Apple vs Braun

Some design enthusiasts criticize Apple that it wasn't fair Jonathan Ive linger to admit his inspiration from Braun and Dieter Rams. Though, its clear that this is tribute here. but what about other similarities between these two. Sometimes that is taking from some general philosophy but, here it is duplication, isn't it? And why doesn't Braun sue apple on this? Is it some gift or there is some theif. Maybe they have paid Braun for borrowing design. but this is Ive who cares about simplicity, and dares to embrace this thinking, and then? well, we all know the outcome.

Ultimate Aero

Ultimate Aero from SSC holds the title of " World's Fastest Car" and you see the early sketch inspired from napkin drawing of Jerod Shelby, founder. Aero Design is under influence of the Gordon Murray-designed McLaren F1. Although Bugatti now is behind to hold the record of the fastest, but its design seems more sophisticated to me; Curves and colors are more pleasant to eyes aesthetically and the car convinces you to be fast designly. Although technically, Aero is mid-engine, rear-drive with no traction control and also cheaper compared to Bugatti. See Aero in action!

Beijing Olympic Torch

It's been always amazing for me to see how and why olympic torches are designed. Well, the upcoming Beijing olympic torch was designed by Lenovo (PC company!!) chosen among 300 competitor themes under the title of "Cloud of Promise", Resembling an ancient scroll and featuring "lucky cloud", and it took Lenovo 10 months to design it. It's made of polished aluminum-magnesium alloy. Material plays major role in this torch, esp. coated rubber-based paint of the handle to emulate sensation of one hand holding another. Each Olympic Torch keeps stories, history, traditions of its time and host, manifested in forms, colors, symbols and materials.

Thinnovation

Every Design by Apple is a unique phenomenon to be considered. MacBook air is one of the Apple masterpieces. this "i-" added culture of Apple (pay close attention to "Built-in iSight camera" in MacBook Air, which is really smart) is really innovative and thoughtful. I believe that people in Apple largely stick to their promise to Think Different and this is why a mobile phone is born like "iPhone" and this new laptop computer is launched like non of its predecessors. even the way they wear those simple black t-shirts, this all means, Corporate Identity.

Tribute to Sottsass

Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) was one of the first names I heard when started getting familiar with IDesign. He was like a grandfather for ID and would always keep his own room in the world of Design as long as Aesthetics and struggle for spreading beauty do matter. Olivetti typewriter and Memphis Group respectively pushed Product Design and Design Thinking one step further. He says:" If today somebody comes to me for a new lighting fixture, we will work on it for at least 2-3 months, there was a time when I would have known at once, what this fixture should look like ... today I am not sure I know what to do and in which style to work ... the relationship with the public which is going to use the product has grown so complex ... that I simply don't know how to touch people I am not familiar with ... "

Feng Shui

Feng Shui (Wind Water), ancient Chinese metaphysical discipline that studies how mankind is affected, for better or for worst, by the environment. it is the art of achieving harmony through your surroundings. See it if you can learn Feng Shui? and check out one of the heroes of this art. if it deals with emotion, then it would be appealing. These are five elements in Feng Shui. and if you want to consider Feng Shui practically in design, have a look at these great beautiful architectures. Its a nice oriental philosophy to put in design thinking and solutions.

BioEnergy

Key global warming solution: Bioenergy which is electricity and fuels derived from plant or animal-based materials. This solution doesnt work just in US, it could get adaptized to any country national policy(esp. industrial ones). read Union of Concerned Scientists report. bioenergy is just one part of the whole solution, energy efficiency, reduced energy demand through conservation, and reforms in transportation and land use policies must be pursued. Have a look at these bioenergy principles, which is totally informative. and also check out this one that is standard of low-carbon fuel. Lets wish the New Healthy Year for the planet.

Luran®

Transparency, resistance, and aesthetics of the material matter for designers who are seeking new looks while lighter and stronger. well, Luran® is a kind of Styrene Acrylonitrile copolymer that its toughness is over styrene; these copolymers were born in 1940s. Eye-catching material look, apart from its mechanical spec., is so potential to help Design and this is why Softline Italian Co. which is a line in evolution, took advantage of Luran and Designed SLIM chair(the first of its kind) because Luran's high stiffness, low density and ease of processing allow this plastic to replace other transparent materials. Bright future for Materials and Designers!

ThinkCube

I guess, more we trust in Innnovative methods, more useful ideas would get shaped in our minds while thinking on brand new solutions and this time, let's trust in ThinkCube, it's one of the innovation tools to reach new horizons in Design(as we are breathing in this kind of atmosphere). sounds to me, like breaking the simple cubic shell to discover precious treasures inside it, which are various dynamic forms! It works based on some innovation fundamentals such as: Breakthrough ideas come from playing with ideas and forming new connections. "Out of the box solutions in the box", Think Cube. Some offer: Try it!

The Year Concept Cars

small hybrid-fueled car is some far horizon that Automakers are getting closer to it little by little. Then maybe in the future car classification, there would be relatively small SUV, small GT and so on! Also these little lovely concept cars sparkled the imaginary future small world in my mind. and the question emerges is that how small are we going to be? as small as cells to best fit in the world? or would it be that much small that just fit around the body like some garment? or human being would stretch living world? dont forget fuel efficiency which should be green and economical initiative in the future concept cars.