Hasta La Ideas

There is a very vocal school of thought that extols the productivity benefits of having more than one computer monitor. There are, in fact, some who strongly believe this that they have started to design not only multi-monitor accessories for laptops but also laptops with more than one built-in screen. You might not buy into the hype, but those that do are unfortunately forced to make compromises in order to adopt that multi-monitor lifestyle.

Extra screens naturally take up more space, requiring you to have a larger desk if you don’t already own one. Multi-monitor setups mostly presume a horizontal configuration, resulting in the aforementioned problem. It’s also something you can’t take with you if you happen to work more on a laptop, and portable dual monitors tend to be too expensive for their benefits. That said, we might be seeing a new generation of such external screens that aim for affordability and accessibility, such as this new product from MINISFORUM.

Designer: MINISFORUM

For people who always work on a computer, a multi-monitor setup is still a luxury they can’t afford. If you’re the type to work on a laptop away from your desk, it’s both unfeasible and impractical. Portable dual monitors try to offer a more compact solution, but their price tags immediately make them a no-go for many people. If they were more affordable, we might see more interest in these accessories even among desktop users.

The MINISFORUM MDSA156 is taking a stab at that problem. Truth be told, its biggest and perhaps only killer feature is its $231 price tag. That’s almost half of the cheapest portable dual monitor we’ve seen so far, and from a somewhat reputable brand no less. The question, however, is whether this dual-monitor design is actually a good thing.

Compared to a side-by-side arrangement where all monitors are, in theory, on the same ergonomic eye level, a vertical configuration will have one of the screens lower than the other, forcing you to glance down a lot. In exchange, this takes up less space on your desk and even lets you easily rearrange your setup without having to mess with a bunch of cables, especially since this can use a single USB-C cable for both power and data.

Laptop users will probably benefit the most from this as they can easily switch to a configuration that fits their needs wherever they are. In the office or at home, they can enjoy three screens, including the laptop’s built-in display. On the go, they can use either both or just one of the portable screens, depending on the available table space they have, and they can fold the display back to go into tent mode when sharing their screens with clients or friends. At 2.2lbs (1kg) heavy and 0.95 inches (2.4cm) thick, it might be stretching the definition of “portable.” Then again, you will be carrying two monitors, so that’s not that surprising either.

The post Portable dual monitor offers a more affordable mobile productivity solution first appeared on Yanko Design.

Featuring a boutique retreat on the Mexican coast, a skinny building in Tokyo and an ex-sanatorium in the Greek mountains, here are 10 of the most memorable hotels published on Dezeen in 2024.

Vocabolo Moscatelli, Italy, by Archiloop

Florence studio Archiloop helped convert a 12th-century monastery on a remote estate in Italy‘s Umbria region into a boutique hotel.

The 800-year-old buildings were carefully restored, with the original wooden floors, exposed brickwork and ceiling beams among the features kept. New additions include a travertine swimming pool coloured to match the surrounding woodland.

Find out more about Vocabolo Moscatelli ›

Hotel Rakuragu, Japan, by Kooo Architects

Squeezed between two buildings on a site of just 83.5 square metres, this Tokyo hotel’s constrained space inspired its distinctive design.

Japanese studio Kooo Architects created gaps in the building’s facade by incorporating cut-out balconies that let in light while preserving privacy.

Find out more about Hotel Rakuragu ›

Casa Yuma, Mexico, by TAAC and Sara Skalli

Architecture studio TAAC and interior designer Sara Skalli utilised traditional, regionally-sourced materials to create this seaside hotel in Playa Los Naranjos.

The material palette centres around the use of chukum, a water-resistant and plaster-like finish made from tree resin and limestone, to create “an ambience that is both organic and sustainable”.

Find out more about Casa Yuma ›

Palazzo Talia, Italy, by Studiolucaguadagnino

Originally built in the 16th century, this palazzo was turned into a luxury hotel by the interior design studio of film director Luca Guadagnino, marking its first venture into hospitality.

The design combines historic features with contemporary elements, featuring 18th-century frescoes painted by Italian artist Gaspare Serenario, a floral carpet in the reception lobby and a rich colour palette to achieve a “balanced decorative effect”.

Find out more about Palazzo Talia ›

Floating Hotel, China, by More Architecture

A large zigzagging roof crowns this hotel nestled within the bamboo forests and mountains of Dachangping. Perched on a grid of steel columns and raised above an open ground floor, the hotel is aptly named Floating Hotel.

Designed by Amsterdam studio More Architecture, the rooms are arranged with varied orientations to provide guests with an “immersive relationship with nature”.

Find out more about Floating Hotel ›

Populus, USA, by Studio Gang

Claimed as the “first carbon-positive hotel” in the US, this triangular-shaped hotel employs several energy-saving design techniques, including a green roof and overhanging “lids” that shade the windows.

Located in downtown Denver, architecture practice Studio Gang intended for its design to reflect the “Aspen eyes” of Colorado’s native Aspen tree.

Find out more about Populus ›

The Brecon, Switzerland, by Nicemakers

Amsterdam-based studio Nicemakers updated the interiors of this century-old chalet to feel “like a high-end version of your own home”.

With wooden panelling, integrated bookshelves and mismatched mid-century modern furniture, the design studio aimed to create a series of intimate and characterful spaces that feel both personal and inviting.

Find out more about The Brecon ›

Manna, Greece, by K-Studio and Monogon

Situated within a fir forest in the mountainous region of Arcadia, this hotel was converted from an abandoned sanatorium into a wellness retreat.

Greek architecture offices K-Studio and Monogon fitted the place with natural materials and neutral tones to amplify the sense of sanctuary offered by the remote location and enhance the feeling of connection to nature.

Find out more about Manna ›

Hotel Elysée Montmartre, France, by Policronica

Design studio Policronica transformed this 850-square-metre space using almost exclusively a single species of wood, with nearly every element of the architectural woodwork and furnishings custom-designed and crafted on-site at its Lisbon workshop.

The monochrome interior, made from locally-sourced eucalyptus wood, is a nod to the studio’s signature aesthetic.

Find out more about Hotel Elysée Montmartre ›

Rosewood São Paulo, Brazil, by Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck

French architect Jean Nouvel designed this lattice-covered tower to serve as the main accommodation hub at Rosewood São Paulo. The 25-storey concrete structure features interiors by French designer Philippe Starck that exclusively use Brazilian-sourced materials.

The tower’s tiered design creates space for large roof gardens and balconies, while its vertical timber screens integrate indigenous flora and fauna.

Find out more about Rosewood São Paulo ›

The post The top 10 hotels of 2024 appeared first on Dezeen.

Wearable technology has come a long way from the days of clunky pedometers and fitness bands that tracked steps but not much else. Today, wearables have become essential lifestyle gadgets, seamlessly blending into our lives as fashion statements, health monitors, and even personal assistants. The year 2025 promises to take this even further, with trends pushing the boundaries of what wearables can do for our health, communication, and even our understanding of ourselves.

What makes this era of wearable tech particularly exciting is the perfect storm of advancements in artificial intelligence, miniaturized sensors, and consumer demand for smarter, more intuitive devices. Wearables are no longer passive trackers—they’re becoming proactive partners in our well-being, combining data with actionable insights that can improve our daily lives. Let’s take a closer look at the trends shaping the wearable tech landscape in 2025 and beyond.

Non-Invasive Blood-Glucose Monitoring: The New Gold Standard

Afon’s needle-free Blood Glucose tracker

Imagine a smartwatch that doesn’t just track your heart rate or calories burned but tells you when your blood sugar levels are spiking, all without drawing a single drop of blood. Blood-glucose monitoring is one of the most anticipated innovations in wearables, and 2025 might be the year it becomes mainstream. Devices equipped with optical sensors are inching closer to providing non-invasive glucose tracking, a potential game-changer for people with diabetes and wellness enthusiasts alike.

The implications of this technology stretch far beyond clinical use. For anyone interested in their metabolic health, glucose monitoring could reveal the hidden effects of diet, stress, and exercise on their body in real-time. Companies like Apple and Fitbit are rumored to be perfecting prototypes, though hurdles like regulatory approvals and ensuring data accuracy remain significant challenges. Afon, a wearable startup, even designed a needle-free blood glucose tracker that attaches to existing smartwatches. When these devices hit the market, they could redefine wearables as essential tools for managing health at a granular level.

Despite the excitement, there are concerns to address. Wearables with glucose monitoring will likely come at a premium price, potentially limiting accessibility. However, as technology matures, it’s reasonable to expect that these features will trickle down to mid-tier devices, bringing the non-prick technology to the masses more than 10% of which struggle with sugar-related issues like diabetes.

As this tech becomes more refined, we might see it integrate seamlessly with apps and AI to offer comprehensive health advice, such as meal planning or fitness routines tailored to your body’s unique glucose responses. The day your wearable knows your body better than you do isn’t far off.

Smart Rings: Tiny Yet Mighty

RingConn Smart Ring

Sometimes, less is more, and in the world of wearable tech, smart rings exemplify this ethos perfectly. These small but powerful devices pack an impressive array of sensors into a discreet, jewelry-like form factor. Already capable of tracking metrics like heart rate, sleep cycles, and even stress levels, smart rings are gaining traction as a stylish alternative to bulkier wearables.

But don’t mistake their size for simplicity. The next generation of smart rings promises advancements like gesture controls, enabling you to interact with devices through subtle finger movements. Imagine pausing a song, answering a call, or scrolling through a presentation without reaching for your phone. This kind of functionality could transform the way we interact with technology, making our digital experiences more intuitive and seamless.

Companies like RingConn, Ultrahuman, and Oura are leading the charge, blending cutting-edge health features with designs that could pass for high-end jewelry. The appeal lies in their subtlety; unlike smartwatches, which are unmistakably gadgets, rings are personal and unobtrusive. For those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic or don’t want to feel tethered to a screen, smart rings offer a compelling alternative.

As these devices evolve, we might also see them incorporate new features like hydration tracking or even UV exposure alerts. While it’s unlikely they’ll completely replace smartwatches, smart rings are carving out a niche for themselves as discreet companions for health-conscious, design-savvy users.

Health-Tracking Earphones: Wearables for the Audiophiles

For Me Buds: Sleep-Tracking Earbuds

For many, earbuds are already a daily companion, making them a natural platform for health-tracking features. Today’s health-focused earphones (like the For Me Buds) can monitor your sleep, body temperature, and even capture brain activity. But in 2025, these devices are set to become far more sophisticated, offering insights that could rival dedicated fitness trackers.

The magic lies in the ear’s unique physiology, which allows for precise biometric measurements. Future earphones could monitor respiratory rate, temperature, and even early signs of fatigue or dehydration. Companies like Bose and Jabra are exploring these possibilities, and startups are pushing boundaries with ideas like real-time biometric monitoring during workouts.

The combination of health tracking with superior audio quality creates a two-in-one device that’s hard to resist. You get your favorite tunes and podcasts alongside actionable health data, all in a compact, wearable package. This multifunctionality is likely to appeal to consumers looking to simplify their tech ecosystems without compromising on features.

That said, challenges remain. Comfort and battery life are critical for adoption, and privacy concerns around data collection are increasingly under scrutiny. But as technology advances, health-tracking earphones could become indispensable tools for fitness enthusiasts, commuters, and anyone looking to keep tabs on their well-being in the most convenient way possible.

Wearables for Mental Health and Stress Management

Wearables have always been good at tracking physical health, but mental health is becoming a growing focus. Devices like LightVision headband and Philips x Kokoon’s Sleep Headphones are paving the way for a future where wearables can help us manage our emotions and improve mental resilience. By measuring metrics like heart rate variability (HRV), these devices offer insights into stress levels and provide techniques to manage them.

In 2025, expect wearables to become even smarter at understanding your mental state. AI integration could enable these devices to detect patterns in your behavior and suggest proactive solutions, such as breathing exercises or mindfulness practices, before stress becomes overwhelming. Imagine a device that senses your rising tension during a work presentation and guides you through calming techniques without anyone noticing.

One of the most exciting possibilities is the integration of wearables with therapy apps, offering a continuous loop of feedback and guidance tailored to the individual. For example, a wearable could alert you to potential burnout and sync with an app to schedule a counseling session or provide daily affirmations. This kind of personalized support could make mental health resources more accessible and effective.

Still, there are ethical considerations to address, such as ensuring user data is secure and not misused. But if these hurdles are overcome, wearables could play a pivotal role in tackling the mental health challenges of our era, offering a lifeline to those who need it most.

AI Integration Into Wearables for Personalized Tracking

This one might be the most obvious prediction, given that AI is inevitably creeping into every single tech device we own, from our laptops and tablets to our phones, and now even our watches. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the entire tech landscape, and wearables are no exception. By 2025, AI-powered wearables could transition from passive data collectors to active health partners. These devices will not only track your metrics but interpret them in real-time, offering personalized advice that adapts to your body’s unique patterns and needs.

Imagine wearing a smartwatch that not only tracks your heart rate but predicts when you’re at risk of an irregular rhythm and suggests steps to mitigate it. Or earbuds that adjust your workout routine based on how fatigued you are that day. This level of personalization is where AI shines, and we already got a taste of it with Google’s updates to the Pixel Watch 3 earlier this year, boasting AI-powered fitness insights.

The beauty of AI lies in its ability to learn and evolve with you. Over time, it could identify trends you might not notice yourself, such as declining sleep quality or rising stress levels. These insights could empower users to make informed decisions, whether that means adjusting their diet, tweaking their fitness routine, or seeking medical advice before a minor issue becomes serious.

However, with great power comes great responsibility. Privacy concerns are at the forefront, as these devices collect an enormous amount of sensitive data. Companies will need to ensure this data is encrypted, anonymized, and used ethically. Still, the potential for AI in wearables is staggering, and it’s poised to make our devices smarter and our lives healthier.

Neural Wearables—The Ultimate Frontier

If you think wearable tech is impressive now, wait until it starts interacting with your brain. Neural wearables, like brain-computer interfaces, are still in their infancy but could become a reality sooner than you think. These devices aim to decode neural signals to control technology or enhance mental performance, offering applications from prosthetic control to cognitive enhancement.

The implications are staggering: imagine focusing your mind to switch on smart lights or using neural stimulation to improve your memory before an exam. Projects like Neuralink are paving the way, though the ethical and technical challenges are immense. But if the potential is realized, neural wearables could make the wearables of 2025 look primitive by comparison.

The future of wearable technology isn’t just exciting—it’s transformative. From non-invasive glucose monitoring to AI-driven insights, these devices are becoming essential tools for understanding and optimizing our health, well-being, and daily lives. And while trends like neural wearables might feel like science fiction, they’re a reminder that the best innovations often start as wild ideas. By 2025, wearable tech might not just be part of our lives; it could be redefining what it means to live well.

The post Top Wearable Tech Trends for 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Called the Zen, this tiny home is designed by the Australian tiny house building company Havenn Tiny Houses. It is a highly versatile home that is ideal for glamping enthusiasts. It isn’t intended for full-time living, but it serves as a multi-purpose single-level dwelling for short-term stays. It isn’t exactly a home, but an extra space for a home, quite like an ADU. Zen Tiny functions as an excellent additional space for a separate amenity. This unique and compact tiny abode is called an ‘Essential Luxury’, as it offers all the perks of a full-time home and the minimalism of a tiny home but in a truly tiny package.

Designer: Havenn Tiny Houses

Zen is half the size of a typical home on wheels, as it features a length of 14.2 feet, a width of 7.5 feet, and a height of 9.8 feet. It features a simple single-level layout that is ideal for multi-purpose flexibility. It can be used as a lovely self-contained bedroom that is surrounded by nature, making for the perfect glamping escapade. It can also be utilized as a home office, as it has more than enough room for two office setups. It is equipped with high ceilings, large windows, and a cute French door. These features help create a space that feels spacious and free-flowing.

It would be great as a guest bedroom, as it has sufficient space for a queen-sized bed and essential storage. It is made using natural materials, and equipped with solar panels for a sustainable touch. Sustainably sourced and recycled materials were used to construct the home. The Zen tiny home is also equipped with energy-efficient insulation and windows, eco-friendly toilets, and solar panels. Water conservation is also achieved via greywater systems or rainwater collection, paired up with efficient fixtures. The home is designed to minimize environmental impact while offering a comfortable living space.

The house is built using termite-and rust-proof frames on a galvanized steel base. The R-value 2.0 insulation provides comfort throughout the year, while the premium hybrid flooring adds some luxury. A large skylight has been placed above the main section of the home, allowing more natural light to stream in. The home also includes a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry appliances. The bathroom is also well-designed, and the toilet has an eco-friendly version for off-the-grid situations. The Zen tiny house is compact and minimal, yet well-equipped making for an excellent tiny home. It is priced at $18,750, so isn’t very expensive either. It lets you connect with the outdoors while reducing the impact on the environment.

The post The ‘Zen’ Home Offers The Perks & Minimalism Of A Tiny Home In A Truly Tiny Package first appeared on Yanko Design.

There was a time when we were told that the future of deliveries would be made by robots, both flying or rolling. That dream proved to be a little too impractical and not secure to be considered a sustainable model, especially after a few mishaps that befell these unsuspecting machines. That’s not to say that they can’t become a more common sight in the distant future, leaving plenty of opportunities to refine the design of these robots.

Having small robots carrying packages on the street might sound cute until you think about how a fleet of such autonomous machines might seem like a waste of space on roads if that’s the only thing they can do. This concept design tries to add a new angle to this idea, offering a multi-functional robot that can follow you around, deliver your packages, and even transport you to your destination.

Designers: Chaewon Lee, Jungmin Park

The idea of a delivery robot is both interesting and worrying, providing a little more efficiency but also raising the stakes both for the security of the package as well as the human couriers they will replace. A robotic storage device that follows you around or hands off items to colleagues on the same floor, however, might be a little less daunting, offering convenience without that big of a risk. Even better if this robot can actually do chores for you, including making purchases on your behalf.

movr is a concept for such a robot, but it goes beyond simply carrying stuff. At first glance, it actually looks odd for a delivery robot and looks more like a three-wheeled mobile trash can. Its side slides open to reveal a small compartment for a phone, drink holders, envelopes, and any other thing you need to be transported. Almost like a ride-hailing service, movr has an app that can let you send packages or pick some up, depending on the task you need to accomplish.

Its real magic, however, is in what the robot can do when it’s not transporting objects. movr can also move people around, or at most one person, by transforming into a personal mobility device. Its front extends from its body and the scooter’s handles slide up from the front. The robot’s body then becomes the seat for the lone passenger, carrying the user as well as some of their things from one place to another.

movr is an interesting concept, though it isn’t something that can be easily implemented. Stability, battery life, speed, and intelligence will all be critical factors to consider, and they’re not something that can be easily crammed into a compact design like this. Transforming robots and vehicles, however, has long been a dream of many engineers and designers, so there might come a time in the distant future when movr transforms from idea to reality.

The post Self-driving robot storage concept doubles as a personal mobility device first appeared on Yanko Design.