Biomimicry design-Ask Nature

"Nature's elegant solutions to building challenges include the Scots pine's adaptive growth, the thorny devil's passive water collection, and a leaf's on-site energy production. AskNature can help you solve your design challenges."


Wonderful website. You must check this great website out.
http://asknature.org/

Myoelectric sensor + Sound

Daito Manabe, an electronic music producer in Japan,has developed a new form of music performance using Myoelectric sensor.

Gesture UI-Oblong Spatial Operating Environment (SOE) : g-speak

Honda wearable robotic walker

The Honda Motor Company has displayed for the first time a new computerized walker machine, designed to help factory workers and the elderly.

The machine which weighs 6.5 kilos, has a saddle, leg-frames and shoes. It reduces the weight of a user's legs making it easier to climb and descend stairs, as well as carry out difficult crouching positions.

A user sits on the saddle puts on the shoes, and pushes a start button, which then moves the users legs. The device is driven by a computer, has a motor and gears, and battery powered sensors that respond to a user's movements.

Honda says it will start using the machine at a factory in Japan.

The device is also expected help elderly people. Japan has a rapidly aging population and also leads the world in robot technology.

In 2000 Honda developed the first two-legged walking robot called ASIMO. Honda says some of the same technology was used in the newer device.

AlertMe

Home security may be an age-old need, but that doesn't mean it can't be addressed in a thoroughly modern way. To wit: AlertMe, a service that combines home security and energy monitoring for automatic delivery via the web or a mobile phone.

Originally released in January, AlertMe is a wireless system whose security component monitors doors and windows and detects motion or other potential emergencies within the home. Users can self-install the technology without the need for wires or drilling; rather, they simply place a set of sensors around their home. Those sensors then communicate wirelessly with a hub that gets plugged into the home broadband connection. Then, in the event of a burglary or a smoke detector going off, a sensor is triggered to alert the hub, which sends the information to the AlertMe servers; those, in turn, send an instant alert to the user via mobile phone. The system is controlled via key fob, with battery backup and GPRS connection in case broadband goes down.

In September, AlertMe announced a new application for its platform that will add energy-monitoring capabilities to the security system. Called the Smart Plug, the new technology plugs into any outlet and uses the same AlertMe hub to monitor and control the energy use of any appliance that's plugged into it. Customers can see both live and historical consumption and control appliances remotely through the web or phone. The device can automatically turn on lights, for example, and it can also alert users remotely when key appliances fail. Perhaps even more compelling, it can automatically turn off appliances when users leave the house and then turn select ones on again—say, a kettle readying water for tea—when they're on their way home.

AlertMe's security kits are available now, starting at GBP 149. The energy-monitoring Smart Plug is due to be released soon, the company says, with pricing reportedly at about GBP 25 per plug. Heating control and meter-reading features are due to launch next year.

Website: www.alertme.com

2008 Fall Maison & Objet

"Some experts say there is no single mega trend. They predict that the future trend will be trends that vanish amid a countless number of trends." "As lives get more complex and paradoxical, people pursue simplicity and more fundamental value." The 2008 Fall Maison & Objet arouses a question on the fundamentals of life. While the 2008 spring show put the spotlight on exaggeration around the concept “Onirique,” this fall season show concentrates on the “Aesthetics of Simplicity.” The Maison & Objet began in 1995 and has, over the last 12 years, grown into the world’s biggest global interior show. The Maison & Objet is a trend-leading exhibition which receives attention from quite a number of experts by presenting future trends in a future interior concept hall. Some people claim that there is no trend now in the Maison & Objet, pointing out that the Concept of the Year Hall is smaller than previous years and that the styles of exhibition halls and products are more various. Some experts say there is no single mega trend. They predict that the future trend will be trends that vanish amid a countless number of trends. SlowTech, FarmLife, Les Metropuritains Francois Bernard and Elizabeth Leriche who worked for Nelly Rodi, the worldwide trend-watching company, suggested that three influences - Slow Tech, Farm Life and Les Metropuritains - will inspire people a great deal. Slow Tech_ Pursuing a Natural and Simplified Life Francois Bernard suggested that people should take a break through slow tech in an extreme material world. In literature, themes on slowness and emptiness began a long time ago. The industrial aesthetics of designers and engineers in the previous century gave an inspiration to this trend to pursue less material value, slowness, the philosophy of a simplified life and natural things for better lives. Design is recreated due to an agony over the disharmony between forms and functions. “Reuse, Biodegradable, Local Industry” have been suggested as important key words. The more advanced the technology, the more handicrafts people want. People prefer products made with a lot of efforts and over a long period of time. Companies focus on basic functions for their products and put core and practical functions on their products without excrescent things. Slow Tech suggests that people should live a slow life to live happily; take a deep breath in a world getting faster. Les Metropuritains New Underground Activities

The Nelly Rodi Agency suggests more radical actions about the ecological crisis that faces the world, promoting new underground activities. In order to realize ecologically ideal lives, these Ecolo-Bobos choose simplicity as their weapons while keeping more activist-like appearances and graceful styles. They regard modern production and consumption practices as actions of mass destruction. They include "Organic, Ethical Consumption and Fair Trade" as keywords for their ideal world and actively put the keywords into practice. They recycle, do not buy new products for more than a year and boycott tropical fruits in winter. It is worth to pay attention to whether they will realize the world they hope for and to observe their manifesto about a simple life. Amid discussion about these themes at the Maison & Objet Concept Forum, LG Electronics prepared a booth in the interior exhibition, the first for an electronic appliance company. LG Electronics proposed Eco-Chic, a new trend in home electric appliances in partnership with the Nelly Rodi Agency. Eco-Chic is a chic interior concept with sleek design and an eye toward Green Living, which includes the latest environment-friendly technology for high efficiency and saving energy. LG Electronics planned this exhibition not for simple sales pitches or product promotion but for brand marketing to top class customers. The company presented electric home appliances as the core of home interior, more important than furniture. While LG Electronics pursues luxury of consumer electronics, the LG Chem Design Center will review European trends more concretely through Maison & Objet.

Mature Simplicity and Nature Itself as a New Luxury

Everyone likes luxurious and elegant things. In particular, Korean people change their views and attitudes when they hear the word, "Luxury." Then what is "Luxury" in this complex era? At Maison & Objet this fall, "Luxury" means core simplicity in a complex era. We already passed the era where people regarded "Ornamental" as high grade and are on our way back to the basics, free of ornaments. "Not complex” is simple. The word "simple" is very easy and familiar. But here, simple is not simple as explained in dictionaries. The aesthetics of simplicity is a crystal derived after a lot of trial and error. In other words, there is a big difference between naturally simple things and the beauty of simplicity derived out of many processes and agonies in terms of value. The value can be found in the auras of things or people. According to Benjamin Barber, a famous political scientist, "Complexity" is "Maturity." Mentally, young people and simple people are in psychological infancy. People hate complex things. This is because complex things are nasty and make people tired. They choose simple things and resist thinking complexly. But there is a difference between simplicity obtained after experiencing difficult and complex things and remaining simple without experiencing complexity at all, like a child. ?This show uncovers the contrast between the minimalism that occurred after World War II and the simplicity of today in terms of humanism and seriousness. The simplicity of today represents luxury with delicate styles plus sleek and concise finishes. And if simplicity is the luxury of this era, another luxurious thing can be nature itself. For some it is already a luxurious thing. People with something to spare try to get close to nature and put natural things in their home interior. This trend is expressed by such activities as planting in buildings and the government’s planning to create green sites.

The Indoor Outdoor Hall, an exclusive event for the fall show, tells of the trends in spas, luxury hotels and trendy restaurants. Nature itself is the biggest point and most significant element in these luxury spaces. Even though people introduce natural elements for appearances only, a main trend in the future will be to agonize over spaces to create synergies naturally without combining artificial materials with nature. The interior trends in Korea have just begun on this path, influenced greatly by Europe. Now the expression "Global Community" is time-worn. People around the world share trends in a worldwide bond. Teenagers around the world show similar consuming practices through the Internet. This trend will grow stronger for future generations. Big uncertainty is facing the world due to the financial crisis that is occurring in the United States right now. The European economy has already entered a time of slowdown, many people say. We can formulate a new definition on luxury through a question about more accentual and fundamental identity. The fall Maison & Objet show confirmes that "Simplicity" and "Nature Itself" are basic keywords in our hearts. designdb+ Witten by Cho Hee-chung, LG Chem Design Center www.lgchem.co.kr Photographs by Maison&Objet Organizer www.maison-objet.com

Fashion trend

SPRING 2009 REQUIREMENTS

PINK AND ORANGE COLOR COMBINATION IS MUST

ABAETE ALEXANDER WANG REEM ACRA MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

ONE ARM TREND

ABAETE CALVIN KLIEN DENNIS BASSO HALSTON

FALL 2008 ESSENTIALS

FIRST OFF, YOU MUST HAVE A PAIR OF RED OR ORANGE TIGHTS TO PAIR FOR AN ALL BLACK LOOK OR MINI SKIRT.

ALESSANDRO DELLACQUA EMILIO PUCCI ZAC POSEN

ANNA SUI KARL LAGERFELD JILL SANDER

Ultrasound to stop internal bleeding

(Credit: DARPA)

Internal bleeding can cause irreversible haemorrhagic shock within 30 seconds or progressive shock within eight hours, either way, it's not good and the military wants a portable, noninvasive way to detect and stop it right on the battlefield.

To that end, the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has contracted with Siemens Healthcare, the University of Washington's Centre for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound and Texas A&M to develop something called the Deep Bleeder Acoustic Coagulation cuff (DBAC). The cuff is a semi-automated, ultrasound device designed to cut blood loss and shock resulting from combat limb injuries, one that can be operated by any GI with minimal training.

As it stands now, a wounded soldier can quickly lose 25 percent of blood volume while waiting to be evacuated. This can lead to progressive shock and death. On the spot treatment with the cuff would curtail these needless combat deaths and amputations, according to the military.

A medic applies the cuff to the injured limb, the DBAC automatically locates the bleeding and triggers a dose of high-intensity, focused ultrasound toward it, this prompts quick coagulation and an end to the bleeding.

The system uses doppler-based "automated bleed detection algorithms," according to DARPA. The software used is based on "unique spectral and power Doppler bleeder signatures that, when coupled to volumetric data, allows for automated bleed detection and localization."(PDF)

Blood mimicking fluids and heat resistant, tissue mimicking phantoms were custom created to allow DBAC testing on a full-sized leg mockup. DARPA hopes to be able to have a prototype in 18 months.

Aperture facade installation

aperture is a facade installation with interactive and narrative displaying modes. Consisting of an iris diaphragm matrix, the facade's surface with its apertures' variable opening diameters is enriched by a dynamic translucency, that creates new imagery as well as a new channel for communication between inside and outside.

Single Dose Vacuum Dispenser

This swab is filled with iodine. When you bend one end of the swab, the iodine quickly rushes to the other end, dispensing onto the cotton tip. It is a one-time use applicator with a built-in liquid dispenser.

This is a convenient way to carry a pre-measured amount of liquid that is easy to dispense. It is particularly elegant in the way it dispenses liquid from one end while the dispensing is activated at the other end, and so does not interfere with the application of the liquid. Compare this with products where you must remove the applicator, break a seal, and then reattach the applicator to use.

The way this dispenser works is by holding the liquid in place with a vacuum. Think about placing a straw in a glass of water. If you cover the end of the straw with your finger and raise the straw out of the glass it will remain filled with water, being held in place by a vacuum at the top end of the straw. When you remove your finger the vacuum is broken and the water drops out of the straw. This dispenser works in the same way. Snapping the end of the swab allows air into the tube, so the liquid flows out.

There is a sealing oil on the open end of the tube so the liquid inside is not exposed to the air. When the liquid is dispensed it breaks through the center of the sealing oil. These cotton swab dispensers are currently used in first aid, beauty care, tooth whitening, oral care and foot care products. Large sizes are available and custom sizes are available depending on the application and liquid.

DesignAid samples were provided by Swabplus. Existing swab dispensers range from $0.05 to $0.15 each depending on order quantity and packaging method.
Applications

Step: Put make-up, tooth whitener, or bleach in this swab dispenser packaging.

Stretch: One-time use toilet bowl cleaners could be easily activated from the opposite end of the scrub brush.

Leap: A tube with two separate chambers could mix the chemicals upon dispensing.

Water Detecting Cable

What is this?

This orange cable detects the presence of water. Connect one end of the cable to a monitoring system, and then you can run the cable for thousands of feet. The cable can be laid wherever you want to detect the presence of water - around window sills, along pipes, at the base of equipment, etc. If any part of the cable comes in contact with water (or another fluid that conducts electricity) an alarm will sound and notify you exactly where along the cable the water has been detected. The orange core of the cable is made of a non-conductive plastic. There are two grooves that run the length of this plastic, spiraling around the outside; inside each of these grooves is a wire. The two wires never touch each other along the whole length of the cable, but if the cable comes into contact with water, the water completes the circuit between the two wires and sounds the alarm. The system knows exactly how far down the cable the water has been detected by checking the resistance of the completed circuit. Inside the orange plastic core are two more wires that work in exactly the opposite way - they are always connected, and raise another alarm if the cable is ever cut. This way you know if the cable has stopped monitoring for water because it has been severed somewhere along its length. The cable ranges from $2 to $11.50 per foot depending on quantities and type of setup. DesignAid samples were provided by RLE Technologies.

Applications

Step: Run this plastic cable around the perimeter of a factory, or along a pipe, to detect water leaks.

Stretch: Run this cable throughout your yard so the sprinklers only turn on where the grass is dry.

Leap: Make a very tiny version of this cable and weave into clothing to detect and respond to sweat.

SmartLock

This bike lock deters the opportunist thief by making the abuser's experience as unpleasant as possible without having a detrimental effect on the user.

SmartLock is a cable lock that has cores of compressed air and liquid running through its body. If cut, the liquids spray out over the perpetrator, his tools, the bike and the scene of the crime. A bike that has been stolen will be covered in coloured dye (the dye renders the bike undesirable and therefore unsellable) as well as transluscent Smartwater - an invisible forensic property marking liquid.

The lock is lightweight but offers additional protection. The lock barrel and lever components are surrounded by a hardened steel casing which is in turn encased in a Dupont Hytrel moulding. It¹s quick and easy to use and allows the cyclist to lock both wheels and the frame. If breached, the dye as well as smartwater markings help the authorities identify your bike, and can help link the thief to the crime . The dye may wash off but the effects of invisbile smartwater lingers on perpetrators and can be detected by ultra violet scanners used by the police. Both liquids also stain the ground identifying areas vulnerable to theft.
http://www.mikelambourn.com/smartlock.html

Herman Miller Embody Chair

Even weirder interactive tech from Japan

Micro$oft Second Light

If you can't make it, because you couldn't imagine it.

Weird interactive technology from Japan

Hmm... interesting, but weird.

Behind the Scenes of Getting a Job: A Webinar with IDSA Executive Director Frank Tyneski

"Behind the Scenes of Getting a Job"
A Webinar with IDSA Executive Director Frank Tyneski
Monday, November 17
2:00 pm ET
$50 for IDSA members/members of IDSA Student Chapters
$75 for nonmembers

Thinking about seeking a job or internship? How can you make your portfolio stand out from the crowd? What are employers looking for?

Get some real advice from a real pro—IDSA's Executive Director, Frank Tyneski. Prior to his arrival at IDSA, Frank staffed design teams globally, from interns to executives, at companies like Kyocera, RIM/BlackBerry and Motorola. He knows what design managers are looking for and how they seek talent.

For this webinar, all you need is a phone and a computer. Gather your entire student chapter or class together to participate (for one price)—or listen yourself! Frank will give you the practical advice you need to get your foot in the door and get that job.

Register now at https://sslserver.com/idsa.org/absolutefp/tyneski_webinar_112008.html.

Imagine the home in 2020-designboom

designer's own words: Soft refrigerator 1. Energy saver 2. Adjustable cubage 3. Folding configuration 4. Great space saver 5. Portable Product Description: Folding configuration offers convenient portability and deformable storage. The size is optimized according to the cubage of things inside in order to save energy. The heat-insulating membrane coat and slide fastener door is stretchy to fit the size-changing. The holes on retractile bracing can transport cool air to each layer. Adjust it to an appropriate size so that you can take it any where. Specification: This is a unique idea for food storage, a more flexible portable refrigerator. Retractile bracing and soft coat allows size-changing. As a result, you can fold it up if there is no food left on the top several layers to reduce its size, so there is no energy wasted. What’s more, it will be an excellent idea to take the folded-up soft refrigerator alone with you when you are on a trip. The translucent membrane is strongly stretchy and heat-insulating. Four layers which is comparted by metal-disk, are braced by the centre pillar. The pillar, however, can not only sustain the weight of the refrigerator but also transport the cool air to each layer. The slide fastener on the membrane is used for opening refrigerator.

Concentrate

There is one popular BBC TV show called ‘Dragon’s Den. The format for this show, originally started in Japan, is that new entrepreneurs with original ideas seek support and investment from five successful business owners by explaining their ideas and the current state of their business. It is encouraging to see people from various backgrounds-students, business owners, and retired nurses-pitch the products and services of their own designs with passion, dreaming of becoming successful business owners themselves.

Among the people that try out for this program are designers who look for investment, hoping to materialize their design items. One of the designers that appeared on the show is Mark Champkins, the founder of a company called ‘Concentrate.’ After graduating from RCA, Mark Champkins worked for Helen Hamlyn Research Centre, known for its diverse research on ‘Inclusive design.’ For two years, he worked on projects for education related design, including school furniture and facilities, then started his own business based on what he learned from the project. What he continuously realized was that children have to concentrate to play and study well. From this he got his business idea, and went on looking for answers to what causes children to concentrate, and what elements distract them. The effort to find solutions to these problems by designing products that are simple and inexpensive was the beginning of the Concentrate. He set his prices between five and twenty British pounds, making it affordable for everyone. Concentrate’s design strategy is to design objects that are needed by schools and parents by working close with them. They formed focus groups composed of teachers, students, and parents to figure out their problems, and then consulted these groups to evaluate the solutions proposed by Concentrate.

Intel UMPC

Carcade

Useless when you are driving through Kansas.

Multi-touch display

I'd like to have one in my bathroom. ^_^

IDEO-Chain reaction exprimentation

It is about 15 min. long movie but very interesting to watch.

Tea kettle design competition

From Aug. 25, 2008 - Jan. 6, 2009 (5 pm. EST)
For details, go to: www. tea-off.com

DI-New Design Competition!

The Design Institution is an organization created to help develop and promote design through their web site, inviting designers, both professionals and students, from all around the world to share their ideas and designs through different events and competitions.

A new international design competition "Beach & Pool 2008 " that is taking place from Oct. 28th, 2008 to March 2nd, 2009 through their web site and which will be aimed at designing products that reflect new ideas for the beach, sea, terrace or swimming pool spaces, involving aspects such as comfort, pleasure, recreation, cleaning, environment protection, etc.

To see more information about the competition, visit the web site: http://www.thedesigninstitution.com/bp2008/ or click the top title.

Cell phones to track carbon footprint

click to see bigger image