Hasta La Ideas

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Navigating the world of crowdfunding can be overwhelming, to put it lightly. Which projects are worth backing? Where’s the filter to weed out the hundreds of useless smart devices? To make the process less frustrating, we scour the various online crowdfunding platforms to put together a weekly roundup of our favorite campaigns for your viewing (and spending!) pleasure. Go ahead, free your disposable income:

Unless you’re Anish Kapoor, you won’t be gazing into the abyss of Vantablack anytime soon, but now you can own the next best—or, darkest—thing. Singularity 2 is the blackest black currently available to the public and the reviews sum it up better than we can: “It’s almost creepy how black it is,” one backer writes. The team behind the campaign previously funded an iteration of this black, called Singularity, but that version only appeared “superblack” when viewed head-on, whereas this latest release retains its ability to trap almost all visible light from any angle. You can choose to get a swatch housed in a protective case if you’re looking for a curio to add to your collection, or as an individual sheet that can be used as a material for your next project.

The glass dome of Manual’s latest coffeemaker will lend a unique sculptural look to your pour-over ritual.

Phonocut is an “idiot-proof” vinyl lathe that turns digital audio files into 10″ records. It’s a no-brainer for music producers but equally exciting for audiophiles looking to transform their digital playlists into tangible vinyl mixtapes that can be shared with loved ones.

Carbon labeling isn’t the solution to our climate problems, but by helping consumers make informed decisions, labels can play a crucial role in encouraging businesses to take full responsibility for their carbon expenditure. A collaborative effort from Peak Design and BioLite, this campaign is raising funds to create a label that will be awarded to businesses that have achieved carbon neutrality.

An intriguing puzzle made of brass and stainless steel that’s as satisfying to work out as it is to look at.

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