Tech trendsetters reveal all
The fashion show for the material world
100 Per Cent Design With London Fashion Week now, oh so last week, designers of a different sort are gathering at Earls Court, London for 100 Per Cent Design, the annual contemporary interiors and architectural event. Here, established designers and manufacturers rub shoulders with er, less well established designers and innovators, to show off what could be coming to a dream home or office near you. We couldn’t resist a glimpse into tomorrow’s world and even found the latest in executive ‘digital’ toys.
Fingers
Nik Ramage’s Fingers were catching everybody’s eye and ear. As you’ll hear on the video, those mechanicals do make a bit of a squeak. Naturally, it’s the artist’s own hand modelling those digits, so this a life-sized resin cast that is a must-have for every bored, board room.
Undoubtedly, the handiest executive toy around
Click for a QuickTime video clip
Indeed, it’s a pity it’s not remote controlled. Instead, it’s simply on or off, powered by two AA batteries. Manufactured by Laikingland, Fingers can be ordered now for delivery in November 2009. Available in three colours: putty white, masking tape and light blue. Price £450. More from: Laikingland
Music Chocolate
Called Music Chocolate this compact wood and leather pouffe takes the idea of creating hi-tech furniture, as it features a built-in amplifier and speakers and can be hooked up to an MP3 player.
Furniture music
Made in Italy and available in November, if a chocolate, musical pouffe is missing from your life, then treat yourself for a mere £2,000. More from: Michi Jung
R1 and R2 radios
Applying ideas of movement to form and function, award winning fledgeling designer Il-Gu, Cha demonstrates two radio ideas. With R1, wheels on the bottom vary sound in one axis and tuning in the other.
Roller radio
Click for a QuickTime video clip
With R2 the idea is associating the slider’s position with the speaker and display. Over on the left, next to the speaker it controls the volume, move it to the display side on right and the same knob alters the tuning.
Sliding signals
Click for a QuickTime video clip
A graduate of the Royal College of Art, in Design Products, Korean born Il-Gu, Cha is looking for manufacturers to take on his conceptual products. More from: Studio Il-Gu Cha
Next page: Port Lounge Table
COMMENTS
@@Neil Barnes - what about the disabled?
"Its very hard to do well...." - Thats distressingly obvious from the article. Sadly, its very easy to just DO, as a glance at the 'conceptual' tat on any number of websites will prove.
@Neil Barnes - what about the disabled?
Hey - there's a very real purpose to this sort of an approach. What about people who may not have the full use of their limbs? Having a radio that is so simple to control could be a real improvement in quality of life.
I also think there are people out there who find it easier to do many complex tasks with only one control than to have a dedicated controller for everything. The bits on the end of my arms are a good example of this. Four fingers and a thumb on each arm to do EVERYTHING? How ridiculous!
Seriously, this sort of design is to be encouraged! Its very hard to do well and there are often highly beneficial applications that the original creator never envisaged.
Graduate of Royal College of Art, in Design Products
But he obviously skipped the bit about not making controls that can accidentally get tweaked while doing something else... a radio that changes volume or tuning if you happen to nudge it? Get real...
Oh Dear
Pass the sick bag....the one made from recycled carrier bags with the faux art-deco pattern on it.
Urrrgh
I feel nausea. And not from the curry, beer, and doner ... sorry, must run
