Yanko Design - Latest Posts

Posted: 07 Apr 2009 01:00 AM PDT

Without being to preachy about how you waste water while showering, a group of ID designers have come up with valid solutions instead. Not 1, not 2 but 3 options to save/conserve water is what the OLI Shower Water Conservation Project is all about. Briefly it includes a REFRESH-N-REMIND shower monitor, REDUCE-YOUR-USE mat and RELAX-N-REUSE seat. Hit the jump to know more.

REFRESH-N-REMIND Shower Monitor

This system uses the "guilt trip" on you effectively. It displays the amount of water you used in your previous shower and how much you are currently using. Numbers don't lie, so get the drift that you need to use a bit less than your previous bath.

REDUCE-YOUR-USE Mat

This pressure intuitive mat is embedded with sensors that switch on the shower as soon as you get within the cascade range, and automatically switches it off, should you move away.

RELAX-N-REUSE Seat

This seat is for those who sit down on a stool or something whilst bathing. The gaps in the seat lead the water to storage pitchers that collect your used bath water. This water can be recycled for watering plants etc.

Remind, reduce and reuse is that mantra for the Oli project, and I wish it all success.

Designers: Nallieli Santamaraia, Brad Smith, Franklin Crosby, Raymond Bessemer, Sergio Coronado & Sean Whang

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Rule The Dunes

Posted: 07 Apr 2009 12:40 AM PDT

One of the most spectacular things that you can do in the arid deserts of Dubai is the Desert Safari. The 4-wheel drive flies over the rims of the dunes at such precarious angles that for a moment you feel the jeep will topple over. After the thrill ride, they usually stop and allow novices like me try a hand at Sandboarding. My first attempt at the sport saw me gulp in mouthful of sand; it was a funny sight! They say practice makes perfect, and I'm gonna practice with the Sandviper!

The special conditions on sand need specific equipment, hence this special board. "The front area is wide for more boosts in the sand and gets narrow in the back for aggressive maneuvers. The bottom side is slightly convex from nose to tail for an optimal float angle. The top side is vaulted therefore no sand amasses on the board and transfers more power from the foot to the board by the rampant angle. The foot loops assure an easy step in or out and transmit foothold and control of the board to the driver." Apparently these loops can be fastened for Goofy or Regular riders.

The board is made out of a laminated foam core and a wooden frame, hence lightweight and has a slight flex. If you are bound to fall into heap often, just like I do, you may damage the board, but no worries the designer assures that you can easily repair the board. The sliding surface which is black PE plastic is fitted on the board like a sock and can be exchanged if worn out due to rubbing.

Desert dunes or beach bunkers, either ways sandboarding can be a lot of fun especially if equipped with the right gear.

Designer: Marc Bischoff

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Let’s Groove In The Womb Mommy

Posted: 07 Apr 2009 12:20 AM PDT

The best baby books, my 2 pregnancies and family/friends’ stories all indicate that babies are responsive to the parent's voices and are soothed by music when in the womb. Although scientific evidence to support this theory is quiet scant, it did inspire Geof Ramsay to capitalize on the Mozart Effect; a theory that proposes a baby will be more intelligent if exposed to classical music during the course of pregnancy. His B(l)aby device is a massaging wrap that goes around the pregnant tummy and includes a player as well.

Parents can record their own voices or playback soothing lullabies to the unborn child via this wrap. The front of the device is made from luminescent fabric and hosts touch sensitive controls. The system can even be synced with an iPhone Application for easy recording. Specs include a USB adapter, microphone and sewn in massagers for the lower back.

Although this concept sounds promising, I really wonder if a highly pregnant woman would appreciate anything restrictive around her stomach. Maybe it would be comfortable up to the second trimester.

Designer: Geof Ramsay

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Would You Use a Bone Folder as a Knife?

Posted: 07 Apr 2009 12:00 AM PDT

Do you know what a Bone Folder is? It’s a plastic utensil used for scoring paper, putting folds in it. Originally the Bone Folder was made of real animal bone. Some people still use animal bones for this very purpose. It works. It’s nature. Check it out. Here’s a team of people who’ve done the same thing for eating sticks. You know, knife, spoon, fork. All those things you use for eating the meat off the bones of the recently deceased.

This set is called the “Silverair.” Most of the specifics of this project are below, so I’ll give you the gist of it: materials are silver vs. silver alloy, material process is casting or metal foam. Natural tarnishing supported by the designers as a design element. Silverwaregasm?

Or, hear me out, maybe we should just use our hands?

Hands.

Designer: Pod Design and Media