This $25 Must-Have Car EDC Gadget Could Save Your Life In An Emergency

Seatbelts are designed to not be cut. Glasses on cars are designed to not be broken. That’s all well and great until you find yourself in an emergency where you need to get out of a car and you’re stuck because of a jammed seatbelt or door. Although seatbelts and laminated glass panels are designed effectively to protect you, they can sometimes become the barriers to your safety – which is why it helps to have something like the Lifehammer Smart Automatic on you. A little larger than an AirPods case, the Lifehammer Smart Automatic is an emergency tool that helps you quickly slice through seatbelts and shatter glass windows so you can make an exit in a scenario where every second matters to your safety. Designed to be the essential EDC that every car needs, this $25 gadget could literally be a life-saver.

Designer: Lifehammer Products

Click Here to Buy Now

The Lifehammer Smart Automatic has a pretty compact, self-explanatory design, which makes it perfect for intuitive use in a split-second emergency. The soap-shaped gadget is easy to grasp firmly in your palm, and comes with a cutout on the side that you hook around your seatbelt. Slide the device over and it slices through the seatbelt’s tough fibers like a knife through butter… while still maintaining a safe design that won’t ever accidentally hurt you.

The top of the Lifehammer Smart Automatic houses its glass-breaker tip. It’s easy to identify the two crucial features simply by looking for the orange accents which highlight the cutter and breaker respectively. The top of the Smart Automatic has a spring-loaded head that you simply press into a glass panel. Eventually, it triggers the glass-breaker tip to eject outwards and shatter any tempered or laminated glass – like the ones found on car windows and windshields. The process requires minimal effort and time, allowing you to quickly break through the glass in case your door gets jammed.

A winner of this year’s iF Design Award, the compact Lifehammer Smart Automatic is a lot smaller than most car-safety gadgets we’ve seen, and comes with its own holder that attaches to any part of your car using 3M adhesive tape. This means you can attach the Smart Automatic beside your seat or the gearbox, or even behind the rearview mirror so it’s easier to access than having to open the glove box and fish around.

Click Here to Buy Now

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$88 Sony PlayStation Portal knockoff runs an Emulator with over 3000 built-in games

Sony’s lawyers better get their ceases and desists in order – a sub-$100 knockoff of the Sony PS Portal is available online with arguably better specs than the original. While Sony announced the PlayStation Portal as purely an accessory to the existing PS5, this carbon copy dubbed the M25 actually runs as a standalone device, running LINUX and EmuELEC but with support for more than 25 other emulators, and space for more than 3000 games so you can play anywhere instead of being relegated to just your PS5. Is it a shameless ripoff? Absolutely. Are we surprised? A little, at the audacity for sure!

When compared face to face, there are distinct differences between Sony’s version and the M25. For starters, the latter has a much smaller 4.3-inch screen that fits into the controller’s form factor instead of being a tablet attached onto the controller like in Sony’s design. This also means the M25 is a little more compact than its inspiration, making it easier to carry with you. That being said, the PS Portal wasn’t designed to be carried anyway, given that it needs to be tethered via WiFi to your PS5 at all times, eliminating any possibility of mobile gaming. The M25, on the other hand, has storage of up to 128Gb, letting you store and play games pretty much anywhere you want. It’s more like a Nintendo Switch Lite than like the PS Portal, in that regard.

Just on the design front, the M25 is a total ripoff of the DualSense controller, with a modified form that fits an HD screen (or so they’d have you believe) in between the two halves of the controller. A Quad-core processor on the inside runs the M25’s experience, with 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage (expandable with a TF card). A 3000mAh battery powers the entire device, and the display maxes at 480×272 pixels, which does feel like being shortchanged, but then again what did you expect for $88?

The M25 runs Linux and the EmuELEC emulator. You can sideload any other emulator of your choice, and the storage should allow you to play and save a dizzying 3000 games. Sure, it doesn’t compare to playing AAA titles like Assassin’s Creed or GTA 6 (if and when it releases) on a handheld device, but if you want to game on a subway without splurging on a Nintendo Switch, the M25 may just be your best bet. Better still, if you want a budget gift for a spoilt kid who wants the PS Portal, hand them this one and see if they notice! It’s available on Geekbuying, and ships from China, so don’t expect to be able to follow up on any warranty…

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Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 is My Everyday Carry I can’t live without

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 is my go-to everyday carry (EDC). At Yanko Design, we typically think of EDC items as tools like a knife, screwdriver, or flashlight—all rolled into one neat package. However, for those of us who need great audio for music, conference calls, and more, the AirPods Pro 2 are perfect. Their design is sleek and compact, fitting comfortably in the ear with different ear tip sizes to get the right fit. The charging case is genius—small enough to slip into the coin pocket of your jeans, making it super easy to carry around.

Designer: Apple

I gave my AirPods Pro to my 11-year-old, thinking I could get by with other brands of earbuds or headsets. That was a big mistake. Nothing else matched the seamless experience of switching between my iPhone, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. The AirPods Pro just work, no fuss.

With the new H2 chip, the sound quality is top-notch. Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes let you dive into your music or stay aware of your surroundings. The Adaptive Transparency mode even adjusts to loud noises on the fly. Plus, the battery life is impressive—up to six hours with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the charging case. No more constant recharges.

AirPods Pro 2: H2 Chip + custom-built driver and amplifier

The Personalized Spatial Audio feature, with dynamic head tracking, makes listening feel unique to you. The new touch controls on the stems are super handy for adjusting the volume on the go. Thanks to their stealth design, one could even use them as earplugs for sleeping on an airplane. I enjoy doing yard work, so they work amazingly well at blocking out the loud sound of a lawnmower and weed wackers.

I missed my AirPods Pro so much that I took them back, ordered a new pair for my kid, and snagged them at 20% off on Amazon. They’re just that good.

For anyone in the Apple ecosystem, it’s tough to recommend anything else. The seamless integration, amazing sound quality, and smart design make them an essential part of daily life. These little gems combine functionality, style, and tech into one awesome package.

Looking Forward to What’s Next

At WWDC 2024, Apple announced exciting updates for the AirPods lineup, aiming to make them even better for daily use and gaming. One cool new feature is interacting with Siri using head movements. Exclusive to AirPods Pro, you can nod or shake your head to answer or dismiss calls, manage notifications, and interact with messages silently. The H2 chip’s machine learning makes this hands-free experience seamless.

AirPods Pro also got a voice isolation upgrade. This tech reduces background noise during calls, making sure your voice comes through clearly, even in noisy or windy places. Apple introduced a new API for game developers to optimize games for AirPods. This means better dynamic head tracking and reduced audio latency, making the gaming experience on Apple devices more immersive. Latency is way down, making these earbuds great for gaming. AirPods Pro, paired with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, offers Apple’s best wireless audio latency ever for mobile gaming.

With support for 16-bit, 48kHz audio in games, your voice will come through crystal clear to teammates and other players. Perfect for those intense multiplayer sessions. These updates show Apple’s drive to make AirPods even better. The new features and enhancements will be available as a free firmware update this fall, with the developer beta available now for Apple Developer Program members.

Why Choose the AirPods Pro 2 Over the Original AirPods Pro and Regular AirPods?

On this Mobile Monday, we’re focusing on the AirPods Pro 2, and here’s why they stand out compared to the original AirPods Pro and regular AirPods. When it comes to wireless earbuds, Apple’s AirPods lineup offers several options, but the AirPods Pro 2 is the clear choice for several compelling reasons.

First, the AirPods Pro 2 feature the new H2 chip, which significantly enhances audio performance. The sound quality is richer and more immersive, with deeper bass and clearer highs. This is a noticeable improvement over both the original AirPods Pro and the regular AirPods, making your music, podcasts, and calls sound better than ever.

While the original AirPods Pro introduced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the AirPods Pro 2 took it to the next level. Enhanced ANC means you can block out more ambient noise, allowing for a more focused listening experience. The new Adaptive Transparency mode also dynamically adjusts to sudden loud noises, protecting your ears while still letting you stay aware of your surroundings.

Battery life is crucial for wireless earbuds, and the AirPods Pro 2 delivers. With ANC enabled, they offer up to six hours of listening time, and the charging case extends this to up to 30 hours. This is a significant improvement over the original AirPods Pro and regular AirPods, which means less frequent charging and more time enjoying your audio.

One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 2 is Personalized Spatial Audio. This technology tailors the audio experience to the unique shape of your ears, providing an immersive, theater-like sound. Combined with dynamic head tracking, it creates a more engaging and personalized listening experience, which is a step up from what the original AirPods Pro and regular AirPods offer.

The AirPods Pro 2 supports Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a more stable and efficient connection with your devices. The new touch controls on the stems are intuitive and allow you to adjust volume with a simple swipe, making them easier to use on the go compared to the original AirPods Pro and regular AirPods.

The AirPods Pro 2 comes with additional ear tip sizes, ensuring a more customized fit for a wider range of users. This improves both comfort and the effectiveness of noise cancellation. The regular AirPods, with their one-size-fits-all design, can’t match this level of personalized fit.

With updates announced at WWDC 2024, the AirPods Pro 2 is set to receive even more features that enhance usability. From head movement-based Siri interactions to improved voice isolation for clearer calls, these upcoming updates make the AirPods Pro 2 a future-proof investment.

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Mancini Duffy uses "elaborate" hydraulic system to reposition theatre in Times Square skyscraper

TSX skyscraper

Local architecture studio Mancini Duffy has led the completion of a Times Square skyscraper, which included lifting a historic Broadway theatre and integrating a giant LED screen that opens onto an outdoor stage.

Mancini Duffy, Perkins Eastman, and PBDW Architects led the demolition, restoration and design of TSX Broadway, a 47-storey skyscraper that now hosts retail space, a bar and lounge, a 661-room Hilton hotel, a Broadway theatre and an elevated outdoor performance stage.

Times Square
Mancini Duffy has completed a skyscraper in Times Square. Top photo is by Mia McDonald

Developed by L&L Holding Company and Fortress Investment Group, the project included a number of engineering and structural feats, most notably lifting Broadway’s 111-year-old, 14-million-pound Palace Theatre 30 feet (9 metres) above grade to create space for ground-level retail.

The project also included the restoration of the theatre, led by PBDW Architects – which also worked on the building’s masterplan starting in 2016 – and the creation of a performance stage, which is hidden behind an 18,000-square-foot (1,672 square metre) LED screen affixed to the building’s facade.

TSX stage
The TSX Broadway project included the integration of an outdoor stage and lifting a historic Broadway theatre

“We hit the ground running and never let up,” said Mancini Duffy senior associate John McCampbell. “While we were building one part of the building, we were demolishing another part. While we were doing the topping off ceremony, we were demolishing the cellar.”

“We had to move at different speeds to solve detailed problems for different stakeholders with differing priorities.”



An animation of the projects shows several major steps involved in the creation of the skyscraper, which made use of a portion of a pre-existing tower that hosted a Double Tree hotel above the Palace Theatre.

It shows the demolition of the previous tower, as well as the installation of the “elaborate hydraulic jacking system” in the building’s basement used to lift the theatre to its final position.

TSX stage
A large LED screen wraps around the building’s base

“Teams from 10-12 construction and engineering firms emptied out the building’s cellar and sub-cellar [and] installed an elaborate hydraulic jacking system and a large concrete ring beam around the theater,” said the team.

“This created a pocket for the elevation to take place. Once the theatre reached 16 feet [4.8 metres], the lift paused so the new floors could be built.”

Shakira performance
The screen opens to reveal an outdoor stage. The photography is by Shoootin Photography

Originally opened in 1913 and a designated New York City interior landmark, the 1,648-seat theatre now spans the building’s third to the eighth floors, where visitors can access it through a new entrance on 47th Street.

Mancini Duffy also designed a new third-floor lobby, a backstage area and additional restrooms that surround the space.

Shakira performance
The stage doors weigh 84,000 pounds. The photography is by Shoootin Photography

Also situated on the building’s third floor and 30 feet above ground, the TSX Stage sits directly across from the Palace Theatre, separated by retail space.

Hidden behind the large, curved LED screen that covers the tower’s base, it doubles as an indoor and outdoor performance venue.

PBDW Architects led the restoration of a historic Broadway theatre inside the building. The photo is by Mia McDonald”The TSX Stage is a major evolution of the Times Square screen spectacular, creating new possibilities for brands and artists,” said the team.

“Viewed from the ground-level pedestrian plaza, the stage, which is the first permanent outdoor performance venue in Times Square, hovers 30 feet above the street.”

Restoration of theatre
The theatre was elevated to make room for retail space underneath. The photo is by Mia McDonald

Two doors hidden within the exterior LED screen swing inwards to open the stage to Times Square’s visitors.

“The customized 84,000-pound doors are a world first – doors of this size have never been integrated into functioning LED signage before,” said the team.

A lobby with illuminated desk
The building’s overall design was informed by the “excitement of Times Square”

According to the PBDW, the tower’s LED screen is also one of “the largest LED screens in the world”.

For the hotel interiors, designed by Wimbley Interiors, and the building’s overall design, the team referenced “the interplay between different realms”.

“The overall design of TSX Broadway is about interplay between different realms – the lights and excitement of Times Square are the backdrop for many of the interior spaces,” said Mancini Duffy chief executive officer William Mandara Jr.

“Meanwhile, the Palace Theatre exists in its own contained world. We thoroughly scrutinized all aspects of the design to not only ensure everything fit together but served their distinctive purposes.”

A bar in Times Square
The team described the project as an “intricate puzzle”

“TSX Broadway is an intricate puzzle,” said Mandara Jr. “Among the biggest challenges was designing for people flow while respecting the building’s different uses.”

“Visitors can see a Broadway show in the Palace Theatre, and a few hours later, the audience can gather to see a concert on the outdoor stage and vice versa. And hotel guests wearing robes will not take a wrong turn and wind up in either space. Even by New York City standards, this was a complicated project.”

Times Squares received a redesign by Snøhetta in 2017, while recently, a theatre designed by Frank Lloyd Wright was restored in Wisconsin.

 photography is by Mike Van Tassell unless otherwise stated.


Executive architect: Mancini Duffy
Master plan architect and theatre restoration: PBDW Architects
Design architect (facade): Perkins Eastman
Tempo by Hilton hotel interiors: Wimbley Interiors
MEP engineer: Cosentini Associates, Inc
Theatrical consultant: Theatre Projects
Structural engineer: Severud Associates Consulting Engineers, P.C, and Robert Silman Associates Structural Engineers, DPC (Peer review)
Theater lift engineer: Urban Foundation Engineering LLC
Kitchen: Next Step Design
SOE: Langan
Code consulting: Design 2147 and Rizzo Group
Conservator: Jablonski Building Conservation, Inc.
LED screen: Sensory Interactive
Lighting designer: zeroLUX lighting design and Reveal Design Group
Acoustical consultant: Longman Lindsey (Tower and Theater FOH/BOH spaces)
Elevator Consultant: Vidaris, Inc. and IROS Elevator Design Services
Construction manager: Structure Tone Building Group (Theater), Pavarini McGovern (Entertainment, Hospitality, and Retail)
Owner’s representative: PRA Consulting

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Meadow's Daisy Top Aluminum Refill Packaging System

Swedish company Meadow is rethinking packaging for sustainability’s sake. Targeting the cosmetics and personal care industries, where packaging is typically plastic, Meadow has turned to aluminum instead. They’ve devised a refill concept that incorporates aluminum cans of standard size, so as to use existing tooling; the only difference is there’s no pull-tab.

Instead the can goes into the company’s aluminum pump dispenser. When the consumer screws it shut, there’s an audible cracking noise as the can is pierced, providing the audio cue that it’s ready for business.

“By using aluminium beverage cans as refill cartridges, we can access an unparalleled recycling collection infrastructure,” the company writes.

The company is looking to license this Daisy Top system, as it’s called, out to existing brands.

Vertical car concept is designed for narrow lanes and cramped spaces

The majority of concept designs that we see for future automobiles seem to revolve around self-driving vehicles cruising along wide and nearly empty highways. Given our present reality, however, the future might not be as idyllic as those images try to conjure up, at least in terms of traffic volume. There is a higher probability that there will be even more cars in the future, self-driving or otherwise, and people will be competing for even less space on roads. This concept, in contrast, bucks the trend and imagines a car that not only has to be driven manually, it is also tall and narrow enough that clearance doesn’t become a problem, allowing it to deftly navigate through traffic and tight spaces, today and tomorrow.

Designer: Rishav Kumar

The Project OVAL concept is actually made of two parts, both embracing the idea of a more vertically oriented design. On the one hand, there is a vertical oval for the steering wheel which, along with matching the general shape of the vehicle itself, also saves space inside the cabin. The steering mechanism is attached to the side of the car, almost as if it’s floating, since the vehicle practically has no front, let alone a dashboard for the steering wheel to connect to.

The car, on the other hand, is a rather unique spin on a two-person vehicle that prioritizes the economy of space over anything else. There is practically nothing in front of the driver and side passenger save for that oval steering wheel and two pedals. There is space behind the seats for baggage and, presumably everything else that makes the car run. Save for the pillars, the sides and roof of the vehicle are transparent, as is the front, giving passengers a panoramic view of the world around them.

This ultra-minimalist car is designed to easily navigate narrow city roads which will presumably be even more packed in the future. The slim and narrow body is also a boon for parking spaces which are already a rare commodity today. By also removing everything in front of the passengers, the car also gives more freedom of movement and comfort, even though it might feel a bit cramped as far as the width goes.

Project OVAL doesn’t preclude some self-driving mechanism, especially given how there’s no instrumentation panel to inform drivers of the car’s current state. It is entirely possible that the front glass will have a transparent display that makes all that visible as well, creating a rather dramatic futuristic visual. An autonomous system will definitely help save even more space if you remove the steering wheel and pedals, but such manual controls might be even more necessary if highways become even more congested in the future.

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Ten design projects by students featured in New Designers

A photograph of a collection of transparent glasses against a grey backdrop.

Dezeen School Shows: a glassware collection for beverages that accentuates the visual effect of light is included in this school show by New Designers.

Also included is a redesign of a car that adapts to travelling outdoors and a textiles project that takes cues from the architecture of cathedrals.


New Designers

School: New Designers

Statement:

“The recently concluded New Designers show celebrated the creativity and innovation of emerging talents across various design disciplines.

“This annual event provides a platform for graduating students to showcase their work, highlighting their skills and unique perspectives.

“The 2024 exhibition offered a glimpse into the future of design, featuring ground-breaking concepts and cutting-edge techniques.

“The show not only serves as a launchpad for the next generation of designers but also reinforces the importance of creativity and innovation in shaping our world.

“Save the date for the next edition of New Designers, running 2 to 12 July 2025.”


A visualisation of a video game character, wearing clothing in green and blue colours and holding an object in tones of brown, red and blue, against a grey backdrop.

Reluctant Hero by Adrian Henry

“The Reluctant Hero is a CG character sculpted in ZBrush and textured in Maya – Mickey is a character designed as an experimental piece for video game content creation.

“The purpose of this project was to discover new techniques, utilising industry-standard software, for texturing, modelling and above all, storytelling.

“With little to no experience in 3D prior to university, I wanted to push myself to learn the key steps in the industry pipeline for developing the props and assets we see in video games – following a stylised approach, I developed these pieces to incorporate deep and immersive designs into a 3D world, and even made the character playable in a video game engine!

“The idea behind my project, story-wise, is loosely based on the persona of a worn-down and respected handyman reaching retirement, and as a new threat emerges in his town, Mickey is the last hope for the folk who have looked to him for years.

“He throws together some make-shift weapons from his array of tools and gizmos and takes to the garden to fend off the marching wave of evil, mutant hogweeds – it’s time to nip this in the bud, one final time.”

Student: Adrian Henry
School: Nottingham Trent University
Course: BA (Hons) Animation


A photograph of a brown bag with a red label on it with yellow writing. In front of the bag is a publication, open on a double page spread that shows an orange image with the words 'i'm lovin it' in yellow writing over it.

Exposure by Alisha Beaven

“My publication, Exposure, reveals the everyday patterns beyond our sight by exploring the germs and bacteria that live amongst us.

“The bacterial images used in this book were grown from samples I took from kiosks in McDonalds.”

Student: Alisha Beaven
School: Nottingham Trent University
Course: BA (Hons) Graphic Design


A poster with the words 'umusic' at the top and 'Autumn' at the bottom, in pink and blue colours, with a collaged image between them in colours of yellow, blue, white and beige.

UMusic Autumn poster by Alanna Sloss

“This poster design was part of my submission to the D&AD New Blood awards – I selected the brief from Universal Music, who asked for a series of posters and other promotional material for their annual ‘Umusic’ event.

“I created a series of six posters using paper collage techniques, as well as in-venue branding, email invitations and merchandise designs.

“Using collage for this project was a challenge for me as someone who feels more comfortable with other digital and analogue techniques, and for a while, collage had been one medium that I had not quite grasped.

“Throughout the process, it took a lot of convincing for me to feel confident in this work but in the end, it is some of my favourite illustration work I have ever created.

“I am someone who likes to take risks and challenge myself often and I am grateful for this project as it is a reminder to myself why it is so beneficial to do so.”

Student: Alanna Sloss
School: Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University
Course: BA (Hons) Illustration


A photograph of a person standing against a pink background, wearing garments in tones of pink, orange, yellow and green.

Colourphilic by Georgie Hollingworth

“Colourphilic seamlessly merges biophilic design and contemporary textiles, drawing inspiration from cathedral architecture and nature found at the Eden Project.

“Through handloom and digital techniques, it translates nature’s hues into serene designs.

“Vibrant colours and textured yarns weave narratives of tranquillity, inviting tactile exploration within my designs.”

Student: Georgie Hollingworth
School: Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton
Course: BA Textile Design


Visualisation of three electronic devices in colours of yellow, blue, red and white, against a grey backdrop.

Boost by Anahita Shafiei Baghini

“Boost is a package solution consisting of three products: a wearable monitor, a ‘thank you’ button and a breakroom surface lamp with a touchscreen projector.

“Boost ensures that underground train drivers receive their daily dose of vitamin D3 by providing artificial sunlight exposure.

“At the same time, the device also monitors iron oxide levels within their working environment to document long-term particulate matter exposure.”

Student: Anahita Shafiei Baghini
School: University of Leeds
Course: BSc Product Design


A photograph of three ceramic objects in colours of white and black, against a grey backdrop.

Continuation by Emily May Scott

“I produce thrown vessels, as I enjoy the refined and symmetrical forms I can achieve with this technique, as well as the tactile nature of throwing clay.

“I then create plaster moulds from these forms and use them to slip-cast my pieces before adding ridges of decoration that flow around the vessels.

“My inspiration for the pieces in this collection stems from my interest in natural forms, fluidity and quality of line, as well as adding movement, life and dynamism to otherwise static vessels.

“As I made each piece in this collection, I enjoyed seeing the basic forms slowly morph and extend, gradually adding depth and movement as the lines wind around the vessels and lights.”

Student: Emily May Scott
School: De Montfort University
Course: BA (Hons) Design Crafts


A photograph of rolls of patterned fabric in tones of beige, blue, red and green.

Mountainous Landscapes by Abbie Millard

“This collection is inspired by my trip to Snowdon – I used the contours of the mountains alongside the architectural shapes from the local village to create a collection of hand-rendered and digitally printed designs for interior spaces.

“I have been influenced by the Scandinavian concept hygge which has informed my selection of materials and processes, resulting in an interior collection that focuses on wellbeing.”

Student: Abbie Millard
School: Arts University Bournemouth
Course: BA (Hons) Textiles


A photograph of a person handling an illuminated lamp against a grey backdrop.

Theia: Nature-Informed Lamp Design by Joseph de Ferranti

“Through the way it refracts, reflects and casts shadows, natural light is an astonishing phenomenon that we are deeply connected to as humans.

“Theia intends to replicate aspects of this experience through the ambience it brings to a room and the design of its hand crafted aluminium body.

“Theia houses two powerful LEDs which cast light onto two reflective discs, which can be rotated to adjust the type of reflection and what direction the light projects.

“The lower faces are white to reflect a solid functional light, and the upper halves are mirrored stainless steel, casting a reflection that emulates the interaction of water and light.

“Through increasing the natural ambience of our indoor areas, Theia intends to be a practical solution to the reality of our predominantly indoor lifestyle – it does not only intend to provide the benefits of biophilia to our mental health but also to remind us of positive associations with nature, encouraging us to spend time in it when we get the opportunity.”

Student: Joseph de Ferranti
School: Edinburgh College of Art
Course: BA (Hons) Product Design


A photograph of a collection of transparent glasses against a grey backdrop.

Blurring The Boundaries by Charlotte Laithwaite

“Throughout my work, I have explored the interplay of light and colour to create functional art that serves as playful objects, sparking conversations among users.

“My design concept incorporates intangible elements like light, which interact dynamically with my glassware.

“Through deliberate design, I’ve crafted pieces that capture and reflect light, enhancing the visual experience and creating captivating interplays between the glass and the liquid it holds.

“Each glass in the collection is meticulously crafted to embody the journey of mixology and illuminate the drinking experience.

“By integrating innovative materials and lighting elements, these glasses transcend traditional design, offering a unique exploration of how light interacts with beverages and enhances the sensory enjoyment of cocktails.”

Student: Charlotte Laithwaite
School: Manchester School of Art, MMU
Course: BA Product Design & Craft


A visualisation of a car design in amongst a rural scene, with a person standing next to it.

Citroen DS Grandeur by Ollie Rommelrath

“The luxury Citroen DS Grandeur embodies the concept of a land yacht, designed for adventurous journeys.

“Its sleek exterior and expansive interior redefine sophisticated travel, while also evolving Citroen’s brand DNA for a new segment.”

Student: Ollie Rommelrath
School: Staffordshire University
Course: BA (Hons) Automotive & Transport Design

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and New Designers. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Ten design projects by students featured in New Designers appeared first on Dezeen.

Teaser: A Beautiful Ross Lovegrove Design for a Flexing Robot Arm

By now we’re accustomed to seeing robot arms used in manufacturing. The aesthetic, if they can be said to have one, is form follows function:

However, Ross Lovegrove has posted this teaser vid of an eye-catching model he’s designed, using generative AI:

Are you seeing what I’m seeing? The metal frame actually flexes!

DEOND, by the way, is the creative partnership between Lovegrove and creative director/artist/strategist Ila Colombo.

There’s no word on what specifically they’ve created this arm for, they’ll only say: “We are pioneering innovative and impact-driven design and architecture solutions that transform imagination into reality. Building a more conscious, beautiful and intelligent future.”

Ronan Bouroullec's Humble Maasto Dining Chair

Humble materials, humble furniture: This Maasto Dining Armchair, designed by Ronan Bouroullec, uses both solid pine and pine plywood.

“Simple and strong, the Maasto Chair by Ronan Bouroullec is an ode to pine. Maasto is instantly archetypal, a hardworking seat for daily dining at home or in public spaces with a seamless profile and brutally honest design.

“Maasto’s uncomplicated silhouette is created by combining plywood sides for strength, reduced bulk and simplicity of construction, with a solid pine seat and back for durability.

“Our specially-made Finnish plywood features an exaggerated grain, producing an intoxicating hyper-pine aesthetic.”

The Maasto is in production by Finnish furniture brand Vaarnii.

Self-grooming cat house combs away loose fur each time they pass through

Furry friends are full of fun, at least until it’s time to actually keep them healthy and well-maintained. Both dogs and cats have a never-ending fur problem, but felines are more notorious for not being as enthusiastic about being brushed and combed, unlike their canine counterparts. That said, cats are also sticklers for cleanliness, but all their licking unfortunately results in unsightly hairballs in the end. This rather ingenious contraption offers a solution that makes that brushing feel almost natural to the cat, and it does so by taking advantage of the most cat-like behavior of all: squeezing into very tight spaces.

Designer: Paw-Swing

At first glance, the Paw-Swing Purrring (yes, that’s how it’s spelled) Cat Self-Grooming House looks nothing more than a felt-covered box with a rather small circular opening in front. This combination is, of course, irresistible to cats who’ll want to explore and try to fit into that tight space, which is exactly why it’s designed this way. And as soon as it passes through that hole, its loose fur gets brushed away in a manner that makes the cat feel like it’s being licked by its mother instead.

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The secret is the six cylindrical brushes around the circular entrance of the house, each with a surface designed to mimic the papillae on a cat’s tongue. To the cat, this feels like a more natural grooming method, which is normally employed by mother cats licking their young. Of course, the fur isn’t ingested and is simply stored in a separate compartment for easy cleaning later. This process happens each and every time the cat passes through the entrance, making manual grooming a thing of the past.

While the self-grooming cat house requires no electricity or motors to implement the grooming part, it does have a tech component to its design. There is an automated treat dispenser installed at the top to entice your cats to come closer to the box, and when it does go in, it records how many times the cat comes in and leaves. This data is made available to owners to help them monitor the habits and health of their feline family.

Beyond the grooming and the feeding, the Purrring cat house is also, well, a house for cats. Its felt material makes the box comfortable and safe for cats, not to mention environment-friendly and recyclable as well. The Self-Grooming Cat House thus offers a safe haven for cats that also take a load off their humans’ minds, at least until it’s time to take out the collected fur.

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