, adjusting the height and form along the way.

There are some really lovely design choices here that stand out above the rest. The seat cushions are connected and can move freely. By changing the seat position, the upper and lower cushion climbs into the seat case which serves as a noise canceling hood and provides privacy during sleep. The driver’s cockpit is something special, offering an escape from the rest of the cabin. Positioned in the middle of the vehicle, the Aero 24-7’s driver is accompanied by an array of gadgets and gizmos, enabling the driver for the best in-transit experience. This is indeed one gorgeous looking vehicle and would be welcomed with open arms.

Designers: Laura Lang, Daniel Brunsteiner & Ivo Wawer.

Tilt-a-Time

Posted: 20 Dec 2017 11:00 AM PST

This alarm clock design by Hojung Cha is as smart as it is cute! Designed like a switch, it makes it possible to control your alarm clock in one simple motion. Just as you would switch off a light, tilt the unit back to deactivate the alarm. This unique positioning also makes it ideal for viewing. When the alarm is off, it positions the face in such a way that it’s easy to read when standing. When it’s activated, the face is easier to read when laying down!

In addition, the design features a built in speaker that syncs with your smartphone. To help you get into a rhythm, it can also detect when you’re active or inactive. When it detects movement, it will keep your music and the integrated light going. When you’re at rest, it will automatically lower the volume and light so you can rest and relax.

Designer: Hojung Cha

Healthy Hydration Habits Your Way

Posted: 20 Dec 2017 09:00 AM PST

As simple as it might seem, the many different ways people enjoy their water are complex in variety! The FAMILY water purifier was designed with this in mind to ensure everyone in your family is staying hydrated just how they like.

Each family member gets a dedicated smart cup that is identifiable by the primary unit. When placed under the nozzle, the user is identified along with their water preferences like temperature, amount, etc.. Better yet, the dispenser will monitor each individual users water intake using the smart cup system. The FAMILY app on each users smartphone will also give personalized recommendations and track progress to encourage healthy hydration habits!

Designer: Wanki Kim, Jo Ara, SoYeon Na, Seunghee Seo

The Bear Grylls of the speaker world

Posted: 20 Dec 2017 06:20 AM PST

Your speaker may be waterproof, but is it ‘use-as-a-piñata’ proof? Or ‘fling-out-your-window’ proof? Is it at least ‘drive-your-car-over-it’ proof? Your speaker may be waterproof, but it won’t ever match up to the DemerBox Indestructible Bluetooth Speaker, which can pretty much survive any scenario it’s in.

Purposed out of a Pelican Case, the DemerBox is close to everything-proof, and works not just as a marvelous wireless speaker but also as a carrying case for essentials while traveling. Stash your meds and EDC inside it, or a six-pack (depending on what you consider essential), the speaker will best every single weather condition with its weatherproof, waterproof, drop-proof, and crushproof construction. The body of the speaker comes made in a combination of PU-foam filled Polypropylene and ABS to make sure the speaker/carrying-case is lightweight yet physically resilient.

As for the speaker itself, it comes with two full-range drivers that cleverly use the case’s hollow insides as a vibration chamber to create a nice rich sound. The Demerbox even comes with a bluetooth range of over 100 feet and a whopping 50 hours of playback on a full charge. Plus since there’s a high chance the speaker’s battery will last longer than your phone’s, the Demerbox allows you to charge your mobile devices too using a USB charging port on the inside.

Drop the bass, drop the DemerBox, do whatever you want to it. The Indestructible Bluetooth Speaker will probably be the last speaker you’ll need to buy!

Designer: DemerBox

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Resurgence of the Record Player

Posted: 20 Dec 2017 03:00 AM PST

Just because you’re a record collector doesn’t necessarily mean you’re interior style is hipster-vintage (although it’s usually a pretty good indicator!). For those of us who prefer the modern, minimalist route, designs like Runda exist. It merges an age-old product with ultra-modern style so it seamlessly integrates with a contemporary interior. Free of frill and presented in a monochromatic color scheme, it’s less old-timey and a more sleek addition to any credenza or entertainment console.

Designer: James Hoare

70s kids will remember this!

Posted: 19 Dec 2017 09:00 PM PST

Atari dominated the 1970s with games and consoles that delighted everyone for over a decade. In fact, some may say Atari even gave us Apple Computers and Steve Jobs, after he moved onto developing the most valuable company in the world with Woz post working on the Atari title Breakout in 1976 (Breakout was the basis and inspiration for certain aspects of the Apple II personal computer). However, Atari saw its decline towards the end of the 80s, with the likes of Nintendo and Sega taking the mantle. A little over 40 years later, Atari is back to reclaim past glory. Teased at CES back in June/July, the Ataribox home finally begins its pre-orders this Thursday, and I can’t wait. The device will have a custom AMD processor and run Linux, giving the Ataribox the capability of playing both classic Atari games and mid-tier PC titles.

The Ataribox comes in two eye-catching finishes – a sleek glossed black with either a wood finish combination or an all glossed black look with red highlights. This device can sit on any table or drawers in the home and never look out of place. With quite an appealing aesthetic, the Ataribox will be sure to raise eyebrows and rekindle nostalgic memories once it’s released and in the homes of many come the Spring of 2018.

Designer: Atari

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These switches use OCD to save electricity!

Posted: 19 Dec 2017 02:00 PM PST

Cleverly using a human condition to correct behavior patterns, the OCD Switch creates a slight visual imbalance, enough to trigger your senses, and gets you to switch your lights, fans, and other electronic items off. Turning the switchboard into a background, and the switch itself into the foreground element, the OCD Switches by Pakaporn Teadtulkitikul make good use of 3D shapes and color blocks to create a balanced pattern that becomes imbalanced when you switch on your appliances.

In the ‘off’ position, the switches look just fine. However, after being switched on, the visual imbalance bothers us humans, since we have a tendency to favor symmetry and order… forcing them to turn the switch off the instant they’re done, just so that the mind can rest assured knowing that the order has been restored. The OCD Switches, although experimental, shine light on how we can use human psychology to encourage a particular type of human behavior (like putting a basketball hoop over a waste-paper bin)… and also in this case, save energy!

The OCD Switch is a winner of the Red Dot Design Concept Award for the year 2017.

Designer: Pakaporn Teadtulkitikul