Chinese EV automaker BYD has an upscale brand called Yangwang (“looking up”). They’ve unveiled this Yangwang U8, a luxury SUV available as a plug-in hybrid or pure electric:

I’m surprised by how rational, ordered, and clean the design is. While the company doesn’t have the track record of a Range Rover, Lincoln or Mercedes, and there are a few tacky design details, overall this vehicle looks like it can compete on the world stage.

The vehicle’s website is all in Chinese, and I wasn’t able to learn much through machine translation, but these tidbits were clear: The 4WD vehicle makes 1,200 horsepower and has a blistering 3.6-second 0-100 km/h time. Furthermore they offer lifetime free maintenance, including door-to-door pickup and delivery.

The U8 has one rather astonishing feature, designed specifically for flood emergencies. If the vehicle is driven into a certain amount of water—as during a flash flood—it goes into “emergency flotation mode.” In this mode, the windows automatically close, while the sunroof automatically opens, to provide an escape route. Furthermore, the vehicle—while floating—can actually be steered and move under its own power, at a speed of 3 km/h, the company says, just by spinning the wheels. They also say the vehicle can keep water out of the interior for up to 30 minutes.

Here’s an unnarrated demo:

To be clear, this isn’t a recreational feature, but an emergency one. BYD says that after such an event occurs, the vehicle must be taken to the dealer for inspection.

Lastly, BYD says the vehicle can make “tank turns,” i.e. zero-turns, but the video of this in action is a bit suspect.

The U8’s price tag starts at 1.1 million yuan (USD $155,000).

Dezeen Showroom: Swedish studio Broberg & Ridderstråle opted for a “seemingly simple” look for the versatile Pause bench, which it has created for furniture brand Asplund.

According to Asplund, Broberg & Ridderstråle created the bench as a “zen-like” seat aimed at encouraging users to sit and rest, inspiring the name Pause.

Pause is made from a combination of lacquered oak veneer and solid oak, and is available with or without armrests. Four colour finishes are also available, includign white stain and charcoal stain.

It is intended for use in a variety of settings, such as hallways, behind a sofa or at the foot of a bed.

“We have chosen a seemingly simple but high-quality material with obvious natural details to achieve the function and tactility that we have felt was missing in the market,” said creative director Sandra Adrian Asplund.

“[It is] minimalistic and distinct with classic dignity that opens up for multiple uses in any space, public or domestic.”

Product details:

Product: Pause
Designer: Broberg & Ridderstråle
Brand: Asplund
Contact: order@asplund.org

Material: polyurethane lacquered oak veneer and solid oak
Colours/finishes: Natural Oak (PU1) White Stained Oak (PU2), Black Walnut Oak (PU4), Charcoal Stained (APU11)
Dimensions: 1450 x 450 x 380 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.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

The post Pause bench by Broberg & Ridderstråle for Asplund appeared first on Dezeen.

My PC’s mouse quit on me in the middle of a project, and I had to run out for a replacement. The only mouse available at my local Walmart (made by a company I’ve heard of, anyway) was this guy:

I hate clamshell packaging, and was about to grab tinsnips when I spotted these arrows on the back of the packaging:

They point to these two half-cups at the top corners:

They’re easy to get a fingertip into…

…and the rear panel, which is attached by little plastic spot-welds, easily peeled away with a satisfying pop-pop-pop noise.

There’s a large tab at the bottom of the paperboard packaging. This made it easy to grab and remove the paperboard. (You don’t see me grabbing the tab because I’m trying to hold the packaging up while photographing with my other hand.)

With that out of the way, the mouse is now accessible. This, too, had a helpful tab stuck to it, making it easy to free from the tight clamshell.

Overall, a fantastic piece of package design.

That said, the actual mouse is gar-bahj.

I can’t blame the company—I own their $100 MX Master 3 for my other computer, it’s the best damn mouse I’ve ever owned—and this Silent Wireless model was only 12 bucks, a pricepoint undoubtedly forced on them by Walmart. The “Silent” bit means the buttons don’t click when you press them, removing what I think is a key piece of tactile feedback; if I had to guess, removing whatever made it click was a cost-cutting measure, then spun as a “feature.”

Moreoever, the right button doesn’t register at least half the time. I’ll have to return this, then bite the bullet and drive to a more distant store that sells MX Master 3s.

Have you all noticed that these days, the stratification of product quality has turned almost binary? It’s either cheap, bottom-of-the-barrel disposable Walmart junk that doesn’t work properly, or pricey top-of-the-line offerings. There doesn’t seem to be much in the middle.

Irrespective if you’re working at home or in commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And if they’re Japanese products then rest assured they’re gonna be minimal, functional, and ergonomic. And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!

1. Levitating Pen 3.0

Dubbed the Levitating Pen, this sleek writing accessory features a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, letting you hold it with ease, and write seamlessly and smoothly. The pen floats at a 60-degree angle when it is resting in its specially designed stand, which instantly reminds you of a spacecraft floating about in the galaxy!

Click Here to Buy Now: $129

Why is it noteworthy?

This good-looking pen can be placed in its magnetized holder, which keeps it floating in position. You simply need to give the pen a little twist, and it will spin for 20 seconds, letting you have a playful experience with it.

What we like

• Easy and sturdy to hold and use
• Spinning the pen can be a fun stress-busting activity for you

What we dislike

• When placed on a curved surface the pen can easily roll off, so you need to keep it aside with care

2. Bookish Bookmark

Have you ever found yourself browsing through your favorite book on your desk, and you want to leave it open while you quickly grab a snack or a drink, but you can’t find anything to mark your place with?! Well, this is where the Bookish Bookmark comes in. It is a unique acrylic bookmark that also looks like a book!

Click Here to Buy Now: $65

Why is it noteworthy?

The second you look at the Bookish Bookmark, you know it is no ordinary bookmark. It is created to sit on your book, keeping it open for you as you sip some coffee, or chomp down on your favorite snacks. It lets you read while conducting other activities, but also ensures that the natural curved form of your book isn’t harmed.

What we like

• Protects the natural curved form of your book, doesn’t damage its binding or ruin its shape
• Lets you multitask while reading, you can sew or cook!

What we dislike

• If you place the bookmark on your desk unused, it won’t lay completely flat

3. Serenity Pen Stand

Called the Serenity Pen Stand, this Japanese minimalist design exudes a metallic hint and is created to hold your pen upright, keeping it ready to use. This pen stand ensures that you never really lose your pen, since pens can be easy to misplace, it keeps your pen in sight always.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

Why is it noteworthy?

This minimal and sleek pen stand offers constant easy access to your pen, and making sure that you never lose it. Made using aluminum and copper, it functions as a well-balanced cylinder, that is designed to add a pop of personality and Japanese design ethos to your desk.

What we like

• Features a sleek minimal design that is easy to set up, use, and carry
• Equipped with a heavy copper bottom, offering a stable form

What we dislike

• Since the pen stand is quite minimal and compact, it can be easily misplaced
• There aren’t many color options to choose from

4. World Clock

If you’re someone who always ends up procrastinating, and often loses track of time, then the World Clock is what you need on your desk. It isn’t your everyday desk clock, and it has a unique dodecagonal shape with a single hand and a minimalist face. The innovative clock presents 12 time zones!

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

With a unique design and form, the World Clock not only offers the correct information about your country, but also extra details on the time in other parts of the world. At first glance, you can tell the hour, but with a closer look, you can figure out which quarter of the hour it is.

What we like

• Has 12 sides with individual markings for a city that represents a certain timezone

What we dislike

• It features only 12 set time zones, so you will be missing out on some time zones

5. Mecricco Catch

Called the Mecricco Catch, these elastic page-turning aids are designed by Plus, and let you turn your paper products with ease. The aids feature an outer rib, which lets you hold the paper firmly, while the inner rib doesn’t let your fingers slip while you’re flipping through pages.

Why is it noteworthy?

These page-turning aids have a concave curve at the bottom, which lets you move your fingers around as you flip through pages. It has holes that offer ventilation, giving your fingers some room to breathe.

What we like

• An excellent option for those who have fancy nail jobs, and need to protect their fingers as they flip through pages

What we dislike

• Not a necessary item, if you’ve gone completely digital

6. The Scissors w/ Base

Dubbed the Scissors w/ Base, these unique scissors are equipped with a magnetic base which makes the design a cutting-edge one. This innovative design allows you to completely reshape and jazz up your workspace organization, making sure your scissors aren’t lying around creating clutter.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The scissors’ feature a magnet base which is a total game-changer, snagging a VIP spot on your desk. They are crafted from lustrous Japanese steel, and besides functioning as a pretty nifty tool, they also make a sleek and good-looking addition to your desk decor.

What we like

• The magnetic base can be utilized as a dedicated spot for your scissors
• Equipped with a built-in cutter, which is quite an innovative forward-thinking detail we appreciate

What we dislike

• Cannot function as an alternative to the heavy-duty scissors you need for difficult tasks

7. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter

Dubbed the Effortless Standing Letter Cutter, this nifty tool is something you defo need on your work desk. This simple tool can totally elevate your daily productivity and ensure you have a clean and well-maintained desk. The letter cutter also doubles up as a paperweight!

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The Effortless Standing Letter Cutter completely transforms an ordinary and standard office tool. You can cut through paper efficiently and effectively, while also functioning as a paperweight. It is an excellent solution for boosting productivity!

What we like

• The letter cutter cuts precisely leaving no mess behind
• Doubles up as a paperweight as well, maintaining an organized desk

What we dislike

• The letter cutter is not versatile enough to deal with intricate mail or bulkier packages

8. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil

Called the Everlasting All-Metal Pencil, this little pencil is an essential addition to your work desk. You can now bid farewell to the mundane cycle of pencil sharpening and dealing with annoying mechanical leads. You can harness creative ideas, and let them flow freely without any hindrance.

Click Here to Buy Now: $20

Why is it noteworthy?

This special pencil has been crafted with a special alloy core and has an aluminum body that doesn’t need to be sharpened. This pencil is a durable and practical writing instrument, and it leaves marks without causing any wear or tear to the core.

What we like

• Can be easily erased with regular erases
• Offers a seamless and smooth writing experience

What we dislike

• Doesn’t offer the same grip and comfort as traditional wooden pencils

9. Japanese Drawing Pad

Japanese paper is known for its stunning and premium quality and is quite loved by designers and artists. If you want to add some beautiful Japanese paper to your workdesk, then you need to get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad!

Click Here to Buy Now: $26

Why is it noteworthy?

This premium-quality pad allows you to jot down your thoughts and ideas without the fear of damaging the durable paper fibers. The pad builds an engaging, smooth, and relaxing writing experience.

What we like

• The paper is micro-perforated, which makes the paper to tear
• The pad is available in various colors and sizes, so you can pick the one that suits your drawing needs

What we dislike

• Aesthetically it looks like an ordinary pad, but the high quality is an experience, nothing something that can be seen

10. ASMR Zen Ball

This cute-looking ball is called the ASMR Zen Ball, and it merges natural and engineered elements to build a space-inspired design that offers a calming experience to its users. It has a meteorite-inspired porous surface which can serve as an excellent absorbent surface for your aroma oils as well.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99

Why is it noteworthy?

It is crafted from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy. It also doubles up as a fidget toy, which offers an interactive experience, allowing users to connect with the natural energy of the earth.

What we like

• Functions as a fidget toy as well, which offers sensory stimulation

What we dislike

• If the ball is not attached to the base, it can get rolling due to accidental bumps

The post 10 Best Japanese Desk Gear To Achieve Peak Desk Productivity first appeared on Yanko Design.

A warm, welcoming debut show features pieces by 100 artists both established and emerging

To step into the storefront of 85-87 Mercer Street in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood is to enter a warm, welcoming and home-like space of extraordinary art and design. The building, which rose in 1873, had an artist tenant cloistered in the ground-floor space for 60 years. After a year of permitting and renovation, it’s now the first-ever international outpost of Amélie, Maison d’Art, the acclaimed Parisian contemporary art gallery known for exhibiting works in venues that look like they could be homes worthy of collectors.

“We have a Maison d’Art gallery that feels like a home in Paris,” the gallery founder, Amélie du Chalard, tells COOL HUNTING. “This is the pillar of our concept here in New York, as well. In this debut show, we are representing all of our artists from France. There are 100 of them, across all mediums and techniques. There is painting and ceramics and sculptures within. This diversity is very important to us, as is the range from well-known to less established. It’s to give a good idea of the universe of the gallery.”

Of equal importance is the unexpected way that du Chalard developed the spacious SoHo gallery with French American architectural duo Tess Walraven and Nike Vogrinec, as well as Keith Burns. “It all comes back to the concept of the gallery, which is to change how we see artwork by presenting it in ways that are closer to collectors’ homes,” she continues. There’s an enveloping, domestic nature to the gallery, which is loosely divided into areas that emulate those found in a home. Only, each area is accented by artistic works in situ—from arching sculptural additions inside of wall from Gerd Kanz to slender, totemic towers of ceramic by artist Lili Delaroque that allude to historic cast-iron Corinthian columns nearby. The space itself is a work of art.

Other eye-catching additions range from a ceramic carpet inlay by Heloise Bariol to a custom sofa crafted by French designer Pierre Augustin Rose. There is an ornately carved French oak panel by artist Eloi Schultz, and kinked mirror panels by artist Boldizar Senteski. Remarkably, the work around these pieces will change—and soon. Even though the inaugural show is immense, and acts as a mission statement for the gallery’s vision, Amélie, Maison d’Art is equally famous for reorganizing their art shows to align with the interests of their collectors. Presentations are tailored for people who make appointments to visit the space.

Du Chalard emphasizes that, “We represent artists at different stages in their career. We have very famous artists, for instance, like Bruno Dufourmantelle, but we also have younger artists like Léo Dorfner. This range allows us to welcome young collectors, too.” Concepts drive Amélie, Maison d’Art—and yet stepping into their SoHo gallery everything makes sense. You can even dream of how the pieces might fit into your own home or, more likely, dream of living in a home that looks like the gallery space.