Hasta La Ideas

Let’s be honest Windows 11 is not perfect, evolving at an agonizingly slow pace. This has pushed many power users down the Apple alley. The recently launched Mac Mini has a lot going in its favor, further creating a deep divide between the Microsoft and Apple options.

As a last-ditch effort to save the glitchy Windows 11 OS and very less options to choose from that bind the hardware and software for a seamless experience, Microsoft has introduced the Windows 365 Link mini PC strictly limited to cloud usage in a walled environment. The portable CPU is targeted towards big organizations and businesses who give a lot of weightage to security and keeping the working environment productive.

Designer: Microsoft

Targeted towards enterprise users

This is the world’s first dedicated “boot to cloud” device that runs Windows 11 OS via the Windows 365 link on the Windows 365 servers. Priced at $349 it is specifically designed to run Windows 365 Cloud PCs, and you need a Windows 365 subscription to get started. That adds another $28 to $315 per month. It’s still not clear whether the mini PC will get the extra perk of a subscription discount as a bundle, but we hope so.

The most popular option for employees is a $66 per month per user with applications including Microsoft Teams and browsers. Include the $349 hardware cost of the Windows mini PC and you’ve got a fat bill of $2,000 for a closed ecosystem with limited applications. Compare that to the $1,300 price tag for the 15-inch touchscreen Microsoft Surface Laptop powered by the Snapdragon X Elite chip and having 256GB storage. Clearly, Microsoft’s compact PC is not targeted towards individual users, and in no way competes with Apple’s powerhouse mini PC.

Security takes center stage

This 120 x 120 x 30 mm desktop PC has a fanless design, and comes with a 3.5mm audio jack, three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a single DisplayPort output. There’s one Ethernet port, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity. The mini PC is designed for specific requirements where workers need to be quickly rotated between workstations and securely access their files. This eliminates the hassle of configuring the user settings and saving time. Also, the PC is ideal for setups where cloud-based software and hardware integration takes precedence.

Windows 365 Link will be available for purchase in April 2025 – that’s a long way off. However, one can enroll for the preview program in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand. Interested users can join the program before December 15 with permission from the Microsoft account team.

The post Microsoft 365 Link mini PC streams Windows 11 from the cloud in a secure ecosystem first appeared on Yanko Design.

A lamp made of discarded mollusc shells and humming furniture featured in the Beyond Perception exhibit in New York City alongside digitized versions of the pieces for a future AI-driven video game.

Curated by technologist Kelsey Falter and artist Moral Turgeman, the exhibit explores what the curators believe is a thinning boundary between the physical and digital world.

Each piece from the exhibit, which includes vessels, lamps, furniture and an installation made of soil, was translated into a digital version of itself for the upcoming Le Zoo: House of Mirrors video game, led by Falter’s company Mother Games, set to release next year.

Users will be able to collect the pieces during gameplay, with funds going to its creator.

“With Beyond Perception we wanted to explore how the merging of the physical and digital in art fosters self-discovery and societal reflection,” said the curators.

“By introducing independent artwork, new design processes, and sustainable methods into a digital landscape, we hope to shift public perception and consumption patterns toward valuing intentionality and individuality.”

The exhibit concept was represented by a silver vessel called Omnia, according to the team, which was created in collaboration between 3D artist Michi Brandstetter of Mother Games and Turgeman’s Raise the Moral studio (RTM) and fabricated by Alcino Silversmiths.

Inlaid with aquamarine “eyes” the silver-plated vessel was first designed using generative 3D sketches and models, then handcrafted by Alcino Silversmiths in Portugal using traditional methods.

The mixed technique blends “physical craftsmanship with cutting-edge prototyping and modelling methods”, which represents a guiding theme found throughout the pieces in the exhibit.

Designer Felicia Neuhof also collaborated with the curators on the Ascension floor lamp. It has a translucent shade and sculptural base made of the designer’s biomaterial, a mixture of shellfish waste used as a concrete alternative.

Similarly, it was first 3D modelled by Brandstetter and then created with a series of hand-poured segments by Neuhof.

The designer also used the shellfish material for the Ground stool, which is topped with Mongolian goat fur. Both the lamp and stool showcase “the potential of waste transformation” in furniture.

Multi-sensory elements were present in some pieces, such as Ground and a chair and bench by Mother Games and RTM. All three pieces vibrate slightly by translating “audio into vibrations”, which can be felt when the user draws near to or interacts with the objects.

A 3D-printed bench and rug by designer Sofia Hagen and Studio Marmi also featured a mixture of new and old techniques and materials.

Intended to be a “meditation furniture set”, the bench is made with 3D-printed hemp and fermented sugarcane and is illuminated with integrated lighting by Studio Waldemeyer, which matches the user’s circadian rhythm.

It sits upon a handwoven, recycled hemp fibre rug, creating “durable, ergonomic seating that minimizes environmental impact”.

Collaborating with food artist Caique Tizzi, Mother Games and RTM also explored gastronomy, creating three tables with carved-out pockets filled with various food items trapped in puddles of ice.

The Water Across Form table reflects the “shapeshifting essence of water”, which is a central element found in the upcoming Le Zoo game.

An installation by artist Dominik Tarabanski also explores the element. Featuring a nearly 1,000-pound (452 kilograms) cube of soil, a single droplet of water falls from the ceiling into its centre, slowly eroding and transforming the block over time.

“It is both a lament and an invitation to pause, witness, and reckon with the irreversible processes unfolding around and within us,” said the team.

A foam and wire sculpture by Oliver Prime and a multicoloured mirror created with designer Christopher Mark also fill the space, along with additional sculptural pieces by RTM and the digital Operator tryptic by Matthew Woodward, which displays an ongoing creation and erasure of generative artwork.

Falter and RTM worked closely with each artist to create a digitized version of the items, fostering a dialogue to realize the vision for each piece both in the physical and digital realms.

“The 3D rendered design and the physical work certainly affected one another,” Falter told Dezeen.”Creating a 3D model and expecting it to translate 1-1 to an artisanal or experimental artistic process or material is not realistic.”

“There was an open dialogue between both the 3D artists and the hand-work artists.”

Dezeen US editor Ben Dreith took part in a panel on AI and design during the event.

Previously, writer Holly Nielsen said the metaverse will be “the digital equivalent of huge empty cities without character or community”, while Zaha Hadid Architects created a parametric London for the video game Fortnite with Epic Games.

Beyond Perception took place at Lume Studios in New York City from 14-15 November. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

The post Beyond Perception exhibit pairs furniture with digital twin for video game appeared first on Dezeen.

It’s pretty amazing how much stuff we can cram into our backpacks, from laptops to 2-liter water bottles to a bundle of chargers and cables. Of course, these are objects that were designed to be small enough to fit in bags in the first place, so that’s not exactly out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, we sometimes need to carry things larger than the largest backpacks in the market.

This bag might be designed for bicycle racing, but it can definitely do more than just carry spare wheels for an emergency. Its literally open design actually offers a bit more wiggle room that will let you carry large or odd-shaped items without breaking a sweat. Unless, of course, they’re actually too heavy to carry on your back.

Designer: Fernando A. Robert

We often think of bags as enclosed containers with a single opening, but there really isn’t a formal definition of a bag’s design. This “Bike Backpack” might look like a regular backpack from the front, but its open sides definitely break the stereotype. Then again, the idea of carrying a bicycle wheel or a large box is itself already unconventional.

The Sherman Bike Backpack has a tri-fold design that opens vertically like a flap. The idea is that you stuff things that are too large or too wide for regular bags in between the flaps, letting the sides extend beyond the bag’s confines. Alternatively, you can also hang something outside and secure it with straps.

This is how you can carry one or two bicycle wheels that are thin and light enough to put on your back while cycling or racing. Of course, boxes, drawing boards, blueprint tubes, and other large objects are also fair game, as long as you secure them properly with straps. It definitely makes for an odd sight, but your comfort and convenience definitely outweigh any awkwardness.

The backpack also has compartments for carrying regular stuff, and you might be able to use it for carrying laptops, tools, or even clothes. That said, it isn’t the ideal backpack for all weather conditions, since the open sides make it very vulnerable to water, snow, and even dust.

The post Odd backpack is designed for carrying spare bicycle tires and large objects first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen School Shows: we’ve selected eight design and architecture projects celebrating student collaborations, all have been featured on Dezeen School Shows.

These projects are from both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, ranging from industrial design to architecture, spanning a variety of themes and concepts.

Included in this roundup is an animation which is an ode to the Arabic language, a furniture collection and an investigation into one’s posthumous digital data.

The selection of projects comes from students on industrial design, architecture and research courses, from both UK-based and international institutions including The Bartlett School of Architecture, Zurich University of the Arts and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar.

P.A.T.H.S by Shiva Abbaszadeh, Leora Santoriello and Nily Baratian

Architecture students Shiva Abbaszadeh, Leora Santoriello and Nily Baratian worked together to produce P.A.T.H.S, a holistic guidance centre with initiatives that supports residents’ wellbeing, careers and housing.

Located in Hunts Point, the Bronx, the students observed a need for attention in sectors of education, jobs, health and living.

“We want to use this space to walk our residents through all matters of their lives relating to career, health and housing, circulating through the building as you would circulate through life,” they said.

“This building allows its users to have programming that meets their needs from birth to retirement.”

Students: Shiva Abbaszadeh, Leora Santoriello and Nily Baratian
School: The City College of New York
Course: Bachelor of Architecture Advanced Studio – Hunts Point: Mixed Emotions

View the full school show ›

Wujood by Basma Hamdy, Levi Hammet, Shima Aeinehdar and Selma Fejzullaj

Basma Hamdy, Levi Hammet, Shima Aeinehdar and Selma Fejzullaj created Wujood, an animated tapestry woven together with multiple electronic components.

The piece serves as an ode to the Arabic language through a use of LED panels, which illuminate patterns to represent the Arabic script.

“The piece embarks on a linguistic journey, commencing with the trilateral root wajad, unfolding into expressions of ‘wujood’ (being or existence) and wijdan (awareness or consciousness),” the students said.

“Wujood draws inspiration from the repetitive and mirrored patterns inherent in the universe, inviting viewers to contemplate the essence of their own being in connection with the cosmic order.”

Students: Basma Hamdy, Levi Hammet, Shima Aeinehdar and Selma Fejzullaj
School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar
Course: Ars Electronica Festival 2024

View the full school show ›

Ecological Tectonics: Architectural Ceramic Assemblies for Climate Adaptation by Emily Brandt and Zaynab Eltaib

Students Emily Brandt and Zaynab Eltaib produced Ecological Tectonics whilst studying architecture, in collaboration with the university’s art department.

The piece consists of 3D-printed ceramic façade prototypes which symbolise ecological processes.

“Ecological Tectonics links geometry and texture of the material to specific modes of ecological performance, including passive cooling, stormwater management and bioreceptivity for plant, animal and fungal species.”

Students: Emily Brandt and Zaynab Eltaib
School: Tulane School of Architecture
Course: ARCH 4042/6052 – Research Studio (Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Master of Architecture)

View the full school show ›

Sprout-Accompanying Growth Stroller (IDEA Silver Winner) by Song Qiao, Sui Pan, Kairui Deng, Jianhong Guo and Xiang Chen

Song Qiao, Sui Pan, Kairui Deng, Jianhong Guo and Xiang Chen collectively produced the award-winning Sprout-Accompanying Growth Stroller.

The stroller evolves as children grow, adapting to their needs by transforming into three different forms that include a bike and a scooter.

“This versatility helps cultivate a sense of companionship and responsibility in children while saving material resources,” the students said.

“Designed with a flexible sliding and locking structure, Sprout is easy to modify and safe for children to operate, whilst being crafted from recyclable materials.”

Students: Song Qiao, Sui Pan, Kairui Deng, Jianhong Guo and Xiang Chen
Schools: Dalian Minzu University and Jiangnan University

View the full school show ›

Quality Time by Emiliano Sánchez, Lucía Hernández, Hellen Castillo, Astridd Huerta, Stephany Pacheco, Mayalen Ramírez, Ximena Irazaba and Regina Contreras

These students collaborated to produce Quality Time, a furniture collection which incorporates Mexican heritage and Scandinavian and Brazilian design.

The pieces are intended to serve as expressions of art and culture beyond their practical use, which is reflected in the selection of wood and finishing touches.

“By integrating the finest aspects of our national heritage with international design influences, this collection not only appeals to the contemporary luxury market but also celebrates diversity and innovation in design,” the students explained.

“Luxury, beyond opulence, should be perceived and celebrated for the time and effort invested in what provides us with wellbeing; the small details matter the most.”

Students: Emiliano Sánchez, Lucía Hernández, Hellen Castillo, Astridd Huerta, Stephany Pacheco, Mayalen Ramírez, Ximena Irazaba and Regina Contreras
School: Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
Course: Form, Function, Sense and Value

View the full school show ›

Final Backup – When Data Becomes A Memento by Jonatan Bischof and Elias Diehl

Final Backup was produced by industrial design students Jonatan Bischof and Elias Diehl, a project exploring what happens to one’s digital data after they pass away.

“The simple data handling procedure Final Backup enables relatives to preserve the digital legacy of the deceased, or delete it permanently,” explained Bischof and Diehl.

“This process clears electronic devices of their digital legacy so they can then be returned to the material cycle.”

Students: Jonatan Bischof and Elias Diehl
School: Zurich University of the Arts
Course: Bachelor Industrial Design

View the full school show ›

Dodola by Žan Girandon, Pia Groleger and Luka Pleskovič

Dodola is the result of thesis research by design students Žan Girandon, Pia Groleger and Luka Pleskovič into creating a proposal for a water filtration.

It comes after examining a spring in Triglav National Park where high E. coli levels were detected.

“The proposed solution consists of a ceramic filtration system using clay 3D-printing technology, which is suitable for remote locations and does not require electricity or regular supplies,” said the students.

“Utilising a gyroid structure and an Archimedean screw, they harness water flow to operate autonomously.”

Students: Žan Girandon, Pia Groleger and Luka Pleskovič
School: Academy of Fine Arts and Design of the University of Ljubljana
Course: MA Industrial Design

View the full school show ›

Atlas for the Future by Architecture BSc Year 1 Students

Architecture BSc students at The Bartlett worked in collaboration with the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology at UCL to work with its collection of 80,000 Egyptian and Sudanese artefacts.

The students explored how architectural craftsmanship could integrate preservation, reuse and adaptation as well as exploring material applications to craft spaces and reshape the environment.

“This initial project served as a reflective exploration of deeper historical periods, which informed understanding of contemporary and future challenges, such as cultural interpretations and material scarcity amid climate volatility,” they said.

“Each student crafted their own Atlas for the Future, comprising drawings, models and catalogues.”

Students: Architecture BSc Year 1 Students
School: The Bartlett School of Architecture
Course: Architecture BSc (ARB/RIBA Part 1), Year 1

View the full school show ›

Partnership content

These projects are presented in school shows from institutions that partner with Dezeen. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Eight collaborative design and architecture student projects featured on Dezeen School Shows appeared first on Dezeen.

Smartphones and smartwatches today have a variety of sensors and apps that give us a glimpse of our health. We can track heart rates, blood oxygen levels, and even temperatures, and combine that data to create a more holistic picture and actionable steps. Of course, nothing beats professional medical equipment, but we can’t carry those around with us.

Phones and wearables might be convenient, but they don’t always offer the best user experience for specific needs. This concept device, for example, tries to imagine a dedicated health scanner that is able to cram more features while still retaining its portable size. And it even looks and feels quite advanced to boot!

Designer: Vadim Trofimenko

When talking about handheld scanning devices, many sci-fi and pop culture buffs will probably think of Star Trek tricorders. These fictional devices can detect and analyze almost anything, from materials to creatures to people. Of course, we haven’t yet reached that level of technology, but we’re getting pretty close thanks to computer vision and AI.

The MediScan Pro concept design tries to deliver some of that futuristic experience to the realm of personal health. It’s a pocket-sized metal box that offers more specialized functionality than generic smartphones and smartwatches, at least in theory. Based on the concept, it still scans your finger to get data, similar to how IR and laser scanners work today.

In terms of design, the MediScan Pro has a bit of a retro-futuristic aesthetic. It’s quite box and angular, not hiding the fact that it’s a technological product. There’s a sizeable fingerprint scanner near the top, a small display in the middle, and buttons and wheels at the bottom for controlling the devices. It has an aluminum body but, curiously, the textured surface on its back is supposed to be made from recycled plastic.

Much of the functionality it tries to offer is, to be honest, already available today, especially with the limited data you can glean from a fingerprint. It also uses AI to evaluate the data, give you recommendations, or contact your health provider. The difference from smartphones and smartwatches that already exist today is that MediScan Pro offers a distraction-free experience so you don’t suddenly forget what you’re doing because of the flood of notifications and alerts that greet you.

One unrealistic feature, however, is the use of holograms to display your health status. We’re not yet at that point where small devices can display detailed holograms, let alone ones that contain enough information at a glance. That’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility, but by then we might also have less bulky and more elegant designs by then.

The post Tricorder-like device concept envisions a futuristic portable health scanner first appeared on Yanko Design.