Given how people are now so aware of the air quality in their own homes, it’s no surprise that air purifiers are becoming a staple in living spaces. At first, these appliances looked the part they played, clinical and technical, sticking out like a sore thumb in your living room. Some designs now incorporate more interesting aesthetics, colors, and materials, but in exchange, they have also become a little bit more difficult to use because of their hidden interfaces.

Aeroview is a concept design that tries to blend these two worlds together. Although it does stand tall in the middle of a room, it has a certain visual that comes off as more than just an appliance. More importantly, it makes its operation so simple that you only need to take a look to see how dirty the air is, and a little tap to clean it up as well.

Designers: Jihun Choi, Youngbin Yu, Jiseong Kim

Knowing how the level of indoor pollution, or rather the volume of particular matter (PM), isn’t just a matter of interest. It can help make an air purifier more efficient by only turning it on when it’s actually needed. Many devices show the information as numbers on a display, but that often requires you to waste your time walking to the air purifier, bending down, or squinting to see the numbers.

This air purifier design concept uses a more visible visual to convey the same information even from a distance. The tall tower of the appliance has transparent PDLC glass film on all four sides, and its opacity changes depending on the detected amount of fine dust and other particles in the air. It would be like watching a glass window get murky and opaque as dust starts to accumulate on its surface.

Using Aeroview is also just as easy. Simply press down on its domed top to activate the mechanism that lifts that cover and pushes the sides out, creating paths for dirty air to flow in from the side and purified air to blow from the top. The whole user experience revolves around simplicity without burying information behind multiple levels of menus, though the iconography used to convey that information does leave a bit of guesswork.

Aeroview is a fusion of stylish design and technological marvel, operating in a manner that brings some visual interest to your space. It doesn’t completely hide its identity as an air-purifying appliance, but it also uses that very same characteristic to make it look more at home in your home.

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Handheld gaming devices are quite the fad these days, especially now that major PC makers have all joined the bandwagon. Although we’re reaching a point where all internal specs are becoming identical, there’s still a variety of designs and features available. Just like laptops, however, these designs are fixed and you can only select from what others have already made.

Embodying the spirit of desktop computers, this latest DIY project enables you to build your own Steam Deck clone, presuming you have the parts and skills to assemble one. Unlike other configurations, however, this isn’t relying on some low-power computer like the Raspberry Pi but instead leans on the power provided by a modular laptop design.

Designer: Beth Le

There is no shortage of mods and projects to build custom handheld PCs, whether for gaming or light computing, but the majority of these use small but under-powered single-board computers or SBCs. These are cheap, easy to cram into small shells, but will hardly be able to play any games outside of retro emulators. The problem is that there isn’t an SBC powerful enough to support that use case.

That’s where the Framework modular laptop comes in. Thanks to its modular design, it is possible to actually purchase the mainboard of such a powerful computer, and the 13-inch variant happens to be an adequate size to stuff inside a 3D-printed gaming handheld shell. Although it doesn’t exactly have gaming-worthy specs, it’s still powerful enough to run some AAA games with low settings.

The Beth Deck, which is the name for this hot new build-it-yourself handheld PC, doesn’t stop there. It also uses a matching Framework 13 battery and many off-the-shelf parts. Everything that can’t be bought can be 3D printed, and the claim is that you barely need to solder anything. You could almost say it’s like playing with LEGO, except with computer parts instead of bricks.

It’s not the perfect handheld design, of course, since the Framework 13 mainboard isn’t designed for that purpose. It does, however, reveal the possibilities available with such a modular component available for as low as $199. It might even inspire other designs that customize not just the appearance but also the controls. After all, if you can easily make a Steam Deck clone, why stop at being just a Steam Deck clone?

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Video calls have become a staple of online communication today, whether it’s for meetings or even just personal one-on-one calls. Unfortunately, the devices we use for video calls haven’t caught up quickly with the trend, and we’re only recently seeing webcams with better sensors or phone stands with better angles. Even then, however, there is still some missing aspects to make these videos more engaging and natural.

This simple-looking phone stand tries to deliver that missing piece by making sure that the user’s face is always within the frame during those video calls. It isn’t a one-trick pony, though, and can keep your phone’s battery topped up or be an interesting piece of desk decor even when not in use.

Designer: Kunal Wagh

Webcams are admittedly getting more sophisticated, both in terms of hardware as well as software. While those integrated into laptop screen bezels are limited to simply upgrading their imaging sensors, external cameras are now sporting stabilizers and gimbals. There are also apps that do automatic focus, zooming, and framing. That’s all fine if you’re using your computer, but not if your smartphone is your device of choice.

Orbit is a design concept for a phone stand that brings those features to mobile devices. It’s practically a MagSafe-compatible charging stand with a unique, minimalist design that makes it look good even when not in use. It pretty much looks like a miniature trophy, with a dome-like shape on top held aloft by two thin arms.

Simply place the phone on the stand and go about your video call or even watch videos. Orbit will simply follow your face to make sure that you always have a clear view of the screen or that your face is always in frame. The concept doesn’t exactly explain the software that makes this possible, but it’s not that difficult to pull off given today’s technology.

Of course, it also functions as a charger to make sure your battery never goes empty, whether you’re on a call or not. Unlike a phone gimbal, Orbit’s simpler design makes it suitable for use almost anywhere, even when away from your desk, as long as you have a power source to keep that charger and internal motors running.

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The Nintendo Switch ushered in a new age for handheld gaming devices, but somewhat ironically, PC gaming handhelds are the ones dominating that niche market. There was a time when the PlayStation Portable and Vita were the only “serious” portable consoles around, but neither Sony nor Xbox seems to be in a rush to catch up. No, the PlayStation Portal doesn’t qualify in this regard.

This left PlayStation fans to their own devices to scratch this portable itch, leading to many mods and DIY projects with varying levels of success. What makes the “PS4T” rather notable isn’t its looks, which is downright basic, but the way it tries to reuse as much of the original PS4 Slim hardware as much as possible, leading to some interesting design choices.

Designer: Josh (Restore Technique)

There is no shortage of attempts to shoehorn PlayStation and Xbox consoles into relatively handheld sizes, and many of them require modifying and cutting up the console’s motherboard to shrink the whole system down. Curiously, this particular design doesn’t do that, which simplifies the process a little bit but does mean that “handheld” is loosely applied in this case. Of course, many parts like the optical drive and hard disk have to be removed, but the fan and cooling system are mostly the same.

The PS4 Slim is used as the base for this mod as it has the smallest mainboard, fan, and power draw of modern PlayStation models. An original DualShock 4 controller was also used and gutted, but unnecessary parts like the rumble motor and the touchpad were thrown out. The process is definitely not for the faint of heart, but more seasoned modders probably won’t break a sweat.

What’s interesting about the entire process is how it reveals the considerations that have to be made when designing a portable gaming device. Not only do you have to think about battery capacity and heat management, you also have to consider the optimal placements of components inside. It’s definitely not as simple as throwing everything together to have a pretty layout, but the final design, despite its boxy shape, is satisfying and, more importantly, actually functional.

Of course, Sony would have better engineers and designers to work on such a product, so it’s really a matter of business why it hasn’t yet made a new portable PlayStation. For now, console gamers will have to settle for fan-made handheld designs, presuming they’re not wading into the murky gray area of intellectual property rights.

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TWS or True Wireless Stereo earbuds have become such a common sight that their no longer weird to see something sticking out from people’s ears these days. It’s not a pretty sight, no matter how minimalist or sleek they are. Unfortunately, limitations of acoustics and technology also limit the possible designs for these tiny accessories, but what if such restrictions were loosened up a bit?

This concept design for open-ear earbuds try to explore that possibility, offering a product that isn’t just functional but also aesthetic. With just a few changes to the basic formula, earbuds become chic fashion accessories you won’t feel ashamed to wear, almost like wearing large but stylish earrings, without the piercings, of course.

Designer: Zhang Yunxib

The basic earbuds design evolved from humble earphones to the point that the Apple AirPods were even ridiculed for looking like EarPods with their wires cut off. Other wireless earbud today don’t sport such dangling stems, but the basic mechanism remains the same. You stick part of the buds inside your ear canal and hope they won’t fall off thanks to the fit of the buds or their shape.

The are, however, other ways to bring sound waves to your ear without blasting them directly into your ear canal. Some “open ear” headphones, for example, use bone conduction to deliver vibrations directly to the bones in your head that you “hear” as sound, while other use simpler but more refined air conduction that won’t tickle your temples.

This earbuds design concept uses the latter to fashion earbuds that wrap around your ear to secure its position, leaving the actual speaker just a few millimeters away from the ear canal opening. This is a similar design to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds launched early this year with one important difference: it’s made to look really good.

With an elegant matte texture and a mirror-like finish on the ball-shaped tips, these earbuds look more stylish than the typical rugged or sporty earbuds in the market. The way they hang on the sides of the ears rather than sticking down with a stem makes them look more like ear clips or earrings, giving them the appearance of fashion accessories or even jewelry.

The sleek and thin body doesn’t take up too much space or shove distracting forms, so you can still wear your favorite earrings that complement the earbuds. It’s a simple change to a tested formula, but one that completely changes the appeal and purpose of the product, from simple tech accessories to an expression of your taste and personality.

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Open floor plans have become the trend after painting office cubicles in a negative light, blamed for the breakdown of human communication and social connections between colleagues. At the same time, however, these “borderless” arrangements also bring about distractions, tensions, and even stress, not to mention the complete lack of privacy when you do want it.

It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing solution, though, and cubicles don’t have to be the anti-social cages they’re made out to be. This personal bunker concept, for example, does put up barriers to let you focus and relax in peace, but literally leaves a window open when you do need to mingle with other people for work or study.

Designer: Ma. Camilla Isabel Reyes

Personal pod designs are becoming more common these days. People are realizing that open spaces aren’t all that they’re cut out to be and want to have some personal space from time to time. Being able to block off distractions in a visible and physical way can help improve concentration, especially when the pod includes features like soothing music and relaxing lights to help set the mood.

BrainBunk is a design concept for a personal pod intended to maximize focus and rest, while still leaving the option for communication without leaving the space. Unlike a normal desk cubicle that simply puts up walls around the table, it’s pretty much a miniature room complete with a reclining chair. The idea is to be able to work, eat, rest, or even sleep inside, all within your own personal bubble.

What makes the design a bit different from totally enclosed pods is that it has a sliding window mechanism that opens a corner of the cubicle. This would allow the person inside to communicate with others face-to-face without having to get up and walk out. And when they’re done and want to have their solitude back, they can simply slide the panel back out.

BrainBunk can have three configurations that take advantage of this unique feature. A lone cubicle would be great for the solitary worker, but groups of two or four allow that collaborative option among workers or even students. It’s a simple yet effective design for a personal space that doesn’t go over the top in terms of features and amenities, though it could probably do with a bit of improvement in the choice of more sustainable materials.

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We all know how bad plastic is for the planet, but no one will deny its versatility and affordability. Until we’re able to create a truly sustainable replacement that’s just as cheap to make, all we can do is take measures to reduce their impact on the environment. That might mean using bio-plastics, or it may mean reusing and recycling plastic into some other form.

Transforming plastic into new materials isn’t exactly new, but this innovation puts a new spin on that idea. Not only does it recycle plastic without using binders or glue, it also makes the resulting material almost as strong and as beautiful as stone. The result: striking furniture made almost 100% from plastic.

Desingers: Jared Seifert, Lauren Copping (Design Declassified)

There are plenty of ways to recycle plastic, but unlike wood or paper, the process involves a lot of water and energy. They also usually involve mixing some sort of binder or glue to keep the new material together, which ironically can make the new recycled plastic product less sustainable. And there’s also that distinct “recycled” aesthetic that may sometimes be seen as an advantage but can also be considered a flaw.

Design Declassified has developed a new kind of material that’s 100% made from recycled post-consumer and post-industrial thermoplastics without adding glue, resins, or even coloring to the mixture. This means that, after many years, the sheets can be recycled again for other purposes.

The recycled plastic sheets also come with a natural appearance not unlike marble or terrazzo, giving the material a unique character that looks nothing like your stereotypical recycled plastic. Available colors at the moment include Salt and Pepper, Moonlight, Mint, and Sea Moss, blends that you’d see in actual stone designs.

The material is durable as well, though definitely not as strong as marble or ceramic. In exchange, it retains its lightweight properties that make it easy to move around. It’s easy to cut into different shapes and forms as well, making it quite suitable for furniture like furniture, tiles for floors and walls, lighting, and even art installations.

Design Declassified is definitely an interesting solution to the plastic waste problem, especially if it can be mass-produced in an equally sustainable way. Although it doesn’t exactly reduce our reliance on plastic, it could at least help lessen the need to produce virgin plastic, especially if a more beautiful but equally versatile alternative is made available more easily.

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3D printing has truly revolutionized the design and production industry, giving anyone the power to create almost any form they can think of. That revolution, however, came at a price to the environment, increasing the use of plastic material even further. Thankfully, there has been some significant pushback and changes in this young industry, as different kinds of material become printer-compatible, including food, metal, or even wood. There are even attempts at using alternative source materials for plastic, like this playful 3D-printed lamp that uses a base that you might have never thought of: corn starch.

Designers: Alexandre Touguet, Lise Rissel

Of the many types of materials used for 3D printing, PLY or polylactic acid plastic is one of the most popular. Unlike most plastics that are made from petroleum, this thermoplastic uses organic material, in this case, corn starch. This gives PLA a more sustainable character, although sometimes minimally so. It is biodegradable, but only under specific conditions that aren’t always easy to meet naturally.

It’s still a step in the right direction, nonetheless, especially since it opens the doors to more interesting designs when used in 3D printing. ALT Light is one such example, using 3D printing to bring not only light but also a joyful atmosphere to any space. Although its design might be possible to execute using traditional manufacturing processes and harmful plastic, the product demonstrates the economic and environmental benefits of a more sustainable approach to design and production centered around 3D printing.

ALT Light starts from the bottom with a normal rectangular block, if you could call a block with vertical ridges “normal” in the first place. As you lift your eyes, higher, you are the block seems to flare open, creating the semblance of a traditional conical lampshade. It stops halfway through this transformation, though, creating a sense of instability and dynamism simply through forms, as if the lampshade is trying to break free from its confines.

The lamp can come in different combinations of colors for the base and the lampshade. The transparent top gives it a jelly-like appearance, while the translucent version is like hard candy. The ribbed surface does more than just make the forms look interesting, they also create an interplay of light and shadow that mesmerizes the viewers. In addition to their unique designs, these lamps are all made in order to cut down on material waste, and each creation has minute imperfections that give each ALT Light lamp its own unique character.

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Although they have been around for a long time already, it was the retirement of the 3.5mm headphone jack from smartphones that really caused a surge of interest in wireless headphones and earbuds. There is a wide variety of designs for over-ear cup headphones, most of them naturally focusing on the headphones themselves. The experience of using these accessories, however, doesn’t stop after you’ve taken them off, but most manufacturers seem to make charging headphones an afterthought. This design concept, in contrast, offers a more holistic experience, one that ensures you can continue enjoying your tunes even when your headphones are charging.

Designer: Zeta ID

Although it’s only too easy to lose one or two wireless earbuds, the small objects at least have a proper place to call their home. In contrast, larger wireless headphones have to be hung somewhere if they’re not left lying on a desk, and even then you have to remember to plug them in to charge. And, of course, you’re left with your phone or laptop speakers while its charging, perhaps with a noticeable loss in sound quality.

If earbuds and charging cases always come together, then maybe wireless headphones should also come with a wireless charger out of the box. That’s what the Eko concept tries to bring to the table, almost literally, offering a standard place where you know you’ll always find your headphones. Of course, it also charges while resting, so you can be sure that your personal listening device is always ready by the time you leave.

That stand, however, does more than just charge the headphones. It also functions as a Bluetooth speaker, so you can enjoy high-quality audio even when the headphones are docked. The concept doesn’t exactly say whether it can work independently of the headphones, but that’s often the case with Bluetooth speakers anyway. There can perhaps be a feature that could make it seamlessly switch between the headphones and the speaker as needed.

Eko also has a modern and stylish appearance, one that uses a streamlined band design instead of the usual circular cups. The speaker charging dock is a triangular prism that matches the dark motif of the headphones. One concern about the concept design is the comfort of the headphones themselves, as its speaker don’t seem to go over the ears like most designs and would instead press on it.

The post Wireless headphones concept sits on a charger that doubles as a speaker first appeared on Yanko Design.

As people become more aware of the role that sound plays in immersive content, the number of speakers in homes also begins to rise. This means that these audio equipment are starting to make their presence not just heard but also seen, and sometimes not in pleasing ways. Fortunately, manufacturers are also becoming more sensitive to this aspect of product design, and we’re seeing a growing number of speakers that extol aesthetics as much as audio quality, though the side effect of this trend means getting locked into a specific design the moment you make your purchase. This customizable speaker concept, on the other hand, offers some flexibility that not only lets you decide how the speaker will look but where you want to put it as well.

Designer: Eshant Kumbhakarn

Compared to TVs, the true value of speakers lies not in their appearance but in their audio output. Unfortunately, these products still take up physical space, and hiding them doesn’t exactly work because that can negatively affect the way sound travels. Some audio equipment brands try to disguise speakers as art objects or minimize their footprint as soundbars, but this speaker concept design tries to combine both ideas to deliver the best of both worlds.

Aura is a concept for a speaker panel that delivers audio in 360 degrees. Rather than pushing sound from the front as you might expect from a flat box, the actual speakers are located around the edges. Thanks to this design, it is possible to place Aura anywhere and in any orientation, whether vertically on a wall, horizontally below a TV, or even lying flat on a long meeting table.

To help make this flexibility more practical, Aura has a special feature that very few speakers have. It has physical controls as well as input ports on both long sides of the speaker, letting you control it directly regardless of the position or orientation. Admittedly, that does add a complication to the internal implementation of the speaker, but it’s not entirely impossible given today’s technology.

That alone already makes it notable, but Aura’s real value comes from its customizable and interchangeable front panel. In theory, this lets you select a design that would match the motif of the room or even the material of the table on which it will be placed. Whether it’s a marble-like finish, wood, or a typical gray mesh, Aura puts the owner in control of how the speaker looks and blends into the background. Even better, you can always change that panel when you change your interior design, prolonging the speaker’s usefulness for years to come.

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