Hasta La Ideas

You’ve probably seen sci-fi flicks that show how convenient it would be to just approach a house and have the door automatically open for you. While that might sound like the ultimate convenience, our current reality is far from reaching that idyllic future scenario. Never mind security concerns against hackers or, worse, software bugs, the requirements for installing smart door locks alone are enough to frighten off all but the most tech-savvy and capable of homeowners. Having to replace existing knobs and locks is a daunting and expensive task, which is why this “retrofit” smart door lock is so noteworthy as it allows almost anyone, especially those without much DIY experience, to install the lock in just minutes and still keep the same deadbolt they’ve been using for years.

Designer: Yale

On the one hand, it’s understandable why installing a smart door lock would require removing the old, not-so-smart one. Not only does it require electronic parts, it would also be advisable that all the parts actually work well together. On the other hand, it might not always be economical or practical to replace existing deadbolts, especially if you have quite an expensive design or are renting out rooms or houses. Retrofit locks try to bridge these two extremes and Yale just launched its first attempt at making life easier and less stressful for such people.

The new Yale Approach with Wi-Fi is a deceptively simple kit that promises you’ll only need around 10 minutes and a single screwdriver to install it over your existing deadbolt, depending on how familiar you are with some handiwork. It’s an indoor-only design so you only need to change that part of the lock and that’s all there is to it. Of course, you still need to plug in the wireless Yale Wi-Fi bridge somewhere near the Yale Approach and connect it to your network, but that’s pretty much on par with any other smart lock.

Once that straightforward installation is done, you can enjoy the key-free and sometimes hands-free experience of having a futuristic lock for your home. You can have it lock the door automatically once you’re out or even unlock it when you’re near, all without having to even pull out your phone. You can also give other people access, permanently or temporarily, to the lock, which is important for renters. Best of all, you can still use your old keys as a backup in case things go awry.

The Yale Approach with Wi-Fi arrives along with a new Yale Keypad that adds an extra layer of security to your new smart home system. This wireless backlit keypad can simply be stuck to a wall near the lock, allowing authorized users to simply enter a code to unlock the door. A future model will even come with a fingerprint sensor so you can stop worrying about memorizing all those numbers (or using an insecure sequence like “1234”). Depending on the situation, this new Yale combo might still be inadequate as far as smart security systems are concerned, but it’s still better than the alternative of going through all the work and costs of installing a new lock that you might end up not liking anyway.

The post Smart door lock offers key-free security without replacing your deadbolt first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen Showroom: Italian furniture company UniFor has released a sideboard as part of its Andromeda collection, which will be launched during Milan design week.

The credenza shares the wider collection’s streamlined yet monolithic appearance, and has both hinged doors and open shelving to provide a variety of storage and display solutions.

It comes in two sizes. Both have a structure made from aluminium, which can be finished with either polished or black chrome surface treatments.

A range of tops are available, made from a variety of materials including “extra clear”, back-painted white or bronzed glass, open-pore tinted Italian walnut wood or travertine, as well as various colours of concrete-effect slabs. Aluminium legs support the piece.

Like the rest of the collection, the Andromeda credenza was designed by architecture and design studio LSM for use in offices, commercial interiors and private residences.

“The clean lines of the collection contribute to the creation of professional environments characterised by innovation and prestige,” said UniFor.

The photography is by Alberto Strada and the installation and creative direction is by Studio Klass.

Product details:

Product: Andromeda credenza
Designer: LSM
Brand: UniFor
Contact: unifor@unifor.it

Dimensions: 7315.2 x 660 x 770 millimetres, 5486.4 x 660 x 770 millimetres

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen’s huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

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The post Andromeda credenza by LSM for UniFor appeared first on Dezeen.

This unusual LBM Corner Table Lamp is by Mexican industrial designer Moisés Hernández.

“Inspired by the innovative architecture of fellow Mexican Luis Barragán*, Moisés Hernández designed the LBM Corner Table Lamp to reflect his fascination with monolithic geometry, colour, light and shadows. Constructed from thin planes of vertical sheet steel at a 90-degree angle, the utilitarian simplicity of the shape results in visual lightness with a strong design, giving it an artistic quality that is equally appealing both when in use and switched off.”

“The straight, folded structure can be positioned on the corner of any flat surface, using an integrated LED light with inline step dimmer to emit an ambient downlight that creates a subtle gradient effect with a unique, calming atmosphere.”

The LBM Corner Table Lamp is an evolution of Hernández’s earlier LBM Table Lamp, shown below. Both are in production by Hay.

*Pritzker Prize winner Luis Barragán was perhaps Mexico’s best-known architect. Throughout his 20th century career, he flirted with Modernism, but eventually came to denounce functionalism in favor of “emotional architecture.” You can get a good sense of Barragán’s colorful work at the Barragan (sic) Foundation’s website.

There’s a chocolate drink factory near our place and when the wind blows down the main street, the smell of chocolate fills the entire area and every person is brought back to their childhood drinking a cup of hot cocoa in the morning. Also, on my walk to and from the office and my house, I pass by a McDonald’s store. When I’m especially hungry, that distinct smell of burger and fries (and sometimes chicken) actually tempts me to make a detour and enter the store to buy my dinner.

Designer: TBWANeboko and Raul & Rigel for McDonalds

There are just some food brands that triggers our olfactory nerves and makes us want to buy their products to satisfy this craving brought about by smell. McDonald’s believes they’re one of those brands and in Netherlands, they’re putting this to good, creative, and aromatic use. Their ad agency TBWANeboko worked with production company Raul&Rigel to put up a series of unbranded street billboards with just the red and yellow colors. When you pass by within 5 meters of them, you get to smell the distinct aroma of McDonald’s French Fries, hopefully triggering a craving.

These scented billboards actually have a hidden compartment in them to store the aforementioned fries. There’s also an internal heat and ventilation system that is responsible for intensifying this smell and tempt anyone passing by to get fries. Of course they are located strategically near a McDonald’s, 200 meters away in fact, so that you can sate that craving and get your favorite fries (and maybe other things) because of that billboard smell.

It’s a pretty creative way to take advantage of that feeling evoked in us when we smell something so distinct. It’s bad news though for people like me who are trying to stay away from carbs. Good thing that fries-scented billboard is only in the Netherlands, although passing by that McDonald’s every day is already temptation enough.

The post Billboard that smells like French Fries tempts you to go to McDonald’s first appeared on Yanko Design.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the saying that big things come in small packages! Well, that is certainly true for this collection of product designs. These thoughtful, well-designed, and effective little products may come in tiny packages, but are jam-packed with functionality. They truly pack a punch with their unmatched utility, attention to detail, and not to mention their insanely good looks. In today’s world where space constraints are a major issue, we need belongings that occupy minimum space while doing their job perfectly. And, this collection of products does exactly that! From an innovative wave spring key ring that doesn’t break your nails to an adorable grater that fits into the palm of your hand – these designs are the must-have little essentials you need in your home or office.

1. The Painless Key Ring

Using key rings can be quite painful. You can end up breaking a nail or a sweat when you’re trying to add a new key to the ring. And the ones that do go easy on your nails, tend to be less reliable and sturdy since they’re softer. But this is where the Painless Key Ring comes in! It is a distinctive key ring that is inspired by the design of aerospace equipment and cars.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Painless Key Ring uses a “coiled wave spring” shape instead of the traditional coil spring. This spring is typically used in heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, ranging from aerospace to automobiles. This wavy shape is a pretty user-friendly key ring, and it won’t break your nails nor unnecessarily test your patience.

What we like

• Extremely stress-free and easy to use
• Twice as strong as a typical key ring

What we dislike

• Gap in spring might snag other items in a pocket or bag

2. AirTag Carabiners

Named the AirTag Carabiners, these little carabiners are a new and improved version of boring old metal carabiners. They’re precision-made, and gifted with a lightweight and non-bulky form, which makes them portable, quite easy to carry, and also pretty easy to use and handle.

Click Here to Buy Now: $119

Why is it noteworthy?

These precise carabiners have been meticulously handcrafted to offer premium durability and sturdiness. The carabiners arent just simple melted metal casings, each piece is pretty unique, since manufacturing conditions can completely alter and affect the final design, creating a new form and design every time.

What we like

• The carabiners are crafted from premium-quality metal by hand

What we dislike

• Attaching and detaching the carabiner isn’t the most user-friendly or accessible task

3. Rotating Nail Clipper

Say hello to the Rotating Nail Clipper – this unique product is designed to protect your wrist from twisting and hurting whenever you sit down to cut your nails. It is the ultimate little device to cut your nails efficiently, without coercing you to twist or bend your wrist to get the perfect angle.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69

Why is it noteworthy?

The nail clipper has a rather unique and practical design which ensures you never need to bend or twist your wrist while cutting your nails. This enables it to function as an ergonomic and effective tool. Made from high-carbon stainless steel and anodized aluminum alloy, the nail clipper features a simple and minimalist design ethos.

What we like

• Features a sleek and minimal design that is easy to use and appealing
• Available in a variety of color options

What we dislike

• Higher price tag as compared to typical nail clippers

4. Stress-free Aroma Diffuser

If you ever feel like relaxing and unwinding, then you need to consider the Stress-free Aroma diffuser. This little device lets you sit and relax while letting you breathe in a wonderful array of aromatic blends, that have been picked to help calm your mind and support you in meditating. All you need to do is play some tranquil music and unwind after a long day with the Stress-free Aroma Diffuser.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149

Why is it noteworthy?

The Stress-free Aroma Diffuser emits a gentle breeze, which disperses the aroma evenly wherever you are sitting. It features a porcelain filter that absorbs the oil to provide a long-lasting experience.

What we like

• The polished base offers an intriguing contrast to the organic-looking porcelain disc, so besides helping you relax, it also serves as a classy decoration piece

What we dislike

• You need to handle it with care since it looks fragile and could easily be damaged

5. ASMR Zen Ball

Dubbed the ASMR Zen Ball, this little ball aligns natural and engineered elements to form a space-inspired design that imparts a calming and tranquil experience to its users. The product features a meteorite-inspired porous surface, which acts as an incredible absorbent surface for your aroma oils, building a wonderful meditative experience for you.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99

Why is it noteworthy?

Made from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, the zen ball can be used as a fidget toy, which forms an interactive experience, allowing users to truly connect with the natural energy of the earth.

What we like

• Functions as a fidget toy as well, offering sensory stimulation

What we dislike

• Since the ball isn’t attached to its base, it could start rolling due to accidental bumps

6. AirPods/AirPods Pro Neck Strap

Called the AirPods/AirPods Pro Neck Strap, this tiny device is excellent for listening to your favorite songs on your next journey. It includes a woven necklace that is created for globetrotters who own their AirPods. You don’t need to spend time rummaging through your backpack looking for your earbuds, and experiencing the constant fear of losing them.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39.

Why is it noteworthy?

This functional and good-looking accessory ensures that your AirPods are around your neck safely at all times. It combines fashion with practicality and features a patented One-Click Magnetic Lock which ensures that your earbuds are always secure and protected, irrespective if you’re boarding a flight, or traveling to a new country.

What we like

• Cuts down the chance of losing your AirPods
• Ensures your AirPods are within reach always

What we dislike

• Your AirPods can easily be exposed to damage, dirt, and weather elements

7. Aroma Fragrance Pin

This is the Aroma Fragrance pin, a small pin that is a lifesaver when you’re traveling or commuting around, and you need something to maintain a lovely aroma around you. It is a compact little holder that stores cotton dabbed with the essential oil of your choice. It enables a lovely yet strong fragrance to be floating around you throughout the day.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The little pin creates an individual fragrance bubble around you, which follows you wherever you go. Once the smell fades away, you can easily top it up, and it is a useful product for those with sensitive noses who can get affected by the aerosol particles in usual perfumes.

What we like

• Looks like a stylish button-style accessory, and has a variety of colors to pick from

What we dislike

• The aroma will last depending on the quality of the aromatic oil, so you will need to partake in some trial and error till you find a long-lasting fit

8. Playful Palm Grater

Dubbed the Playful Palm Grater, this unique and compact little product will add some functional fun to your kitchen, and everyday dining experience. The grater fits perfectly into your palm, and prepares freshly grated garnishes for your meals, allowing you to sprinkle them onto your food, on the dining table itself.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

The post 10 Best Tiny Products That Pack A Punch With Their Unmatched Functionality & Utility first appeared on Yanko Design.