Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Link to Yanko Design

Addictive Measure

Posted: 12 May 2009 03:46 AM PDT

I'm an instant coffee freak for the simple reason that I don't have the patience to actually roast and brew my cup. But given a moment of insanity, I'd like to be doing the shindig on this fancy Coffee Maker by Tom Metcalfe. The guy makes it almost a ceremonial process of roasting, grinding and brewing of fresh green beans!

Apparently the beans can be roasted to any degree of roast, just to suit your taste. Next the hand-ground beans are brewed in a glass container, which prevents calcification. Enhancing the aromatic qualities and enriching the flavors, folks it's time to wake up and smell/taste some COFFEE!

Words from the designer:

THE COFFEE MAKER PROCESS

Take 50 green beans.  Roast for 7 minutes for a medium roast, 9 minutes for a dark roast.  Cool beans.  Whilst grinding the cooled beans heat the water until air bubbles begin to pop.  Place ground beans into water.  Stir and brew for 4 minutes.  Then pour and enjoy a cup of fresh perfect coffee.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

To achieve genuine sustainability, products must not be temporary or transient.  "My philosophy is to create beautiful pieces of elegant simplicity - which not only have longevity but true lasting value to the user.  My Coffee Maker is designed with this in mind.  It's a multi-sensory product that is finished in appropriate materials that should endure whilst being enjoyable to use."

Designer: Tom Metcalfe

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Baby Carrier That Provides Privacy And Support

Posted: 12 May 2009 02:29 AM PDT

When Rachel nursed baby Emma on national television, I cringed! Personally, I feel nursing your baby is the most private thing to be done; you don't need spectators! Some experts believe that feed times are the ultimate bonding sessions, considering post-natal blues etc. More often than not, ladies who only breast-feed and don't believe in using the bottle, always face a problem in public places. The Comfy Care Carrier is the fine line that not only doubles up as a carrier but also features the subtle motive of offering privacy during feed times.

Strap up your munchkin and carry him around with the perfect posture! A mobile, cushy bassinet is what I'd like to call it. The shoulder straps of the carrier are easy to don and can be worn over or underneath a jacket.  The carrier-part clips on to the straps hence can be removed if you're in the mood to cuddle your baby! During the feed times, all you need to do is push up the cover of the carrier to a hood kinda position, for privacy.

Designer: Thorunn Hannesdottir

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Put Your Insulin on My Hip

Posted: 12 May 2009 12:01 AM PDT

When I clip you clip we clip. The “Tolea” is an insulin pump for those folks with Type-1 diabetes. “Utilizing a flexible elastomer embedded with artificial setae, the nano-scale growths found on gecko’s feet which allow them to stick to virtually any surface.” What does that mean? It’s a little sticky-bump that sits on your side that you insert disposable insulin cartridges into to deliver the insulin into your body constantly and without pain. Ease? With diabetes?

The small device attaches to your skin like a gecko, and with microneedle arrays that are “too small to interfere with the pain receptors underneath the skin” delivers insulin with simplicity.

With this set comes a wireless capacitive touch-screen controller that basically makes the whole process easier. This controller monitors the attached Tolea bit and provides constant updates on its workings.

Designer: Joe Brussel

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Guiding My Bike

Posted: 12 May 2009 12:00 AM PDT

Frustrated with the lack of cheap and efficient GPS systems for motorbikes, passionate biker Stephen Dettman was driven to conceptualize the MotoMap GPS Device for Bikes. Banking on two really exciting technologies, Powerfilm flexible solar panels and E-Ink flexible displays, to help him realize this project; Steve hopes to give us the mother of navigation devices that doesn't limit itself to a tablet size.

The MotoMap also tackles issues like hardware mounting and lack of compatibility for most new motorcycles that no longer have round handlebars. It wraps itself around the fuel tank and the adjustable strap coupled with magnets inside the unit, secure the device into place. The detachable Map Unit of the device hosts the Powerfilm flexible solar panel on one side and the E-Ink display on the other. So when you are not using the navigation tools, you can flip over the unit and stock up on solar-juice.

E-Ink display looks to be a wise choice for this device. As the unit wraps around the tank, the images won't get distorted when the display gets slightly curved around the corners. Moreover the glare from the sun won't affect the visibility of the display as much. Also E-Ink doesn't use up too much of power.

As a special treat for bikers who ride with gloves, Steve has designed the control unit's UI in such a way that they need not remove their gloves to navigate through the map library.

Designer: Stephen Dettman

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Toys for Senior Dogs, Old Soul Review

Posted: 11 May 2009 10:58 AM PDT

If you’ve ever perused the toy aisle of a pet store, the options are overwhelming. “One for every occasion” is an understatement. It occurred to me most toys were geared towards puppies and young adults. The seniors, much like their human counterparts, totally get shafted. I have a 9 y.o. dog which by canine standards is more than mature. My search led me to a series of dog toys called Old Soul by a cool little company called Planet Dog.

At first glance, it’s a set of squishy plush toys but grab it and you’ll feel the difference. As dogs age, life cheats them with reduced vision, snout strength, and stiff joints. It seems rather unfair for a lifetime of love and loyalty but do these toys do anything different and better than toys marketing for gentle chewers?

The Orbee Ball comes from a line of award winning toys called Orbee-Tuff. The Old Soul version is softer, more pliable and stretchy with a little treat spot. The Slobber-Wick bone (adorable name) is a lot softer than other rubberized bones and it makes a satisfyingly “clicks” when compressed. The Squeak Buddies and Bones are almost elastic, woven to deal with immense tension. All 4 toys come in 3 sizes. So where does ID help?

The obvious answer is material choice and construction. Just because they’re soft doesn’t mean they’re fragile. These toys last as evidence by these pictures. After a month of everyday play - a good washing makes them new again; not a single mar or broken stitch. Even the colors make sense. There’s much debate about what dogs can actually see but it’s clear they are highly acute to contrast. The silvery white is indicative of canines growing grey from age. The bright teal is contrasty making it easier to see. These are also one of the few 100% recyclable and non-toxic dog toys out there.

What we like:

  • Call us minimalists but we love the unassuming design
  • Soft pliable materials perfect for gentle jaws
  • Bright contrast colors for vision
  • Tough construction for durability
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Made is the U.S.A. (for you American readers)
  • Affordable, ranging from $9 - $15

What could be improved:

  • A more engaging, interactive toy, perhaps treat dispensing or puzzle solving

Company: Planet Dog [ Buy It Here ]

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4 in 1

Posted: 11 May 2009 10:17 AM PDT

I wish I could pick one up at the local hardware store. I’m not an “outdoors” person nor do I have a green thumb. I can’t ever recall needing to dig a ditch but I suspect whenever the time comes, I’ll be kicking myself for not having the Divi Shovel. Two kinds of shovels, a hoe (natch!) and a broom -  all in a neatly packed mobile set. The entire surface is begging for Hello Kitty decals, ironic bumper stickers, and gold stars. I’m sold!

Designer: Jo Sumin

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