Tech trendsetters reveal all

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