As the name suggests, most camper vans are made for camping. However, Toyoya’s Kayoibako interprets things differently. Inspired instead by shipping containers, the adorable micro-camper is compact enough for tight city streets yet versatile enough to transform from a cozy camper into a mobile pop-up shop or even a mini delivery van. Built as a multifunctional, adaptable space, the Kayoibako explores the future of compact vehicles designed for urban explorers, small business owners, and anyone craving flexibility in a city-ready package.

Designer: Toyota

With a length of 3.99 meters (around 13 feet), the Kayoibako maximizes every inch of space. The tiny EV uses a nearly nonexistent hood and a minimalist driver-only seat setup, which frees up over 2.1 meters of usable floor length behind the driver and 3.1 meters in the seatless passenger area. Collaborating with lifestyle brand D&Department, Toyota created a cozy camper layout with a foldable double bed, ambient lighting, and simple furnishings, proving that functional design can be stylish too. The roof—standing at 186 cm (73 inches)—is accessible via a ladder and can double as a gear rack, providing easy storage solutions for adventurers looking to take advantage of every inch of this micro-camper.

What really makes the Kayoibako concept exciting is how easily it shapeshifts to meet diverse needs. Toyota envisioned it for multiple configurations, including an adaptive wheelchair-accessible design, a fully mobile retail shop with racks, and a straightforward cargo hauler. This flexibility comes from the vehicle’s customizable software. For instance, if you’re using it as a mobile shop, the Kayoibako could integrate inventory tracking, or, if it’s out on the trails, off-road navigation could be added to the suite. With all these options, Toyota has crafted a concept that feels a step ahead, blending physical versatility with digital intelligence.

Inside, the Kayoibako is as simple as it is modern. The minimalist dashboard is defined by an ultra-slim, curved infotainment screen that stretches across the windshield area, designed to give the driver a seamless interface with all key information in one place. The Kayoibako’s cockpit keeps things light, thanks to a skeletal steering wheel and minimal controls, perfect for a vehicle that aims to be as flexible as its users’ needs. This simplicity lets Toyota make the most of the interior, creating a spacious, uncluttered atmosphere that’s highly adaptable for different uses, from outdoor exploration to city delivery.

So, will the Kayoibako make it to production? Toyota’s been quiet about that, though its experimentation with flexible mini-vehicles, like the Hilux Champ mini-pickup, hints at a future where modular electric vehicles might become mainstream. If the Kayoibako—or something like it—hits the market, we’d be looking at a new category of hyper-adaptable, eco-friendly EVs. Whether for work, play, or a mix of both, it’s a concept that could be just what the tiny van scene has been waiting for.

The post Toyota’s new Micro-camper doubles into a cargo-van, pop-up shop, or even a wheelchair-accessible van first appeared on Yanko Design.

In a strategic move that feels like it’s straight from an Aaron Sorkin movie, OpenAI has started crafting its own AI chip, a custom creation designed to tackle the heavy demands of running its advanced models. The company, known for developing ChatGPT, has partnered with Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to roll out its first in-house chip by 2026, Reuters reports. While many giants might build factories to keep all chip manufacturing in-house, OpenAI opted to shelve that multi-billion-dollar venture. It’s instead using industry muscle in a way that’s both practical and quietly rebellious.

Why bother with the usual suppliers? OpenAI is already a massive buyer of Nvidia’s GPUs, essential for training and inference—the magic that turns data into meaningful responses. But here’s the twist: Nvidia’s prices are soaring, and OpenAI wants to diversify. AMD’s new MI300X chips add to the mix, showing OpenAI’s resourcefulness in navigating a GPU market often plagued by shortages. Adding AMD into this lineup might look like a mere “supply chain insurance,” but it’s more than that—this move exhibits OpenAI’s reluctance to put all its eggs in one pricey basket. Sort of like Apple developing its own Apple Intelligence while leaning on ChatGPT whenever necessary.

Broadcom is helping OpenAI shape the chip, along with a data transfer capability that’s critical for OpenAI’s needs, where endless rows of chips work in synchrony. Securing TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, to produce these chips highlights OpenAI’s knack for creative problem-solving. TSMC brings a powerhouse reputation to the table, which gives OpenAI’s experimental chip a significant production edge—key to scaling its infrastructure to meet ever-growing AI workloads.

OpenAI’s venture into custom chips isn’t just about technical specs or saving money; it’s a tactical play to gain full control over its tech (something we’ve seen with Apple before). By tailoring chips specifically for inference—the part of AI that applies what’s learned to make decisions—OpenAI aims for real-time processing at a speed essential for tools like ChatGPT. This quest for optimization is about more than efficiency; it’s the kind of forward-thinking move that positions OpenAI as an innovator who wants to carve its own path in an industry where Google and Meta have already done so.

The strategy here is fascinating because it doesn’t pit OpenAI against its big suppliers. Even as it pursues its custom chip, OpenAI remains close to Nvidia, preserving access to Nvidia’s newest, most advanced Blackwell GPUs while avoiding potential friction. It’s like staying friendly with the popular kid even while building your own brand. This partnership-heavy approach provides access to top-tier hardware without burning any bridges—a balancing act that OpenAI is managing with surprising finesse.

(Representational images generated using AI)

The post OpenAI is building their own AI Chips to take on Nvidia’s Chip Dominance first appeared on Yanko Design.

Stationery remains essential, adapting to global trends like sustainability, and minimalism, and bridging the gap between digital and analog domains. With technological advancements, stationery for school and office settings is progressing towards smarter, sustainable products, transforming traditional items into symbols of productivity and creativity. This transformation underscores a fusion of innovation and timeless design, enhancing how students approach their studies and how office workers manage their tasks efficiently.

Explore the transformative trends shaping the future landscape of stationery, traditional office supplies, and educational tools.

Designer: Playfool

1. Using Recycled Materials

Wood is typically associated with brown, but different tree species produce various colors. In Japan, Forest Crayons uses pigments from recycled forest trees to create crayons, mixed with wood, rice wax, and rice oil. Each color, such as the magnolia’s light green or fungus-stained wood’s deep turquoise, reflects the tree species and growth conditions. The set includes ten colors: Bayberry, Bogwood, Cedar, Chinaberry, Cypress, Hazenoki, Katsura, Kaizuka, Magnolia, and Zelkova. This project, endorsed by the Japanese Forest Agency, promotes a renewed appreciation for Japan’s forests.

2. Zen Aesthetics

Designer: Jacopo Drago (Zenical)

Pens usually signify productivity and creativity, but the Zen Pen, a unique Japanese-made writing instrument, aims to evoke calm through its design and texture. Inspired by Zen gardens, it features 3D-printed grooves and an off-center, smooth clip, mimicking the sand and stone elements. Crafted by skilled Japanese artisans using modern 3D printing and milling, the Zen Pen provides a soothing tactile experience, promoting mindfulness and tranquility. This makes it an ideal tool for students, helping them stay focused and calm while writing and studying in a school environment.

3. Ergonomic Design

Designer: orangered life

The 25° Ruler sets new standards in precision and durability, crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and featuring laser-engraved markings for long-lasting accuracy. Available in sizes ranging from 6 to 20 inches and various vibrant colors, its ergonomic 25° angle enhances usability by placing measurements conveniently along the bottom edge. A teardrop design ensures safety and ease of use, while dual-sided markings cater to metric and imperial units, starting from zero to ensure precise measurements.

4. Bold Colors

Designers: YoonJeong Lee, Hyobin Jeon, and yerin An

Royi Stationery offers innovative supplies that tell stories of honesty and introspection. Their transparent staplers and hard disks prompt reflection on deeper values, inspired by timeless narratives like the tale of the naked king. These products encourage a meaningful connection with stationery tools, inviting users to see beyond surface appearances and appreciate the wisdom embedded in everyday objects.

5. Harmonizing Digital and Analog

Designer: Cortex

The Sidekick Notepad blends digital efficiency with analog charm, ideal for users who embrace a digital-analog hybrid workflow. Featuring 60 tear-away pages of Munken Lynx paper and a cover made from recycled coffee cups, it includes sections for notes, to-do lists with checkboxes, and a date section. Perfect for quick note-taking during meetings or daily tasks, it offers practicality and sustainability in one compact design.

Designer: Nuwa Innovation

The Nuwa Pen is an AI-powered ballpoint that bridges the gap between handwritten charm and digital efficiency. This innovative pen uses a TRIDENT imaging system and AI to effortlessly convert your scribbles on any paper into searchable digital notes. With 2GB of built-in memory, rapid charging, and compatibility with the Nuwa Pen App for cloud storage, it ensures your ideas are always accessible and organized. Ideal for those who value both the tactile joy of writing and the practicality of digital tools, the Nuwa Pen redefines note-taking versatility.

6. Minimalist Design

Designers: Christoph Bohrer, Martin Wagner and Yang Han

Introducing the stilform FLOW: an award-winning ballpoint pen that merges elegance with innovation. Its magnetic cap retracts the refill with a satisfying click, offering a unique fidget feature. Available in aluminum, brass, or titanium, each variant boasts a sleek, durable design ideal for a luxurious writing experience. The FLOW utilizes recycled materials and is refillable, ensuring longevity while reducing environmental impact. Perfect for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and functional beauty in their everyday writing tools.

7. Nature-Inspired Design

Designers: Gahnghyun Yi, Jiwon Lee, Chaeyeon Ha

Transform your workspace with nature-inspired accessory designs that merge functionality with aesthetic appeal. The Greenery Pencil Holder mimics bamboo stems with a curved plate for storing pens and pencils. The Greenery Clock features an abstract, leaf-shaped digital display and a flat surface for small items. The Greenery Tray offers horizontal “leaves” for storage and key rings, while the Greenery Cable Holder simplifies cable management with leaf-like circles. These designs bring a touch of greenery to your desk, enhancing both organization and visual appeal.

8. Quirky Design

Designer: Seung-Wan Nam

The Bloomstick pen concept is a symbolic tool for journaling dreams comprising of a silicone-covered button that blooms like a flower when pressed, it merges functionality with a decorative touch. Available in green, blue, and pink, this pen adds a whimsical flair to your writing experience. Ideal for collectors and stationery enthusiasts alike, it transforms from a conventional pen into a visually appealing piece that inspires creativity and captures the essence of dreaming.

Designer: LEGO

The Star Lord Helmet by LEGO is a functional and visually stunning addition to their Infinity Saga series. Standing 7 inches tall with 602 pieces, it faithfully recreates the iconic headgear from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Ideal for ages 18 and up, it features intricate details like red-tinted eyepieces and lifelike breathing valves. Beyond its collectible appeal, this build serves as a practical stationery holder and pen stand, offering storage for essentials in its hollow interior.

Designer: Nikken Cutlery

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

These Seki Sound scissors are more than just tools—they’re a playful homage to iconic electric guitars. Inspired by precision craftsmanship from Seki, Japan, renowned for cutlery excellence, they feature authentic details like guitar strings and frets. Designed to cut through paper, vinyl, and tape effortlessly, they’re as sharp as they are stylish, with a protective cap that doubles as a guitar head. Perfect for adding a touch of creativity and functionality to your workspace, these scissors are a must-have for design enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

9. Multifunctional Design

Designer: Pelin Özbalcı

The sPINmemo lamp reimagines traditional lighting with its innovative design that combines practicality and personalization. Featuring a rotating cork body for pinning notes and photos, this lamp promotes creativity and organization while offering storage space on its ceramic head. Crafted for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, it ensures optimal illumination and blends seamlessly into any workspace or living area. Ideal for those who value minimalism and versatile home decor solutions, the sPINmemo lamp enhances both lighting and personal expression.

10. Modular Design

Designer: Wonjun Jo

This innovative highlighter draws inspiration from East Asia’s train systems, featuring a modular design reminiscent of train cars. Each segment serves as a different color highlighter, allowing for easy interchangeability and reducing the need for multiple units. Its ergonomic shape and sustainable potential, including refillable cartridges, set it apart in stationery design. LINE’s creative approach not only enhances functionality but also offers a fresh and enjoyable user experience, bridging utility with a playful modular design inspired by transit systems.

Designer: Burcu Nehir Tum

The MEMORABLE picture frame integrates a sophisticated marble design with modular functionality, featuring a unique rail system. This allows users to attach various modules like a pen holder, small vase, or note holder, enhancing both organization and personalization in your workspace. Crafted for durability and aesthetic appeal, MEMORABLE blends timeless elegance with practical modular design, making it ideal for displaying cherished memories while doubling as versatile desk storage.

The stationery landscape is transforming into a vibrant blend of sustainability, innovation, and artistic expression, revolutionizing how we approach work, study, and creative assignments.

The post Beyond the Basics: Top 10 Cutting-Edge Trends in Stationery Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen School Shows: a phone case that doubles as a board game to combat excessive use of social media is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at IE University.

Also included is a proposal for a transport system which utilises solar panels and rainwater collection. There’s also a project which uses the colour pink to promote sustainability within the fashion and textile industry.

IE University

Institution: IE University
School: IE School of Architecture and Design
Courses: Bachelor in Architectural Studies and Bachelor in Design
Tutor: David Goodman

School statement:

“In an international and entrepreneurial environment, IE School of Architecture and Design seeks to bridge the traditional gaps between academia and the professional world, fostering connections between creative industries and society at large.

“IE School of Architecture and Design redefines design education based on pedagogical and technological innovation, project-based learning and environmental and social responsibility.

“Our school serves as a hub for diverse creative fields.

“We boast a robust and innovative portfolio of programs within the creative industries.

“Our capabilities extend to a wide range of creative disciplines, including architecture, design, real estate development, interior design and fashion design, among others.”

Commodity of Land and Locals: Exotic Invasive Species by Alara Aykanat

“There can be a comparison between humans and exotic invasive species exhibiting our equal impact on areas we aren’t native to; even so, humans are invasive to the areas which they are native to.

“Thus, the idea of post-human infrastructures becomes a core for a world beyond the human and signals a need for anti-anthropocentric solutions.

“Drawing from the original understanding of ecology as oikos or the household, post-human infrastructures allow us to think about the role of non human creatures such as animals and plants as active co-creators of space.

“It evokes collaboration, entanglements and spatial modes of kinship with non-humans in the crafting of more sustainable built environments.”

Student: Alara Aykanat
Course: Design Studio 9: Synthesis
Tutor: Mariona Benedito Ribelles
Email: aaykanat.ieu2019[at]student.ie.edu

The City Under A Tree by Daniela Figueroa Rozotto

“The City Under a Tree is a project in Málaga aimed at creating private spaces for FYCMA and the city, generating income to support public activities.

“It balances private and public events, attracting a diverse audience all year round.

“By integrating temporary structures and permanent features, construction costs are minimised, while involving locals promotes social sustainability.

“The project uses research to schedule activities for families, tourists and event attendees, allowing FYCMA to host larger events.

“It encourages sustainable transport with improved bike paths and features eco-friendly systems like solar panels, rainwater collection and natural ventilation, making it a model for sustainable urban development.”

Student: Daniela Figueroa Rozotto
Course: Design Studio 9: Synthesis
Tutor: Izaskun Chinchilla
Email: d.figueroarozotto[at]student.ie.edu

Sticks and Stones of [Flood + Drought] by Yusuf Sühan Bozkurt

“Sticks and Stones is an architectural project in Girona, Spain, designed to address climate extremes like floods and droughts.

“Using the act of limestone mining as a core concept, the project creates terraces that appear or disappear with changing water levels from the Onyar River.

“Excavated voids serve as flood reservoirs and transform into a community museum during droughts.

“The project fosters environmental awareness and community engagement through this dynamic relationship with water.

“Social housing is designed vertically to minimise environmental impact, allowing the site to evolve with future needs.”

Student: Yusuf Sühan Bozkurt
Course: Design Studio 9: Synthesis
Tutor: Mariona Benedito
Email: yusufsuhanbozkurt[at]student.ie.edu

Mediateca San Andrés – Centro Cultural de Málaga by Daphne Fournel

“The project envisions a médiathèque in Málaga, aiming to represent the region’s cultural past and technological future.

“It will serve as a collaborative public-private space between the University of Málaga and local tech company ANOVO, fostering innovation and providing students with dedicated learning areas.

“Aligned with the Expo’s health city goal, the building integrates a cycling route through its structure and connects to the city’s metro and bus networks, promoting sustainable movement, whilst a public plaza will offer a space for both locals and tourists and be situated near the airport, city centre and beach.

“With 10 million annual visits to the nearby port, the building aims to reclaim part of the coastline for community use, creating learning spaces for residents.

“The design also incorporates the natural flow of the sea, allowing water to interact with the site without disrupting its natural movement, embracing the connection between the city and its coastal environment.”

Student: Daphne Fournel
Course: Design Studio 9: Synthesis
Tutor: Mariona Benedito
Email: dfournel.ieu2019[at]student.ie.edu

Wood on Wood by María Suárez-Pumariega Blanco

“The project aims to transform Zorrotzaurre Island in Bilbao by reconnecting the city with the Nervion River through the creation of a dynamic hybrid plaza that adapts to the tides.

“This multi-functional space can serve as a pool, plaza, or gathering spot, integrating water into the urban fabric and promoting sustainability.

“The design prioritises pedestrians and cyclists, preserving historical buildings while introducing new structures along the waterfront to activate the riverfront.

“The central plaza manages rainwater and includes flexible timber structures housing a café, sailing school and terrace. Sustainability features like solar panels, aerothermal energy and rainwater systems make the site self-sufficient.

“The project reimagines Bilbao’s relationship with the river, blending urban development with natural elements to create a fluid, adaptable urban environment.”

Student: María Suárez-Pumariega Blanco
Course: Design Studio 8: Territory
Tutor: Lola Domènech Oliva
Email: msuarezpumar.ieu2020[at]student.ie.edu

Reconstructed Modernism: A Revision on Euro-American Design Ideologies by Carlos (Charlie) Loaiza

“The thesis Reconstructive Modernism examines how the Western world has misrepresented classical antiquity to suit ideological needs of the Euro-American modern movement, resulting in significant social, aesthetic and cultural consequences.

“Through speculative design and revisionist analysis, it critiques the false narratives that portray modernism as pure and classical antiquity as idealised.

“The project advocates for a shift in both design aesthetics and ideology, challenging modernist values and promoting a more inclusive, nuanced approach to design.

“It seeks to reimagine 21st-century design by critically engaging with historical narratives and fostering reflective, innovative practices.”

Student: Carlos (Charlie) Loaiza
Course: Final Project Bachelor in Design
Email: cloaiza.ieu2020[at]student.ie.edu

Memory Shells: Reconnecting Lebanese Post-War Generations to Lost National Belonging and Memory by Mariane Meshaka

“Memory Shells seeks to reconnect post-war generations in Lebanon to a lost sense of national identity by fostering collective memory through the rehabilitation of the Egg, an abandoned cinema on the former Green Line in Beirut.

“Once a sniper stronghold during the Lebanese Civil War, the Egg was reappropriated during the October 2019 Uprising as a social hub, symbolising unity, resistance and reclamation.

“This project leverages the cross-sectarian unity brought on by the uprising, aiming to transform the Egg into a space for inter-communal interactions and heritage preservation.

“By focusing on traditional crafts and shared cultural tools, Memory Shells hopes to heal sectarian divisions and build long-term collective memory, offering a platform for national reconciliation and unity.”

Student: Mariane Meshaka
Course: Final Project Bachelor in Design
Email: mmeshaka.ieu2020[at]student.ie.edu

Accelerating Pink by Alejandra Gabián, Ana Sánchez and Alejandra Olaguibel

“Accelerating Pink is a sustainable design project that reimagines the colour pink, traditionally associated with overconsumption in fast fashion, to address its environmental impact.

“The project envisions an interactive city in Plaza de España, Madrid, featuring recycling processes for textiles and plastics and sustainable pink pigments produced through bioengineering.

“Visitors can engage with the recycling process through playful activities, highlighting the project’s message that sustainability can coexist with creativity and fun, while encouraging reflection on the environmental consequences of fashion consumption.”

Students: Alejandra Gabián, Ana Sánchez and Alejandra Olaguibel
Course: Design Studio III
Emails: agabian.ieu2021[at]student.ie.edu and aolaguibel.ieu2021[a]student.ie.edu

KIRI Table by Isabel Peña, Isabel Sanchez and Kayla Vinh

“The KIRI Table is a sustainable design project that repurposes recycled plastic from ghost fishing nets, aiming to raise awareness about ocean pollution.

“Inspired by the fluidity of the ocean, the design uses Kirigami techniques to transform flat plastic panels into dynamic shapes.

“The project follows a zero-waste approach, utilising all materials and even repurposing plastic shavings into a lampshade.

“It showcases how ocean waste can be transformed into functional and creative products, promoting sustainability and innovation.”

Students: Isabel Peña, Isabel Sanchez and Kayla Vinh
Course: Design Studio II
Emails: ipena.ieu2022[at]student.ie.edu and kvinh.ieu2022[at]student.ie.edu

Another Round? by Candela del Barrio

“The project explores social media addiction and its impact on human interaction by creating a phone case designed to discourage phone use during in-person activities.

“Inspired by traditional board games, the case holds tokens, which fall out if the user picks up their phone while playing.

“This concept serves as a metaphor for prioritising real-life connections over digital distractions.

“The design highlights issues like social isolation and cognitive disruption, promoting meaningful interaction through a playful yet thought-provoking approach.”

Student: Candela del Barrio
Course: Design Studio II
Email: cdelbarrio.ieu2022[at]student.ie.edu

Partnership content

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

The post Ten design and architecture projects by students at IE University appeared first on Dezeen.

If you’ve ever watched any of the Batman movies, you’ve probably dreamt about owning a car like the Batmobile. Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies in particular have specifically elevated this vehicle and if given the chance, car collectors would probably drop a pretty penny to get a replica of this. Well, if you have 3 million dollars to spare, you can actually own a true-to-life Batmobile although you can’t really drive it anywhere.

Designer: Wayne Enterprises

Warner Brothers previously created a Wayne Enterprises lifestyle company to sell pretty expensive products that Bruce Wayne would probably own if he were a real person. But this is probably the most absurdly expensive item that will only be available to a few, lucky, rich people who can afford it. The Wayne Enterprises Tumbler is a life-size and fully functional recreation of the car from the movies, made in collaboration with Action Vehicle Engineering.

The 2-seat car is powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 making 525 horsepower mated to a 4L85E paddle shift transmission. It is made from Kevlar, Carbon Fiber, Sheet Metal, and Fiber Glass and has stainless steel headers, flap actuators, 4-wheel power disc brakes, authentic interior with bespoke seating trim, and even premium GPS. It is not street legal though so you can only drive it in certain areas. Well those who can afford this will probably have enough space around their mansions to take it for a spin.

Unfortunately, there will be no actual flames coming out of its jet engine simulation. And unfortunately for us mere mortals, it costs $2.9 million and only 10 Tumblers will be produced for the first people who can shell out that amount. Well, Wayne Enterprises also has the Hot Toys 1/6-scale Batmobile if you only have $635 to spare.

The post This Batmobile replica can actually be yours for just $3M first appeared on Yanko Design.