Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Posted: 06 May 2009 03:22 AM PDT

Concepts and Apple don't go hand in hand, however that hasn't deterred designers from conjuring up iterations to challenge the stalwart. The latest challenge is aimed at disturbing the iPhone mania on three simple grounds; an appealing façade, discreet buttons and ample screen. The "Sony Black Tribute" that we see here, woos you with its ultra-wide screen and hot looks. Finished in aluminum with a satin touch; this phone scores well in the looks department. Unfortunately there are no tech-specs (apart from 3.2 mp cam) that we can boast about.

With challenging concept designs like the Intel MID (heavy-duty tech specs) and this Sony Black Tribute (gorgeous looks) popping up every now and then, there is every bit chance that we see Apple hitting us square in the face this summer, with a bombastic piece that is a mish-mash of such designs!

Designer: Jaren Goh

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Motivating Sports Wheelchairs

Posted: 06 May 2009 01:45 AM PDT

Mark Zupan, the quadriplegic wheelchair rugby captain from US is the inspiration behind the "HEROes Series of Sport Wheelchairs". His spirit shows that mobility restrictions can't be used as an excuse for not enjoying life to the fullest. This specially designed series of wheelchairs, allows a handicapped person to indulge in sporting activities such as freshball (a kind of beach tennis), Frisbee, badminton, croquet, wheelchair volleyball and especially beach rugby; without the shortcomings of being on a chair.

HERO Zupan, HERO Daredevil and HERO Xavier are the three types of chairs in the series and each model is appropriate for specific tasks. Although I can’t confirm it at the moment, but it looks like the wheels of the chair are inflatable or feature airtubes thus making the ride smooth on all terrains.

The built of the HERO Zupan is such that it makes it easy to navigate the chair on beaches and indulge in games like Frisbee and beach volleyball.

The HERO Daredevil traverses over land and sand with ease and hence is apt for beach and parks and is built for hard sports like beach rugby. This model has been inspired by the fictional character Daredevil.

HERO Xavier takes inspiration from the Marvel Comics' character Charles Francis Xavier (Professor X). This chair is ideal for land sports and can be used in games like basketball, tennis etc.

Designer: Jairo da Costa Junior

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Cutie Little Booties!

Posted: 06 May 2009 12:01 AM PDT

This is the senior thesis of Industrial Design major Chris Padilla. Chris goes to school at Virginia Tech, and he’s interested in the shoes of little people. Toddlers! The project aims to “promote natural, healthy foot development for toddlers learning how to walk.” The inside is a super minimal inner bootie house-shoe “for safe, “barefoot” walking. The inside is hard as dragon scales.

Hard! Maybe not dragon scales, but weather-ready, if you know what I do mean. The aesthetics are funny, too. Look at that turtle! See the pictures for further insight into the tiniest kicks.

P.S. this project is not officially affiliated with any brand or organization besides Chris Padilla himself… so far.

Designer: Chris Padilla

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Couch System for the Mobile Generation

Posted: 06 May 2009 12:00 AM PDT

It is called “Diagonal” and it contains only two elements. There’s the two types of padded movables, and the screen. The screen is meant to be a guide and an anchor point for the movable bits. The movables are cushioned and come in two heights. The shorter, lighter ones are for sitting, while the taller, darker ones are for laptops and other similar devices. Definitely for the cross-legged sitter.

Designed for meetings and social situations. For waiting rooms and talking rooms. The taller, darker movables are called “worktops,” and can be used for working or for higher sitting (for those folks who think they can just go ahead and sit on tables to feel especially kingly.)

A flexible furniture set.

EDIT FROM THE SOURCE: As it turns out, the moving part of this design is the screen, while the seating area remains stationary. There’s one large bit (the lightly colored bit,) cut in four, three pieces being light, the fourth being dark, and slightly higher. The green screen can be placed in between these to create several different situations of cushion madness! This thang is currently in the production stage, we now know, and is being manufactured by Martela!

Designer: o4i/office4ideas

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Message Me A Smile

Posted: 06 May 2009 12:00 AM PDT

This SMS generation has come out with many ways to convey emotions across the waves: LOL ROTFL, U get d drift? Since technology is about convenience, how about a phone that texts your emotional status without much fuss?
The point in favor of the "Icon Phone" is the simplistic gesture-based input. SMS addicts often complain of Text Messaging Syndrome; however the pen-styled input application will probably take care of this complaint!

Want to send a smile? Simply curve the phone upwards; shake the wand once to send out the SMS.
Angry? Send out a frown!
Vanity? Flaunt it like a bracelet!

Besides its innovative SMS feature The Icon functions like any other normal phone. I can picture it being a rage amongst the texting-teens.

Designer: Sang-hoon Lee