Tag Archives: 2021

Top 10 bike designs of 2021

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At the start of 2021, did you think it would end up being a year longer than 2020? Bikes are almost a trend – they represent a daring passion that we always wish we could tap into. From exaggerated daredevil designs to sleek eco-friendly solutions, Yanko Design is here to brighten your spirits by showcasing the best of the designs we featured this year – the bike designs that we curated and you love. Take a walk through memory lane and save this post – this list is sure to keep you inspired for a long time!

1. Husqvarna Devil S

Imagining how the dimension of mobility will evolve in the next few years, designer Haochen (Wenson) Wei gives his imagination wings in the shape of this firefly-inspired Husqvarna Devil S Concept bike. The rider sits inside the Husqvarna branded bike as one would typically do in a car, and the doors open to resemble the shape of a firefly. These classy doors, in a way, hug the rider in a safety cocoon which is reassuring at high speeds. While doing this, the bike maintains its edgy looks – perfect for a futuristic ride that young people will find irresistible.

2. Nebula

Nebula by Oneobject draws inspiration from this very notion to provide the user with freedom, speed, and agility to ride with no strings attached – literally. The Hong Kong-based design studio aims to revolutionize the urban transport scene, becoming too cluttered for the current roads. Having over a decade of experience in transportation, smart IoT, and electronics – Oneobject has created Alpha and Beta rides – one an electric motorbike for mid or long distances. The other is an electric kickboard scooter for last-mile travel or short commutes. Sustainability is at the forefront of the design since Oneobject has used hard and soft materials like polypropylene for the outer shell of both vehicles. This provides hard-shell protection to all the internal machinery.

3. Akira Bike

The flashy red Kaneda’s superbike from the sci-fi flick Akira released in 1988 imprinted a lasting impression for the pop universe in the 80s, and the legend is still alive. After all, who can forget the wide and low body jet-like bike speeding the Tokyo highway? This handsome-looking bike has a few real-life, street-legal avatars – but nothing that you and us can lay our hands-on and park in the garage. This Akira bike concept by Shanghai-based artist James Qui gives me hope though. Someday the Akira’s futuristic-looking motorbike will speed on the freeways, only to become a cult favorite decades down the line.

4. Tatamel Bike




Urban spaces are getting constricted by the day for vehicles and people are gradually shifting to compact bikes or other compactly designed means of transport. Electric vehicles are the obvious choice for the eco-conscious lot and eventually we’ll live in a world that’s going to have 100 percent non-polluting vehicles on the roads. The Tatamel Bike designed by Japanese company ICOMA is good on both fronts with its ultra-foldable design and electric motor drivetrain which promises irresistible likeability for the urban commuters. The one-of-a-kind bike is very compact and can be further squeezed by folding into a form factor no bigger than the CPU cabinet under a desk. In the riding position (when fully unfolded) it measures 1230mm long, 1000mm tall, and 650mm wide while in the folded configuration it is just 700mm long, 680mm tall, and 260mm wide. Now that’s quite compact for a personal commuter. While the makers tout it as a bike, I would like to refer it more towards the “moped” terminology, since it is small and looks like one.

5. BMW D-05T

Neeraj Jawale from Pune, India has thought of the BMW D-05T bike concept that brings the fun of riding and the deep-rooted emotional connection between man and the machine to the forefront. Leveraging the advancements in technology, the bike will have the capability to make the detailed plan of the next adventure trip based on the experience of the explorers who’ve treaded the terrain before. The service hubs located in remote locations provide the swappable batteries or other travel essentials so that rider has to carry less. The bike has a watchdog in the form of a drone that keeps updating people who care about your current location status and also boosts the signal for you to have one thing less to worry about.

6. Honda Motocompo XL

Remember the cult favorite Honda Motocompo scooter from the early 1980s? The two-wheeler that could fit in the boot of a car? The box-shaped rectangular plastic body with handlebars, seat, and foot-pegs folded perfectly into the frame for a clean look. After selling fifty-three thousand-odd units, Honda discontinued the compact scooter in 1983, but couldn’t wash away its memory with concept vehicles like the 2001 e-Dax, e-NSR, and the 2011 Motor Compo electric scooter. This metaphoric vision is soulfully represented in the Honda Motocompo XL bike mustered up by 3D artist Allan Williams. It inherits the DNA of the original Motocompo scooter in more ways than not – the boxy shape being one. Just imagine it being an XL version of the compact scooter – loaded with the mean machine racing character, the Motocompo XL is a cafe racer right out of the pop culture handbook.

7. Bugatti Vitesse

According to designer Patrick Pieper, it all began when he took up the #bugatticonceptbikechallenge on Facebook for a motorbike challenge done by Bugatti enthusiasts around the globe. At that time, he made a 2D side view of the concept bike. Then after a very long lull, he decided to update it as a 3D Model with a vision to set the story on the salt flats of the Bonneville Speedway. According to Patrick, the core idea for this unique creation is to fuse the modern aesthetics of Bugatti with the nostalgic elements of the 1930’s race cars and bikes. Inspiration for the Bugatti Vitesse design comes from the 2015 Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept as the c-shaped rear of the car now takes the form of the bike’s front cover. Patrick also emphasized the inspiration of the contoured aesthetics from the Mallard steam locomotive which apparently holds the speed record for steam locomotives to date. By looking at the design, it brings to mind a whale, or a large aquatic creature, worthy of the ruler of the seas!

8. Lazzarini Design Hypercycle

This one by Lazzarini Design dubbed the Hypercycle is nothing that you would normally associate with a bicycle, rather, a superbike destined for an expressway skirmish with other fellow bikers. The streamlined shape of the motorbike and the big chunky tires are a tell-tale sign of its racing character. Just as I’m about to label it a cool superbike for the racing tracks (glancing over at the pointy front section), the side profile with the extendable rear wheel section having an independent horizontally aligned wishbone suspension, makes me believe it is a drag racer. Also, I can’t help but give it the café racer tag for obvious reasons. So, this one is your race track bike, drag racer and café racer, all-in-one; thanks to the movable rear wishbone!

9. Dust Tesla

Draped in a completely metallic finish, the bike by Nazar Eisa is destined to have time-traveled from the dystopian future. The clear geometric lines and the definitive aerodynamic build will put most of the other Tesla bike concepts to shame. It is that sexy! The long wheelbase of the Dust Tesla defies the structural stability, but hey, it has arrived from the future, where technologies are definitely beyond our comprehension. Those hubless wheels and the swingarm on the electric bike evoke a sense of dynamism which is hard to give a miss. The sharp lines flowing from the front of the bike to the rear bring a profound sense of superhero’s favored accomplice-like feel at first glance.

10. The Sokudo

A Tesla-branded electric bike concept designed to shape-shift the frame according to the rider’s position and the riding condition – ideal for the future of comfortable bike riding. This concept Tesla bike by San Diego-based renowned automotive designer Ash Thorp in close collaboration with Carlos “colorsponge” is pure dope. Ash calls this attention-grabbing set of wheels “THE SOKUDO” (meaning measuring in Japanese), and it is a part of the ongoing M.H.C. Collection by the duo. This is the 14th project in the collection.

The post Top 10 bike designs of 2021 first appeared on Yanko Design.

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

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Forget the Corolla or Camry. The Land Cruiser is Toyota’s longest running vehicle series ever, having just reached its 16th generation after first debuting way back in 1951. Some 14 years since the 200-Series was launched in 2007, the all-new 300-Series version has arrived with a bolder exterior, new engines, more luxury inside, and a further evolution of that same bullet-proof reliability that made the car a living legend.

But order one today, and you won’t be picking it up until summer 2023. Yes, that’s right. The new Land Cruiser has a waiting time of over two years! According to Toyota, the intermittent supply of superconductors and parts from South-East Asia has severely hampered the production of the new model to the extent that Toyota in Japan has stopped taking orders. Deliveries to major export markets will be delayed as well.

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

In its home market of Japan, it may not be one of the brand’s big sellers (when they have enough inventory to sell that is!), but over the last seven decades, the Land Cruiser has become a hugely popular, heavy-duty, go-anywhere vehicle in regions like the Middle East, Australia, Russia and Africa. Up against strong rivals like the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes Benz G-Class, Toyota’s superior build quality wins out.

Middle East and Australia Account for over 70% of sales

While the Middle East market might account for around 60% of global sales, my home country of Australia just happens to boast a 10% global share thanks to a strong rural fan-base where more than two in three farmers own a Land Cruiser. The reasons: reliability, durability, and cost performance. Whether in the Middle East or Australia, when you’re 100 miles from the nearest town, in rough off-road terrain and the temperature is 45C, you can’t afford to break down. If this off-roader is famous for anything, it’s not breaking down.

The vehicle’s unparalleled reliability, dependability, and popularity make the Land Cruiser a greatly sought-after vehicle in many parts of the world—to the extent that a thriving underground network of smuggling and illegal exportation has developed. In fact, in Japan today, the Land Cruiser currently holds the unenviable record as ‘the most stolen vehicle.’

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

So let’s see what makes this legendary SUV such a hit. Firstly is it the design? Unlike the Defender, G-Class, Jeep, Ford Bronco, or even Suzuki Jimny, which, over the years, have inherited similar and evolving design themes from generation to generation, the Land Cruiser has not had one identifiable exterior feature throughout the decades. So Toyota could have been really adventurous with the new model’s design, in the same way as Land Rover totally overhauled the Defender’s styling but retained key design characteristics from previous models thus maintaining the styling lineage. But it was not. A big part of what Toyota did do to make the car handle better and improve economy and emissions made the Land Cruiser some 200-kgs lighter by employing such weight-saving measures as lighter powertrains and an aluminum roof and hood. The new model now tips the scales at around 2430-kgs.





Design Features New Body-On-Frame Chassis

Simply put, the new 300-Series Land Cruiser, which comes in a choice of either 5-seater or 7-seater versions, looks like a neat, safe, unadventurous evolution of the outgoing 200-Series. The new model inherits the same boxy proportions, but this time it gets a larger, bolder grille and similar squarish headlights. With more on-road presence, the new version does appear more rugged, having been given accented edges and lines on its side profile, flared wheel arches, deeper side skirts, and a more stylized D-pillar.

What does all that mean? It translates to Toyota wanting to please a strong, global but conservative customer base who care a lot more about the reliability and the latest technology than design flare. The bottom line is that Land Cruiser owners want more of the same performance and reliability, more of what this tough SUV has delivered over the last 70 years.

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

Speaking of technology, the new 300-Series sits on the same upgraded platform as the Lexus LX and US-spec Toyota Tundra, quirkily referred to as the TNGA-F (Toyota New Global Architecture, the ‘F’ referring to full-size SUVs) platform. This refers to the Land Cruiser’s separate body and chassis setup or as Toyota calls it, a ‘body-on-frame’ structure. For the record, some SUVs like the Defender use a monocoque body shell like many cars, whereas others including the Jeep Wrangler and G-Class, have a separate body and chassis. Now, having a separate chassis, like the Jeep and Land Cruiser, allows carmakers to fit solid axles and beefier suspension to absorb sizable off-road undulations. This also aids in providing more precise, sharper handling and better ride quality.

The outgoing 200-Series model used Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic System which could change the stiffness of the dampers and even temporarily disconnect the anti-roll bars to provide better axle articulation or improved traction on uneven surfaces. The new 300-Series employs a similar system but it is controlled by electronics instead of hydraulics which allows it to react faster and be more compliant in changing road conditions.

The Driving Experience

Given the Land Cruiser’s pedigree as an unbreakable off-roader, it incorporates full-time 4WD and locking differentials as standard. But it also comes with Multi-terrain Select (MTS) which automatically detects what kind of surface you’re driving on and sets the vehicle’s suspension up for you. That’s connected to the Multi-terrain Monitor that shows you a virtual ‘see-through’ of the SUV’s hood on the infotainment system to give you a clear view of what rocks and ruts lie ahead. Obviously, it helps drivers park in narrow spaces and prevents you from scraping your wheels on high kerbs.

The old 200-Series were unbeatable off-road but when it came to on-road handling, the outgoing model used to roll and wallow in the corners and did suffer from understeer. The new model’s platform is stiffer and has a lower center of gravity while the upgraded Kinetic Dynamic suspension and steering upgrades help the car to turn in sharper with greater precision, sit flatter and with greater poise on straightaways while reducing body roll in the corners and brilliantly absorbing undulations and road vibrations.

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

One of the most significant changes in the new 300-Series is the all-new engine range. Gone are the aging gasoline and diesel V8s, replaced by newly developed V6 twin turbo gasoline and diesel powertrains with 10-speed automatic transmissions. That’s right, the old 8-speed has been upgraded to an eye-opening 10-speed box. The new Land Cruiser might get a 10-speed automatic gearbox, but being a heavy-duty off-roader, it also comes with the usual low-range gears allowing you to engage slow crawl modes to descend sharp slopes.

The smaller, more compact gasoline V6 3.5-liter produces 415-hp and 650-Nm of torque, a figure that significantly outperforms the previous gasoline V8’s 381-hp and 543-Nm. Meanwhile, the diesel V6 3.3-liter twin turbo pumps out 309-hp but generates a gutsy 700-Nm of torque which makes it the more desirable choice for farmers in Australia, for example, who need plenty of pulling power to haul trailers and livestock around.

Both V6s deliver better fuel economy, lighter curb weights, cleaner emissions, and more power, which all sounds like the holy grail of engine lineups. And well it may be for the Land Cruiser. Having spent some time behind the wheel of both the new gasoline and diesel versions, I’d have to say that both deliver more than enough performance, merge smoothly and powerfully in traffic, and generate good pulling power while reducing your fuel costs. Improved sound absorbing materials in the cabin and floor also make the driving experience more pleasant with less wind and road noise reaching the cockpit. In fact, the Land Cruiser is approaching the whispery silence of the Lexus LX, especially on the gasoline version. At idle and low revs, however, the diesel V6 still displays the customary diesel clatter of previous versions until you get the car over around 20km/h.

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

Did Toyota Pinch Some Lexus Designers?

Ah, that new cabin. Toyota seems to have pinched some designers from Lexus because the new interior is leagues ahead of the outgoing model. Fitted with soft leather, high quality plastics, aluminum accents, and shiny tactile switches, the 300-Series feels more like a Range Rover than an old Land Cruiser. It is far more high-tech with full digital readouts in the driver’s binnacle, and a large touchscreen boasting crystal clear graphics and easy-to-use slide functions. But one aspect of this new model I particularly like is its bent for analog switches that all have a luxurious look and feel to them including the air-conditioner and audio volume controls.

One other feature that really caught my eye was the power-assisted 3rd row seat foldaway and fold-out function. Press a button just inside the rear doors and you will engage electric motors that slowly raise the 3rd row seat back from a fully flat position to an upright one, before revealing the seat cushion from under the floor like a kid poking their tongue out at you.

Interestingly this function is not available on models supplied to the U.S., a country that actually does not get the new Land Cruiser. According to a U.S. colleague, Toyota made a big mistake in its marketing plan by phasing out the 300-Series from the American lineup. The only cars that will be supplied are vehicles destined for armored vehicle production companies like Alpine Armoring in the Washington DC area. They will fit bulletproof glass, armor plating, and solid rubber tires to entry-level Land Cruisers for local customers needing the best on-road security.

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

As I pointed out above, the Land Cruiser is a prime target for car thieves in Japan and beyond. In fact, when I test drove the car in Japan last month, I was handed to rather surprising pieces of 20th century anti-theft devices—namely a tyre clamp and an anti-theft steering wheel bar. I’ve been test driving cars in Japan for over 30 years and I have never been asked by a manufacturer to fit these very analog clunky devices to a hi-tech vehicle. That of course is not saying that Toyota has not done everything it can to prevent theft. To (try to) counter those with light fingers, Toyota designers have fitted a first for the Land Cruiser—a fingerprint recognition ignition switch as well as other reinforced anti-theft capabilities. Before you can drive the new model, you have to ‘register’ your fingerprint on the starter button and position the key fob next to the starter switch just to be able to start the engine. To be honest, it felt eery having to use the latest theft prevention technology alongside a tyre clamp and a steering wheel bar.

In addition to this state-of-the-art anti-theft device, the car also gets the latest in safety features. Fitted with adaptive cruise control as standard equipment, the 300-Series also gets a blind spot monitor and lane keeping functions of the Toyota Safety Sense system but also employs an upgraded safety kit including pedestrian and cyclist detection and emergency braking.

For those who might be considering a Land Cruiser but think it looks too conservative when compared to the G-Class and Defender, Toyota has also announced a ‘GR’ version. Yes, that translates as a sporty high-performance model specially built by Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s in-house motorsport and customizing arm. They’re the same people who conceived the GR Yaris, GR Supra, and GR86. But don’t get too excited that you’ll be able to compete in the grueling Dakar Rally. The GR Land Cruiser is more like a dressed up version kind of like Audi’s S Line series of vehicles that offer visual upgrades.

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

Pricing and Options

The new Land Cruiser 300-Series comes with a choice of either diesel V6 twin turbo or gasoline V6 twin turbo engines, both mated to 10-speed automatic transmissions. Customers also get a choice of five or seven seats and a sporty GR version as well. The diesel version starts at 7.6 million yen (@$66,580) while the gasoline model starts at 7.3 million yen ($63,900). But given that deliveries will be delayed indefinitely due to parts supply issues, we can expect some premium prices to be paid as people try just about anything to grab one of these hugely popular models. Just as long as they don’t try to pinch one, says Toyota.

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

Image Credits: Toyota Japan

The post 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Review first appeared on Yanko Design.

Could the Apple MacBook Air 2021 finally come in the iMac’s candy colors?

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After the iMac got a refurbish this year at Apple’s Spring Loaded event, with a new slim 11.5-millimeter design, an M1 architecture, and those beautiful candy colors, it only seems natural that Apple carry that approach to its other Macs. Designer and visualizer, Devam Jangra’s put together a view to show us what candy-colored MacBook Airs could look like, and I won’t lie… I really like it!

If the colorful iMacs were a hat-tip to the candy-colored iMac G3 computers from 1998, these vibrant MacBook Airs most certainly pay a tribute to the old iBook G3s from 1999. It’s certainly been a while since Apple’s experimented with colored laptops – their latest foray was 6 years ago, with the rose-gold MacBook Air. Jangra’s concept video definitely shows why Apple should be less reticent and more open to creating colorful MacBooks… they spark joy, don’t they?!

Rumors of colored MacBooks have been in the air for a little over a month now. In a video back in May, famed leaker Jon Prosser stated that the company would reveal a MacBook lineup “very close if not identical to the shades that you see on the stands for the new 24-inch iMacs.”

Another noteworthy feature that’s rumored to make a comeback apart from the candy colors, is MagSafe charging. Apple ditched the crowd-favorite technology a few years back for Thunderbolt charging, but if the leaks are credible, the wildly loved snap-on magnetic charging port is due to make a comeback. Jangra’s video showcases this too, while also putting two USB-C ports beside the charging port for good measure. The MacBook Air even comes with the iMac Keyboard-inspired TouchID key on the top right corner.

There’s really no saying if and when Apple would launch these. While the rumors DO come from credible sources, we’ve already had 3 Apple keynotes this year, and the only one left is the keynote in September/October, when Apple unveils their new iPhones, AirPods, and the Watch. That being said, maybe we could see this debut sometime next year, along with Apple’s highly anticipated M2 chip! I wouldn’t mind me some candy-colored iPads too!

Designer: Devam Jangra

Click below to read more!

Kaspersky’s 2021 calendar comes with a mini cyber-history lesson that coincides with each numerical month!

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What day is it again? After a year like 2020, I know I’m not the only one who needs the reminder. For that reason alone, 2021 marks the first year I bought a physical calendar. Depending on your style, calendars can bring more than just daily reminders– they provide a fun way of setting the tone for each year. The team at Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity company based in Russia, in collaboration with a handful of designers and artists recently debuted their calendar for 2021 and with it, they’re passing down their expertise in handling cyber threats.

Kaspersky is a company known for its deep threat intelligence and cybersecurity insight, protecting businesses, consumers, and government agencies with innovative security solutions. Their 2021 calendar basks in this cybersecurity insight, providing fun facts that coincide with each numerical month for you to read as a new month begins. For example, January, the first month of the year, introduces the story of the first-ever computer virus. Originating in Pakistan, from two brothers’ quest to protect their medical software from producing illegal copies, the first computer virus was dubbed, “The Brain.” Once the virus was written by the brothers, who had no malicious intent, it spread to the United Kingdom and the United States through transference by infected floppy disks.

September, the ninth month of the year, is represented by the story of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony getting recorded on a CD-ROM. Kaspersky’s calendar reads, “In 1980, Sony and Philips were beginning to negotiate a single industry standard for the new compact disc technology. Sony’s vice-president, Norio Ohga, suggested that Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony would…fit onto a CD in its entirety.” In addition to reminding us of the days of the week, and the month of the year, Kaspersky’s calendar brings us closer to moments of cyber-history that largely remain untold, bringing us closer to the cyber world one day at a time. Scroll below to read more!

Designer: Kaspersky

Each month of Kapersky’s calendar offers a historical fact relating to the cyberworld.

“The first spread computer virus was [called] the ‘Brain.'”

“HTTP works with three-digit status codes. Status 404 is an answer to a client’s request, signifying that the page is not found. We only see the status ‘404’ because for a normal webpage, the status is 200 OK. We don’t see [‘200 OK’] because the server proceeds to send the contents of the page.”

“Only 10% of the world’s currency exists physically, the rest is a mere set of zeroes and ones. That percentage [is] lowering swiftly because of online payments and plastic cards.”

“In 1980…Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony …[was] fit onto a CD in its entirety. That was the final argument about CD’s volume.”

Apple is expected to release the new 2021 iMac with 5 color options, just like the iPad Air

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It’s been two years since Apple’s high-end computing department really saw a new release (we’re talking about the polarizing ‘cheesegrater’ Mac Pro from 2019). Reliable leaker Jon Prosser, however, has some news on this front. While Apple hasn’t really announced any March event, Prosser believes the company will launch a smaller Mac Pro, and will upgrade the 24-inch iMac series… with color options.

The colored iMacs are really a hat-tip to the candy-colored iMac G3 series from back in 2008. According to Prosser, who collaborated with Concept Creator over the following images, the 2021 iMacs are likely to come in 5 colors – black, white, green, blue, and rose gold… just like the 2020 iPad Air. The colors will be much more subtle than the iMac G3’s, but they provide an interesting dynamic to the aluminum-clad all-in-one computers.

When viewed from the front, the new iMacs tend to resemble the iPad too, with the bezel treatment. Unlike previous iMacs that came with a massive chin under the screen that sported the Apple logo, the new iMacs will have much more uniform bezels. It isn’t really apparent if they’ll also come with FaceID — although given they’ll be used indoors, in settings where masks aren’t really required, Apple could just as easily integrate the FaceID modules right into the design. Speculators also say that these new iMacs could be powered by Apple Silicon, making them not just a visual upgrade, but a performance upgrade as well!

Designers: Jon Prosser & Concept Creator

A checklist to kickstarting and making an impact in 2021!

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I love making lists! From post-it notes scattered about my desk to dedicated planners, I have tried it all, what has worked though is focusing on the implementation and not creating the list as such. To save you from the endless hassle (that I personally love) of creating lists, I have created a short yet impactful list of actionable items that improve everything – from your day to day life to actualizing those goals you set up in the first place so you don’t end up next December, “Where did the year go away so fast?”

Write down your plan

Sherlock Holmes, we all are not. So, while we don’t have the ability to build a mind palace, it doesn’t mean we can’t improve our memory retention skills. If I could do that, I’d probably have displaced Mr. Dyson from his throne by now. For the regular designer Joe, we’d recommend you create a board and stick it up somewhere it’ll not be out of sight or mind. Remember, even if you are on the right track, you need to keep moving. Else you run the risk of getting run over. Create milestones, check them off, and move on.

Stay hydrated

Unfortunately, I am neither Sherlock nor am I a camel. I make sure to have a couple of glasses of water after waking up and then keep sipping from my water bottle so I can ensure that my body remains hydrated.  If you don’t have a bottle yet, you can check out some of them on our site!

Re-organize your desk space

Hahahaha. I really need to do this too. It definitely does not mean that you have to visit some store to buy organizers or a new desk. But after years of usage, you probably know best which of the things in your drawers are used frequently. A little less clutter on your desk and in the drawers will surely bring you peace of mind. And you can then stop suspecting your innocent roommate of stealing your Muji pen when you cannot find the latter.

Check out some desk setup’s for your inspiration!

Carpal tunnel and eye check-up

If you do not know what Carpal Tunnel Syndrome means, well, you should! It can be caused by unnatural working postures of the hand and wrist. People who wear prescription glasses, you probably already visit your ophthalmologist regularly to get your eyes checked. Since we spend a considerable amount of time in front of our computers and have only one pair of eyes and hands among other things, it could be worth your while to get them checked every once in a while. Add this to your plan.

Update your portfolio

Oh right yes, you do not have the time. So busy busy busy, I ain’t got no time sir! You have 365 days to choose from. Book a meeting with yourself and get it done.  And while you are at it remember to get your hands dirty and Don Draper’s words from Mad Men “Success comes from standing out, not fitting in.”

FOCUS


If you are thinking of Will Smith or Margot Robbie, I don’t blame you but no, I am not talking about the movie. When you create the plan for this year, it is important that your milestones are as non-abstract and non-ambiguous as possible. This will help you keep your eyes on the prize and you will know for sure when you have gotten there! If you were a racehorse, it’d mean something as simple as having blinders on your eyes but you are not. So find a way that works for you and keep at it.

Fewer gadgets and lesser grudges

Keep away from all the negativity! There will be people around you who only love to gossip and complain. There will be others who will inspire you. The fun part is that you get to decide with whom you spend most of your valuable time.

Sitting is worse than smoking

Okay, I am not so sure that it is true but it sure makes a good headline. But sitting for long hours is definitely not good for anybody. Take frequent breaks and lookup desk exercises for sedentary workers. You cannot go the distance with a bent back and broken knees, so let’s keep them well oiled!

Be Kind

This is clearly the easiest one and won’t cost you a penny. Kindness is how you help others rise up and not expect anything in return. Share your knowledge via a blog, be the go-to guy for the ones facing issues, enjoy somebody else’s success. Create a YouTube video explaining how you solved a silly issue. Remember, it is a selfless act and you are not trying to change people’s opinion of you. When you are kind to others in the many possible ways, you are kind to yourself too. It is a win-win!