Yanko Design - Form Beyond Function

Being pregnant can be overwhelming and even scary… but knowledge is power when it comes to taking care of baby! That’s the idea behind Thread, a smart system of devices that aim to connect and educate parents in the prenatal stages.

The first of 3 devices is wearable tech in the form of a health sensor that analyzes the fetus sleeping state and even emotions based on movement. These metrics can also be shared with health professionals for constant monitoring throughout pregnancy. Additionally, it allows mom can start communicating with baby using her voice.

The next device was designed for working dads who can’t be around all the time or who work abroad for extended periods. It alerts the father when the fetus is awake. In the same manner they might put an ear or cheek up against mom’s belly, they can do the same against the tactile top of the design where movements by the fetus are mimicked.

The third layer of the design is accessible via the user’s smartphone. The Thread app is designed to answer any questions parents-to-be might have and includes a Prenatal Encyclopedia, Prenatal Diary, an explanation of the fetus’ daily growth, doctor’s tips, and more!

Designer: Eirene Sheen & Jiseung Song

Below you’ll find the most popular designs we’ve tracked over the last 30 days – an overview of designs you shouldn’t have missed in June 2016.

Touted as the world’s thinnest and most compact power bank, the Life Card fits right into your wallet.

The Audi Truck B is designed as an electric autonomous ‘show’ truck, the aesthetic of this is curvy and reminiscent of Daniel Simon’s design style (subjectivity alert!).

Simply called “Paper”, this no-frills design serves as a compact solution for all your printing, scanning and copying needs, without sacrificing the aesthetic of your interior.

The Cyclone Belt Coffee Machine captures the hubless style of the Dyson’s Fan and Hairdryer. All you do is place the cup in the negative space, run the controls, and out pours the coffee, tasty as ever.

The Columbia Survival tool kit just blows my mind. Made more for outdoor survival than urban, the kit literally outdoes itself.

The E-Vision Granturismo Boat runs on Tesla’s Lithium Ion batteries. The concept boat has two powertrains mounted symmetrically on the left and right, providing speed that is independent of vibrations or engine noise.

Don’t go looking for a sharpener – Pencil+ eliminates all these problems at once. If it breaks or goes dull, simply unscrew from the clasp and sharpen. If you need to correct a mistake, just use the eraser inside the cavity and get back to writing or drawing!

The Grasshopper conceptual bike explores a hollow chassis design in a world where everyone wants hubless wheels.

CJR watches has you covered with this dapper looking timepiece they call Airspeed. Built with the Miyota 8215 on the inside, it beats with a frequency of 21,600 BPH, giving you the most sublimely accurate time-reading experience.

Lenovo’s achieved the impossible. Debuting at Techworld this year, and dropping jaws world over, the C+ phone literally flexes around your wrist.

The age of the micro-living is upon us and that means it’s time to get smart with space saving! The Inflatable Bathtub is one concept that maximizes micro-bathrooms with an innovative way to switch between shower and tub. With the press of a button, users can switch between their preferred method of bathing. In seconds, the unit expands to the size of a regular bathtub. When more space is needed, the unit can be left in “storage mode” in which users can operate the water controls to shower and enjoy a larger feeling bathroom!

The Inflatable Bathtub is a 2015 Red Dot Award : Design Concept winner.

Designer: Zhou Peng, Dai ChangFu, & Liu ShuFu

The Reactor mouse isn’t just a high performance gaming mouse with 10,000 DPI… it’s an extension of you! The first of its kind, the design features an electroluminescent cable that reacts to your every move. Whether you’re scrolling, clicking or sliding, the beautiful visual created by the patented electroluminescence gives users the feeling of oneness and complete control. In vibrant, glowing hues like Inferno Red, Radioactive Green, and Titan Blue, the only thing left to decide is which color?!

Designer: Pilot Electronics