PHysical Interface + Virtualization

1. During the OnlyPlanet Project by NOKIA and within Ideation Discussion sessions with Nokia Designers, I remember once one of them suggested some physical bending device for gaming! At that time, that was totally revolutionary idea to me. So now its nice to see that Microsoft is working on PHysical Interface .

2. Big electronic companies are researching and evaluating the idea of putting different features of a mobile in a single device. VirtualLogix wants to help build phone using a kind of software known as virtualization. virtualization software would enable a mobile-phone maker to add features regardless of the operating system. This way is greatly time-saving. Virtualization also helps a phone run with fewer chips. So this way, cost-effective.

ZIBA

Just think of "Emotional Innovation" instead of "Technological" one! its a key factor to be able to stand strong in the 21th century market. Sohrab Vossoughi calls it 360-degree experience. he's been great at ZIBA and it is why his company is one of the first names in ID. Vossoughi admires Nau strategy to compete and to be successful. In the future designers would try to design "experiences" instead of products, actually it could be designer's expertise. ("Ziba" means "Beautiful" in persian language and Vossoughi is one of the many successful Iranians)

Zeemote

Why should we play mobile games with mobile keyboard and by the phone itself? why not to test some separate game controller? So Zeemote has designed some thumbstick game controller that is designed specially for mobile devices and it is 95 x 35 x 20 mm and 47g and fits in the palm of the hand. Well, let me say Mobile Gaming could be a potential field of design. Have a look, and zeemote in action. Some Hint: what if Zeemote could be integrated into the body of the mobile device and while needed get removed to be used! because it is importat to be easily carried!

3D World

It's been always my dream to make 3D models of my ideas and sketches as easy and fast as possible. and I am happy that I'm living in an era that every dream becomes true. Z Corp. suggests lots of solutions for 3D modeling, and it's great to see smaller and more compact modellers that could be used at home!(although prices are still the problem, but not for big companies). even you can have 3D figure of your imaginary character! along all these, again Stanford-ians, have converted 2D pictures into 3D models. all these achievements are speaking of second virtual life. What if I can have 3D model of . . . ?!

Aquaduct

Aquaduct is a concept of tricycle that purifies water as the rider pedals. What this vehicle decided to do: sanitation and transportation in developing world. IDEO says:" The Aquaduct is designed to allow a person to sanitize and transport water simultaneously." see how it works. meanwhile there are some caring people who spread peace and better life: Potters for Peace. healthier lives thru Design.

USBCELL

Simple Re-usable Energy, this is the main title goes for USBCELL. When you save 15 billion Alkaline batteries made and thrown away each year, then you are deserved to get CeBIT-iF award in product design. This new Cell definitely helps reduce global energy and resource waste in the short-term. USBCELL functions are so varied and totally practical and useful. Great Design come out of minimal acts, like beheading battery to make it potential to be used as USB!! its like discovering multiple potentials of our surroundings, even those simple batteries!!

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.