Design Favorites - March 2023
Our design favorites for the month of March have many traits, but we wanted to focus specifically on those designs that prioritize sustainability, usability, aesthetics, and safety. While all the designs we are about to dive into have the cool factor, they are also functional and serve a real purpose beyond being visually appealing or intriguing. In our opinion: what good is an invention if you cannot use it? Some of these products might not be available on the market yet, but they are still made with the intent to be used by humans and make their lives easier in some shape or form. And, that’s why we love them. Read on to find out who made the list this month.
BBT Toaster
Image: Behance
Designed by a collective of product designers from South Korea, the BBT Toaster is a toaster made specifically for the visually impaired. This toaster was designed with safety and ease of use in mind; creating enough space above the bread inlet to prevent contact with hot metal, buttons with braille and positioning that requires minimal movement, and an exterior that reduces thermal conductivity. The intent when designing this toaster was to reduce risk factors and create ease of use for first-time users. Every feature of this toaster is in accordance with the U.S. Disabled Persons Act and is a prime example of how accessibility can be applied to design.
Zoox Robotaxi
Image: Zoox
We are big fans of cool automobiles here at Loomia, and love to see innovative interior and exterior designs. Especially, in autonomous vehicles where the main objective is to design for passenger safety and comfort. Among our favorites is the Zoox Robotaxi. Aside from the fact that the car transports people with ease, the interiors are also worthy of praise. The inside of the vehicle features bench style seating made with premium materials, wireless charging, and the ability to personalize your ride with on-demand travel updates, music, and temperature control. The vehicle also utilizes sound and lights to communicate with other vehicles on the road. And of course, the vehicle is equipped with safety features such as airbags. The sleek appearance and advanced technology make the Robotaxi a winner in our book.
Porsche Chair
Image: PDF Haus
The design team at PDF Haus recently worked on a lounge chair design that is inspired by Porsche’s timeless and elegant aesthetic. The chair was made with public lobbies and Porsche Design’s lounge area in mind, but we think this is the perfect concept for airplane seating. With its ergonomic silhouette and recliner, as well as plenty of space on either side for possessions, this chair is a dream come true for a passenger. And the clean white leather upholstery is the cherry on top. We cannot get enough of this design and its simplistic beauty!
Wearable Pain-Reliever
Image: Kineon
Kineon, a technology company and designer of red-light therapy devices, recently introduced their latest product: MOVE+. This is a therapeutic wearable device that utilizes LED lights and medical-grade laser technology to optimize recovery from orthopedic injury. Whether you are struggling with joint pain or experiencing general soreness, this device can offer targeted pain relief and reduce inflammation at the site. What we love about this device is how easy it is to use, how results can be felt by users in just one day, and that this can be used by anyone, anywhere because of its relative affordability (under $500) and portability.
Invisible Solar Panels
Image: Dyaqua
The use of solar has proven beneficial to not only the environment, but the wallets of consumers as well. However, many are hesitant to make the switch because well; they are not super pretty to look at. Many historical buildings do not choose to use solar panels because it obstructs the appearance of the building. One company, Dyaqua, aims to change this. Dyaqua is an italian designer and manufacturer of LED lighting systems and Invisible Solar, a solar panel that blends in with any building material. It is made up of three parts: a clean energy generator, a sustainable photocatalytic material, and the building material. These panels are also resistant to atmospheric agents and high static load, and are made with environmentally friendly materials. As far as where they can be used: virtually anywhere! Roofs, walls, and pavement are the primary areas they are built for. The sustainability and overall look of these solar panels is truly next-level.
Check out more of our design favorites on our blog!
Design Favorites – January 2023