It would be fun to see what archeologists make of this object, if they dig one up in the future.

This Creator Micro, by Montreal-based tech company Work Louder, is designed for power users of Photoshop, Premiere, Figma, etc. It offers 12 keys and two analog dials that users can map functions onto, for one-button convenience. There are actually four “layers” that each button or dial can access, meaning you’ve actually got 48 different functions on tap.

It might seem like overkill, but the base holds a CNC-machined piece of aluminum that serves as a weight, to prevent it from sliding around on your desk.

You can purchase keycaps with icons on them, or opt for blank.

They also sell this Figma-specific set below, which comes with 30 keys labeled with Figma-specific tasks, and another 15 colored buttons, allowing you to mix and match.

The standard model runs $130, and the Figma jam is $160.

Promotion: Italian lighting brand Slamp has created a new collection of lighting named Fiordlys that will be launched at London Design Festival 2024.

The launch of Fiordlys will take place at Slamp‘s Knightsbridge flagship showroom, and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the brand’s founding in 1994.

Among the launch and anniversary celebrations, the week-long event running from 14 to 21 September also marks the awarding of the Compasso d’Oro alla Carriera 2024 to Slamp founder and CEO Roberto Ziliani.

The award was created by Italian architect and industrial designer Gio Ponti 70 years ago to recognise Italian-made furnishings, lighting and products.

On 19 September at 5pm at the brand’s South Kensington store, Ziliani is set to present the new Fiordlys range, designed by Paolo D’Arrigo.

The series comprises two pendant lamps – one round and one linear – and one wall light, all of which are united by their being made up of a number of oval-shaped concave fins.

“The distinct concentric shell structure of this new design is a representation of a visual narrative of Slamp’s 30 years, through the three materials that have marked its evolutionary milestones,” said Slamp.

“The Fiordlys range is made of three materials. Firstly, Opaflex, which represents the origins of the brand. Secondly, Lentiflex, introduced about 15 years ago, which has a ribbed texture capable of creating fluid and unexpected iridescent effects. Finally, in the outermost surface, a texture of cold applied metallic foil that creates poetic effects of light and shadow.”

Each of the lamps is available in a choice of three finishes – white, silver or gold – that users can select from to allow the pieces to blend into a range of interior design schemes.

Over the last three decades, Slamp has collaborated with a number of eminent designers including Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, Studio Fuksas and Robert Wilson to produce characterful and distinctive lights and lamps.

The resulting pieces represent the possibilities within lighting design for innovation and artisanal craftsmanship.

“Slamp, since 1994, has created lighting that sets an immersive backdrop for indoor and outdoor spaces,” said the brand.

“Lamps with a strong identity, defined by a weightless, elegant touch, designed by international architects, designers and artists, intrinsically Italian, hand-crafted by experts that apply a discipline in sustainable, quality artisan heritage.”

For more information about the event during London Design Festival 2024, click here.

To view a list of events, exhibitions and talks taking place during LDF 2024, check out our Events Guide.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Smile Plastics as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Slamp celebrates 30th anniversary and unveils new collection at LDF 2024 appeared first on Dezeen.

Apple’s latest wearable, the Apple Watch Series 10, makes meaningful advancements, especially in health tracking. With FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, Apple has expanded the watch’s role from a daytime fitness companion to a 24/7 health monitor. After wearing the Series 10 for a few days, I’ve noticed how seamlessly it fits into all aspects of my life—from workouts to sleep. Let’s dive into the details.

Designer: Apple

Design That Catches the Eye

The first thing that immediately stood out about the Series 10 is its sleek design. The watch seemed to mold perfectly around my wrist, like a missing piece of a puzzle that fits seamlessly into place on a canvas. Apple’s attention to detail is evident, especially in how they’ve managed to slim the watch down to just 9.7mm, making it the thinnest Apple Watch yet. This reduction in thickness doesn’t just look good on paper; you feel the difference instantly. The Series 10 is almost weightless on your wrist, ideal for day and night wear.

The aluminum model is about 10% lighter, and if you opt for the titanium version, it’s nearly 20% lighter than the stainless steel models. The 1mm difference in thickness between the Series 9 and Series 10 may seem minimal, but it feels significant when worn. The slimmer profile, particularly with the 46mm model, makes it easier to wear for extended periods without any bulkiness. The watch never felt intrusive, whether I was working out, typing at my desk, or relaxing.

Apple Watch Titanium (Natural)

I had the chance to test both the Jet Black aluminum and Natural titanium models. The Jet Black is sleek and modern, offering a bold yet understated look. The Natural titanium, with its polished finish mimicking stainless steel, adds a premium touch. Both finishes provide something different, depending on your style.

Apple Watch Series 10 (Jet black)

Apple also offers aluminum models in Rose Gold and Silver, and the titanium versions come in Slate and Gold, catering to various personal preferences. Whether you want something striking or classic, there’s a finish to match your personality.

Display: Bigger, Brighter, and Easier to Love

The Series 10 boasts the largest and brightest display Apple has ever made, even surpassing the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The wide-angle OLED display curves seamlessly into the edges, giving it a sleek, modern look. The display is 40% brighter when viewed at an angle, making reading notifications in direct sunlight easy and hassle-free.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 10 (Titanium) vs. Apple Watch Series 10 (Aluminum)

I’ve worn the Apple Watch Ultra for its flat display and rugged feel, but I must admit that the Series 10’s curved screen brings a level of elegance that’s hard to ignore. The Ultra’s flat display offers practicality, especially in terms of scratch resistance, as I’ve noticed my older curved models tend to pick up scratches more easily over time. The Ultra’s ruggedness and industrial look are great for outdoor activities or those seeking extra durability.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

However, the Series 10’s curves make it feel more refined and contemporary, elevating the overall design into something more than just a piece of tech—it feels like a stylish accessory. Whether you prefer the Ultra’s rugged protection or the Series 10’s elegant curves really depends on personal taste, but there’s no denying that the Series 10 fits seamlessly into more aspects of my day-to-day life.

Straps That Match Your Lifestyle and All-Day Comfort

Straps can make or break your comfort, and Apple has updated several designs to complement the Series 10’s lightweight and ergonomic build. I fell in love with the Solo Loop in green. Its flexible, buckle-free design offers a snug yet comfortable fit, making it ideal for workouts and sleep. The Milanese Loop and Link Bracelet have also been redesigned to match the polished titanium finishes, offering a sleek, all-metal look for those who want something more formal.

For a more active style, the Sport Loop is breathable and made with 45% recycled materials, perfect for intense exercise. Whether you prefer something functional, stylish, or both, Apple offers countless strap designs—from leather options to vibrant silicone bands—allowing the watch to adapt to any occasion seamlessly.

One of the biggest surprises with the Series 10 is just how comfortable it is. It’s so lightweight that I often forget I’m wearing it. The watch stays in place without feeling bulky or intrusive, whether I’m typing, running errands, or getting in a quick workout. The Series 10 really shines in its all-night wearability, thanks to Apple’s introduction of FDA-approved sleep apnea detection. Sleep apnea, which causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, can lead to long-term health risks like heart disease. With the Series 10, you can monitor potential signs of this condition in a non-intrusive way, thanks to its lightweight design and seamless sleep tracking.

Health and Fitness Features Galore: More Than Just Fitness

Health and fitness have always been at the core of the Apple Watch, and Series 10 builds on this legacy with watchOS 11. The new Vitals App consolidates heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and sleep tracking into one convenient interface. Having all these metrics in one place is incredibly useful for someone who enjoys keeping tabs on their health.

The FDA-approved sleep apnea detection is a key addition. It allows users to monitor their breathing patterns and get alerts if something seems off, providing peace of mind without intrusive sleep studies.

Fitness enthusiasts will also appreciate the new Training Load feature, which tracks the intensity of cardio workouts and provides an effort rating from 1 to 10. This real-time feedback ensures you’re pushing yourself just the right amount without overdoing it.

Another thoughtful addition is the ability to pause Activity Rings for up to 90 days. Sometimes life gets in the way, and whether you’re recovering from an injury or taking a much-needed break, this feature allows you to return to your routine without losing progress.

Sleep Apnea Onboarding Process: Clear and Straightforward

Setting up the sleep apnea detection feature is intuitive, especially if you’re familiar with the Health app. After updating to iOS 18, you can find the Breathing Disturbances section under Respiratory in the app. From there, the onboarding process guides you through a simple setup.

Apple explains how the feature works: It monitors temporary interruptions in breathing during sleep, which could be influenced by factors like body position or alcohol intake. Frequent disturbances over multiple nights, however, may indicate sleep apnea. After completing the setup, you can enable **Sleep Apnea Notifications.

The Series 10 tracks your sleep over time, and while it takes about 30 days to gather sufficient data for a proper assessment, this long-term tracking ensures accuracy. Detailed insights, including charts of breathing disturbances, are then available within the Health app, offering a comprehensive view of your overnight respiratory health.

This setup felt seamless, and I found myself relying on the watch as my go-to sleep tracker—especially since it’s nearly invisible on my wrist at night.

Performance That Keeps Pace with Your Life

The S10 chip under the hood delivers a fast and smooth experience. Whether I’m opening apps, navigating the watch, or tracking workouts, everything runs seamlessly without any lag.

Battery life has been solid, with Apple claiming up to 18 hours of use under normal conditions and up to 36 hours with Low Power Mode. I found that the watch easily lasts from morning to night with juice to spare, and the fast charging feature gets me back up to 80% in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick top-up before heading out.

Convenience Features That Make Life Easier

The Series 10 includes several convenience features that enhance everyday use. The Ultra Wideband chip effortlessly helps me find my misplaced iPhone, a feature I’ve already relied on more than once. Meanwhile, the Translate app in watchOS 11 has been a lifesaver during my travels, allowing me to get quick translations without pulling out my phone.

Taking calls on the go is also easier than ever. The built-in speaker and voice isolation technology ensure that calls come through clearly, even in noisy environments. It’s one of those features that you don’t realize you need until you have it—and then it becomes indispensable.

Sustainability: A Watch That’s Greener

Apple’s push for sustainability continues with the Series 10. The aluminum and titanium models, paired with select bands, are now carbon neutral. Apple also uses recycled materials like gold, rare earth elements, and aluminum in its construction. The packaging has been reduced by 30%, aligning with Apple’s goal to eliminate plastic packaging by 2025.

Is It Worth the Upgrade?

The Apple Watch Series 10 offers significant improvements, particularly in health tracking and overall comfort. With FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, a thinner and lighter form factor, and enhanced performance, it’s a strong upgrade for anyone who prioritizes health monitoring.

The new sleep apnea detection and enhanced health metrics make the Series 10 an ideal 24/7 companion for those who already sleep with their Apple Watch. If you’re already embedded in the Apple ecosystem and value these features, it’s an excellent choice.

However, if you’re content with a recent Apple Watch model and don’t see the need for advanced health tracking, the Series 10’s upgrades may not feel essential. Ultimately, it depends on your personal needs and whether these new features enhance your daily routine.

Ultimately, the Apple Watch Series 10 feels more like a lifestyle companion than just a piece of tech. Whether you’re an Apple loyalist or considering making the switch, this watch offers style, functionality, and peace of mind for those who prioritize their health.

Apple Watch Series 10 Natural Titanium + iPhone 15 Pro Max

The post Apple Watch Series 10 Review: A Fresh Take with FDA-Approved Sleep Apnea Detection first appeared on Yanko Design.

An exhibition dedicated to women’s empowerment, on the Amalfi Coast

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Palazzo Avino’s “Palace to Palace” Art Takeover

An exhibition dedicated to women’s empowerment, on the Amalfi Coast

Lucrezia Worthington

17 September 2024

When it comes to the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi and Positano often take the spotlight compared to their smaller, hilltop neighbor Ravello; but it’s precisely for this reason that Ravello has become a destination worth visiting for those seeking to escape mass tourism. Perched 365 meters above sea level, this quaint village boasts a panorama that sweeps the coast, over Minori, Maiori and extending southward toward the Cilento coastline. This vista is what you’ll wake up and fall asleep to at Palazzo Avino (where the best moment might very well be at sunrise, when the entire coastline is painted in pink hues). The hotel officially opened back in the 1930s, welcoming actors such as Humphrey Bogart and Gina Lollobrigida during the filming of Beat the Devil, as well as notable filmmaker Roberto Rossellini and his lover, the actress Ingrid Bergman. But it’s not until 1995 that the property was purchased by its current owners, the Avino family, who, from a state of abandonment, lovingly and carefully restored it to its former glory. 

Today it narrates the story of a family—the kind of family that takes into consideration every minute detail in order to unveil the secrets of this glamorous destination and one that treasures a world of culture, craftsmanship and savoir-faire. In fact, the property is that of two souls. The first is an ode to tradition—an aristocratic residence with a tapestry of Italian and French antiques, gilded details, ancient majolica tiles, Vietri ceramics and Moorish arched windows. The second is the integration of contemporary art and design, a direction that the Avino sisters (Mariella, Attilia and Mariavittoria) sought to weave into the property.

Architect and interior designer Cristina Celestino was the first to bring her avant-garde touch to the hotel, transforming seven of the 53 rooms and suites. She revamped them around three main color tones—aquamarine, coral, and sand—reflecting the essence of the Palazzo’s surroundings. Celestino also designed The Pink Closet, a luxury boutique opened in 2019 that features hand-picked items by Mariella.

The latest projects have been designed by Neapolitan architect Giuliano Andrea dell’Uva, who designed the prestigious Infinito Suite in 2023. Set across two floors, the architect restored the ancient tower of the palazzo, integrating designer furnishings by Gabriella Crespi, Gio Ponti, Hans-Agne Jakobsson and Ignazio Gardella. English artist David Tremlett was also commissioned for a site-specific work adding color to the vaulted ceilings and handcrafted ceramic-tiled floors. The suite’s color scheme aligns with Gio Ponti’s “Mediterranean Law” concept which underlines that “everything by the sea must be colorful.” Within the suite, breathtaking views pour out from the private terrace, as if you’re suspended between sea and sky. 

This year, dell’Uva also unveiled a new room with twelve more set to follow next season. This sea-view nook has been coated in chalk white, with splashes of pink and blue to recall the fantastic three-dimensional headboard created by Venetian artist Giulano Dal Molin. Next to the bed is the traditional Moorish arched window, iconic of the property, that looks out into the gardens and beyond. This particular style has been reflected by the architect as an arched, glass door to enter the bathroom. 

Furthermore, dell’Uva injected his contemporary vision to Rossellinis, Palazzo Avino’s one-Michelin-starred restaurant. In parallel with the aesthetic changes is the culinary format overseen by chef Gianni Vanacore. Diners will begin their culinary venture with a glass of champagne and amuse-bouche on the lawn before taking a seat at their table and the options of three different tasting menus with one common denominator: the dessert trolley. It shows up at your table post dinner with a delectable selection of regional delights including a slice of rose-scented pastiera, the art of Neapolitan pastry.

Within the spaces of the Caffè dell’Arte, the Avino sisters decided to create a living gallery, imbued with creative works that rotate on an annual basis. This year, until November 2024, Palazzo Avino has collaborated with Palazzo Monti, an artist residency in Brescia. The theme is one that marries the philosophy which guides the Pink Palace today: female empowerment.

As Mariella says, “Breathing life into the palace, infusing it with art, has been an enduring journey that has grown richer with each passing year. The idea that this year the project will shine a light on the female world of art holds even a deeper meaning for me, resonating with our DNA and family legacy.” The Palace to Palace art takeover, curated by the honorary director of Palazzo Monti, Umberta Beretta, celebrates femininity through emotion, creativity, exploration, color and inclusivity. This exhibition showcases the diverse perspectives of emerging international female artists through a collection of paintings, sketches and photography.

The Importance of PR for Designers and Architects

Effective public relations (PR) is essential for designers and architects looking to gain visibility and build their brand. While you might be focused on your craft, reaching the right audience is equally important. In today’s competitive market, utilizing a premium PR service like Designspotter Newswire can be a game-changer. Here’s how you can enhance your PR work as a designer or architect and boost your presence with the help of our platform.

Designers and architects often overlook the significance of strategic PR in their professional growth. However, PR can do wonders for showcasing your work, attracting new clients, and building your brand’s reputation. A well-crafted PR strategy can highlight your projects, tell your unique story, and place your brand in front of the right audience — from potential clients to industry influencers.

Whether you’re launching a new collection, unveiling a sustainable architectural masterpiece, or pushing the boundaries of design, PR ensures that your voice is heard. Without it, even the most groundbreaking projects may go unnoticed.

Maximizing Your PR Strategy with Designspotter Newswire

Designspotter Newswire offers a comprehensive solution for designers and architects who want to reach the right audience through the right channels. Our premium PR ticker is specifically tailored to the needs of creative professionals in design, architecture, tech, and lifestyle industries. Here’s how it can work for you:

Effortless PR Management: You don’t have to be a PR expert to take advantage of Designspotter Newswire. Our platform is intuitive, allowing you to easily craft and distribute your press releases. All you need to do is submit your news, and we take care of the rest.

Amplified Reach: With Designspotter Newswire, your press releases don’t just stay on one platform. We leverage our extensive network to amplify your message across social media and other design-focused platforms. Whether you’re showcasing your latest designs or promoting a new architecture project, your news will reach a global, targeted audience.

Tailored Exposure: We understand the unique nature of the design and architecture industries. With our platform, your news won’t get lost in the noise. We ensure that your press releases are seen by the right people, including design enthusiasts, architects, industry influencers, and potential clients.

Get Started with Designspotter Newswire Today

If you’re serious about growing your brand and gaining the recognition your work deserves, Designspotter Newswire is the solution for you. With our PR service, you can ensure that your designs and projects reach the right people and make a lasting impression. Don’t let your work go unnoticed — join the growing community of designers and architects who are transforming their PR strategies with our platform.

Ready to take your PR to the next level? Start today by using Designspotter Newswire. Click here to learn more and submit your first press release: Designspotter Newswire.

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