Tag Archives: Ltd

The IKEA-worthy multifunctional hourglass lamp is an inspiration for the furniture design industry

Posted on by

One of the greatest perks of my job is researching + understanding the trends that define the Industrial Design world in subtle yet significant ways. If we go by the latest IKEA x SONOS collaboration, the trend in furniture design is to create furniture design that goes beyond being only a piece of furniture, but instead be a well-crafted solution. The difference in both is whether you look at the set of 4 legs and one plank and see it as a table alone or a table that transforms into a chaise lounge when you want to take a nap! This transformative property makes the Hourglass Multifunctional Shelf a worthy winner of the A’ Design Award!

The hourglass shelf takes inspiration from the passage of time, and the functionality of the shelf changes throughout the day. Starting as a coat rack in the early mornings that holds your outdoor wear, the product’s main functionality becomes that of a shelf – to keep your knick-knacks in place. Finally, as the sun goes down, the design works as a detachable lamp, giving light and completing its cycle across the day. “The hourglass is the symbol of time, and the charm of time affects the tide-ups and downs, years change. The change of different roles reminds people to follow the direction of time, perceive the years and harvest exquisite life.” The detachable element of the lamp brings sheer joy to me! As a person surrounded by screens throughout the day, the lamp’s shape and portability make it almost meditative, a chance to literally disconnect and take some time off.

“One plus one is more than two” is the guiding principle behind every thought put into this design. Sure, it provides us with multiple functionalities, but it also creates an emotional connection with the interacting user by sparking joy. With the world leaning towards sustainability, the disposable approach of designing products is now passe. Given the direction mass-manufacturing giants like IKEA are taking (see their latest disassembly guide), the Hourglass Multifunctional Shelf is the perfect furniture design to join the IKEA must-buys. Certainly, given the multitude of usability this shelf provides, it passes the Marie Kondo test of sparking joy, making it a must-have in every home!

The Hourglass Multifunctional Shelf is the winner of the Silver A’ Design Award.

Designer: Ziel Home Furnishing Technology Co., Ltd

Why lust after an AirPower mat when this flexible device lets you charge and dock all your devices

Posted on by

Rumor has it that the AirPower mat, which Apple suddenly and surreptitiously axed behind closed doors, isn’t quite dead yet. The company is reportedly working on a smaller wireless charging mat, but until Tim steps up on stage (or in front of a video camera) and makes the announcement, let’s just re-evaluate our alternatives… like this 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat which works as an angled dock for your devices too.

The 3-in-1 mat is named for its ability to charge 3 devices at once. The foldable mat also flips open into an angled stand, becoming an easel for your devices. A three-pronged LED indicator on top points at three separate charging zones where you can place your devices. You can either charge your phone in portrait or in landscape, although the former frees up space at the bottom for a pair of AirPods. The mat even comes with a dedicated charging zone on the top right for your Apple Watch, allowing you to even secure it in place using a cutout at the base to slide your band through. All in all, the charger is as flat as an AirPower mat and can handle as many devices, but it’s much more versatile, allowing you to not just charge your devices but dock them too in a way that makes them easier to view while kept on a desk or bedside table. ‘Classy’, as Jim Halpert would say.

The 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat is a winner of the iF Design Award for the year 2020.

Designer: Shenzhen Renqing Excellent Technology Co., Ltd.

Unbearably Cute Tools

Posted on by

bearpapa_01

Bear Papa screwdrivers offer a friendly introduction of tools to kids that you can keep safely at home. The body of each lovable bear can be split to three parts: head, torso and feet. The two-way ratchet screwdriver is settled with a magnetic bit holder of the head. Moreover, the torso can be removed from the feet which contain six different bits of most common sizes. (2 Phillips, 2 Slotted, 2 Hex) Attach the desired screwdriver bit with the ratchet screwdriver, and then rotate the black O-ring to control the direction of the ratchet to lock or unlock the screw. the holding the torso, pull up the head of the bear to reveal ratchet screwdriver. Securely holding the feet, pull up the torso to get to the screwdriver bits. Attach the desired screwdriver bit to the ratchet screwdriver. Rotate the black O-ring to control the direction of the ratchet to tighten or loosen screw. Hold the grip and flex your wrist to operate.

Designer: iThinking Original Design Co., Ltd

bearpapa_02

bearpapa_03

bearpapa_04

bearpapa_05