Hasta La Ideas

There are so many ways our distant future can go, but fiction has so far been flooding us with rather dystopian scenarios. Although the world of cyberpunk does include advanced technologies, there seems to also be a magnification of the environmental and social problems that we have today. Pollution, decay, criminal empires, and corrupt government and corporations have the run of that ironically hi-tech backwater world. We can only imagine some diseases would be there as well, perhaps even worse than they are today. That might mean some people will still need to take a puff of medicine, so why not look stylish while doing so, at least in cyberpunk style.

Designer: metod kulčar

In terms of aesthetic, cyberpunk truly mixes contrasting elements. On the one hand, it’s a distant future filled with technologies we can only dream of. On the other hand, human civilization seems to have also taken a step back and left its indelible marks everywhere, from dilapidated and abandoned metal surfaces to sometimes incomplete mechanical parts.

This inhaler concept shows clear signs of such a design style. The form itself is unconventional and the transparent parts of the shell reveal the inner workings of medical device. At the same time, the worn-down metal surfaces of the canister suggests it has seen better days, like it has traveled through rough roads to get to the person who needs its life-saving medicine.

The small light at the end of the tunnel is that the design equally works for a utopian version of an inhaler. Idealized visions of the future often utilize white or bright motifs, a tremendous use of plastic-like materials, and clean, unmarred surfaces. There is nothing that says “bright future” better than pure white materials.

This futuristic medical tool could also be at home in that kind of future, just swapping out dark colors and metal for white plastic. Hopefully, that future would have solved our current plastic problem and will be able to easily manufacture environment-friendly materials that just look plastic to our 21st century eyes. Then again, such an ideal future should have probably removed to need for an inhaler in the first place.

Cyberpunk worlds have always carried a sense of irony with them. It is a future filled with technological marvel but fraught with human flaws. Instead of having finally solved the most basic health problems, such a future would still have medical problems that would require using an inhaler like this.

The post This inhaler concept shows how you might be able to survive a cyberpunk future first appeared on Yanko Design.

With authenticity and transparency, this new online destination empowers young creatives of color

As a British Nigerian working in the creative industries, Mary Ojidu knows firsthand how barriers into artistic fields begin early on for people of color. “One thing I found in communities of different ethnicities and groups is traditional roles are really focused on,” she tells us. “For example, in the Nigerian community, there’s heavy focus on doctors, lawyers and engineers—that’s what people feel comfortable pursuing. Sometimes that has to do with people’s parents and family dynamics, which is understandable, but then there’s a lack of knowledge of different potential industries people can get involved in.” When it comes to the arts, film or editorial, where diversity is still an issue, this initial lack of knowledge can make breaking into the field even harder.

That’s why Ojidu—along with her friends who also previously ran Sukeban Magazine: Ipsa Dhariwal, Bonita Darkoh and Yuki Haze—created Ajifa, an independent platform created by people of color to spearhead inclusion within creative industries. The digital space (which launched this month) leverages insight from its own creative team as well as its community of artists to inspire and educate burgeoning professionals. Transparency and honesty are two of Ajifa’s pillars and something the team has in spades.

“It’s really important to have an authentic space and the way it can be authentic is if it’s by us, because we understand each other. We understand our experiences,” continues Ojidu. As she tells us, the current landscape of representation is not only disingenuous but can also be outright manipulative: “There’s such a lack of spaces for creatives of color, where it’s not just tokenism or a quota that people are filling or a trend of whatever culture is in fashion at the moment. For example, Black women are involved with a certain brand for a certain kind of style that they’re working with at the time and then next year, it’s out of style and they’re all gone. A lot of creative people of color get taken advantage of in different spaces.”

To equip and empower the next generation of creatives of color, the platform shares personal and collective knowledge about different facets of different industries. Upon visiting the site, Ajifa’s futuristic silver logo spins, alluding to the team’s mission to change the future of arts and publishing. The site is then divided into four corners—Gallery, Spotlight, Journal and Cinema—where work from an ever-evolving amount of mediums are highlighted.

The Gallery, for instance, showcases visual arts, be it photography, fine art, fashion editorials and more. Here, Ojidu explains, “there is no limit. You can expect to see a good range of different art forms.” On the other hand, in Journal, the site champions written viewpoints from around the diaspora. Like a collective diary of personal and cultural stories, the essays in Journal share meaningful, unique perspectives. Their very first Journal entry “Nanny, Neo-colonialism & Jamaica,” traces bauxite mining’s effect on Jamaica’s environment.

In Spotlight, transparent interviews with different professionals in varying industries unpack what it’s like to be creative for work, find success and navigate the field. The first Spotlight piece, “In conversation with Mattaniah Aytenfsu,” does so within the world of new media art. Aytenfsu “is a UX engineer who works at YouTube and Google,” Ojidu shares. “She’s a Black woman and she’s young and it’s cool to hear her experience as a software engineer.” For Ajifa’s readers—who are predominately young, in high school or thinking about starting university—these interviews are vital resources that help them chart their own path. As the platform’s CEO continues, “People have changed their mind about what they want to do at university and people are learning code because they’ve seen the kind of  work she does. We want to facilitate that curiosity. We want to let people in on it so they can take part.”

While Spotlight fosters young creative people of color with education, Cinema does so through inspiration, as it doubles as a database of short films from directors of various ethnicities. “We hadn’t seen a space that was purely dedicated to showing short films by people of color. Filmmaking is another form of storytelling. We want to collate a good range of creative work and give people access to that,” says Ojidu.

By dividing themselves into four components, Ajifa allows themselves to showcase anything creative-related, offering a full-service experience for hopeful artists. Their name means “silver” in the Ígálá language of Nigeria, another thoughtful touch that reflects the platform’s dedication to celebrating heritage and culture.

“We are hoping to be quite disruptive,” laughs Ojidu, relaying how Ajifa hopes to shake up the creative industries. With their genuine convictions and fluid nature, there’s no doubt Ajifa will do so in a fun, heartfelt way.

Images courtesy of Ajifa

GoSolo is a universal, smart, personal mobility device designed for people to move seamlessly through indoor spaces and controlled outdoor environments.

There’s nothing worse than running late for a flight and having to sprint through the airport with at least two bags in each hand and one hanging from your shoulders. Before you even make it to your terminal, you’re out of breath and your arms are losing circulation. The trek intensifies for those who might require some mobility assistance, like wheelchairs or scooters.

Designers: Alabaster Research and Technologies Private Limited x Prem Shah, Kirti Khadia, Kishan Amin, Chintan Shinde

While motorized assistive devices are typically reserved for those with limited mobility, one company believes there’s a larger market for them. GoSolo, a personal mobility device, designed by Alabaster Research and Technologies Private Limited is a smart, universal mobility solution designed for people to move through indoor spaces and controlled outdoor environments with ease.

Expandable by design, GoSolo’s defining feature is its seat that can rise to a height of 71-centimeters. In this mode, users can still drive GoSolo from an elevated height. The semi-standing position was built for users to have access to a sit-to-stand assistive mechanism that, “gives them access to higher desks, counters or shelves on the premises. For people with mobility constraints, the adjustable-height feature…[allows] easy and intuitive sideways transfer to and from the scooter.”

Located just in front of the adjustable seat rest, users will find a footrest that hosts ample room for storing items that users bring with them on the go. The device’s wheels and footrest coverings are both made from the same Elesa+Ganter vulcanized rubber castors to ensure a smooth ride, even on uneven surfaces. Operable from a smartphone or from the device’s intuitive control panel, GoSolo meets users where they are to provide seamless transportation in controlled environments.

Putting it best in their own words, the team behind GoSolo explains the inspiration behind the smart universal mobility concept, “We have to rethink how we design products for a larger range of people including those with limited mobility or strength.”

“Beyond the usual mobility constraints, there are also circumstantial constraints like having too many bags, carrying infants, recovering from surgeries, pregnancy, menstrual cramps, or even fatigue. At some point in time, any of us can have mobility constraints. GoSolo addresses this need.”

GoSolo can glide across all types of flooring, from smooth marble to uneven wood.

The expandable seat rest allows users to adjust their height to meet acquaintances and tall surfaces like check-in desks at hotels.

The team behind GoSolo gave the device a minimalist look to maintain a universal appeal.

Users can even feel free to traverse incline ramps using GoSolo.

The post The expandable seat of this smart mobility device can be controlled from your smartphone  first appeared on Yanko Design.

After hosting a metaverse-worthy virtual booth at last year’s Maison et Objet 2021, the furniture design brand is back to immersing real-world humans in its immaculately designed real-world furniture and experiences.

The Portugal-based furniture brand prides itself in manufacturing furniture that’s nothing short of a multi-sensorial experience. This experience starts with the eyes, continues with the act of sitting on it, and lingers on long after you’ve made yourself comfortable. The soft forms of Domkapa’s pieces are further enhanced by the carefully selected soft fabrics, that invite your hands to run across them as you sit on the sofas, armchairs, poufs, or even beds. Combined with well-selected color palettes, high-quality materials, and contemporary forms, Domkapa’s furniture boasts of a bold identity, while looking distinctly comfortable and welcoming.

While last year’s virtual tour offered a limited experience in terms of the tactile nature of Domkapa’s furniture, the experience allowed the brand to reach an even larger audience than it originally would have, with the Maison & Objet showcase. This year, however, the Portuguese company is determined to head back to the international fair to not just introduce people to their designs, but also help people understand the process behind their collection. “We’re talking about emotion, sharing knowledge, inspirations, sharing talent”, said a Domkapa spokesperson. From March 24th to March 28th, Domkapa will debut their latest collection at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center in Hall 6, Stand 182… although readers can get a small taste of what’s in store just below!

All of Domkapa’s furniture is created in-house in its Northern Portugal factory, where the design team works side to side with the production with the goal of creating high-quality expressive furniture that highlights and champions its upholstery and the work of the skilled craftspeople working in-house. Domkapa’s pieces reinterpret classics in a modern light, always respecting the design principles of proportion, balance, color, shape, and texture.

Visit Domkapa at Maison et Objet: Hall 6/Stand I82

Kelsi Bed

Kelsi is an outstanding design and handcraft work, combining unique production techniques and fine materials to create a rare piece. The wingback headboard is the focal point o this bed, rich in details. It features two large padded cushions for extreme comfort, supported by two lavish metallic tubes. Along with the structure, you can find other small details, the result of exclusive craftsmanship.

Juliet Sofa

Inspired by a concept of elegance, comfort, and intimacy, Juliet sofa is a rounded piece supported by four steel legs and tubing. Characterized by soft curves and balanced proportions, the backrest extends to the sides creating subtle and elegant armrests. The highlight of this piece is represented by the carefully upholstered slopes, emphasized by horizontal bands of haute-couture stitching.

Alexander Armchair

Alexander is a highly innovative solution linked to a functional and quite traditional shape. A powerful and embracing structure where a high back smoothly connects to the seat cushion and ends on a swivel base. The arms and backrest on this piece slightly arch outwards, inviting everyone to sit. The highlight goes to the additional support padding in the back, held up by a metallic opulent counterweight, that can be adjusted in height and produced in a different finish.

Anna Chair

This timeless chair design is the result of a mature awareness process inspired by different ideas and experiences. Available in four distinct versions, it includes two options for armrest customization (with or without armrest) as well as two customization options for the base (four legs or a sled base). Concerning the base, you can choose a wooden or metallic finish. Meanwhile, the upholstered seat and backrest can also be customized with contrasting fabrics.

Grant Pouf

The construction of Grant pouf skillfully combines aesthetics and ergonomics to establish this as the go-to solution for every design project. Designed for various functions, Grant is available in three different sizes to accomplish the final look you’ve always dreamed of. It features elegant piping in each corner of the piece, gracefully matching the two contrast piping that carefully hugs the entire pouf.

Ralph Hanger

Distinguished by its three tall vertical tubes, Ralph is a minimalistic hanger with an industrial touch. These three tall tubes are connected by a T-shape metallic pipe on the top and bottom of the piece for incredible stability. The spotlight of this stunning design is the vintage style tray with leather detail that rotates 360º. This feature allows storage space for keys while complementing the hanger and enhancing the style of your project.

Visit Domkapa at Maison et Objet: Hall 6/Stand I82

The post Furniture design brand Domkapa is back at Maison et Objet 2022 with a stunning new collection first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Volkswagen GT3 is the result of a creative artist’s imagination going wild, mashing up two iconic cars into one. It’s like having the best of both worlds, and reason enough to stick this baby on your wall!

The classic Volkswagen Beetle is the longest-produced vehicle in history, and for good reason. Courtesy of the flowing contoured design and the fact that it is one of the easiest vehicles for modification, the VW was the first-ever car to sell more than 20 million units. This bug-eyed beauty has featured in numerous movies and adorned the walls of avid automotive fans for decades. Stack it against the 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 of the new age, and we’ve got two icons of contrasting generations. So, what would be the outcome if these two cars were mashed up into one? A VW Beetle’s core shape with the modern additions of a 911 GT3?

Designer: Khyzyl Saleem

Concept artist Khyzyl Saleem got down to this very task for Hagerty’s latest episode of Rendered video. Taking the Volkswagen Beetle’s classic proportions and the aggressive features of the 911 GT3’s exterior, the final design came out to be nothing less than stunning. It’s the perfect result of passionate lovemaking that the creative artist managed to achieve. I like to call it “Volksche” and why not!

The new upbeat Beetle now has a much lower ride height and the sleek elements borrowed over from the Porsche add the zing. Just pop some attention at those front splitter, side mirrors, tail fenders, rear diffusers and the sharper lights. Khyzyl put in a lot of effort shaping the side body from the front and rear to achieve a flowing look that doesn’t seem out of place. Hop on those Rotiform BTL rims with the sporty Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and this concept car is all dressed up to set the city streets on fire.

Interiors also get the artistic treatment, as the Beetle now has slim bucket seats to carry over the sporty design. Kyzyl said, “I’ve imagined what a modernized Beetle in the styling of the new Porsche 992 GT3 would look like for quite a while now, so figured, why not finally try it!”

The post Volkswagen Beetle merges with the Porsche 911 GT3 in this wildly exciting concept first appeared on Yanko Design.