Yanko Design - Form Beyond Function

Oculus for the Visually Impaired!

Posted: 08 Feb 2017 12:13 PM PST

In a world that’s so involved in AR and VR, the Nomad Wearable’s purpose is much more noble. The Nomad is a wearable that uses LiDAR, or light based radar to guide the visually impaired to locations. The wearable’s usage of LiDAR comes from years of advancement in this technology by the autonomous car projects. It also relies on Blindscape (a map app designed for the visually impaired) to provide audio to the wearer, guiding them specifically through neighborhoods, traffic, and even enabling them to use public transport! If that isn’t the greatest wearable you’ve seen in a while, I don’t know what is!

Designer: Jorge Enrique Paez

The Power Bank You Never Need To Charge!

Posted: 08 Feb 2017 10:00 AM PST

While mobiles have seen massive developments, and have grown slimmer and slimmer over time, the one component that contributes a great deal to the phone’s thickness has been none other than the Lithium ion battery. Batteries in general and power banks in particular haven’t really been hit by the “sleek revolution” yet. Power banks are usually brickish and the only way to settle for a slim one is to opt for one with a less powerful battery. OR you could opt for the PocketPower. The PocketPower basically says “Li-ion battery doesn’t fit in your pocket? How about Solar Panels??”. The brilliance of the Pocket Power is that it comes with four solar panels that work endlessly to juice your devices. What’s more is that it directly charges your device using solar power… so you don’t need to charge the power bank first. In fact, you don’t need to charge the power bank at all!

Here’s why solar panels are easily the best choice for device charging on the go. They’re incredibly slim (each panel is just 2mm thick) and flexible, which allows the PocketPower to fit in four solar panels into its lean frame.The entire design is also incredibly light, weighing in at just 200 grams. Okay, so… what if it’s raining outside? Not a problem! The PocketPower’s panels can take on rain, sand, and even snow. All you need is sunlight, regardless of the weather. The foldable design allows you to lay the PocketPower out on any surface and even strap it right to your backpack so you can charge on the go. Using the PocketPower is literally as simple as plugging one end of the cable into the PocketPower and the other into your device. Just place the panels in daylight and you’ve harnessed the magic of solar energy!

The PocketPower just works because it presents itself as a lighter, slimmer, more flexible solution. It doesn’t even need to be charged to work, unlike the power bank you’ve got right now. And hey… unlike Lithium ion batteries that are highly flammable and explosive, the PocketPower is much safer to use too!

Designers: John Gui & Dave Qui

BUY IT HERE: $45.00

The Multi-terrain Mercedes Racer

Posted: 08 Feb 2017 09:00 AM PST

What do you get when you combine Formula 1 and rally racing? An F1 that isn’t afraid to get down-n-dirty! That’s the idea behind the Mercedes-Benz DynamicRacer 2030. It’s designed to tackle not only the blacktop but also the tough terrain of this unpredictable race.

While the car is running on the F1 track, the car is in a low-slung, elongated position. When changing to the rally track, it transform into a smaller car with higher ground clearance, a tighter wheelbase and smaller wheeltrack.

Designer: Marcell Nagy

Drink Water Underwater!

Posted: 08 Feb 2017 03:31 AM PST

Unlike other extreme activities, scuba diving is one where you can’t quench your thirst. Designed with this in mind, the Scubar makes it possible to stay hydrated even when you’re underwater! This specialized water bottle dispenses capsules made of gelatin, filled with water. Simply replace your oxygen mouthpiece with Scubar and “drink” up! The saliva soluble capsules will dissolve, delivering much needed H2O to your bod, extending the amount of time you can stay under.

Designer: Jisu Yun

A Twist on Cutlery

Posted: 08 Feb 2017 01:11 AM PST

This chic cutlery set is named “Giro” (from the Italian word for “turn”) for both its twist in the geometry and how the cutlery is turned in your hand when finding the best position for use.

The set, designed by Ben van Berkel/UNStudio for Alessi, features a twist that originates from the point where the handle transforms into blade and graduates along the length of the utensils. The ergonomic silhouette that is created by this gradual transformation creates a dynamic motion frozen in solid material and presents a balance between modern and classical.

A three finger concept for the holding and balance of the cutlery has been adopted in the design. The weight of the cutlery transfers from the lifting position to the position when in use, supporting and balancing the utensils in both situations.

Designer: UNStudio