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Best Design Apps for the Creative Industry

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Did you know that over 70% of designers report using multiple tools in their workflow? The world of design is not just about creativity; it’s also about efficiency and innovation. From industrial design and 3D modeling to interface design, graphic design, and even AI-powered designing, an array of applications exists to cater to every niche within the creative industry.

Here’s a look at some of the best design tools available today—each one a powerful ally in your quest for creative excellence—while providing insights into how they can elevate your projects from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring creator, this list should have something in it for everybody across the creative gamut.

Figma – Best for Interface Design

Figma has made a name for itself as one of the top tools for UI and UX designers, thanks to its real-time collaboration capabilities. The company that was notably ‘almost’ acquired by Adobe managed to carve out a spectacular niche within the digital creative industry in very little time. With cloud-based operation, Figma allows teams to work simultaneously on projects, offering features like component libraries, responsive design tools, and easy prototyping. Its web-based approach eliminates the need for downloads, which makes it ideal for team-based workflows.

Figma is commonly used in UI/UX design, with its free tier making it accessible to freelancers and small teams. Professional paid plans start at $15 per seat per month, unlocking additional features like team libraries and enhanced sharing capabilities. With its user-friendly design and robust functionality, Figma has become the go-to platform for designers focused on creating intuitive user interfaces and user experiences.

Why We Picked It?

Figma’s ease of use, and integration of incredibly powerful tools right into a web browser make it absolutely perfect for most individuals as well as large teams. The app feels extremely familiar once you open it, if you’re used to a general Adobe-style workflow. It takes next to no time mastering the inner workings, and the internet is FILLED with tutorials to help you unleash your creative vision.

What We Like

  • Real-time collaboration, ideal for team workflows
  • Web-based, no download required

What We Dislike

  • Limited offline functionality
  • Some advanced features are locked behind the paid plan

Canva – Best Web-App-based 2D Software

If Figma was for interfaces and workflows, Canva is for everything else 2D. A popular name in the creative industry, Canva has become one of the most widely used design tools for social media, presentations, and marketing materials. With a vast library of templates, fonts, and elements, Canva simplifies graphic design for those without formal training. Its drag-and-drop functionality is especially appealing for marketers and small business owners who need professional visuals quickly.

While Canva offers a free version, the Pro plan at $15 per month unlocks additional features like premium assets and brand kits, as well as Canva’s AI features. Canva’s ease of use and accessibility make it a go-to for digital marketing and content creation across industries.

Why We Picked It?

Canva’s device-agnostic approach to design makes it an incredibly easy and powerful tool for anyone. You can start working on a project on your phone, and then fine-tune the same project on your laptop or desktop. The app gives you access to hundreds of thousands of assets (some of them behind a paywall), and even supports working and exporting in popular sizes and formats.

What We Like

  • Huge library of templates and assets, great for non-designers
  • Drag-and-drop interface that’s easy to learn

What We Dislike

  • Limited flexibility for advanced graphic design projects
  • Pro version needed to unlock many premium assets and features

Spline – Best Web-App-based 3D Software

The 3D counterpart to Canva’s popularity, Spline is a relatively new entry in the 3D design space, offering designers the flexibility to create interactive 3D designs directly in their browsers. With a straightforward user interface and features like parametric modeling, lighting, animation, and even GenAI tools, Spline is user-friendly and accessible even for beginners.

Spline’s web-based nature makes it ideal for quick prototyping and presentations, especially for web designers aiming to add interactive 3D elements to entire websites (their Instagram is a hotspot for creativity). Spline offers a free version with limited features, while the Starter plan, at $12 per month, provides enhanced capabilities. Spline’s accessibility and ease of use are game-changers for those looking to experiment with 3D designs, games, and websites without complex software or even a line of code.

Why We Picked It?

3D modeling on a web browser was unheard of a couple of years ago. The most you could do was preview a model – but build, edit, AND render on a browser?? I’d like to say Spline was one of the first to really pioneer the idea. Their browser-based app won’t replace your traditional 3D modeling setup… but Spline is slowly getting there. Besides, it makes things so much easier for interactive web designers and game designers that it feels like magic!

What We Like

  • Web-based, making it accessible from anywhere
  • Easy-to-use interface for quick 3D modeling and interactivity
  • Powerful GenAI features

What We Dislike

  • Limited features compared to more advanced 3D modeling software
  • Still developing in terms of advanced capabilities and tools

Vizcom – Best AI-powered Visualization Tool

Vizcom leverages AI to turn sketches into highly realistic renderings within seconds, making it invaluable for concept artists and product designers. By using machine learning, Vizcom enhances quick sketches with photorealistic details, significantly speeding up the concept-to-presentation process.

Perfect for early-stage design visualizations, Vizcom allows artists to experiment with various styles and materials without the need for extensive manual rendering. Vizcom offers a free basic plan, while premium plans start at $49 per month, making it a great AI-assisted tool for rapid visualization and ideation.

Why We Picked It?

Sure, there are a lot of GenAI tools out there – but none as good as Vizcom when it comes to applying GenAI directly on your sketches. Visit Vizcom’s Instagram page to get a sense of how good it is and you’ll struggle to find a tool that even matches half its capability. It will render your sketches, turn them into basic 3D, and give you the ability to ideate alongside the AI, showing the true future of industrial design.

What We Like

  • AI-powered visualization generates high-quality renderings quickly
  • Affordable for individuals and small teams

What We Dislike

  • Primarily focused on concept and visualization, limited for detailed modeling
  • Requires an internet connection, which can be a drawback in remote or low-bandwidth settings.
  • Quality of output may vary depending on the complexity of the sketch

Gravity Sketch – Best Metaverse 3D Software

Gravity Sketch brings 3D modeling to VR (with an iPad app too), offering an immersive experience that’s particularly suited for designing within the metaverse and virtual environments. Users can draw in 3D space, walking around their creations and manipulating shapes in real time. This VR-first approach offers a unique level of creativity and interactivity that conventional 3D software can’t match.

Gravity Sketch is used by automotive and industrial designers who benefit from seeing their designs at scale. The software is notably free for individual users (something that Gravity Sketch announced in 2021) making it accessible for students and casual users experimenting with VR design, with a dynamic paid structure for teams and enterprises.

Why We Picked It?

Gravity Sketch was the first ever mainstream 3D modeling software for the metaverse, and to this day remains the gold standard when it comes to building in 3D, while immersed in 3D. You can create designs by waving your hands in mid-air, making curves, adjusting surfaces, and moving objects/layers around. This truly feels like what the future of industrial and automotive design should be!

What We Like

  • Immersive VR-based 3D modeling experience
  • Ideal for creating designs within the metaverse and virtual spaces
  • Used to be paid for individuals, but is now free

What We Dislike

  • Requires VR hardware, limiting accessibility
  • iPad app isn’t as immersive as the metaverse experience

Procreate – Best Sketching App for iPad

Procreate has made waves in the digital art community for its intuitive sketching tools on iPad. It offers a wide range of brushes, layering options, and even animation capabilities, making it versatile for illustrators, digital artists, and animators. With the Apple Pencil, Procreate brings a natural drawing experience to the digital canvas, letting you even sketch directly on 3D models!

Priced at a one-time fee of $12.99, Procreate is affordable and extremely powerful for creatives looking to sketch, paint, or animate on the go. It’s widely used for illustration, concept art, and character design, making it indispensable for artists who prefer tablet-based workflows.

Why We Picked It?

Hands down the best sketching app for the iPad. Procreate’s brilliantly simple interface, its abundance of tools and features, and its ability to handle everything from sketching and animation make it a must-have if you own an iPad. You could sketch with your finger or a capacitive stylus, but we recommend the Apple Pencil for its pressure and tilt sensitivity features. The one-time fee has great value because Procreate keeps adding new capabilities and features every few years without charging extra.

What We Like

  • Natural drawing experience on iPad with Apple Pencil
  • One-time payment, no ongoing subscription required

What We Dislike

  • Available only on iPad, limiting cross-platform use
  • Lacks some advanced features of desktop design software

Blender – Best Free 3D Software

Blender is a widely popular, open-source 3D software with extensive capabilities for modeling, sculpting, and animation. Known for being free yet feature-rich, Blender is a favorite among independent artists, animators, and hobbyists. It offers tools for everything from basic 3D object creation to complex animation, making it incredibly versatile.

One of Blender’s standout features is its robust community support, which keeps the software updated and provides a wealth of tutorials. This makes Blender ideal for creatives looking to learn 3D modeling without an upfront financial commitment. As a completely free tool, Blender is used not only in personal projects but also in professional production pipelines, especially in indie game development and VFX for films.

Why We Picked It?

There’s nothing Blender can’t do. The open-source software lets you model and render anything, whether you’re an industrial designer, 3D artist, animator, special-effects artist, or even an engineer working on simulations. Blender’s advanced settings let you customize the UI based on the kind of workflow you have, and you can even download plugins that make it even more fine-tuned to your needs. The software was and always will be free, so if there’s one 3D software I recommend you keep in your back pocket – it’s this one.

What We Like

  • Completely free and open-source with extensive community support
  • Powerful toolset for modeling, sculpting, animation, VFX, compositing, and even video editing—all in one program
  • Strong community provides extensive tutorials, plugins, and support, making it easier for beginners to get started and for advanced users to expand capabilities

What We Dislike

  • User interface can be overwhelming for new users
  • Lacks built-in collaboration tools

SketchUp – Best 3D Software for Architecture + Interiors

SketchUp has long been popular among architects and interior designers, offering intuitive 3D modeling that balances functionality with ease of use. Known for its push-pull tool and simple interface, SketchUp is ideal for creating detailed architectural models and visualizations quickly. The software was created by @Last Software and was acquired by Google in 2006. SketchUp finally got sold to Trimble Inc. in 2012.

While SketchUp offers a free web-only version for non-commercial use, the Pro plan at $49.99 per month gives you a dedicated app for Desktop, iPad, as well as web-based 3D modelers. Its user-friendly approach and accessible pricing make SketchUp an industry favorite for architecture and interior design projects.

Why We Picked It?

SketchUp was the first ever 3D design software I truly worked with. This was in the year 2008-09, just before I went to design college, and when SketchUp was owned by Google. The app was ridiculously intuitive to use, and I even designed houses and 3D scenes with zero prior knowledge. Although SketchUp has changed owners, it still remains a favorite in the architecture and interior design industry (you should check out Thilina Liyanage‘s work – all made on SketchUp).

What We Like

  • Intuitive and user-friendly, ideal for architecture and interior design
  • Free version available with essential modeling tools

What We Dislike

  • Lacks advanced rendering and parametric modeling tools
  • Pro version can be expensive for those needing full functionality
  • The 3D Warehouse has been disabled for non-web use, cutting off an entire repository of assets for users

Autodesk Fusion + Revit – Best Overall Suite for 3D Design

Autodesk is known for its powerful lineup of 3D design software, most notably Fusion and Revit. Fusion (previously known as Fusion 360) is a standout for CAD, CAM, and CAE, providing a full set of tools for product design and manufacturing. Its cloud-based nature enables real-time collaboration, making it ideal for engineering and industrial design teams that need seamless workflows and advanced simulation tools.

Revit, on the other hand, is a favorite among architects and construction professionals for its Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities. Revit allows for the creation of highly detailed building models with built-in structural and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems, facilitating a streamlined design process from conception through construction. It’s the go-to choice for architecture firms that need precise, collaborative tools for large-scale building projects.

Autodesk’s software is available through individual licenses or comprehensive subscription plans. Fusion costs $85 per month or $680 oer year, while Revit’s subscription starts at $365 per month or $2,910 per year, with discounts for bundled purchases. For educational purposes, all of Autodesk’s software remain free to use – both for students as well as teachers. The variety in Autodesk’s offerings makes it a powerful choice for industries spanning product design, architecture, and manufacturing, cementing its reputation as an industry standard for 3D modeling and BIM.

Why We Picked It?

Autodesk is the most commonly uttered name in the design and engineering circuit. With all its apps and software, be it Fusion, Revit, AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Maya, Arnold, Inventor, and a whole host of others, Autodesk has a strong grip on its industry and user base.

Fusion 360 is recommended for its all-in-one CAD, CAM, and CAE tools, ideal for iterative product design and remote collaboration via cloud-based features. Revit excels in architecture and construction with advanced BIM capabilities, supporting detailed, data-rich models that improve project precision and multi-disciplinary collaboration, making both tools invaluable for comprehensive, professional-grade design workflows.

What We Like

  • Comprehensive toolset for CAD, CAM, CAE, and BIM (Fusion 360 and Revit)
  • Cloud-based collaboration and data sharing
  • Free for Students and Educators

What We Dislike

  • Expensive subscription plans, especially for Revit

Adobe Creative Cloud – Best Overall Suite for Graphic Design

Adobe’s suite is a mainstay in the design world, with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign leading the way for image editing, vector art, and layout design, respectively. Each of these apps provides a deep feature set, making Adobe essential for graphic designers, photographers, and digital artists. Photoshop’s advanced image editing, Illustrator’s vector manipulation, and InDesign’s layout capabilities make it versatile across creative industries. The company has also stayed ahead of the AI curve, launching multiple AI features within its popular software as well as on its Adobe Firefly web app.

Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription costs $59.99 per month for access to the full suite, though individual apps are also available starting at $9.99 per month. Adobe Spark and Adobe XD add unique tools for social graphics and UI/UX design, cementing Adobe’s role as a comprehensive toolkit for digital and print projects alike.

Adobe has also moved into 3D design with Adobe Substance, expanding its offerings for those working in material texturing and 3D asset creation. This suite provides designers with everything from basic editing to advanced 3D tools, truly making Adobe a one-stop shop for creatives.

Why We Picked It?

There’s really no escaping Adobe. As hard as you try, Adobe always remains the industry standard for graphic and creative work, although they’re steadily expanding into most domains. Adobe Audition is a VERY capable digital audio workstation, Premiere Pro is the gold standard for video and VFX, Illustrator is the best for illustrators, InDesign for publication designers, and Photoshop – oh, where would we be without it! As an editor, I use Photoshop probably more than any other design app/software, and its intuitive layout (that hasn’t changed in decades) plus GenAI features make it the best photo-editing software out there. For a price, though.

What We Like

  • Industry-standard suite covering a wide range of design needs
  • Comprehensive toolset for everything from graphic design to 3D rendering
  • Incredible AI features integrated right into the software

What We Dislike

  • High monthly subscription costs, especially for full Creative Cloud access
  • Canceling your subscription can be a monumental task with extra fees

KeyShot – Best for 3D Rendering and Visualization

KeyShot, developed by Luxion, remains a top choice for 3D rendering and visualization, recently enhancing its platform with a comprehensive “Product Design-to-Market” suite. Known for its fast, photorealistic rendering and simple drag-and-drop interface, KeyShot enables designers to create high-quality visuals and animations from 3D models with ease. Its real-time rendering engine provides instant feedback, making it invaluable for quick design iterations and client presentations.

With the recent bifurcation into KeyShot Studio, KeyShot Hub, and KeyShot Dock, the software now extends beyond rendering to support a complete, collaborative workflow. KeyShot Studio delivers the powerful rendering capabilities users rely on, while KeyShot Hub enables streamlined asset management and sharing across teams. KeyShot Dock bridges the gap between design and marketing, making it easier for teams to transition finalized assets into promotional materials.

KeyShot is widely used in product design, automotive, and marketing, where lifelike visuals are crucial. Pricing for KeyShot Studio starts at $99 a month, with add-on plugins providing advanced features like Network Rendering and VR support. These new additions solidify KeyShot Studio as an essential tool for turning 3D models into stunning, market-ready visuals while enabling efficient, team-oriented workflows across the design-to-market process. KeyShot Hub and KeyShot Dock have pricing-on-request models.

Why We Picked It?

88% of Industrial Designers prefer KeyShot over any other rendering software. It’s intuitive, fast, and provides stellar results with minimal effort, unlike other software that requires a lot of technical know-how or pre-rendering setup. Although KeyShot isn’t a ‘design’ software, its Product Design-to-Market Suite is slowly and surely making it an integral part of the industrial design and visualization process. KeyShot Studio, or the rendering app, remains an industry favorite by a strong margin, being used by leading brands like Volvo, Nikon, Motorola, and Under Armour. The KeyShot Hub supplements the rendering program, allowing you to access assets to use alongside your designs.

What We Like

  • Real-time rendering with high-quality visuals and animations
  • New Design-to-Market suite enhances workflow with Studio, Hub, and Dock

What We Dislike

  • Pricey, especially for the Pro and enterprise-level versions
  • Primarily focused on rendering, not modeling or asset creation

 

The post Best Design Apps for the Creative Industry first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Game-Changing Materials that are shaping the Design and Technology World in 2024

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Imagine a world where buildings heal their own cracks, mushrooms become furniture, and fashion can help regulate your body temperature to keep you comfortable no matter the weather. This isn’t a chapter from a science fiction novel; it’s the near future of design materials that are set to revolutionize our lives in 2024. From self-healing concrete to bioengineered plastics, innovators across the globe are pushing boundaries to create materials that not only challenge our traditional understanding of functionality but also promise sustainability and efficiency like never before. A lot of these materials may not seem incredibly new to you, but advancements in their production (and rapid deployment) earn them a spot on this list. These aren’t ‘unheard of’ materials, but rather, are materials that are slowly and surely becoming more and more accessible to companies looking to innovate and bring the latest advancements to the world. Be prepared to hear more and more about these materials going forward, because of how radically powerful they are, and how much potential they hold to make lives easier, processes more efficient, and the world hopefully greener and better.

10. Gallium Nitride (GaN)

This unassuming compound, often overshadowed by its silicon cousins in years past, is poised to claim center stage as one of the top ten game-changing materials for technology. Imagine a substance so versatile that it could simultaneously shrink your bulky laptop charger into an almost weightless accessory and at the same time propel electric vehicles towards unprecedented efficiencies. GaN does just that, thanks to its remarkable ability to handle higher voltages and dissipate less heat than silicon—traits that are propelling us headlong into an era of energy efficiency that once seemed like science fiction. In laboratories around the globe, GaN is already flexing its muscles; showing off not only in power electronics but also making waves in radio frequency applications where speed is king. With 5G networks unfurling their potential across cities worldwide, GaN stands ready as a key player in amplifying signals with clarity and precision unheard of before. But don’t let these technical feats overshadow GaN’s environmental bravado—it operates cooler and wastes less power, which means smaller cooling systems and greener solutions all around.

9. Graphene

This marvel, just one atom thick and yet stronger than steel, is poised to redefine our approach to everything from electronics to architecture. Picture a world where your smartphone bends like paper without breaking or buildings that withstand earthquakes with ease; this isn’t a fanciful daydream but the tangible future promised by graphene. Revered for its exceptional conductivity, it’s set to revolutionize solar panels, turning them into ultra-efficient light sponges that could make clean energy more accessible than ever before. Imagine textiles imbued with this wonder material – clothing that can monitor health or even charge your devices on-the-go (we already know of thermoregulating fabrics that rely on the properties of Graphene)… but what truly sets graphene apart is its versatility – it’s not merely enhancing existing products but paving the path for innovations we haven’t even dreamed of yet.

8. Quantum Dots

You’ve probably heard of quantum dots in one of Samsung, LG, or Sony’s press releases about their latest televisions… but what exactly are these quantum dots, and what about them made them enter this list? Well, quantum dots (QDs) are nanocrystals with unique optical properties, making them ideal for next-gen display technologies. These tiny semiconductor particles are small enough to exhibit quantum mechanical properties, which allow them to emit light at specific wavelengths when energized. The result? Vibrant colors and improved energy efficiency in displays ranging from TVs to smartphones. While the world is coalescing around quantum dot displays (moving away from traditional LCDs and OLEDs) because of how incredibly vivid and lifelike they are, the potential for these dots extends way beyond just displays, with their ability to help make solar panels MUCH more efficient, as well as revolutionize (and democratize) quantum computing.

7. Liquid Metal Alloys

If the term ‘Liquid Metal Alloys’ instantly got you thinking of T-1000 from Terminator 2, you’re bang on the money. Imagine a metallic substance as malleable as playdough yet capable of conducting electricity better than copper and withstanding extreme temperatures without breaking a sweat. Liquid metal alloys, composed primarily of gallium mixed with other metals like indium and tin, challenge our very notions of solidity and permanence. These wonder materials can be poured into molds to create seamless parts for complex machinery or used in flexible electronics (think wearable tech or soft robotics) that bend without breaking – think foldable smartphones taken to an entirely new level. Moreover, their self-healing properties ensure longevity in products that would otherwise succumb to wear and tear. Researchers across global high-tech sectors are buzzing about how liquid metal alloys could revolutionize everything from medical devices—enabling more responsive prosthetics—to aerospace components that can endure volatile space conditions unscathed. The transformative potential is immense: energy storage systems becoming more efficient, soft robotics gaining unprecedented flexibility and sensitivity, and even consumer gadgets getting sleeker upgrades while enhancing durability.

6. Advanced Ceramics

Envision a world where engines run cooler and last longer because of ceramic components impervious to heat and wear or where our smartphones are virtually indestructible thanks to scratch-resistant ceramic screens (Apple’s already experimenting with their CeramicShield technology). This alchemy of silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, and alumina stands poised to shatter expectations—without shattering itself—with its unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio and thermal stability. The brilliance lies not just in what these materials can endure but also in their uncanny ability to conduct electricity or resist it entirely depending on the need—a trait that makes them indispensable in electronic devices and solar panels alike. As environmental considerations take center stage globally, advanced ceramics offer an eco-friendly beacon for sustainable development with their durability reducing waste over time.

5. Nanocellulose

Derived from cellulose, the most abundant polymer on earth, nanocellulose is an absolute eco-friendly wonder-material. At just a nanometer scale in width, nanocellulose fibers are invisible to the naked eye but hold the future of sustainable technology firmly within their minuscule grasp. Why is nanocellulose turning heads this year? Picture a material lighter than plastic yet robust enough to challenge steel’s dominance in tensile strength—a true David amidst industrial Goliaths. Manufactured through methods that break down plant matter into its cellular level, nanocellulose transcends its humble origins by boasting properties like biodegradability and low toxicity—all while maintaining remarkable thermal stability and barrier qualities against gases. It’s no surprise then that industries from packaging to aerospace are scrambling to integrate it into their products for an edge in environmentally conscious innovation.

4. Mycelium

Try to picture the word ‘mushroom’ in your head and I’m sure your brain conjures the archetypical button or oyster mushroom that most of us know and love. However, that tiny umbrella-shaped organism is just a tiny fraction of what a mushroom actually is. The part that emerges from the ground is merely the ‘fruit’, which contains spores to help the organism propagate further… but look underneath the surface and you’ll stumble across the mycelium, often considered the true ‘body’ of the mushroom. Often tens or hundreds of times larger than the tiny button-shaped fruits themselves, mycelium has some incredible benefits. It possesses leather-like properties, making it an incredibly suitable vegan alternative to animal-based leather, but more importantly, its fleshy, spongy mass has the ability to grow at a rapid pace, making it a great replacement for styrofoam and a bunch of other moldable materials. The fungus-based material grows by decomposing and ingesting natural waste (which is a win in its own regard), has the ability to self-heal and regrow at rapid speeds, and the best part, is entirely natural, making it eco-friendly and inherently biodegradable. This mycelium single-use biodegradable grill is a perfect example of how the material could revolutionize 2024.

3. Bioplastics & Biocomposites

While mycelium won’t completely replace moldable materials like plastics, petroleum-based plastics are seeing some stiff competition from naturally derived polymers or even polymers that integrate natural composites into them. Traditional plastics are derived from crude oil and have a notorious inability to degrade into soil, causing pretty much every conceivable problem in modern history from landfills to ocean trash and those pesky microplastics that are now finding their way into humans and pretty much every part of nature. Bioplastics are derived from naturally occurring materials (like corn or hemp), allowing them to be molded and manufactured just like regular plastic, but with the added benefit of being biocompatible and degradable. Biocomposites, on the other hand, use natural filler materials and natural binders to create a plastic alternative that’s stiff, durable, and resistant to external elements. The most common biocomposites we’ve seen make use of waste like coffee grounds or grain husks, binding them with natural binding agents to create new materials with properties that mimic different forms of plastic… but with the added benefit of being nature-friendly, and waste-reducing. This no-compromise approach to material sciences make bioplastics and biocomposites a truly game-changing choice for 2024… and perhaps the most easily accessible too!

2. Transparent Solar Panels

Imagine if your home windows could collect energy from the sun and supply your house with power. Or even more impressively, if your smartphone’s glass front could help charge your phone when kept out in the sun. The advent of transparent solar panels are slowly making this dream a reality. These panels offer advantages over traditional panels by being less visible and space-efficient. Despite being relatively new and pricey, ongoing technological advancements suggest future cost reductions, making them more accessible. The panels work by utilizing a special solar cell that absorbs light without darkening, enabling integration into windows and other transparent surfaces. This technology, although in its early stages, holds immense potential to transform solar energy utilization, effectively turning any glass surface into an energy source. The panels operate by letting visible light pass through while capturing ultraviolet and near-infrared energy, enabling power generation without relying solely on visible light. Their thinness and efficiency make them versatile for various applications, from powering devices to entire buildings, without compromising aesthetics. Think about how incredible it would be if you could park your car out in the open and return to a fully charged EV battery?!

1. Self-healing materials

Perhaps the most exciting material type in this entire list, self-healing materials represent a category of materials that can ‘mend’ themselves over time, reversing any damage caused to them. The most obvious application is self-healing concrete, which allows cracks and signs of weathering in buildings to magically disappear, increasing the longevity of structures (done by incorporating specific elements such as fibers or capsules into a concrete mix that contains repairing solutions)… however, the applications in technology are incredible too. Self-healing paints/coatings could allow scratches on cars to automatically disappear when exposed to light or UV, and there have been significant advancements in self-healing polymers and glasses that could make tech damage less of a hassle. Imagine dropping your phone only to see the crack or scratch heal and disappear over time. That would make for a rather fun JerryRigEverything YouTube video!

(Bonus) Titanium

Although Titanium has been one of the go-to materials for EDC tool design and medical use, the fact that Apple and Samsung both launched titanium smartphones last year has massive implications for the world’s strongest metal. Sure, outside those few consumer electronics uses, Titanium has been around for decades… so why does it feature on this list? Well, Titanium sits at a unique crossroads – it’s lightweight, ridiculously durable, and it’s biocompatible (and therefore hypoallergenic). It doesn’t hurt that Apple and Samsung have done wonders for the material’s popularity too… so expect titanium to make more appearances in high-end wearables, bordering on even bionic products like BCIs (brain-computer interfaces) and other exciting products we haven’t seen yet!

The post Top 10 Game-Changing Materials that are shaping the Design and Technology World in 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 Midjourney Artists using AI to Blur The Lines Between Art and Architecture

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There’s a unique dichotomy that’s emerging with AI tools. While all AI tools are essentially designed to automate activities and make life easier, AI tools like ChatGPT end up making our brains weaker because we get the AI to do all the thinking and writing for us, but on the other hand, AI tools like Midjourney end up making our brains more creative! Anything you can think of, Midjourney can visualize, and that has vast implications for our overall society as it pushes us all to be a little more visually imaginative.

Today’s list comprises global AI artists who are doing exactly that. The works of these artists feature unthinkably beautiful art installations, architectural wonders, and even interior elements that should make your jaw drop ever so slightly. Here are our favorite artists and creatives who are using AI tools like Midjourney to break the shackles of reality and explore creativity beyond it!

Joshua Vermillion (@joshuavermillion)

An Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and a published author, Joshua Vermillion’s experiments with AI stem from his architectural background. Vermillion’s work predominantly looks to explore the use of organic forms and vibrant colors in well-lit spaces, creating a menagerie of tints and shades. One of Vermillion’s most famous works involved creating unique tinted-glass structures in a desert. Stemming originally from the idea of building installations at Burning Man, he went on to explore the series in greater depth, creating unique organic structures that capture the whimsical nature of the human-AI creative partnership. You can check out Joshua’s work on his IG page.

Will Garner (@wg.xyz)

Will Garner’s experiments with AI stem from his architectural background too. An architect by profession, Garner touts the use of AI in his workflow to come up with unique ideas that may not seem feasible, but are definitely a direction worth aspiring to head in. Much of Garner’s later work has incorporated the use of metal sheets in the architectural facades to create shimmering structures, although his most popular projects have a biophilic touch to them, incorporating concrete and chlorophyll together to create buildings that immerse themselves in nature! Browse Will’s Instagram to see his work.

Vojtek Morsztyn (@vojtek_morsztyn)

London-based designer and CEO of Ocean Community, Vojtek Morsztyn is quite a mixed bag of talent. Vojtek has an impressive design background, working on projects such as airplane interiors, helicopters, boats and creating architectural spaces such as Mercury Tower for Zaha Hadid, Google, etc. Now actively involved as a designer in the world of AI design connecting with industry professionals on an international scale. Vojtek’s IG is just about as diverse as his own skills, and features a combination of futuristic transportation as well as architecture. The work displayed above takes a page from one of his own mentor companies, paying tribute to Zaha Hadid’s chaotic organic approach to architecture. The buildings look massive, sublime, and like a literal oasis of shimmering hope in an arid desert. Vojtek’s IG is a great source for eclectic, appealing content, and deserves a follow!

Carlos Bañón Goh (@carlosbannon)

It’s just extremely encouraging when we see professors experimenting with AI tools instead of being strict puritanical traditionalists. An Associate Professor of Architecture and Sustainable Design at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Carlos Bañón Goh uses AI tools to explore new styles of art, architecture, and digital manufacturing. An example lies in his explorations with Renaissance art and modern products like wireless mice (you NEED to see his series on Michaelangelo-inspired mice!), although our favorite remains his steady obsession with staircases. Carlos loves experimenting with applying new architectural/visual styles to staircases, like minimalism, blobject, art deco, and art nouveau (like the black staircase on the top left). View all of Carlos’ AI experiments on his Instagram.

Daryl Anselmo (@darylanselmo)

Daryl Anselmo stands out with both his designs and his professional background. An Art Director for Games and New Media, having worked with companies like Disney, EA, and Zynga, Daryl believes in using AI to build worlds. He doesn’t make buildings, he makes societies and urban cultures. He doesn’t make interior spaces, he weaves up interior elements that tell a distinct story and have a strong background. I use the word ‘weaves’ rather literally, referencing my favorite work from Daryl – his Heirloom Granny Square Sitting Rooms collection. Creating living rooms that have been crochet-bombed and bedazzled by enthusiastic grandmas, these interiors are an explosion of color, contrast, and textures. Every inch of every photo has woven elements in it, whether it’s quilts, furniture, or even dreamcatchers hanging from the ceiling. There’s a simultaneous feeling of comfort and of bursting vibrance in these interiors, but don’t take my word for it… visit Daryl’s Instagram to see the other beautiful work he’s creating using AI!

The post Top 5 Midjourney Artists using AI to Blur The Lines Between Art and Architecture first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 Midjourney Artists using Artificial Intelligence to push the boundaries of creativity

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I increasingly find it harder and harder to imagine a world without AI creation tools. In a matter of just a few months these tools have gone justifiably mainstream, and no matter where you look, there’s really no escaping them. Don’t get me wrong though, I don’t mean to paint these tools in a bad light, because we’ve seen them be capable of creating some stunning pieces of work, whether images, text, podcasts, or even music (if you haven’t heard the AI Drake and The Weeknd collab, go do it right now)! The first industry to be truly revolutionized by AI is probably the world of art, with text-to-image models like Midjourney turning everyone into an instant artist. Art forms a backbone to many disciplines of design – architecture definitely being one of them. Today we take a look at how creatives are using AI tools to revolutionize the world of architecture by either introducing fresh perspectives into it, or by carrying architecture to other design disciplines to make something refreshingly new. Here are 5 Top Midjourney Artists who are disrupting architecture with their AI-based creations!

Hassan Ragab (@hsnrgb)

Probably the hottest name in AI art, Hassan Ragab is an Egyptian architect based out of California, with over a decade of experience in computational architecture. Ragab took the internet by storm with his AI-based creations early on, making some unusually beautiful building facades using AI text-to-image tools. Over the months, he’s also experimented with AI videos, using tools to turn human movement into architecture (Ragab captured Michael Jackson’s dance and turned each frame into a modern building. He also did a similar exercise with a ballerina’s dance). His secret sauce, however, remains the fact that along with Midjourney, he’s also using his own custom blend of AI tools by training machines on his own architectural works over the past decade. Head to his Instagram to check out some AI architectural magic!

Arturo Tedeschi (@arturotedeschi)

Tedeschi has, for years, mastered the art of algorithmic design. It’s how nature thinks and works, he says, and using algorithms is his way of imitating nature’s balance between being artistic and efficient. A master of generative design (and an author of multiple books), he’s now begun shifting his focus on training and using AI tools to create designs. Arturo’s work isn’t simply limited to architecture, as he experiments with all sorts of AI tools and disciplines. He even recreated some MET Gala looks on his Instagram using Midjourney and is a master of understanding how to use AI to get just the right desired results. Visit his Instagram page to see what he’s up to and you can even sign up for his Domestika course of using Grasshopper’s algorithms for 3D modeling.

Shail Patel (@shael.ai)

Indian-origin Architectural Designer Shail Patel (who goes by @shael.ai on the gram) has a supremely good command over Midjourney, weaving together whimsical images of bubble homes and vehicles, vivid facades for luxury brand shops, and combining art and design in unusual ways. Shail’s designs are almost always grandiose, but have an element about them that still brings a childlike curiosity, whether it’s bubble-shaped designs, or entire fashion gowns made out of greenery. Shail’s always creating vivid new pieces of work on his Instagram page.

Ulises Design Studio (@ulises.ai)

If you love Shail’s work, you’re sure to find the Ulises.AI Instagram account just as fascinating. The Berlin-based studio specializes in ideating and realizing concepts using AI, and has collaborated with ArchDaily and its subsidiary website, DesignBoom. A lot of their work exists within the realm of architecture as they explore new materials, styles, and even architectural movements by using AI. Check out their Instagram page to see the kind of world we’d live in, if the folks at Ulises had their way!

Str4ngething (@str4ngething)

The Banksy of this list, Str4ngeThing is a faceless, identity-less being (or a group of beings) that blends the lines between fashion and architecture, simultaneously merging haute style with Renaissance elements. It’s very difficult to build a “style” while using AI tools (because the AI will use its entire database to make a variety of designs across multiple styles), but Str4ngeThing does that pretty well, with this visual niche of theirs. In fact, this eclectic blend has earned them features in Vogue, Hypebeast, High Snobiety, and even on leading NFT platforms. What really sets Str4ngeThing apart from other artists on this list is their careful blend of two distinct styles that help create something totally avant-garde. In their own way, they’ve reinvented the Renaissance and Art Noveau movements, bringing AI to them. Check out their brilliant work on their Instagram account.

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Our top 10 winning designs from the 2022 A’ Design Award and Competition

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It’s celebration time – well, aside from Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo, it’s also that time of the year that the A’ Design Award and Competition reveal their yearly winners! Spanning literally a hundred categories, the A’ Design Awards look at creating a holistic list of the best designs internationally, across all disciplines. Held annually, the A’ Design Award and Competition is like the Yellow Pages of good design, and you can be a part of it too by participating!

The A’ Design Award and Competition is much more than just your average awards program. It actively seeks good design, markets it, and brings value to the project as well as the designer in the form of a wide range of value-added services like a dedicated PR Campaign, an online exhibition, and even a platform to sell your design on… and these perks aren’t just limited to the design, they extend to the designers and creators too. Your participation entitles you to a proof-of-creation document, inclusion in A’ Design’s Business Network, and the Design Fee Calculator service that lets you accurately price your design services for future clients, allowing you to set up your design practice.

Judged by a grand jury of 227 elite designers and educators, here are a select few of A’ Design Award and Competition 2021’s winners. We’ve hand-picked some of our favorites from this year’s list of winners spanning categories such as Product Design, Social Design, Tech, Furniture, Medical, and Transportation Design. Scroll down below to have a look at what’s making the waves this year in the design circuit! And don’t forget to register below to participate in the competition for 2022-23 to make sure your work as well as you get the recognition you deserve!

Grab an Early-bird Registration for A’ Design Awards 2022-23 by clicking here!

Beach Cabin on the Baltic Sea by Peter Kuczia

Part cabin part conservatory, the Beach Cabin on the Baltic Sea offers the most stunning panoramic views of the beach. This small gastronomy facility located in north Poland near Gdansk boasts of a simple form that fits naturally into the beach environment. The cabin comes in two parts – an enclosed space, and a vast, open living/dining area that provides shelter along with an abundance of natural light. The glass facade gives onlookers an absolutely sublime view of the ocean, the shoreline, and even the sky above! The building stands on stilts so as not to touch the terrain directly… which means it literally floats above the sand. Tell me that isn’t the most dreamy piece of architecture you’ve ever seen!

Haragana Lounge Chair by Tobias Kappeler

The Haragana is a lounge chair made from bent steel tubes and cork disks for seating. Its metal outline, to any astute observer, resembles an armchair, however, the Haragana doesn’t have any cushions or upholstery. Instead, its seating area is split into 6 discs spread across the base and the backrest. Visually, the Haragana aims at challenging the stereotype of a chair by being radically different, but functionally, it still is comfortable to sit on, with the cork discs providing just the right amount of softness and support. All in all, the chair also fulfills yet another purpose – that of evoking a sense of curiosity, and always inviting you to try and sit on it!

Polychromatic Mobile Phone by Tecno Camon 19 Pro Design Team

Using patterns and light to define how unique your phone looks, the Polychromatic Mobile Phone comes with a rather Mondrian-inspired grid of pearlescent swatches that change colors based on whether it’s exposed to UV light or not. At first glance, the Polychromatic phone instantly reminds one of Google’s Project Ara… however as Google quietly killed that endeavor citing complex issues, the team at Tecno Camon took its grid pattern to the next level. Combining that with inspiration from French painter Edouard Manet, who brought light into painting and is credited with creating the Impressionist art movement, Tecno Camon created the Polychromatic Mobile Phone’s design – a striking grid-based rear design that’s also UV light-responsive, changing colors/tints when exposed to ultraviolet light.

GS-X One Food Delivery Robot by Shanghai Gaussian Automation Tech Dev.

Waiters have two hands… the GS-X has four! Well, equipped with four drawers, the GS-X is an intelligent service robot that can deliver food to tables with efficiency and accuracy… and a smile! With dual positioning cameras placed at the top and the bottom, GS-X can quickly perceive the environment and plan paths for contactless delivery. Pandemic got you paranoid? Well, GS-X can also perform temperature measurements, facilitating epidemic prevention and control.

The Emerald Isle Rare Irish Whiskey Packaging by Tiago Russo

Inspired by the Faberge egg, the Emerald Isle whiskey mirrors a similar rare opulence with how luxuriously it’s packaged. A statement of whiskey, art, and craftsmanship, the whisky’s bottle and packaging use the Faberge as a recurring design accent throughout the entire collection. The opulent colored gemstones on the box reflect Ireland’s traditions and natural beauty. Touted as the rarest and most expensive whiskey ever sold, only seven units of the Emerald Isle whiskey were produced and sold at an auction, where the bottles were sold for a starting price of 2 million USD! Each egg-shaped bottle comes encased in a luxurious wooden display case, covered by a glass box. Open the display case and each bottle is also accompanied by drinking accessories, a Faberge egg replica, a premium wristwatch, and a set of Cohiba cigars to complete the entire experience!

Draw One Calendar by Dan Wang and Ziqiang He

Designed to serve as a calendar as well as a use-one-per-day paper towel dispenser, the Draw One sits mounted on your kitchen wall. Now why would one in their right mind combine a calendar and a towel dispenser? Well, designers Dan Wang and Ziqiang He wanted people to respect and cherish time as well as paper. “Draw One Calendar is a minimalist calendar that uses the form of a tissue box as a metaphor for the preciousness of time”, mentioned the designers. The calendar uses individual sheets of paper to display the date, with each sheet also serving as a paper towel. The catch is that you can only use one paper towel per day, so you’re automatically conditioned to be more economical and not waste paper towels. Moreover, as the year is complete, you can simply add another set of 365 paper towels into the Draw One’s wooden dispenser box.

E390 Electromobile by AIMA TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.

The E390 may not have an incredibly sexy name, but it sure looks like a stunner. Unlike scooters that are usually known for having a less-than-slender body language, the E390 boasts of an incredibly lean profile, allowing it to have the appeal of a moped, with the template of a scooter. Designed for urban commuting, the E390 rightfully looks stylish in the contemporary sense, with a clean design, fresh blue colorway, and that beautifully slim yet piercing headlight! And although you can’t see it in the picture, the E390 also boasts of an incredibly well-designed dashboard that blends right into the scooter’s form without so much as one parting or separation line!

Iko Hanging Chair by Ivo Andric

“A levitating sphere, a focus capsule, a refuge for the senses”, that’s what Ivo Andric prefers to call his design rather than simply a ‘hanging chair’. After all, the Iko doesn’t look or feel like your traditional chair. Designed like a nest of a weaverbird, this little hanging cocoon provides a neat enclosed space for you to lounge in, allowing you to take a reclusive break right within your home. The chair is shaped like an icosahedron, creating a geometric dynamism that complements most home decor, and comes with plush cushions and felt-lined acoustic-panel walls to give you comfort and quiet whenever you want!

Canairi Indoor Air Quality Monitor by Hans Augustenborg

Designed to look like home decor, the Canairi actually serves a pretty important health purpose – it tells you whether your air quality is good or bad. Mounted on your wall, this adorable yellow bird either stands upright, to let you know the air you’re breathing is clean, or dramatically falls over to give you a heads up when your air quality drops below acceptable limits. The idea comes from the old belief that canary birds were used in coal mines to detect danger, mainly, carbon monoxide. If the bird fainted, it was a sign that the levels of carbon monoxide were too high and miners would be instructed to evacuate. Not a particularly ethical use of canaries if you ask me, but I assure you, no canaries were harmed in the making of this air quality monitor!

Migo 3D Printer by Junshen Pan and Jie Shen

Named after the word Amigo, this little 3D printer is small enough to actually be carried around wherever you go! Roughly the size of a cat or a small dog, the Migo fits right in your backpack (you know the kind you use to carry pets on) and can be carried from home to work… although it wasn’t quite designed for work. You see, given its small footprint, Migo can’t really print larger objects – which makes it perfect for educational use rather than professional use. Gone are the days when kids carried books in their backpacks. The future involves kids carrying their own 3D printers! Although no, I’m pretty sure the printer isn’t designed to run while inside the backpack… yet.

Grab an Early-bird Registration for A’ Design Awards 2022-23 by clicking here!

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IKEA’s 70-year design evolution compiled into this one video shows why they’re the greatest furniture brand of all time

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Contrary to popular belief, IKEA wasn’t always the flat-pack furniture and home-decor giant you see it to be today. Sure, it was founded by Swedish businessman Ingvar Kamprad back in 1943, but as a mail-order sales business that expanded into pre-assembled furniture five years after it was founded. However, the fateful event which radically altered IKEA’s brand ethos (and also its fortunes) can be traced back to a regular day in 1956 when Gillis Lundgren (one of IKEA’s employees at their first-ever store) was trying to load an IKEA table into the back of the car for delivery. Realizing that it was WAY too bulky to fit cleanly into the car’s boot, Gillis removed the table’s legs, effectively reducing it into smaller, easier-to-pack portions. Until that moment, the young company only offered pre-assembled furniture… but Gillis’ clever lifehack took the work-in-progress formula of a ‘supermarket for furniture’ to the next level. The IKEA flatpack was born.

Ever since that innocuous day in 1956, IKEA has firmly doubled down on being the low-risk, low-cost destination for furniture that you can assemble yourself – a philosophy that’s allowed them to expand to 60 countries, cementing their position as the world’s largest furniture retailer since 2008. Take a trip to your nearest IKEA and you’re sure to return with something practical, affordable, and a little on the chic side of ‘basic’, but a look back through 70 years of IKEA design tells a wilder story: an illustrated tale of style innovation, retro trends, the rise of the Scandi lifestyle, and a flatpack living room that would evolve across generations.

This wild compilation, courtesy HouseHold Quotes, condenses over 70 years of IKEA’s styles into a short 90-second video. Household Quotes scourged through archives of IKEA catalogs for classic living room pieces from the past 7 decades, meticulously creating digital renders of IKEA’s modern living room through the ages!

1950s (IKEA living room cost = $1,819.34)

The first IKEA store opened in 1958, but it started as a mail-order concern. Customers would send off a completed coupon from their IKEA catalogs – which was mostly written by the company’s founder, Ingvar Kamprad. The centerpiece of our 1950s lounge is a “beautiful elm” UTÖ table that seems purpose-built to store incoming catalogs and lifestyle magazines. Although that PALETT lamp is a low-key talking point, too. Available in ox-blood, bright blue, pigeon grey, or plain-old black, the PALETT’s palette illustrates the story-telling capacity of IKEA’s products. “Nowhere else would you be able to find such a stable and beautiful lamp at such an outstanding price,” yells the brochure in true 1950s salesman parlance.

1960s (IKEA living room cost = $1,764.22)

Into the Mad Men era, furniture stood up on its legs to allow the Hoover-buying public to reach every last ball of floor fluff. That RIO coffee table is very much for company rather than catalogs. The plastic-treated teak circle-top allows guests more legroom (we’re told), following the design by Arne Wahl Iversen, a young Danish designer who specialized in what we might call “office casual.” You’ll also note the atom-age spin of the helixed wallpaper and circular GYLLEN rug. But the science isn’t so hard: the “soft and snug” GYLLEN has “long fringes,” its “delicious color scale” created with high-quality dye for a “lasting luster.”

1970s (IKEA living room cost = $1,701.32)

Say what you will about 1970s style, but no other decade was bold enough to give us the IMPALA sofa. Believe it or not, the IMPALA’s designer was the same man who created the BILLY bookcase: Gillis Lundgren, who joined IKEA as its fourth employee in 1953. Lundgren was also the same young man who unscrewed that historic LOVET table, bringing flatpack furniture into the mainstream. (The coffee table pictured here is the fiberglass/polyester CENTRUM 50). That AMARANT standing lamp is also a bit saucy, and decidedly 1970s. A nickel-plated stem, crowned with white or orange acrylic plastic, it offers a pull switch and the lamp can be taken apart and reconstructed as a table lamp if preferred.

1980s (IKEA living room cost = $1,480.25)

Yes, that’s a BILLY – “Sweden’s most-purchased bookcase” according to the catalog. In 1986, the bookcase was available with an oak veneer or nut-brown glaze, with five design alternatives. Having debuted in 1979, by the time of its 30th anniversary the BILLY would be produced at a rate of 15 bookcases per minute, and the 41 million units sold would have formed a wall 70,000 kilometers long. However, the BILLY also marked the ushering in of a more conservative period in IKEA design. Our 1980s IKEA living room is something of a nightmare flashback: the bland HEDE armchair and YSTAD sofa fading into the background next to the faintly more risky rattan VIBY side table.

1990s (IKEA living room cost = $2,086.23)

Nobody knew what they were doing in the 1990s, style-wise. But IKEA’s latest lines were at least comfortable and practical. Who hasn’t got lost on a TULKA sofa? (Smelling like three decades of dog at the moment of writing.) The steel and leather MULLSJO was a bolder (failed) style experiment, but no less comfy. The RÄCKE picture frame is recent enough and gaudy enough to be a thrift store regular in the 2020s. It was available in black or white lacquered metal with a glass front. But the real ‘take-home’ from our 1990s IKEA lounge is the AKROBAT storage unit, which paired a sense of mid-century style with a chipboard skeleton that wasn’t breaking any backs.

2000s (IKEA living room cost = $1,732.95)

The design world got back on its feet at the turn of the 21st century. Noboru Nakamura’s revived 1976 POÄNG cantilever armchair offered a fine set of bare-bones around which home-makers could drape a range of fabrics and cushions. “A chair shouldn’t be a tool that binds and holds the sitter,” said Nakamura. “It should rather be a tool that provides us with an emotional richness and creates an image where we let off stress or frustration.” The double-pronged DIPODI lamp is more divisive. Bold and practical, or an uninspired misstep? And the ENERYDA table is definitely built for comfort, not speed: so strong and clunky you could even take it apart and rebuild your kitchen with it.

2010s (IKEA living room cost = $2,806.45)

Now truly a global phenomenon, IKEA returned to its Swedish roots with the 2014 STOCKHOLM sofa. Three back cushions and just two bum cushions to share make it a distinctly socialist affair. “The full-grain leather becomes softer,” promises the catalog, “and acquires a darker tone in time.” This was IKEA’s first STOCKHOLM range in nearly a decade. That gorgeous wool rug is also from the STOCKHOLM collection, which is curated around IKEA’s higher-quality wares. The smooth-woven little number was “hand-woven by skilled craftsmen and fits perfectly into a day-room or under the dining table.”

2020s (IKEA living room cost = $1,112.95)

It’s the future. Clutter is outlawed. Sustainability is sexy. But the ghost of that 1950s salesman remains: the NOLMYRA armchair is “layered glued bentwood and is comfortable even for your wallet,” according to the Swedish brochure. The BRÖNDEN rug is fast becoming a modern classic, and is marketed on the ethics of its supply chain. And Johan Kroon’s VITTSJÖ table has a timeless geometric feel that wouldn’t be out of place on a Stanley Kubrick space station. “I chose materials that really bring out books, vases, and other favorite things,” says Kroon. “The straight, simple lines of the metal give the furniture a graphic expression and put an attractive frame around all your personal things.”

IKEA hasn’t always got it right. But the furniture brand’s unashamed dedication to low price points and intelligent design has made them a mainstay in the western home living room since the peak of mid-century modern design. You might not want to furnish your home from wall to wall with IKEA designs, but everybody has at least one piece that inspires them to say, “it’s only IKEA, but..”

Read the original article at HouseholdQuotes.co.uk

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Top 10 product designs of 2021: Editor’s Choice

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Let’s just say that if 2021 has us feeling anything, it’s probably a feeling of hope that 2022 won’t be such a colossal shitstorm. We’ve seen a whole bunch this year, pandemics and a global vaccination effort, civil unrest, economic ruination, supply chain issues, new tech launches despite the former, billionaires in space, and probably the most hilarious of all, a ship getting stuck in a canal. For once, however, why don’t we put that rollercoaster recap aside and look at the stuff that got us truly excited – from creative concepts to actual design announcements. Here’s a healthy, hearty recap of the most interesting designs we saw in 2021, the year gone by.

01. Nike Go FlyEase




These are the Nike Go FlyEase hand-free shoes that bring the convenience of wearing and taking off your pair without even bending over or touching them ever. People who already do this with a pair of shoes with laces (when they are too tired or lazy) to take them off the conventional style (by untying the laces) will have their eyes set on the Nike Go FlyEase. The motion of using one foot to pull down on the heel of the other and vice versa when you have the crocs or loose sneakers is what most of us do. But doing the same to a pair of shoes can deform them over time – so Nike came up with a solution that lets you do kickstand heel motion to open them up in a jiffy without any damage to the shoe material.

02. DJI Action 2

Perhaps the DJI Action 2’s most defining feature (and you’ll see it practically all their images) is the snap-on touchscreen module. Traditionally, all action cameras have lenses on the front and displays on the rear… and that’s great for filming everything except yourself. DJI’s Front Touchscreen Module basically lets you turn the action camera into a wide-angle vlogging camera. The module snaps right on and lets you attach other accessories like the tripod, selfie stick, car-mount, etc. Moreover, snapping it on doesn’t just give you a front-facing extra screen… it gives you an extra battery pack too, doubling the Action 2’s recording time to 160 minutes, and also adds extra mics for crisper audio recording – a feature that vastly benefits vloggers and influencers who want to be in the spotlight.

03. Honda RidgeLine EV

The Ridgeline EV concept comes from the mind of California-based Rene Garcia, a concept designer at ILM who’s previously worked on The Mandalorian, Thor: Ragnarok, The Avengers, and the Transformers anthology. Garcia began designing the vehicle as a Dakar rally truck, but gradual iterations slowly turned it into a conceptual pickup truck for Honda. Designed to handle pretty much anything you can throw at it, the EV comes with its own winch-hook on the front, a frunk behind it, suicide-style rear doors that give you access to the car’s spacious interiors, and an expandable truck-bed on the back that even comes equipped with tools and emergency medical kits.

04. NASA Exoskeleton

NASA has put a lot of time and effort into developing new-age spacesuits to counter the effects of gravity in hostile environments. 14 years to be exact, and it has cost them a whopping $420 million already. This jaw-dropping concept spacesuit is the work of designer Riyahd Cassiem who fuses the cool element associated with exoskeleton suits to the inter-planetary dreams we humans have embarked on. The Exo Suit Concept has an unshakeable Halo game influence to it – one can instantly relate to the fearless KAT-B320, CARTER-A259, and ALICE-130 characters. The reinforced suit is built for the harshest of situations, and the mechanical character means it is going to provide the wearer assistance in performing arduous tasks, otherwise too tedious in alien environments. Of course, it is made from lightweight yet stellar material for ultra-flexibility which is crucial.

05. Sony Walkman Music Player

The Walkman SSS (Smart Sound System) by Ja Heon Lee mashes up the modern digital with the old classic to satiate the lust for music in a niche form factor. The Sony Walkman opens up like any analog cassette player and docks the smartphone with the screen facing outwards. The information screen of the compatible music player app displays the music information through the animation which resembles the look of a cassette tape. On top of the music player, there is the detachable multi-controller which acts as an interface to control the music, take important calls or view lyrics on the fly. All this while your smartphone sits snug inside the Walkman.

06. NightWatch Apple Watch Stand




The NightWatch is a pretty simple accessory that enhances your Apple Watch’s abilities. It doesn’t come with its own charger but will let you hook your watch’s charger into it. Once assembled, you can easily slide your Apple Watch into its unique design, and that calibrated glass lens on the front enlarges the screen like a magnifying glass would, making numbers much more visible when your watch is in Nightstand mode. It comes with a patented system that even lets you tap the glass surface to ‘wake’ up your Apple Watch’s display, so you can read the time clearly… and when your watch’s alarm begins ringing, special acoustic channels designed in the NightWatch dock’s base help amplify your watch’s audio, making that alarm much louder.

07. The Shape Superyacht

Lazzarini Design is known for its eccentric future-forward creations, superyachts in particular. Christened “The Shape” this superyacht breaks all the fundamental rules of sailing and yacht design that we’ve seen so far. It has a gaping hole right in the middle (just like the ones in modern skyscrapers) that serves as the sun deck and a never-before-seen unique visual attraction. How it will address the turbulent seas when the weather is hostile, is a question for another day! The beastly concept is 69 meters long and having a draft of 3.90 meters yacht offers a living area of 35 meters past the void. It has three decks hidden in the colossal structure – the first floor having the suites, the second one being the shared living space, and the command center on the third.

08. ForeverPen

Designed as the ultimate EDC by Raja Ahmad, ForeverPen comes in a ridiculously small avatar that can fit on your keychain or around your zip, it can be worn around your neck like a minimalist pendant, or even on your bracelet, giving you a writing instrument that’s always on you. Designed to be the most convenient piece of stationery every, ForeverPen is the one pen that’s always around and always ready to write and draw. Its nib comes crafted from a proprietary silver composite that can write smoothly like a pencil would, while never running out. The technology improves on a centuries-old drawing technique called silverpoint, a craft well renowned during the late Rennaisance and even used by Leonardo da Vinci himself. In its modern iteration, the material developed for the ForeverPen is much more hard-wearing – which means it can write anywhere and on anything.

09. Hide And Seek Chair

What’s brilliant about the Hide And Seek chair by Yanagisawa Sera is its sheer absurdity… along with the fact that it actually works! Sera went straight from the drawing board to the metal workshop to test his idea out and from the looks of it, the umbrella-shaped chair works – at least on a prototype level! The frame of the umbrella was fabricated from stainless steel rods and is designed to fold right into the umbrella shape when closed. A stretched fabric mounted on the frame helps distribute the weight when you sit, allowing the chair to actually take the weight of an adult human. It does look a tad fragile if I’m being candid, but that’s something that can easily be fixed by using materials like titanium or even carbon fiber. The best part about the entire product is that it folds right back into the shape of a standard umbrella, which means you can place it in backpacks, handbags, or even carry it to the grocery store or a concert… blending right into the crowd right before you open the Hide And Seek and take a seat on the world’s only umbrella-shaped chair!

10. Xiaomi CyberDog

Quadruped technology is the talk of the robotics world. Four-legged robots are relied on by industries across the world for tasks that require a stable walking gait and agile mobility. Xiaomi, a Chinese tech company, recently unveiled more 3D renders of their own Quadruped robotic creation, CyberDog. Currently, the bio-inspired, four-legged robot has been engineered as a robotic companion whose future technical capabilities are still in development. In a recent press release from Xiaomi, it’s said that CyberDog comes complete with “AI interactive cameras [and sensors], binocular ultra-wide-angle fisheye cameras, and Intel ® RealSense™ D450 Depth module, and can be trained with its computer vision algorithm.” CyberDog’s external interface features an array of camera sensors. CyberDog’s involved vision sensor system allows the robot to carve out its own navigational map and analyze its surrounding environment in real-time, allowing it to look toward a destination and avoid physical barriers on the way.

The post Top 10 product designs of 2021: Editor’s Choice first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

Innovative Packaging Designs from the A’ Design Award that make the perfect first impression of a product

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Your product’s packaging is arguably the first thing the consumer sees, as a part of the product experience. It forms the first ever interaction between product and consumer, and a successful interaction means a consumer will pick the product up off the aisle and add it to their cart. Bad packaging design can adversely affect a product’s success or its performance, while a well-packaged product allows it to stand out, prompting someone to pick it up and decide to purchase it. Packaging Design is more than just a box with artwork… it’s the product around the product, and deserves as much attention while designing as the item within it.

Packaging Design forms just one of the various categories of the A’ Design Award and Competition, which spans the popular categories like Architecture, Lighting, and Consumer Electronics, as well as the obscure, lesser-known categories like Cybernetics, Prosumer Products, and Safety Apparel Design. The A’ Design Award’s ultimate goal is to be an umbrella that covers good design across all disciplines, which is why it has 100 different categories for submitting design projects, and 211 jury members (comprising academics, design professionals, and press members) from all around the world collectively judging the works. Winners of the A’ Design Award don’t just secure a trophy and a certificate, but receive an entire PR Campaign dedicated towards pushing their career, clout, and even their projects to newer heights. A’ Design Award’s winners and even its participants are included in its annual award book and business network, while additionally contributing to their country’s overall design ranking that paints a holistic picture of how design-centric and design-forward each country is.

The A’ Design Award is currently accepting entries for the 2022 edition of the award program, so go ahead and give your work and career the push it deserves!

Here are some of our favorite Packaging Design winners from the A’ Design Award & Competition 2021. If you have a potential packaging design project that you think is worthy of an award, Click here to register & participate in the A’ Design Awards 2022. Hurry! The regular deadline ends on September 30th, 2021.

Nefer Perfume by Amr Ibrahim


Getting its name from the Egyptian word for beauty, the Nefer perfume bottle embodies sheer elegance on the inside and out. The bottle’s design is derived from the curved lines of the female figure, possibly as an ode to the ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. It sports an incredibly intricate ornate exterior that could only be made through 3D printing, and while the exterior’s job is to captivate, a slim internal chamber holds the fragrant perfume within… like a beautiful soul within a beautiful body.

Zippo Constellation Packaging by Sunhwa Lee and Wenyuan Chen


I’m not one to buy lighters at all, but the best way to get me to buy a whole bunch of them is to arrange them in a packaging as alluring as this! The Zippo Constellation Box Set by Sunhwa Lee and Wenyuan Chen is a complete collection of 12 Zippo limited edition lighters with artwork depicting the 12 zodiac signs (also known as sun signs). The overall circular package has almost a cosmic-calendar-meets-ancient-sundial vibe to it, and it even lights up from the inside, bringing the constellation artwork in the center to life. The packaging is aimed at being a box set, although the designers envisioned that people would want to display it as a collectible too – which is why the circular box comes with a pop-out stand at the back. The lighters dock into the packaging via magnets, and can be popped out whenever you want to use or admire them. Only 100 such box sets are ever going to be made.

Regeneration Flower Tea Packaging by JieLong Wu and Lu Yi


This rather alluring box of teabags actually has more to it than you’d expect. Sure, it’s incredibly pretty to look at, and comes with 6 pyramid-shaped teabags… although the packaging’s also designed in a way to make discarding your teabag easier. Each individual teabag comes enclosed in a tetrahedral handmade paper box, and once you’ve opened the box, taken the bag out, and brewed your tea, you can put the used teabag back inside its paper box and discard it anywhere. Aside from being biodegradable, the handmade paper actually has flower seeds embedded between the paper fibers, and when introduced into soil, uses the tea leaves as fertilizer to grow. In the end, your discarded teabag ends up decomposing and becoming fertilizer for a flowering plant!

Fousu Sock Packing by GaoWei Xin


Modern anti-bacterial socks require modern-looking packaging! The Fousu socks come packaged in a rather sci-fi looking capsule made from recycled paper pulp. The pulp’s formed into the capsule shape using a set of molds (just like how an egg carton is made), although its overall design has a much better finish, which allows you to then print information onto the exterior. Designed to be discarded, each capsule comes with 3 pairs of rolled socks inside. I say discarded, but I’d probably just hold onto the box and use it to efficiently store my socks in the wardrobe!

Mingluye Baijiu Packaging by Wen Liu, Bo Zheng and Weijie Kang


While the alcoholic baijiu is often prepared using fermented sorghum, rice, or even wheat, Mingluye uses fermented mung beans, giving the traditional spirit a distinct flavor and aroma. The Mingluye bottle celebrates its origin by actually resembling the mung bean. The bottle’s overall shape and color bear a close resemblance to the bean, while the label on the front takes after the white germ of the sprouted mung bean! It’s an incredibly beautiful-looking bottle, isn’t it?

Alpine Ancient Trees Tea Packaging by Xiaobin Li, Xingguo Li and Shilin Huang


The Alpine Ancient Trees tea packaging pays respect to the hilly terrain on which tea plantations grow. The incredibly premium box set opens up to reveal two spherical packages of tea leaves nested inside mountains made out of corrugated paper. Once you take the spherical packages of tea out, the box can then be repurposed into a holder for tiny bonsai planters, giving it a new purpose and preventing it from going to waste.

Paris Design Week 2021 Recap: Here are our top favorite designs from this year’s physical Maison et Objet event!

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After having to host a strictly online-only version of their trade fair last year because of the global pandemic, Maison&Objet made a grand comeback to their in-person physical event this year. The event saw an overwhelming response, with as many as 1476 participants and over 80,000 attendees getting together to help propel the design industry forward, and allow design businesses to thrive. The event was spread out among 7 halls, covering multiple different themes, spotlighting thousands of businesses and design studios, and showcasing a dizzying variety of new and classic products. Here in this list, we handpick a few standout designs that we absolutely loved at the Maison&Objet fair held at the 2021 Paris Design Week.

a.bsolument Vintage-inspired Bluetooth Radios


Didn’t you know retro is back? Well, if you’re going to be listening to retro throwback music, what better device to listen to it on than an a.bsolument radio? The France-based company takes antique radios from the 60s and 70s, and upgrades them with more modern innards, like better speakers and even Bluetooth capability. It isn’t easy sourcing these radios from more than 50 years ago, but a.bsolument’s somehow managed to get their hands on a MASSIVE bunch of small transistors, pocket radios, home radios, and many more, and they’re all being refurbished to give them a new lease of life. Most of them still look incredibly classy, if you ask me.

koziol Pascal Lunch Box Cultery Set

The Pascal is a nifty, all-in-one lunchbox with its own snap-on cutlery set that lets you grab a quick bite anywhere. Made from environmentally friendly materials, the lunchbox is food-safe, modular, and can suit a variety of cuisines. It comes with 3 containers and koziol’s KLIKK cutlery set, and can be infinitely reused, so you never have to worry about single-use takeout containers or cutlery ever again!

Horl Rolling Knife Sharpener

The key to grinding your kitchen blades perfectly lies in a number of factors, two of the most important ones being A. angle, and B. directional consistency… both of which the Horl Knife Sharpener take into careful consideration. Designed to be easy enough for amateurs to use, Horl’s foolproof process results in knives so perfectly whetted, they look like they were sharpened by experts. The setup comes with a sharpening stone mounted on a rolling barrel design, and a unique jig that holds your knife at an exact 15° angle as the roller grinds the blade. This way, both the angle and directional consistency are taken care of and all you need to do is mount your knife on the magnetic jig and roll the sharpener up and down a few times.

Wunderkey Key Organizer

A standing example of German efficiency, the Wunderkey is a functional bit of EDC that organizes your keys into a small, Swiss Knife-inspired stick that’s slim enough to fit in your pocket. The Wunderkey makes it easy to organize and access your keys, and if the sound of jangling keychains annoys you, the tightly packed design ensures you don’t sound like a one-man Mariachi band. The Wunderkey comes in a choice of materials, including a modern aluminum body, a classic leather exterior, and if you’re feeling fancy, carbon fiber!

Prêt à Pousser Nano Modular Indoor Planter


If you remember the Nano Garden from back in May, Prêt à Pousser has now expanded their ecosystem to make the Nano even more modular and suitable for households. Instead of opting for individual Nano planters, you can now get stacks of 3 and even modules of 4, allowing you to expand your home garden with a selection of floral plants, purifying plants, and even kitchen greens! The planters still come with the self-watering feature, the soil-free design, and the sun-mimicking lamp that nourishes your plant!

Kreafunk Bluetooth Speakers


With a wonderfully contemporary Danish design, Kreafunk’s speakers look as beautiful as they sound. The way they’re designed makes them blend beautifully into home interiors, with their use of metal, plastic, fabric, and occasionally leather, all combined together to make something that rivals even the best smart speakers. Shown above is the aCOUSTIC, a pretty slick-looking wireless speaker that pumps out a good 30 hours of music on a full charge. It comes with a handle that makes it easy to carry around the house, sports an IP55 dust and water repellent design which means you can carry it outdoors too, and here’s the best part – it supports wireless charging, so you can easily place the speaker on a charging pad when the battery runs low!

Lexon Oblio Wireless Charger + UV Sanitizer


Put your phone right into the Oblio’s slot and it immediately begins sanitizing as well as wirelessly charging your device. A 10W wireless charger at the back juices your phone in just 20 minutes, giving the Oblio enough time to use a front-facing UV-C lamp to sterilize your phone’s screen. The Oblio’s unique form factor not only makes it look like a chic little planter around your house but also cleverly hides your phone from view, so you’re less likely to constantly fiddle with it during the charging/sanitation cycle. It’s a clever bit of design, tech, and a behavioral-change solution all wrapped in one!

Kikkerland Crab Multitool


Most crustaceans belong in the sea, some in the kitchen, but the Crab Multi-Tool by Kikkerland definitely belongs in the latter! The Crab comes with a beechwood body and 6 multitools, comprising a pair of scissors, a bottle opener, a 3/16 flat head screwdriver, a can opener, a mini knife, and a rope saw. Fold them up to make the multi-tool look compact, like a meditating crab. The minute you need a helping hand (or claw), unfold the crab’s many arms and it’ll show you just how useful it is!