ddp design fair

Two pioneering brands in the fields of photography and design have collaborated to create a product that appeals to the creative spirit and innovative ethos of 21st-century creators.  This collaboration brings together Polaroid, the brand that revolutionized instant photography by making it possible to develop photos within a minute without a darkroom, and the Eames Office,  the design studio of American mid-century modern icons Charles and Ray Eames. The result is the limited-edition Polaroid Now - Eames Edition, a testament to both brands' contributions to the democratization of photography and design in the 20th century.The Polaroid X EAMES Edition builds upon the legendary design of the Polaroid SX-70 model from 1972. Redesigned for the 21st century, the camera features a sleek "Elephant Hide Gray" color, reminiscent of mouse gray, a shade inspired by the fiberglass material frequently used by Charles and Ray Eames in their furniture designs. Blending vintage appeal with contemporary features, this second-generation Polaroid instant camera has been thoughtfully redesigned to meet the preferences of modern-day photography lovers and camera users.The wrist strap features a geometric, multicolored pattern of the iconic Eames Toy, created by Charles and Ray Eames. Its exterior material is made from 40% recycled synthetic materials, reflecting the preferences of environmentally conscious 21st-century consumers. The Polaroid Now Generation 2 - Eames Edition is equipped with a dual-lens autofocus system, producing significantly sharper and crisper images than the original model, making it suitable for both amateur and professional photographers. The camera is compatible with Polaroid i-Type and 600 films.Additional features include a USB-C charging port and a self-timer function, enabling users to capture group photos and spontaneous moments with ease. Priced at $129.99, this product is available for purchase on the Polaroid website and is sure to draw the attention of vintage camera collectors and classic camera lovers.

From digital virtual worlds, Tesla electric trucks, and generative AI chatbots, to robotic arms in automated factories replacing dangerous and monotonous labor, and even companion robot pets of our daily lives, modern 21st-century humans now live surrounded by the futuristic visions once imagined in classic sci-fi films like Star Trek, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Blade Runner.The exhibition, titled SF Design: From the Space Age to the Metaverse at the Vitra Design Museum in Germany, highlights the mutual exchange of inspiration and influence between the fictional worlds of science fiction and design in response to the environmental changes driven by technological progress from the 20th century to the present. This exhibition is on display from May 8, 2024, to May 11, 2025.Curated from the Vitra Design Museum's collection, the exhibition showcases over 100 design objects that reflect humanity’s technological and scientific progress. The exhibition traces its origins back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by the rise of modernism and industrialization, inspired by works such as Mary Shelley’s and Jules Verne’s science fiction novels and Georges Méliès’s film A Trip to the Moon. It posits that the driving forces behind the development of modern science and technology were aimed at finding solutions to contemporary problems, rooted in human motivations and socio-historical context such as love, war, and death. The U.S.-Soviet military rivalry that began in the 1950s was accompanied by the curiosity and optimism that defined the Space Age design of the 1960s and 1970s. As a result, iconic science fiction writers like Isaac Asimov, Stanisław Lem, and H.G. Wells inspired global readers and gave rise to graphic designs that adorned their book covers. Comic books and cheap, low-brow pulp magazines, once regarded as inferior in popular visual culture, influenced fine arts movements like Pop Art, blurring the lines between high and low culture, pure and applied art.Today, the designs of lunar landing spacecraft and aerospace vehicles, which are widely seen in contemporary space science, reflect the imagination and aspirations of the Space Age. Industrial designers from the 1960s and 1970s, including Gaetano Aulenti, Eero Aarnio, Luigi Colani, Joe Colombo, and Werner Panton, pioneered the futuristic design movement with organic shapes and smooth plastic surfaces. These designs were imaginative products that envisioned a modern, idealistic future where space travel became a reality. Throughout the 21st century, in the era often referred to as the 'Fourth Industrial Revolution,' designers' fascination with science fiction novels and films persisted. Without the widespread use of digital technologies like CAD and 3D printing, the creation of Mark Newson's Orgone Chair (2012) featured in Prometheus or Joris Laarman's groundbreaking Aluminum Gradient Chair (2013), the first-ever 3D-printed metal chair, would have been unimaginable.With modern individuals now dreaming of commercial space tourism after observing SpaceX's space exploration rockets and manned spacecraft launches via the media and social platforms, The Vitra Design Museum proclaims that humanity has entered the 'Second Space Age.' The museum presents two speculative scenarios of what science fiction art can contribute to 21st-century design.The first scenario is a design that contributes to technology addressing social issues like climate change and the destruction of ecosystems. The second scenario is a digital innovation that continues the imagination of the first Space Age from the 1960s, bringing virtual space into the metaverse. The exhibition concludes by presenting 'dreamscape,' created by digital designer and guest curator Andrés Reisinger, who works across physical spaces and the metaverse.Courtesy: Vitra Design Museum

The incredibly thin RM UP-01 wristwatch is a collaboration between Ferrari and Swiss watch brand Richard Mille. With the RM UP-01 Ferrari, Richard Mille is proud to present an ultra-flat watch that is only 1.75 millimeters thick. This remarkable technical feat is due as much to the reframing of design methods in a way that makes it usable in everyday situations as it is to approaching the watch mechanics with new eyes.   For such a project, we had to put aside all the knowledge amassed over years of practice and all the watchmaking standards imaginable. This was done while collaborating with the laboratories of the Audemars Piguet Le Locle. Shaving off the last hundredths of a millimeter of depth was a very demanding and time-consuming process. The RM UP-01, a collaboration with the Ferrari team, is the result of years of work, dozens of prototypes, and more than 6000 hours of development and laboratory testing.   To meet the challenge of an ultra-flat watch, a traditional movement with superimposed gears and hands could not be used, so Richard Mille opted to distribute what could not be stacked over a broader surface area, with the movement and case working in perfect harmony, ensuring the necessary rigidity of the other. The design and execution of the entire watch is a testament to the comprehensive conceptual approach in which the movement and case are developed in perfect harmony. The watch is a new and easily recognizable form, the first in the Richard Mille collection. Its uncompromising slimness perfectly symbolizes Richard Mille's philosophy that technology determines aesthetics, once again transforming the tonneau shape and adapting it to new situations. As evidenced by the numerous manufacturing processes required for the bezel, monobloc caseband and caseback, the RM UP-01's case has the same characteristics, with sleek lines and meticulous attention to detail.   Link to original article: core77.com/posts/126316/An-Insanely-Thin-Wristwatch-by-Ferrari-and-Richard-Mille?utm_source=core77&utm_medium=from_tile_image   Originally published by Core77 

Former Apple chief design officer Johny Ive has given audio brand Linn's turntables a respectful and gentle redesign for its  50th anniversary.   The project marks a return to music player design for Ive, who was responsible for several generations of iPods during his time at Apple, and the designer worked with his new studio, LoveFrom, on the LP12-50 turntable. Ive describes the studio's contribution to the design as a series of respectful and gentle refinements that honor the turntable's evolution, which has remained aesthetically unchanged since its launch in 1972, but has undergone a number of technical upgrades. The most noticeable intervention is the design of the primary switch, which is now circular and flat, and the more rounded shape of the board under the arm, both of which create a more tactile appearance. The dust cover, hinges, and badge have also been subtly tweaked, and Linn's engineers have also developed a plinth with an entirely new manufacturing approach.   "I've always had a deep love of music and have had the wonderful opportunity and privilege to design a number of different music players and headphones ­– most notably the multiple generations of iPods while I led design at Apple," said Ive.   The Sondek LP12 has always been entirely retrofittable, and Linn has released 50 modular hardware upgrades for the machine, an idea that Ive appreciated, saying that he could actually enjoy a better product than the one he bought years ago. The Sondek LP12 is Linn's flagship product and was once voted the most important hi-fi component ever sold by Hi-Fi Choice magazine reviewers. The Linn x LoveFrom LP12-50 is available in a limited edition of 250 and comes in a choice of wood or white finish.   Link to original article: https://www.dezeen.com/2023/07/10/jony-ive-gives-redesign-to-50-year-old-linn-sondek-lp12-turntable-design/   

The Golden Capsule, a non-powered, hands-free intravenous device designed by students at Hongik University in South Korea, has won this year's James Dyson Awards International prize.   Designed by Yujin Chae, Daeyeon Kim, Yeonghwan Shin, and Yuan Bai, the device was developed in response to the limitations of existing intravenous (IV) packs identified following the Turkish-Syrian earthquakes in February 2023. Unlike existing IV packs, which rely on gravity and electricity to operate, the Golden Capsule uses elastic forces and air pressure to operate, allowing it to be used hands-free.   "These limitations of traditional IV packs are even more pronounced in disaster situations such as earthquakes," the team told Dezeen. "In the aftermath of an earthquake, the site can be extremely challenging due to aftershocks, debris, and other hazards. The device is made of a fluid-filled balloon inside a low-pressure transparent shell, which, once opened, allows air to enter the shell and deflate the balloon, releasing fluid into the patient."   A speed regulator uses a roller mechanism to control the airflow, allowing the medication to be injected at a uniform speed, eliminating the need for manual squeezing. The design also includes a clip to securely attach the device to the patient or medic. According to the team, the Golden Capsule was intentionally designed to resemble existing IV packs so that healthcare professionals can use the product intuitively. The team now hopes to commercialize the device as a replacement for existing IV packs in both emergency situations and hospitals. This year's James Dyson Awards recognized three global prizes of equal merit, including winners in the Humanitarian, International, and Sustainability categories, each receiving £30,000 to support the development of their inventions.   Link to original article: https://www.dezeen.com/2023/11/15/non-powered-iv-international-prize-james-dyson-awards-2023/ 

British company Pure Electric has created the Advance Flex, a folding electric scooter with footpads on either side of the chassis that allow for a natural forward-facing posture. The scooter is designed to compacted down into a neat package for easy transportation and storage, even in small urban homes.   A foldable version of the brand's scooter, which launched in 2022, it allows riders to ride it like a Segway, facing completely forward for better control and overall safety.   Unlike conventional e-scooters that require you to stand with one foot in front of the other, the Pure Advance has dedicated footpads that allow for a more intuitive and comfortable riding position, according to the company.   "Rider experience and safety were at the core of the design process, so from the beginning it was designed to allow riders to naturally assume a forward-facing stance with their feet apart."   In addition to improving overall stability, the new format allows riders to shift their weight slightly to either side when steering, just like when riding a bike. Other advantages of the riding position include the ability to more easily turn in either direction to check for hazards. The scooter is also equipped with the company's Pure Control system, which uses a spring-loaded steering mechanism to self-center the front wheel and improve the scooter's stability. When not in use, it can be folded down using a catch on the side of the chassis, allowing the front end to swing under its own weight to align with the rear section. The footpads hinge upward while the handlebars and stem fold down to create a compact package that's slightly smaller than a carry-on suitcase. The scooter is based on a 500-watt motor and a battery that provides a range of up to 50 kilometers.   Link to original article: https://www.dezeen.com/2023/11/23/pure-advance-flex-electric-scooter-pure-electric/ 

Greek designer Yiannis Ghikas and Italian furniture brand Miniforms have launched two new versions of their SodaSoda glass side table, called Oval and Square. As the name suggests, the Soda Oval has an elongated circular tabletop, while the Soda Square has a square-shaped top softened by rounded corners. Blown, pulled, and shaped by three glass artisans, the result is a single volume of glass with three large petals that form a stem. Similar to the original soda table, the Oval and Square are hand-blown Murano glass and made in Venice, Italy. The Oval combines two thick tubular legs into one solid base, while the Square blends four cylindrical legs into a central column. When the table's surface is illuminated, indescribable shadows of light spread in all directions. Available in pumpkin and gray, as well as amethyst and blue, the side tables are stunning on their own, but can be combined to create a colorful big table. However, the brand cautions that while you might mistake the Soda for a stool at first glance, don't forget that it's a side table. Link to original article: https://www.miniforms.com/en/products/5_coffee_tables/252_soda/

Tokyo-based startup HW Electro has unveiled its electric Kei van concept vehicle, PUZZLE.   It's a small rectangular vehicle just over 11 feet (about 3 meters) long and just under 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide. Designed for mobile vending and disaster relief, the vehicle is equipped with a socket, USB port, WIFI transmitter, and first aid kit behind the front panel. Charging will be done via solar panels.   PUZZLE has been thoroughly streamlined to give form to function, and this design philosophy is clearly reflected in its exterior. For example, the panels under the headlights, the leading edge of the roof, and the left front door and right rear door are made from the same exterior panel. By standardizing every detail and using common panels that are compatible in various locations, we eliminated waste and increased productivity during manufacturing. The rational design optimizes all resources in the manufacturing process, and the funds saved on hardware costs will be used to develop software and connected services.   "PUZZLE was designed to minimize wasted space when loaded, with comfort as a mode of transportation a top priority. Its squarer appearance than a typical minivan is the result of a near-cubic cargo space that makes the most of its given dimensions. Until now, cargo space in typical one-box vehicles has often tapered off towards the roof, meaning that every inch of the space originally provided is not utilized."   "User-friendly interior layouts are different for everyone. PUZZLE's interior panels are made in the form of a pinboard, allowing you to flexibly arrange the various interior parts as if you were organizing your own room. Even if one unit is used by multiple users, it's easy to swap in and out the kit you need where you want it - each driver can drive with the interior they want. "   HW Electro says the PUZZLE will be available in the U.S. in 2025, but there's still a ways to go. Plans are reportedly underway for a production model based on the concept car, and pricing has not been announced.   Link to original article: core77.com/posts/126315/A-Tiny-Rectilinear-Electric-Van-With-Swappable-Panels-Modular-Interior?utm_source=core77&utm_medium=from_title Originally published by Core77