Design Favorites - May 2023
Our design favorites list for May is a bit shorter than usual, but the ideas and innovations we discovered are impactful and disruptive. From a wearable air conditioner to microbial materials, these are the four concepts we have been obsessing over this month.
Wearable Air Conditioner
Image: Torras
The Torras Coolify 2S is a wearable air conditioner that can be worn around the neck. Designed to fit comfortably around the user’s neck, this wearable device uses a combination of cooling plates and targeted airflow to cool its user by 30F in just one second! The battery lasts up to 28 hours on a full charge, and can be controlled via an app. While the price tag might be a bit high, it is not so bad considering what you are getting. It is truly the perfect accessory for the summer!
Atmosphere, Identite, and Eleveris
Image: SeymourPowell
Industrial design firm SeymourPowell conducted an internal study to better understand emerging consumer behaviors and subsequent trends in beauty. The firm used a variety of methods, such as trend forecasting, experience design, and innovation strategy to better understand the future of the beauty industry. As a result, the design team developed three concepts that are reflective of the data and intel they gathered. The first concept is Identite, which is a personalized skincare system designed to meet ever-changing consumer needs and behaviors. The second is Eleveris, an AI-enabled skincare printer that can replicate trending looks instantly. The third and final concept is Atmospheresis, which is a device that mitigates psychological and physiological stresses of urban living via a calming and cleansing wearable device. This favorite is not one specific product, but rather a model of progressive and human-centered design thinking—something we need more of.
Samsung Power Pack
Image: Layer Design
The Samsung Power Pack, designed by the incredible team at Layer Design, is a super-charged, pebble-like port for charging your devices. The smooth, organic appearance gives this power bank a feel that is not typical of most battery packs on the market today. This is the kind of electronic you do not mind carrying on-the-go. It is attractive, lightweight, and most importantly—portable. We love objects that make people do a double take and ask, “What’s that?” This is one of those products.
Microbial Shoes
Image: Yanko Design
Several designers have started to experiment with alternative materials. One of those materials is microbial textiles. These are materials made from plant waste and microbes, that are then converted into a textile that feels a bit like paper. One company, Modern Synthesis, is a pioneer in microbial textiles and is at the head of this new discovery in sustainable materials. The company’s microbial weaving technique allows for a fully customizable biomaterial in up to two weeks' time! And, they have caught the attention of some notable players in the industry including former Jimmy Choo CEO Pierre Denis and Possible Ventures which has invested in several leading bio-technology startups. This reminds us of our germicide e-textile experiment!
Check out past design favorites!
Design Favorites – January 2023
Design Favorites – August 2022