May 2009 Archive

Cup of tea anyone?

Chicago based design firm Vessel Ideation have developed an innovative new take on the ubiquitous tea pot. The One tea kettle is a vessel designed to cope with both boiling and serving tea.

Apart from the strikingly modern aesthetic, One utilises some beautifully designed features to enhance the user experience. Clever ergonomics, appropriate use of materials and cutting edge technology combine to produce a great product idea.

Smart features include the high temp silicon grip area, the heat activated magnetic base plate (for protecting the table when serving) and our personal favourite, the heat sensitive graphics that appear when the water reaches the correct temperature.

Gotta love those Space Invaders!

The only downside to this product is that it's not available yet. To find out more check out their website.

Nano technology creates water sign

The Hara Design Institute and Atelier Omoya have combined to present an intriguing display at the recent Tokyo Fibre 09 show. The display uses a new super water repellent fabric called Monert by Japanese materials manufacturer Unitika.

The fibres of the material are given a special coating at nano level that repels water, much like a lotus leaf in nature. In the display, small droplets of water are forced through the material from below and ball on the surface miraculously forming the Senseware logo in pixel-like format.
Once they reach a certain size, gravity takes over and they role down the slope, only to be replaced in time by another droplet. See video.

This is a clever selling tool for the material, but imagine what might be possible from a product design point of view? Nano technology is here to expand our design horizons.

A Starck reminder

Famed French industrial designer Philippe Starck has released a new kitchen sink range he has created for bathroom furnishings manufacturer, Duravit. A close collaborator with Duravit for over 15 years, Starck's new "starck k" range will be their first foray into the kitchen.

As always, his stylishly minimalist designs incorporate clever features with stunning good looks. Built-in preparation areas, chopping boards and drainage trays are all executed with Starck's usual thoughtful finesse.

For more information check out Starck or Duravit.

Are you scared of needles?

Flugen, a US based company specialising in developing influenza vaccinations, has created a new vaccine delivery system that they hope will replace the ubiquitous needle.

The new device (pictured above) uses a series of micro-needles to deliver the vaccine just under the skin at the push of a button. Simple to use and even more effective for fighting the flu than typical needles.

Compared to the standard needle that injects deep into the muscle, Flugen's product causes much less pain and helps reduce associated needle anxiety for many patients. To find out more visit Flugen's website.