Tag Archives: Desk Accessories

Wobbly penholder concept makes a cute desk knick knack

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When you spend a lot of time on your work area, you need to surround yourself with things that can amuse or delight you in the midst of the long to do lists and endless emails. I like placing random, cute, and unique stationery pieces or decorations just so I have something nice to look at and sometimes, they’re useful too. Of course you need to take a break every once in a while from work so sometimes you need to have something to “play with” that’s not a screen.

Designer: Arundhati Malkhede

Wobbler is a product concept for a penholder that looks like the way it sounds. It’s a thingamajig to hold your pens and other small pieces of stationery and supplies. But instead of being stable and actually stationary, it wobbles around in order to amuse or distract you. It actually looks like a lamp with its circular and cylindrical design but instead of lighting your desk, it’s actually keeps your office or school stuff organized.

The cylindrical part that looks a bit like an hourglass is where the pens are placed. It’s transparent so you’ll still be able to see the various colors and designs of your pens, scissors, or whatever long office item you want to put there. There’s also space underneath that to put paper clips, staple wires, rubber bands, or other small items you want to keep nearby. There’s a section underneath that opens up as a small storage compartment to put erasers, small staplers, and other small items.

There’s a weighted bottom that keeps the entire thing from toppling over even as it wobbles. But if you want to keep it steady or if it’s becoming too heavy, you can remove the ring from the top and use it as a stable base. The product renders show various colors and color combinations so you can also get a splash of color on your desk, aside from the wobbly design. I’d like to add this to my collection of unique desk knick knacks even if I might eventually get dizzy from all the wobbling.

The post Wobbly penholder concept makes a cute desk knick knack first appeared on Yanko Design.

Keep your paper notes upright and within reach with this minimalist beauty

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Productivity guru David Allen of GTD fame once said that our minds are for having ideas, not holding them. That’s why many such gurus advise jotting down thoughts as soon as they come so as not to lose them just as quickly. Blank sheets of paper, preferably recycled, are great for this purpose. They encourage free-form notes, are ubiquitous, and are available almost anywhere. Having a stack of such paper on your desk, however, can quickly become an organizational nightmare unless you have dedicated space to keep them within arm’s reach. That’s the exact problem that the UPRIGHT paper and pen holders try to solve in the simplest yet most elegant way, keeping sheets of paper nearby without turning your desk into mayhem.

Designers: Aoki Ryosaku, Haruta Masayuki & Tsunoda Takashi

Click Here to Buy Now: $39.20 $49 (20% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends on August 29th.

The designers at idontknow.tokyo are big fans of having a stack of clean paper nearby, ready to receive their inspired musings and sometimes incoherent ramblings, not to mention a phone number or two in an emergency. While that might be great for productivity, an unbridled stack can be a horrific organizing experience when left unchecked. Sheets can fly around, get knocked off the pile, and even curl at the edges. That’s not to mention how they can eat up precious space when laid flat on a desk.

That’s why they designed these minimalist paper holders that try to hit two birds with one stone. It can hold as many as 500 sheets of paper at a time while still leaving space to place a pen or pencil on its foot. The holder’s nearly perfect L shape was precisely designed to be able to hold that many sheets while still making it easy to pull out a single piece from the bundle.

There is an air of beauty in the paper holder’s extreme minimalism. A single sheet of stainless steel is carefully bent to that calculated shape and then powder-coated in black to add a matte texture that offers something to delight your fingertips. Only a small iron rod holds the piece upright, and you can tighten or loosen its screw to adjust its angle. That also makes it effortless to assemble or disassemble the desk accessory when you need to stow it away for transportation.

The paper holder comes in portrait or landscape orientations to fit your preferred working environment or available space. A portrait paper holder is perfect for lists or notes written on pads, while a landscape design is more suited for making diagrams or reading wide-spread material. Although specifically designed to hold A4-sized paper, the sleek holders can be home to almost any paper-based material, from magazines to letters to open books. Whatever it is, it may be able to find a home on your desk with this paper holder.

Clutter begins when things aren’t put in their proper places or, worse, when they don’t have a proper place at all. Having paper nearby to take down notes is one thing, but keeping them from being lost is another. With these minimalist paper holders, you can keep all those notes together, within view and within reach, helping to organize not just your desk but your mind as well.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39.20 $49 (20% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends on August 29th.

The post Keep your paper notes upright and within reach with this minimalist beauty first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 desk accessories that your desk totally needs

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COMM Color Options

In 2020 our lives changed completely, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed what was considered the ‘norm’, and created new norms that molded the way we lived. One of these new norms is the work-from-home culture, and it has continued well into 2022. We’ve been working from our homes for almost a year now, and although we have adapted to it, it can be quite a bore at times. I, for one, am always looking out for options and ways to spice up my work-from-home routine. And I’ve found that adding new products to my desk setup can amp my productivity immensely! The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home office. From a multifunctional desk lamp that doubles up as a book holder to a modular hanging desk rack that frees up space – here’s a collection of interesting, super functional, and productivity-enhancing desk accessories that promise to be the best work-from-home investments of 2022!

1. Comm

COMM for Work From Home Design Details

COMM for Work From Home Design Details

COMM offers a touchscreen display that shows the different functions. The main functions are as follows: sharing information, reporting, expression of emotions, mutual understanding, and idea suggestions. Your home work environment can “feel” more like a real office with this simple device designed by South Korean designed Eunjeong with Fountain Studio.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can update your computer or maybe by a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace. The goal should always be speed and efficiency when it comes to working so in the area of communication, you must find a better way how to send messages across to a different party. The COMM is a concept device that can help people communicate from home. It’s a simpler way to send and receive messages, give feedback, and deliver what needs to be done. The result is increased work efficiency, especially with the angled screen for more comfortable viewing when sitting down.

What we like

  • Helps improve creativity and productivity by showing the information you need sans any distraction
  • Better than a smartphone or tablet, as it eliminates the temptation to check other apps

What we dislike

  • Limited compared to face-to-face communication, but still not too bad!

What do you think?

2. Blazo

Many people try to be smart by buying multi-functional products or modular furniture that can be arranged and used as needed. Sometimes, the combinations make sense, but other times you can also be left scratching your head. This desk fan, for example, looks almost ordinary, that is until you flip the switch on to shed some light on matters, literally.

Why is it noteworthy?

At first glance, Blazo looks like an electric fan attached to a camera gimbal. The design for this unconventional arm and the stand was apparently an educational globe. The Blazo’s fan can swivel up and down 360 degrees, and it can also rotate 360 degrees so that no direction is left unreached. That does mean that the lamp can also point in the same direction, though you’ll probably want to keep the fan steady in that case unless you were aiming for a makeshift light show.

What we like

  • Blazo runs on a rechargeable battery, and using the lamp alone can make it last for 8 hours

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

3. The Hanging Desk Organizer set

Many productivity gurus advocate having a proper place on your desk, even for more “transient” objects that come and go. Some have a tray, a literal inbox, or even a basket, but those often take up precious space that could be used for more permanent things. They’re also a “one size fits all” kind of thing, so you can’t really use them for anything else or even arrange their parts unless you opted for a modular bin. The Hanging Desk Organizer Set solves all those problems by hanging over the edge of your desk and giving you the freedom to rearrange it to suit your needs.

Why is it noteworthy?

As with many seemingly magical modular systems, the secret to the rack’s trick is magnets, very strong magnets. The rack itself is made from sturdy steel and doesn’t actually have any distinct markings on its own. It looks like a square root or radical symbol, where its short flap sticks to the edge of your desk without screws or magnets. The V-shaped space is where you can place things like magazines, letters, files and folders, and more. You can even hang your book over the highest edge as a makeshift bookmark in case you need to quickly pause what you were reading.

What we like

  • Intuitive organizing
  • Magnetic cable holder

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

4. The HMM Scissors

Our workspaces are often littered with two kinds of things. On the one hand, you have tools designed to accomplish a task. On the other hand, you have decorative items designed to please the senses. Of course, there are now stationary and desk tools that are designed to hit two birds with one stone, especially those that embrace minimalist aesthetics that fit well in almost any situation. These scissors from popular brand HMM are designed to bridge those two worlds together, offering a tool that not only creates a sense of wonder but also inspires confidence in every snip.

Why is it noteworthy?

Just as with the tools mentioned above, scissors often come in two classes. One type is clearly designed for cutting away at your problems, while another type almost looks too pretty to be used. The HMM Scissors is definitely not the latter, with an aesthetic that clearly exudes its power. The wide and flat blades are almost reminiscent of industrial tools, and its black Japanese steel body gives off an aura of strength and durability.

What we like

  • Flip the scissors and hold it by the blades, and you instantly have a box cutter
  • A custom-made magnet lets the scissors stand upright with its sharp tip safely hidden inside the base

What we dislike

No complaints!

5. Madang

Madang is a collection of desk accessories that take inspiration from Korea’s forgotten traditional games, bringing an element of fun to some serious productivity tools.

Why is it noteworthy?

Some of the associations are almost direct, like Juldaligi, a wrist-stretching tool that is like a miniature form of a traditional Korean tug of war. A multipurpose tray’s dividers and containers make it look like a Sabang chigi playground that children would use in yards. A magnetic clip holder that looks both like a UFO and a hat is a nod to the Jeonlip hats used in a whimsical game of Sangmodoligi. And what better way to embody a see-saw-like game than with a clip that mimics that movement.

What we like

  • The Madang set brings a tie to Korean culture
  • These desk accessories bring to mind some popular Korean dishes, especially those that use egg as a core ingredient

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

6. The Stilform AEON

The Stilform AEON is a pencil that literally lasts eons! Designed by the company that won the World’s Best Pen award for the Stilform Pen back in 2016, the AEON is the result of a nifty material innovation that turns the pencil immortal. The intriguing pen features a special tip pen that oxidizes the paper, and leaves a grey streak just the way a pencil would!

Why is it noteworthy?

Unlike graphite pencils, AEON’s lines are smudge-proof and waterproof. Besides, since this tip’s made of metal rather than graphite, you can easily put it in your pocket without worrying about it leaving any marks.

What we like

  • Machined entirely from a single piece of metal
  • Lined with beautiful FSC-certified wood veneers that provide a great contrast against the pencil’s all-metal design

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

7. The Curva Pen

You can say goodbye to the common old pens, and bring your love for writing back to life with the Curva pen! The unique Curva pen features an unconventional hook-shaped nib, which allows you to angle the pen in whichever direction you like, giving you the freedom to write to the left, to the right, or even downward. This one especially sounds like a boon for all the lefties out there (like me)!

Why is it noteworthy?

The moment you take off its cap, it is immediately evident that Curva Pen isn’t your typical ink pen and that it has an interesting story to tell. The unconventional hook-like shape of its nib might raise eyebrows, but its patented design was carefully thought out to solve two of the biggest problems with pens. More often than not, your fingers and hands block what you’re writing, especially if you’re a leftie that has to push the pen rather than pull like what right-handed people do. This makes not just writing but also drawing more cumbersome and more frustrating for some people, denying them the pleasure and the liberating experience of putting their thoughts down on paper clearly.

What we like

  • Renews our love for writing
  • Provides left-handed individuals with enhanced visibility and accuracy

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

8. The Wooden Pen Holder

There’s something almost poetic about the act of picking up a brush or a fountain pen from an inkwell, drawing your strokes, and dipping it back in to be ready for when the next inspiration strikes, a feeling that’s almost lost even with the most elaborate and extravagant pens today. Not unless you have a pen holder that brings back that atmosphere, like a block of wood that could be the most Zen pen holder to ever adorn your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

This wooden block is both unassuming and, at the same time, beautiful in its simplicity, as many minimalist products are wont to be. Made from genuine maple wood, each piece has grains and patterns that make it unique and special. Without saying explicitly, it’s an assurance that each black will be one of a kind, giving you the feeling that this pen holder was crafted just for you. Together with an equally stylish pen, this block transforms any desk into a thinker’s workbench, where the tools of the trade are just at an arm’s reach.

What we like

  • The Wooden Pen Holder has a gently curving depression that can accommodate any pen with a standard size
  • When you pick the pen up, you almost believe that the ink will also follow it up from an invisible well of ideas

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

9. The Quick-Access Organizer

More often than not, the reason why we lose keys, glasses, or even wallets, is because we misplace them by just placing them anywhere when we take them out of our pockets. We develop that bad habit because it sometimes takes too much work to actually drop them in proper storage, like a desk or shelf organizer, partly because the storage box itself doesn’t make it easy to use it. Having to think which item goes where can be a mental burden when it has to be done multiple times a day, and the seconds you lose opening and closing most boxes add up over time.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Quick-Access Organizer tries to smooth out by making the act of organizing your everyday carry tools as effortless as possible. The lid has sections that can fit only some kinds of objects. This makes it easier to know what to put there, so you won’t have to waste precious time making that decision every time. Pretty soon, it will be second nature to put your glasses, AirPods case, or keys in those sections, so they won’t have to end up lost in uncharted territory ever again.

What we like

  • The box’s real special talent is how that lid quickly and effortlessly swivels out of the way, revealing the spacious cavern inside
  • This storage box is a minimalist beauty of contrasting and complementing elements

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

10. The Holder Desk Lamp

How about sporting a cool desk lamp that performs double duty as a book/document holder and a magnetic pin-up board to keep all your important reminders within your peripheral view?

Why is it noteworthy?

As I explored more renders of this design it started to grow on me – thanks to its useful functionality, sans any complicated design blueprints that seem infeasible to craft in real life. The idea of this desk lamp is to extend the usability of the good old desk lamp just beyond beaming soft light onto the desk’s work area. That’s because, you won’t be using the desk light at all times, and to make better use of the accessory, a book holder and a rotating magnetic pin-up board are incorporated into the product.

What we like

  • Holds all your books, journals, and important files in an organized manner
  • The inside lining of the book holder section has a dotted texture to keep all the important stuff in place

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

The post Top 10 desk accessories that your desk totally needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

This unconventional tactile calendar doubles as a ruler in a pinch

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Calendars are staples on our desks and walls, but their basic format hasn’t really changed in centuries. The grid system has been in use even before our grandparents were born, and it has been adopted in calendars that go beyond paper. Of course, there is more than one way to tell the date and the day of the week, especially if you’re not too picky about looking back at other months. If you just want that single piece of data at a glance, the doors are wide open for unique and beautiful designs that go beyond people’s concept of what a calendar should look like. This incarnation of a calendar, for example, looks nothing like something that tells the date and is more like an odd ruler that just happens to remember what date you set it to.

Designer: Sebastian Bergne

There are plenty of fancy and artistic calendars around that don’t fit the typical definition of a calendar, at least in terms of representing days as a grid or even a row of dates. In addition to digital clocks that give only the current date, there are also rings, flipping pages, and many other contraptions that are both functional as well as decorative. Monthly Measure definitely looks visually interesting to be a piece of your desk’s decor, but it also serves multiple functions in ways you might not expect.

It is primarily a calendar, which you can probably guess from the 31 numbers lined up on the wooden block’s top edge. Unlike typical calendars, it only gives you a clue on what day it is, depending on how you position the cast aluminum star. That star has seven points, marked with letters to indicate a day of the week. The idea is to set the day to the proper date and simply roll the star forward each day.

It’s definitely a curious way to tell the date and the day, and one that actually requires you to be more involved. You have to move the star each day; otherwise, it won’t point to the correct date. At the same time, you have to make sure the star doesn’t move to the wrong place accidentally. To figure out what day a different date falls on, you’ll have to roll the star, but also remember to roll it back to today’s date. There’s also no way to move forward or backward by month unless you already know what day the month starts.

The “measure” part of the Monthly Measure comes from the numbers as well. Each number is spaced a centimeter apart, so the wooden bar also works as a 30cm ruler. How you’ll do that, however, is up to you, whether using the flat bottom of the “calendar” or using the serrated top edge for markers.

Everything about the Monthly Measure is unorthodox. It is an unusual calendar and an admittedly odd ruler, and it might be hard to use it in either mode. The one thing it excels at is being a fine desk accent, so you actually have three things for the price of one wooden bar and a star that you can roll around like a fidget toy.

The post This unconventional tactile calendar doubles as a ruler in a pinch first appeared on Yanko Design.

These playful desk accessories might have you craving for eggs

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Many of us sit in front of desks the majority of our lives, whether we work at home or in the office or spend most of the day in school. Something that we see every day for hours on end is bound to have an impact on our minds in the long run. That’s why we put pieces of decoration, beautiful accessories, and delightful toys on our desks to inspire us or even to distract us once in a while. Sometimes, however, we also opt for products with cleaner and more minimal designs that evoke feelings of peace or mental clarity. Of course, there’s no reason why you can’t have something that is both minimal yet playful, like this set of desk accessories and trinkets that take inspiration from traditional Korean games that children play.

Designer: Jiung Yun, Siwook Lee, Jihyun Hong, Junsu Lee

Inspiration can come from many things and take many forms. Some are more direct, like flower-shaped wall clocks or UFO-shaped lamps, while others require some imagination to make the connections. These hidden details only make these items more interesting and more valuable, especially if their themes speak to the owner’s interests and tastes. Madang, for example, is a collection of desk accessories that take inspiration from Korea’s forgotten traditional games, bringing an element of fun to some serious productivity tools.

Some of the associations are almost direct, like Juldaligi, a wrist-stretching tool that is like a miniature form of a traditional Korean tug of war. A multipurpose tray’s dividers and containers make it look like a Sabang chigi playground that children would use in yards. A magnetic clip holder that looks both like a UFO and a hat is a nod to the Jeonlip hats used in a whimsical game of Sangmodoligi. And what better way to embody a see-saw-like game than with a clip that mimics that movement.

There are also some items that take some license in the reinterpretation of those games. A pen holder, for example, tries to call to mind arrows that are put inside a barrel, while the Gang Gang Sulae desk timer is supposed to represent a game where people hold hands in a circle. One of the oddest ones is the incense holder that adds a swinging ball just to make an association with another traditional game that revolves around swings.

Whether intentional or unintentional, the white and orange motif of the Madang set brings another tie to Korean culture. Almost like different forms of soft-boiled eggs, these desk accessories bring to mind some popular Korean dishes, especially those that use egg as a core ingredient. Whether it’s through their shapes or through their colors, the Madang collection tries to give a bit of life to your desk without being overbearing or extravagant. Its homage to almost forgotten games also tries to remind us to have some fun in our lives before it becomes too late to enjoy it.

The post These playful desk accessories might have you craving for eggs first appeared on Yanko Design.

This desktop speaker concept embraces an uncommon industrial aesthetic

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If you’ve been fed up with all the minimalist or pretty speaker designs out there, this unique twist could be the breath of fresh air that you need.

In times past, speakers were mostly considered to be plain boxes that stood as part of a bigger entertainment system. Recently, however, standalone speakers have become more common, especially wireless ones that could be placed almost anywhere in the house. This trend also gave birth to a radical design change, where speakers started looking like stylish room decor or even like luxury art pieces. Few people will complain about good-looking speakers, of course, but their prevalence almost suggests that this is the only way to design them, leaving little room for thinking outside the box. There are a few outliers and uncommon concepts, including one that takes a more industrial approach to create a unique look for a desktop speaker.

Designer: Evan Huang

Industrial styles are often regarded to be cold and clinical, utilizing plenty of hard edges, straight lines, and unpolished metal surfaces. The very term itself is a reference to a time gone by when designs leaned more toward utilitarianism than aesthetics. That’s not to say they can’t be visually pleasing, of course, especially with today’s tendency to mix old and new styles into a “retro” appearance that has become fashionable lately.

This industrial-style desktop speaker makes no effort to hide its true nature behind soft fabrics and cylinders. The main form is a typical speaker cone standing on a single leg that’s nothing more than a rectangular bar. The leg itself stands on a plate with crossing bars, while the back of the speaker is enclosed in a similar style of bars that would remind one of the scaffolding and support structures common to unadorned buildings of the industrial age.

Not everything looks old, though, and the arm that hangs in front of the speaker is an example of that. This rectangular bar with rounded corners holds not only the knobs that control the speaker but also an embedded LED matrix display for clock functions. The knobs include controls for treble, mid, and what may or may not be a control for bass or volume.

The numbers in front are grouped into time, date, alarm, and temperature, turning the desktop clock into a unique-looking desktop clock as well. Admittedly, the placement of the bar in front is a bit questionable. There is a chance that its presence could negatively impact the travel of sound from the speaker, and the vibrations could also affect the electronics inside in the long run. Placing it above or below the path of sound would have been more advisable without detracting from the speaker’s overall appearance.

It’s still an interesting design, however, especially considering how it deviates from the norm these days. Its novelty provides visual impact without sacrificing functionality, at least in theory. It definitely shows that one doesn’t have to be tied to fashionable design trends to have something that looks beautiful, functional, yet also minimalist in its own way.

The post This desktop speaker concept embraces an uncommon industrial aesthetic first appeared on Yanko Design.

This coin bank lets you really feel the fruits of your savings

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There is something about saving money that seems to trip up even some of the most disciplined people. Throughout the centuries, there have been many strategies and tools designed to motivate people to save their hard-earned money or at the very least prevent them from using it up. Even the venerable piggy bank was made to make it difficult to take out what you put in. However, it creates a negative mentality of a hindrance rather than a positive attitude of anticipation. A simple twist on the coin bank concept could have a more positive psychological effect, like the excited anticipation of a favorite fruit ripening and finally falling from the tree at the right time.

Designer: Younghyun Kim

Almost anything can be a receptacle for coins you want to save for a rainy day. A traditional piggy bank can definitely do the job but also doesn’t carry enough impact to make the activity worthwhile. You could also just use sheer willpower to save up money, but we all know how weak the human spirit can be without some motivation or psychological assistance, at the very least.

Fruition is a coin bank that uses semiotics or signs and symbols to convey the idea and feelings related to patiently waiting for the fruit to grow. The interpretation is almost both literal and metaphorical, with the silicone bag holding the coins that will bear the fruit of saving up. And when the fruit is ripe or, in this case, full, it simply drops, ready to be harvested.

In this case, the money bag is magnetically attached to a metal stand that represents the money tree’s stem. The tray, in addition to catching the fruit, can also be used to put other things like clips and small objects. One might want to avoid putting too much there, though, because those objects will most likely bounce and be thrown out of the tray when the fruit falls.

Almost like many coin purses, the fruit is made of silicone and held close with magnets. In truth, it doesn’t hinder anyone from plucking the bag off its branch and taking out coins. Instead, Fruition uses positive reinforcement to get people to do the right thing rather than simply challenging them with a negative block.

Fruition is a simple metaphor, one that is a perfect match to an activity that requires patience and perseverance to really reap the benefits. The coin bank’s simple design also requires fewer wasted resources and can perhaps even be made from more sustainable materials. And at the end of the harvest, you can even use it as a coin purse in your bag and just plant another “seed” to fill up with your hard-earned money.

The post This coin bank lets you really feel the fruits of your savings first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 ultimate accessories for your work from home desk

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COMM Color Options

In 2020 our lives changed completely, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed what was considered the ‘norm’, and created new norms that molded the way we lived. One of these new norms is the work-from-home culture, and it has continued well into 2022. We’ve been working from our homes for almost a year now, and although we have adapted to it, it can be quite a bore at times. I, for one, am always looking out for options and ways to spice up my work-from-home routine. And I’ve found that adding new products to my desk setup can amp my productivity immensely! The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home office. From a desk microphone that makes it painfully clear whether you’re muted or not to an astral desk clock – here’s a collection of interesting, super functional, and productivity-enhancing desk accessories that promise to be the best work-from-home investments of 2022!

1. COMM

COMM for Work From Home Design Details

COMM for Work From Home Design Details

COMM offers a touchscreen display that shows the different functions. The main functions are as follows: sharing information, reporting, expression of emotions, mutual understanding, and idea suggestions. Your home work environment can “feel” more like a real office with this simple device designed by South Korean designed Eunjeong with Fountain Studio.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can update your computer or maybe by a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace. The goal should always be speed and efficiency when it comes to working so in the area of communication, you must find a better way how to send messages across to a different party. The COMM is a concept device that can help people communicate from home. It’s a simpler way to send and receive messages, give feedback, and deliver what needs to be done. The result is increased work efficiency, especially with the angled screen for more comfortable viewing when sitting down.

What we like

  • Helps improve creativity and productivity by showing the information you need sans any distraction
  • Better than a smartphone or tablet, as it eliminates the temptation to check other apps

What we dislike

  • Limited compared to face-to-face communication, but still not too bad!

What do you think?

2. The Voice Bar Microphone

The Voice Bar Microphone, which is a standalone desk mic, makes it clear which state your microphone is in by showing it in a physical form. The towering peripheral has a swiveling bar in front that indicates whether it’s muted or not with its orientation. When it is horizontal and shows the mic icon, it is clear that it is listening to your voice and the sounds around you. Swing it vertically, and all bets are off.

Why is it noteworthy?

The mic requires you to actually turn the bar to mute or unmute the mic. In fact, the peripheral has a very analog bent to it. The volume control is an old-school knob you have to turn, which could have been implemented as a simple touch-sensitive panel you can swipe. It does give a more classical vibe to the device. In its muted vertical position, the voice bar even looks like an old telephone handset with its angled edges.

What we like

  • Makes it clear which state your microphone is in by showing it in a physical form
  • Sleek + slick form

What we dislike

  • The design isn’t exactly geared towards taking advantage of acoustics the way professional mics are

3. Astral Desk Clock

Intricate clock designs never cease to amaze us with their unimaginable accurate movement and millimeter precision in component design. Combine that with a cool idea or philosophy binding generations light-years apart, and you get a niche clock design. Add to the mix a bit of auditory and visual brilliance, and the final product is an avant-garde creation any clockmaking genius would be proud of.

Why is it noteworthy?

This concept timepiece crafted by Naotou Aji encapsulates the galaxy system in its cyclical movement – represented by the spirals that zoom out like the lens of a DSLR camera. Each level of outwards spiral movement displays the current hours, minutes, and seconds respectively, in a counter-like style that can only be visible when viewed from an angle. On the adjacent side, similar spiral hugs the audio driver covered by the brass material which beams sound, and the concentric circles move to the tunes like never seen before.

What we like

The main theme of the clock is the galaxy system

It is all about experiencing the passing by of time in a visual and auditory bliss

What we dislike

The designer mentions that this clock is not about accurate timekeeping

4. The Holder Desk Lamp

How about sporting a cool desk lamp that performs double duty as a book/document holder and a magnetic pin-up board to keep all your important reminders within your peripheral view?

Why is it noteworthy?

As I explored more renders of this design it started to grow on me – thanks to its useful functionality, sans any complicated design blueprints that seem infeasible to craft in real life. The idea of this desk lamp is to extend the usability of the good old desk lamp just beyond beaming soft light onto the desk’s work area. That’s because, you won’t be using the desk light at all times, and to make better use of the accessory, a book holder and a rotating magnetic pin-up board are incorporated into the product.

What we like

  • Holds all your books, journals, and important files in an organized manner
  • The inside lining of the book holder section has a dotted texture to keep all the important stuff in place

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

5. Nominal

Named ‘Nominal’, after the term used during launch when everything is running smoothly and according to plan, this space-inspired pen takes the shape of a miniature moon-lander, in celebration of NASA and SpaceX’s renewed efforts to return to the Moon.

Why is it noteworthy?

Nominal is a space pen with a difference. It isn’t like the space pens from the 90s – now known as gel pens, that can write upside down. This pen literally embodies space, with its launcher-inspired design. Modeled after the Moon Lander that will once again hopefully put humans on our nearest cosmic neighbor, the Nominal Moon Lander pen comes with a sleek, simple design that can rest vertically on any surface.

What we like

  • It weighs 66 grams, making it heavy enough to feel really great in the hand, without being too heavy to become cumbersome

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

6. The Quick-Access Organizer

More often than not, the reason why we lose keys, glasses, or even wallets, is because we misplace them by just placing them anywhere when we take them out of our pockets. We develop that bad habit because it sometimes takes too much work to actually drop them in proper storage, like a desk or shelf organizer, partly because the storage box itself doesn’t make it easy to use it. Having to think which item goes where can be a mental burden when it has to be done multiple times a day, and the seconds you lose opening and closing most boxes add up over time.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Quick-Access Organizer tries to smooth out by making the act of organizing your everyday carry tools as effortless as possible. The lid has sections that can fit only some kinds of objects. This makes it easier to know what to put there, so you won’t have to waste precious time making that decision every time. Pretty soon, it will be second nature to put your glasses, AirPods case, or keys in those sections, so they won’t have to end up lost in uncharted territory ever

again.

What we like

  • The box’s real special talent is how that lid quickly and effortlessly swivels out of the way, revealing the spacious cavern inside
  • This storage box is a minimalist beauty of contrasting and complementing elements

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

7. The Spotify Jukebox

While Spotify rules the roost in the audio streaming service market, there’s a compelling reason for the Stockholm-based giant to foray into its own tangible product. A jukebox or a compact audio player is a custom fit for the Spotify interface. Match that with the sublime audio quality – preferably with spatial audio software – and there’s going to be a further increase in the subscriber base in the coming years.

Why is it noteworthy?

This cool jukebox concept dubbed the Spotify Jukebox (or as I like to call it – the Juketify) carries the familiar theme of the audio streaming service’s branding. The light green and black color to be precise. To pep-up things, there is optional light green and off-white color theme as well. The gadget has a modern infusion of the curved display element and the classic radio vibe in the form of the knobs and buttons on top.

What we like

  • The lyrics appear on the major portion of the screen, so you can sing the song along to satiate your karaoke cravings every now and then
  • Fits perfectly on your desk!

What we dislike

  • It’s still a concept!

8. The Hand Desk Mic

Hand Desk Microphone

Hand Desk Mic Design

Enough pretending that your roller hairbrush is a mic when you can have a real one. But hey, the classic microphone design may be intimidating but not this Hand Desk Mic.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Hand Desk Mic is designed for fun. You can say it’s a novelty item that can make things at home or in the office more fun and exciting. It is shaped like a hairbrush with its thick head. There are horizontal slots The part where you hold the mic is where you can also find the record button and a knob for volume control and power.

What we like

  • Fun to hold
  • Minimal + clean design

What we dislike

  • More fun than functional

9. The HMM Scissors

Our workspaces are often littered with two kinds of things. On the one hand, you have tools designed to accomplish a task. On the other hand, you have decorative items designed to please the senses. Of course, there are now stationary and desk tools that are designed to hit two birds with one stone, especially those that embrace minimalist aesthetics that fit well in almost any situation. These scissors from popular brand HMM are designed to bridge those two worlds together, offering a tool that not only creates a sense of wonder but also inspires confidence in every snip.

Why is it noteworthy?

Just as with the tools mentioned above, scissors often come in two classes. One type is clearly designed for cutting away at your problems, while another type almost looks too pretty to be used. The HMM Scissors is definitely not the latter, with an aesthetic that clearly exudes its power. The wide and flat blades are almost reminiscent of industrial tools, and its black Japanese steel body gives off an aura of strength and durability.

What we like

  • Flip the scissors and hold it by the blades, and you instantly have a box cutter
  • A custom-made magnet lets the scissors stand upright with its sharp tip safely hidden inside the base

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

10. The Keychron Q3

Unlike your typical keyboard, however, the Keychron Q3 can almost be considered a work of art as well. That is thanks to its all-metal body, specifically 6063 aluminum that is CNC machined, anodized, sandblasted, and more. And in case you were worrying about the noise, Keychron took special care that the metal body wouldn’t make you the most unpopular person in the room.

Why is it noteworthy?

Even though there is still plenty of plastics used here, the aluminum body and the customization options make this keyboard a bit more sustainable than most of its peers. The body itself will last a long, long time and can be recycled when its end of life does arrive. But since the other parts can also easily be replaced, it will take an even longer time before it has to be retired from service in the first place.

What we like

  • There’s even a physical knob that can be mapped to changing the volume to changing brush size
  • The design ditches the extraneous numpad

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

The post Top 10 ultimate accessories for your work from home desk first appeared on Yanko Design.

This minimal wooden pen holder is the perfect throne for your most important everyday tool

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It’s also a beautiful addition to any desk or shelf, proudly displaying the sharpest tool in your thinking drawer.

Ideas don’t come out of thin air, though many presume that inspiration works that way. Most of the time, however, you just need to pick up the pen and let the ink flow, forcing the thoughts to come out until the ideas start to take shape. There’s something almost poetic about the act of picking up a brush or a fountain pen from an inkwell, drawing your strokes, and dipping it back in to be ready for when the next inspiration strikes, a feeling that’s almost lost even with the most elaborate and extravagant pens today. Not unless you have a pen holder that brings back that atmosphere, like a block of wood that could be the most Zen pen holder to ever adorn your desk.

Click Here to Buy Now: $38 $45 (15% off). Hurry, for a limited time only!

This wooden block is both unassuming and, at the same time, beautiful in its simplicity, as many minimalist products are wont to be. Made from genuine maple wood, each piece has grains and patterns that make it unique and special. Without saying explicitly, it’s an assurance that each black will be one of a kind, giving you the feeling that this pen holder was crafted just for you. Together with an equally stylish pen, this block transforms any desk into a thinker’s workbench, where the tools of the trade are just at an arm’s reach.

Instead of an ordinary hole or even an aluminum holder, the Wooden Pen Holder has a gently curving depression that can accommodate any pen with a standard size. The opening slopes around the pen, almost like the wood melted around it. When you pick the pen up, you almost believe that the ink will also follow it up from an invisible well of ideas. And when you put the pen back down, your writing tool rests so peacefully in its cradle, as calm as your mind after you have put your thoughts on paper.

Of course, the wooden pen holder is also the perfect desk ornament, whether by itself or together with a pen that you may only have for display. Although it fits perfectly with equally minimalist arrangements, you can never really go wrong with dark wood polished to a smooth sheen. Put it on top of walnut wood, white acrylic, or black metal, and it will still look handsome and eye-catching, even if it tries its best to be nondescript and inconspicuous.

Pair it with the Gravity Pen for an enhanced comfort writing experience.

In an age where we more often reach for our smartphones, the pen and the act of writing still work wonders on our brains and our creativity. And as every sword needs a proper sheath, every pen also needs a proper pen holder, preferably one that can speak volumes by just sitting still. And with a wooden block that exudes calm and stability, you get the perfect complement and contrast to the mighty pen that lets your ideas flow with its ink.

Click Here to Buy Now: $38 $45 (15% off). Hurry, for a limited time only!

The post This minimal wooden pen holder is the perfect throne for your most important everyday tool first appeared on Yanko Design.

This ultimate organizer keeps your desk effortlessly tidy, making it the only organizer you will ever need!

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If keeping your desks and shelves clutter-free were this easy, you’d probably never lose your keys or wallet ever again.

One of the biggest reasons people procrastinate on tidying up their desks, rooms, or houses is the inertia that’s needed to get the ball rolling, so to speak. The mere thought of the work that’s needed to put everything where it should be could send people into a spiral of excuses to put off or even skip cleaning up altogether. Many productivity gurus recommend reducing the friction in getting started or, better yet, removing the need to organize entirely by making it so easy to put things where they belong the moment you put them down. This effortless tray box does exactly that, leaving you fewer excuses to have your everyday stuff scattered everywhere.

Click Here to Buy Now: $62.10 $69 (10% off). Hurry, sale ends May 16th.

More often than not, the reason why we lose keys, glasses, or even wallets, is because we misplace them by just placing them anywhere when we take them out of our pockets. We develop that bad habit because it sometimes takes too much work to actually drop them in proper storage, like a desk or shelf organizer, partly because the storage box itself doesn’t make it easy to use it. Having to think which item goes where can be a mental burden when it has to be done multiple times a day, and the seconds you lose opening and closing most boxes add up over time.

That is the kind of friction that the Quick-Access Organizer tries to smooth out by making the act of organizing your everyday carry tools as effortless as possible. The lid has sections that can fit only some kinds of objects. This makes it easier to know what to put there, so you won’t have to waste precious time making that decision every time. Pretty soon, it will be second nature to put your glasses, AirPods case, or keys in those sections, so they won’t have to end up lost in uncharted territory ever again.

The box’s real special talent is how that lid quickly and effortlessly swivels out of the way, revealing the spacious cavern inside. The lid actually floats a little above the lip of the box, held in place by strong magnets. A little push is all that’s needed to swing the cover away or back in place, making the action as friction-free as the act of organizing itself. In fact, the action is so satisfying that you might even find yourself playing with it, spinning the lid like your new fidget toy.

In addition to being functional and fun, this storage box is also a minimalist beauty of contrasting and complementing elements. The beech wood lid is warm to the touch and to the eyes, while the aluminum body provides durability and stability. Elegant, flexible, and multi-functional, this innovative storage solution not only makes it easy to keep your EDC items in their proper place, it even makes it a bit more fun and addictive, especially when you start playing around with the lid.

Click Here to Buy Now: $62.10 $69 (10% off). Hurry, sale ends May 16th.

The post This ultimate organizer keeps your desk effortlessly tidy, making it the only organizer you will ever need! first appeared on Yanko Design.