Best of 2008: Yanko Design's Top 50 Pick

Since I started my design curriculum I have been following the Yanko design blog. This resource has proven to be a consistent source of fresh and innovative design concepts. Their focus is primarily on industrial design, rather than interaction design. That said, since most of the product ideas they feature are technology-based, the concepts often do address interaction design (though not at the level of depth that I would like them to be explored - but this is my problem not theirs).

Without further ado let me get to the point - today I came across their list of top 50 design concepts from 2008. This post includes all of the coolest products that they've mentioned on their blog throughout the year - ranging from simple bookmarks, curtains and clothing to advanced new portable phones and wearable computing devices. Here is a short list of some of my favorites in no particular order (with links to the original posts):

• E-paper Slap Bracelet
• Pocket Light
• Puffy Bookmarks
  
• Nike Hindsight Glasses
  
• Magnet-Embedded Curtains
• Napkin PCs

[via Yanko Design]

Cool Design: Muji Chronotebook

Check out the design of this day planner from the Japanese brand Muji - the Chronotebook. I came across this cool book on PSFK earlier today (they originally picked it up from jack cheng's blog). The thing that struck me about the design of this day planner is that it reminded me about how we often get so used to existing solutions that we become blinded to other perspectives or approaches to the same problem. I had become so accustomed to the standard day planners that I almost took it for granted the possibility of coming up with a different (and in my mind) more effective approach.

I have purchased many day planners throughout my life. Sad to say that none of them survived; nor were they actually put in to use for that matter. Standard day planners have always seemed overly structured to me. Their design allows for no flexibility - if you have a bunch of short meetings between 11 and 12, good luck trying to fit it into a standard day planner. I personally like the freedom to be more creative with the way you plan your day - on the chronotebook you can easily add personal touches, such as graphics and embelishments, to help you stay on top of all your commitments, or for a little extra self-expression.

With this new notebook, Muji once agains proves that they can still deliver innovative and simple design solutions that are practical and emotionally engaging. I haven't wanted a new day planner in years.

Apple iPhone 3G vs. Original - Physical Attributes and Speed

This is the continuation of my review regarding the evolution of the Apple iPhone. My last post focused on the purchase and activation process, this one will focus on physical aspects and speed of the iPhone.

Apple did a great job at updating the industrial design of the iPhone. The 3G model looks even more appealing, stylish and sexy than the original one. The most noticeable physical change is the switch from metal to a plastic for the back cover of the device. This change in material enabled Apple to create a curved design that, coupled with the feel of the plastic, provides the user with much better grip. Another benefit of the new casing material is that it feels warmer and softer in the hand, and the phone is considerably lighter.

Other notable physical design updates that have positively impacted my overall experience with the iPhone include fixing the headphone jack that previously had a recessed design, rendering the phone incompatible with most headphones; and widening the top surface of the phone, making the virtual keyboard easier to use.

The final aspect of the phone that I will address today is speed. Much of the marketing for the iPhone has focused on speed. This makes sense considering that this is one of the most disappointing attributes of the original model. The new iPhone is definitely several times faster when running on a 3G network. Unfortunately, AT&T does not have 3G networks widely available and therefore the phone is often forced to connect via the much slower EDGE network. The one drawback of using 3G is that it eats up battery life extremelly fast.

In regards to speed it is important to point out that event when running on a 3G network the iPhone is slower than comparable handsets, such as the Instinct (I own both an Instince and an iPhone).