The pen is mightier than the sword, especially given how it has withstood the test of time, even in our current digital age. But while writing things down by hand has plenty of cited benefits, from psychological to practical, handwritten notes also miss out on a lot of conveniences and potential, especially when it comes time to search through dozens of pages of scribbles. For years, smart notebooks have tried to bridge this gap between analog and digital with some measure of success, but the majority of them stop at turning handwritten notes into digital text you can easily search. This innovative smart notebook, however, upgrades that experience by harnessing the power of AI to make the best out of your scribbles and sketches, turning them into summaries, tasks, appointments, and even translations that will take your productivity to the next level.

Designer: XNote

Click Here to Buy Now: $179 $249 ($70 off). Hurry, only 7/210 left! Raised over $230,000.

AI has been a hot topic for the past years, impressing many while scaring off others. The power that artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural networks can bring to seemingly ordinary products can really be mind-blowing, especially when you consider the new experiences they enable. ChatGPT, for example, is quite a famous large language model (LLM) application that is being used for things like conversations, searches, and other text-related processing that makes it feel like you’re talking with an actual human person. The XNote smart notebook utilizes this amazing AI to bring together the joy of writing on paper and the convenience of digital technology in an intuitive and seamless way.

The magic of the XNote starts, of course, with pen and paper, specifically a beautiful invisibly coded notebook and a revolutionary smart pen. The notebook itself bears a Moleskine-like design, complete with an elastic band to keep it from opening accidentally. The smart pen looks like it’s simply leaving ink marks on paper, but it’s also detecting invisible patterns so that every stroke is accurately sent and mirrored to the XNote app via Bluetooth in real-time. You don’t have to take pictures of your notes and you don’t even have to wait for your scribbles to sync with the app. You can see your scribbles and drawings recreated inside the app instantly, almost like magic. With a built-in 265mAh rechargeable battery, you can write for 7 to 8 hours of use without having to worry about a forced break.

While other smart notebooks stop there, XNote transforms your ink marks into text, formulas, or diagrams, all kinds of digital objects that can later be searched or even shared with others online. XNote, however, goes beyond handwriting recognition and uses ChatGPT to create contextual recognition, smartly identifying the kind of text so that you can simply ask XNote when you need to look for a note. Can’t remember where you stored a friend’s suggestion for your next binge reading? Just ask in the XNote app to look for the book recommendation you wrote last week. Need a quick recap of the meeting notes you took earlier? Ask XNote to summarize those for you in easy-to-digest pieces. You can even have those notes translated for easier communication beyond geographical boundaries. And since the notes are digitized, you can easily search across different notebooks and access your data on platforms, ensuring that your analog notes remain accessible long after the paper notebooks go away.

XNote not only cares about your notes but also about your privacy as well. It uses advanced end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and top-tier cloud security protocols to ensure no unauthorized person ever lays eyes on your notes. And while the basic package has the core features you need, XNote offers a $9/month ($59/year launch special) Premium subscription that brings all the power of AI to your fingertips, including Smart Task Alerts and AI-driven Tags and Categories. Even better, now that it has reached its $200,000 funding milestone, every backer who has selected either the 1-Year Subscription or the Combo Bundle will be automatically upgraded to a Free Lifetime AI Membership! With the ChatGPT-powered XNote smart notebook, you can employ that powerful AI to do the heavy lifting of making sense of your notes while you continue to enjoy the benefits of writing with pen and paper.

Click Here to Buy Now: $179 $249 ($70 off). Hurry, only 7/210 left! Raised over $230,000.

The post This ChatGPT-powered smart notebook can understand and summarize handwritten notes first appeared on Yanko Design.

While working in an office space, focusing on the right office supplies is crucial. Adorning your desk with the right items can significantly impact your day. The right products can not only enhance your work routine and productivity but also help maintain a clear and streamlined mindset. We’ve curated an excellent collection of office supplies that perfectly blend form, functionality, minimalism, and simplicity. From an everlasting all-metal pencil to a hanging desk organizer, these are the ingenious products that you need on your desk. Let’s explore these innovative and practical tools to transform your work experience.

1. Levitating Pen 3.0

Called the Levitating Pen, this good-looking writing accessory is a sleek pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes it easy and sturdy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $116 $129 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Levitating Pen can be positioned in its holder which is magnetized and can be kept floating in that position. You need to give the pen a simple twist, which makes it spin for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with it.

What we like

• The pen is easy and sturdy to hold
• The act of spinning the pen can be a fun stress-buster

What we dislike

• The pen can easily roll off when placed on a curved surface

2. Rolling World Clock

If you’re someone who works globally and needs to deal with clients in different timezones, then the minimal, one-hand Rolling World Clock is the product you need.

Click Here to Buy Now: $44 $49 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

With the Rolling World Clock, you can easily get the timezone you need with a simple one-handed movement. You can turn the clock till the city whose time you need to check turns up, allowing the watch hand to adjust to the correct timezone automatically.

What we like

• You don’t need a screen to check on multiple timezones
• Keeps the time-telling a minimal and simple affair

What we dislike

• The clock only features 12 set cities, so you will still need to calculate the time zones outside the clock’s interface

3. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil

Dubbed the Everlasting Metal Pencil, this Wacom stylus features a tip that never needs to be replaced or sharpened. The unique pencil allows you to focus entirely on your creative process instead of the lead.

Click Here to Buy Now: $18 $20 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The pencil’s octagonal shaft is built using aluminum, and it features a special alloy core. Instead of leaving heavy grooves on the paper, it draws like a pencil, without the tip wearing down even after dozens of marks.

What we like

• Features a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so the pencil wears down very slowly

What we dislike

• Isn’t the best option for those who use smudging techniques, as it doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does

4. Japanese Drawing Pad

Japanese paper has always been loved and preferred by designers, artists, and stationery lovers for its high quality. And, if you’re someone who wants to try out this paper, then you may want to get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad.

Click Here to Buy Now: $23 $26 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Japanese Drawing Pad is a premium-quality pad that allows you to unveil your thoughts and passions without the worry of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers.

What we like

• The paper is microperforated allowing for easy and effortless tearing
• Available in various sizes and colors, so you can pick the kind that meets your stationery needs

What we dislike

• At first glance, it seems like an ordinary pad with nothing special to offer. Looks can be deceiving

5. All-in-One Screwdriver

The All-in-One Screwdriver stands out for its innovative design and multifunctionality. It is not just a tool for driving screws but also a piece of engineering that brings playfulness into work.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $99 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The screwdriver features an innovative ball bearing for smooth operation and a spinner wheel that tackles bigger screwing challenges with ease. When more power is needed, its hexagon bit holder can be used with an electric screwdriver, making it a versatile addition to any office toolkit.

What we like

• Smooth swivel action that requires only finger strength
• Detachable spinner wheel for increased torque and faster rotation

What we dislike

• Some might find the additional features to be overkill for simple screwdriving tasks

6. ASMR Zen Ball

The ASMR Zen Ball is a unique fusion of natural and engineered elements, designed to provide a calming and sensory experience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $99 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

Crafted from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, this device doubles as a fidget toy, offering an interactive way to engage with the natural energy of the earth. This lava ball also offers an aromatic experience when used with essential oils, making it a multifaceted tool for relaxation.

What we like

• Can be used for sensory stimulation, as a fidget toy, or for aromatherapy
• Made from genuine volcanic stone, offering a distinct tactile experience

What we dislike

• While it offers sensory benefits, its practical application in an office environment is limited

7. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter

The ordinary letter cutter provides a makeover in the form of the Effortless Standing Letter Cutter. The standard office tool is reimagined with this product.

Click Here to Buy Now: $44 $49 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The letter cutter not only efficiently slices paper, but it also functions as a chic paperweight which basically means less clutter and more style and elegance for your workspace.

What we like

• No messy pieces and straps are created, making cleanup simple
• It doubles up as a paperweight

What we dislike

• While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail

8. Quick-Access Organizer

This organizer is an exciting storage solution that ensures your essentials are always accessible, and easily reachable. It marries form and functionality to create a unique 21st-century product.

Click Here to Buy Now: $62 $69 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

It is a simple and minimalist product that stands apart in a world where smart gadgets and daily reminders reign supreme. It is the perfect combination of form, functionality, and aesthetics.

What we like

• It is a lid and a tray and features dual functionality
• The rotating mechanism takes the guesswork out of storage

What we dislike

• Cannot accommodate a large array of items

9. Hanging Desk Organizer

In today’s ever-evolving workspaces, redefining how we utilize space is essential. This edge-hanging organizer doesn’t just challenge the norms; it entirely disrupts them.

Click Here to Buy Now: $152 $169 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

Leveraging often overlooked spaces, it offers a solution that’s as innovative as it is effective, allowing users to reclaim their desktop real estate for productivity while ensuring essentials are always within arm’s reach.

What we like

• It hangs off the edge, utilizing an otherwise frequently wasted space
• It features a modular magnetic system which puts the control in your hand

What we dislike

• Not sure how much weight it can handle before it becomes unstable

10. The Scissors w/ Base

The Scissors w/Base features a magnetic base that makes the design a pretty cutting-edge one, allowing you to reshape your workspace organization.

Click Here to Buy Now: $44 $49 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The magnet base is a game-changer, giving these shears a permanent VIP spot on your desk—no more lost-in-the-abyss moments. Crafted with lustrous Japanese steel, they’re not just tools but desk decor that screams ‘next-gen chic’.

What we like

• That magnetic base is genius—ensuring your scissors have a dedicated spot
• In the world of multifunctional gadgets, having a built-in box cutter is the kind of forward-thinking detail we appreciate

What we dislike

• As much as they’re aesthetically pleasing, they will not replace the heavy-duty scissors you need for tougher tasks

The post Top 10 Office Supply Gifts for an Inspired Workspace first appeared on Yanko Design.

An old roadside motel on America’s iconic Route 66 has been renovated by San Francisco-based Adean Studios to reflect the culture and enviromnent of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Adean Studios worked with local architecture studio Synectic Design to overhaul the High Country Motor Lodge, which is operated by Marc & Rose Hospitality.

The mid-century property is accessed directly off the historic, cross-country Route 66 highway that runs through Flagstaff – the city that provides a base for visitors to the Grand Canyon, the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort and miles of hiking trails through the surrounding wilderness.

Almost 7,000 feet (2,100 metres) above sea level, the city is also home to the Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered in 1930.

All of these elements were combined as influences for the hotel’s design, which lands somewhere between a mountain lodge and a retro motel.

“Our goal was to incorporate the rich astronomical history of Flagstaff, while also creating an environment that blends elements of a retro 1960s lounge with modern mountain design,” said Adean Studios principal Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar. “The entire property showcases a darker colour palette accented with rustic woods and 1960s-inspired fixtures and furnishings.”

Painted midnight blue, the hotel buildings form a U shape around a central lawn and a large swimming pool, which was also renovated as part of the project.

The lobby, restaurant and other public areas face the highway, while the majority of guest rooms are located in perpendicular two-storey blocks behind.

On the west side of the site, three new shingle-clad cabins were constructed to house larger suites, bringing the total number of keys to 123.

The dark facade colours continue inside the lobby, lounge and bar areas, where a variety of seating types and configurations allow guests to dine or relax as they choose.

Amber-hued glass light fixtures emit a soft, warm glow in these spaces, while velvet curtains and blankets were included.

The bar and lounge opens onto a stepped outdoor terrace, where more dining tables and low chairs are arranged around a series of fire pits.

A general store off the reception area sells a curated selection of snacks, merchandise and other locally sourced gifts.

In the guest rooms, navy blue wainscoting wraps the lower portion of off-white walls, and dark wood floors and low furniture add to the mid-century aesthetic.

Each is equipped with a cassette player and a set of three tapes, which play tracks that evoke nostalgia for the road trip era.

High Country Motor Lodge also boasts a Nordic spa, comprising two private wood-lined saunas that guests can reserve for one-hour sessions.

These cabins are accessed from an enclosed courtyard with an outdoor shower and fire pits, and have direct access to the hot tub for further relaxation, or the swimming pool for a cold plunge.

“Inspired by the local lifestyle of adventure-seekers, day-sleepers, and night-watchers, the great lawn, private cottages, and the Nordic Spa have been designed to enhance the outdoor experience, constantly reminding guests of the beautiful nature that surrounds,” Nafisi-Movaghar said.

The hotel’s branding was created by Charleston-based SDCO Partners, and also plays up the retro and astronomy themes.

“Nestled between the Grand Canyon and Barringer Crater, the High Country Motor Lodge is at once both celestial and earthly, and the brand design honors both,” said creative director and founding partner Amy Pastre.

“An eclectic family of hand-rendered typographic and illustrative graphic elements celebrate the motor lodge’s vintage style, contemporary design, and the love of high desert adventure,”

A range of public programming is organised at the location throughout the year, including theatrical performances, and a folk music festival in the fall.

Many former motels and motor lodges across the US have been bought up and renovated into boutique accommodations over the past decade.

From Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach and The Drifter in New Orleans, to Scribner’s in New York’s Catskills Mountains and Tourists in the Berkshires, these hotels are often designed with a location-specific twist.

The photography is by Werner Segarra, unless stated otherwise.

The post Adean Studios overhauls High Country Motor Lodge with nods to astronomy appeared first on Dezeen.

Mexico is experiencing a “renaissance” in architecture and design because of its embrace and promotion of artisanal practices, says designer Héctor Esrawe in this exclusive interview.

According to Esrawe, who runs a studio in Mexico City, the last 10 years have seen Mexican creativity being taken more seriously at home and abroad.

“There is this renaissance where all the creative activities have evolved, and the standard that we can create now in Mexico is being expressed and accepted worldwide,” he told Dezeen.

Esrawe pointed to increasing interest in Mexico’s various cultures and artisanal traditions by the architecture and design community as the key element in the success of the country, which just last month held its 15th annual design week.

“We started to look inward, we started to value and appreciate what we were made up of,” said Esrawe.

“We started to relate to our ancestors, to our narratives, and understand the vastness and richness and skills that we have as a culture, and I think that eventually became contagious.”

Esrawe is one of a handful of architects and designers at the forefront of a new wave of Mexican design. He is known for his sculptural architectural and design work that incorporates artisanally crafted materials such as wood, bronze and stone.

An important aspect of Mexico’s design renaissance, according to Esrawe, has been supporting handmade objects and artisanal processes in the country without falling into the trap of mass-producing cultural objects for consumption.

He said that artisans such as stone workers or wood carvers are often “put on a pedestal” but expected to conform to the needs of mass production.

Instead, Esrawe argues that the collaborations between designers and these groups, which have fed into his own practice, should push everyone towards new forms and provide artisans with a platform to get the best results.

“We should create a dialogue in a horizontal way, and create a platform that allows for the artisan to express and create those collaborations – it’s extremely rich and powerful,” he said.

“I see [collaboration] in a positive way,” he added. “I see more experimentation. I see new languages appearing.”

Collaborating with artisans comes with challenges that must be respected, he acknowledged.

“There’s a risk on the side that has to do with the ambition of more and faster,” he continued, adding that designers need to understand that working with materials like metal and stone in small-batch operations takes time.

Esrawe said he has also struggled with a conception among Mexicans that things produced natively should be cheaper.

He recalled that when he opened his gallery in the early 2000s people would ask why the work was so expensive, with greater value typically placed on objects from countries like Italy.

“There was this conception that we were only labourers and not so creative and didn’t have the power to become something that could challenge another culture, which was more ‘stylish’,” he explained.

However, two moments marked turning points for Esrawe’s own perception of the potential of Mexican design and architecture.

The first was the ascendency of chef Enrique Olvera’s restaurant Pujol. For the first time, the best restaurant in Mexico was by a Mexican chef.

“This has been a transformation that started happening in parallel in many activities, in many activities that you can perceive as unrelated like food, but then in others that are more connected, like art, fashion, architecture and design,” he said.

The second was his experience of an exhibition in Finland.

“For me, it was completely new to see in the same gallery an artist, a designer, and an artisan exhibited together,” he said.

“That was not common for me. That was not common in Mexico. So in a way that shaped my understanding of how it should be.”

Since then, Mexico City has become a hotspot for design and last year, Masa, a collective run by Esrawe and designers Age Saloe and Brian Thoreen, put on a show featuring contemporary and historical Mexican art and design underneath the Rockefeller Center in New York City.

Esrawe said that this wide recognition has been accompanied by an influx of designers into the city, all wanting to explore the potential of production in Mexico.

“It became more attractive,” he said.

“Many other artists from all over the world have moved to Mexico, understanding that those [production] possibilities are disappearing in many cultures,” he continued, referencing again the wide array of artisans and craftspeople in the country.

“You cannot even think of that in the States, for example.”

Esrawe has in recent years further dedicated himself to the principles of smaller production and artisanship.

He recently closed his factory, limiting production to focus more on architecture projects and smaller-batch design items.

“I decided to do this because I fully believe in it,” he explained.

“I believe sometimes you need to burn the ships in order to really practice your principles, or your aspirations or what you believe.”

Esrawe Studio recently collaborated with Productora on a Mexico hotel outfitted with planes of green tile and Cadena on spinning, woven chairs at FORMAT festival in Arkansas.

Dezeen In Depth
If you enjoy reading Dezeen’s interviews, opinions and features, subscribe to Dezeen In Depth. Sent on the last Friday of each month, this newsletter provides a single place to read about the design and architecture stories behind the headlines.

The post Mexican design and architecture undergoing a “renaissance” says Héctor Esrawe appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen School Shows: a virtual reality experience that aims to help bereaved individuals meditate and heal is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Also included is a video strategy game based on a visual novel and an educational project that engages local communities.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Institution: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
School: School of Design
Courses: Master of Design (Intelligent Systems Design), Master of Design (Smart Service Design), and MSc in Multimedia Entertainment Technology, BA (Hons) in Interactive Media, BA (Hons) in Product Design and BA (Hons) in Social Design
Tutors: Stephen Jia Wang, Shera Hyunyim Park, Aria Yang, Bow Yiying Wu, Rhys Jones, Giovanni Lion, David Williams, Simon Yeung, Jeffrey Ho, Jane Ngai, Scott Chin, Lee Chi Wing, Cheung Michael Chan, Kam Fai Chan, Sandy Ng and Jonathan Yu

School statement:

“PolyU Design has been an important hub of design education and research for Hong Kong since 1964.

“It is a place where East meets West, allowing students to develop their design expertise while gaining an in-depth understanding of industry and society, with a unique international and cultural perspective.

“PolyU Design attaches equal importance to design theory and application, integrates art with science, actively promotes interdisciplinary cooperation and learning, emphasises high-quality design education, conducts high-level research and provides consulting services.

“It is consistently among the top 20 in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by subject ‘art and design’. Academic programmes are offered at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels in highly diverse design expertise.

“Riding on massive creativity, many design projects of PolyU students are human-centric, cultural-driven and embrace the latest technologies.

“In this school show, ten amazing projects are selected from the postgraduate programmes of Master of Design (Intelligent Systems Design), Master of Design (Smart Service Design) and MSc in Multimedia Entertainment Technology, and undergraduate programmes in interactive media, product design and social design. More projects can be found here.”

Memento by Xiang Qi, Sanqi Yang, Xiang Li and Jingyi Yang

“Memento offers a unique service system for Gen Z to seamlessly integrate their online experiences with physical spaces, addressing their needs for social interaction and emotional connections in the digital age.

“Through a gamified approach, users can capture, upload and geographically organise digital memories, sharing them with friends and family to foster deeper connections and intimacy.

“Memento’s innovative design allows Gen Z to maintain their online interactions while fully enjoying the emotional experiences found in real life, providing a richer and more diverse lifestyle.

“The innovative design also fosters engagement between brick-and-mortar retailers and consumers. Furthermore, Memento opens up new possibilities for research and development in the field of technology-enhanced social interactions.”

Students: Xiang Qi, Sanqi Yang, Xiang Li and Jingyi Yang
Course: Master of Design (Smart Service Design)
Tutors: Shera Hyunyim Park, Aria Yang and Bow Yiying Wu

Inflorescences by Ng Hoi Ching Samantha, Shi Xueying Sherry, Qi Yaxuan Edith and Chau Tsz Kin Kenneth

“Inflorescences is a unique visual novel strategy game that combines the narrative depth of a traditional visual novel with the strategic gameplay mechanics of a strategy game.

“In this game, players take on the role of a shopkeeper in a mysterious flower shop, where they interact with customers and craft floral fragrances that will determine the direction of the storyline.

“The game seeks to revive the under-appreciated visual novel genre by introducing strategic gameplay mechanics that replace traditional text choices, which is balancing their interactions with customers and crafting floral fragrances.

“With its engaging narrative and strategic gameplay, Inflorescences has the potential to appeal to both visual novel enthusiasts and strategy game fans alike.

“The game aims to bring new life to the genre and provide players with an immersive and unique gaming experience.”

Students: Ng Hoi Ching Samantha, Shi Xueying Sherry, Qi Yaxuan Edith and Chau Tsz Kin Kenneth
Course: MSc in Multimedia Entertainment Technology
Tutors: Rhys Jones and Giovanni Lion

Remember Me by Chen Yao Yoyo, Lu Yihang, Xu Yihua and Zhang Zhijie

“Grief refers to the psychological trauma caused by the loss of a loved one to death, which can result in a range of emotions and behaviours.

“We have developed a virtual reality experience aimed at supporting individuals who have experienced grief in emotional recovery and understanding life and death.

“The VR experience includes meditation, emotional recovery and listening to real-life stories. The product aims to provide individuals with additional support for their emotional recovery and the memorialisation process.

“Additionally, it aims to provide therapists and social organisations with a complementary method to help people cope with grief. VR demo is available.”

Students: Chen Yao Yoyo, Lu Yihang, Xu Yihua and Zhang Zhijie
Course: MSc in Multimedia Entertainment Technology
Tutors: David Williams and Simon Yeung

PolarisMaps by Chan Cheuk Yin and Tin Wing Kam

“PolarisMaps aids independent travel for deaf-blind individuals through customisable indoor navigation apps. It targets to accommodate varying levels of deaf-blindness, enabling confident, comfortable and safe navigation in shopping malls.

“By providing an immersive experience, the project enhances target users’ motivation and active engagement with the world. The project offers visual and auditory features, with a three-step solution for planning, virtual exploration and actual exploration.

“With voice commands and built-in voiceover capabilities, users are allowed to obtain shop lists, bookmark favourites and plan their travel.

“Virtual exploration includes 3D simulation and haptic feedback, creating a safe and immersive virtual reality experience of the mall environment.

“Actual exploration incorporates an indoor navigation app UI compatible with UWB sensing technology and a smart white cane with vibration function, assisting users in avoiding obstacles.”

Students: Chan Cheuk Yin and Tin Wing Kam
Course: BA (Hons) in Interactive Media
Tutor: Jeffrey Ho



Requiescat by Tang Sin Ting and Yau Ho Yi

“Requiescat, derived from the Latin phrase meaning ‘rest in peace’ or a prayer for the repose of a deceased individual, carries the Chinese translation of 息止安所, which signifies finding rest, the cessation of a journey, and settling in a particular place.

“Requiescat is a comprehensive web platform that offers services for individuals to design a personalised end-of-life journey and provide emotional comfort to their loved ones.

“As supported by the service, users can plan for their pre-death arrangements, such as recording goodbye messages, creating wills, arranging legal authorisations and establishing medical instructions, including organ donation preferences.

“The platform collaborates with a local funeral company to assist in funeral arrangements. Family and friends are invited to join in completing the deceased’s wish list, creating a meaningful and memorable activity.

“Requiescat aims to support individuals in planning for their own death journey while easing the emotional burden on their living loved ones.

“The services provide peace of mind and ensure that end-of-life wishes are respected and executed efficiently.”

Students: Tang Sin Ting and Yau Ho Yi
Course: BA (Hons) in Interactive Media
Tutor: Jane Ngai



Quexa by Choi Wing Sing Foster

“Quexa is a versatile short-range public mobility system designed for future microcities in Hong Kong’s New Territories. It meets the growing mobility demands of compact city structures.

“Quexa offers intuitive multi-user functionality, adaptable features and ample storage for deliveries. It harnesses green energy and provides convenient docking and battery-swapping stations.

“Quexa can operate autonomously and be redirected as needed. Additional features include mobile device connectivity and an assistive user mode for the elderly.

“It has a range of up to 30 km on a full charge, equivalent to approximately 15 medium round trips in future city towns.”

Student: Choi Wing Sing Foster
Course: BA (Hons) in Product Design
Tutor: Scott Chin



WonderBlocks by Zhou Suiying Ann

“This project provides early emotional education support for children aged three to five, enhancing development and preventing emotional disorders.

“With limited resources, over 60 per cent of children lack necessary emotional skills. By improving accessibility, more children can benefit. Over 80 per cent of parents face challenges in their children’s emotional education.

“The project aims to support children and parents in emotional management for widespread acceptance and utilisation of emotional education.

“This product includes Emotion Bells, enhancing sensory experiences and building an interactive emotional library.

“It also features story cards that improve the ability to express emotions through visible methods, showcasing varying levels of intensity. These accessories support emotional development and communication.”

Student: Zhou Suiying Ann
Course: BA (Hons) in Product Design
Tutor: Lee Chi Wing

Breathing Taxi by Chiu Tsz Ching Crystal, Fu Hing Wan Nicole and Yu Hin Wa

“Frustration and anger come and go in urban life, so swiftly and frequently that a formal counselling or talk therapy session is too slow, too much and too expensive as a way out.

“Could we design a brand new service to fill the gap? What if the talkative and socially experienced taxi driver becomes a listener and mentor, the banal taxi trip a caring and supportive service?

“The project team identifies taxis throughout the city, along with their experienced drivers, as a valuable community resource, and explores whether the taxi service could extend beyond physical transportation and include emotional support.

“The team designs an innovative service through which passengers in emotional need can request a cruising, caring and breathing space, and have a casual, cheerful and meaningful conversation with a range of drivers of different backgrounds.

“The team also explores creative ways to prototype the service experience with taxi drivers and potential service users.”

Students: Chiu Tsz Ching Crystal, Fu Hing Wan Nicole and Yu Hin Wa
Course: BA (Hons) in Social Design
Tutors: Cheung Michael Chan, Kam Fai Chan, Sandy Ng and Jonathan Yu

Community Dot Dot Dot by Ho Ka Chung, Simon Lam, Lau Ho Yin Oscar, Tang Chung Yin Sam and Wong Kin Hin Eric

“This project collaborates with Tsing Lam Alliance Church in Tsing Yi’s St. Paul Village. It has two phases: ‘social design trial’ and ‘innovation community practice’.

“The design team taught social design to teenagers through games and community engagement in phase one.

“They also co-created five small projects with the church teens to address the issues and insights they discovered from fieldwork and house visits, allowing them to serve and innovate from a social design perspective.

“This is an on-going project that has received a ten-month support from the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund), a fund backing many social entrepreneurs to develop innovations creating social impact in Hong Kong.

“The first phase was well received by the village and the church, and the second phase is expected to continue until early 2024.”

Students: Ho Ka Chung, Simon Lam, Lau Ho Yin Oscar, Tang Chung Yin Sam and Wong Kin Hin Eric
Course: BA (Hons) in Social Design
Tutors: Cheung Michael Chan, Kam Fai Chan, Sandy Ng and Jonathan Yu

DJaytopia by Yue Wu, Liuxuan Ruan, Anran Qiu, Xuejie Li and Jinhao Sherlock Huang

“DJaytopia is an AI/ML-powered system designed to revolutionise music remixing for DJs. It provides a collaborative platform for novice DJs to create remixes effortlessly and offers experienced DJs a reliable partner to explore new styles and push creative boundaries.

“Users can refine their DJ skills and express their unique preferences through a virtual DJ console in virtual reality.

“Leveraging user feedback, the system develops a machine-learning model that translates into electrical signals, enabling precise manipulation of a robotic arm on the DJ console.

“This collaborative approach empowers users to collectively produce music mixes, fostering a dynamic and innovative DJing experience.”

Students: Yue Wu, Liuxuan Ruan, Anran Qiu, Xuejie Li and Jinhao Sherlock Huang
Course: Master of Design (Intelligent Systems Design)
Tutor: Stephen Jia Wang

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Ten design projects by students at Hong Kong Polytechnic University appeared first on Dezeen.