Yanko Design - Form Beyond Function

Let’s face it. Your power bank is nothing but a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for your phone. It, however, can be so much more. The modern smartphone faces two main problems. Battery shortage, and memory shortage. The Bricwave Xpress-PRO is a first-of-its-kind device to solve both those problems.

More than just a UPS for that 6-inch computer in your pocket, the Xpress-PRO empowers your phone by not only providing it with a battery back-up, but also allowing you to store data on it. Think of it as the reason you won’t need to buy another phone or another peripheral for your phone. The device flaunts a beautiful analog switch on the front face. Flip it one way to activate the charging mode, and the other way to make the Xpress-PRO an external storage device that can not just be used by your phone, but by your personal computer too! The gadget houses two cables and connectors that allow you to connect it to both your smartphone as well as your computer. While in Power mode, the Xpress-PRO gets charged while simultaneously charging your smart device. In Memory mode, it acts as a bridge for data between your phone and PC.

The Xpress-PRO comes with an internal memory between 32 – 256Gb, and a choice of battery between 1500 and 3500 mAh, enough to cover all your extra data and juice needs. The CNC machined Aluminum case complements the slick design of your smartphone, while securely and beautifully housing both USB and Lightning connector cables. The Rotating Switch on the upper corner just indulges the analog lover in me, living in a touchscreen era. The all-in-one device also comes with a bundled app, allowing you to have complete control over the data you store in its built-in hard disk. In short, while the Bricwave Xpress-PRO is definitely a heaven-sent in today’s data and battery deficient world, it doesn’t stop at that. It’s also a beautiful, well bundled solution to our tech-problems!

YD Awesomeness Index: As awesome as Jon Snow vs. Ramsay Bolton in 4K!

Buy It Here: $69.00 $129.99 Limited to 100 only.

Honestly, I’ve seen so many extension box designs on Yanko, I’m probably immune to them now. However, when you see an actual, functioning product that borders on futuristic desin, yet still exists, it’s a different feeling altogether. The Stacked looks like something out of a student project, but every bit of it is true. It consists of modular units that can be plugged, unplugged, interchanged, and even alternated, to create a truly functional extension box for your power cables. The units make clever use of the 1/4th inch audio jack (seen in electric guitar cables) to lock units together securely, while also allowing power transfer. The jacks being circular also allow you to rotate modules in case you’re stuck with two large plugs that don’t fit beside each other (Macbook charger plug, I’m looking at you)… And yes, they come with USB ports too, so that’s one prayer god finally answered!

Designer: Stacked

As its name suggests, the wonderfully dramatic Obelisk floor lamp takes the shape of a pillar without all the density! The rod lamp frame forms a simple silhouette that perfectly complements minimalist interior spaces. Better yet, it won’t visually weigh down your room as you can see right through it! Its contrasting vibrant color cord can be adjusted to set the light at any height between rods.

Designer: Fyodor Lazariev

The Bang & Olufsen AO Airplay speaker looks as good as it sounds! Ultra-lightweight, simple and timelessly stylish, the almost all metal exterior is super-durable to withstand all you can give it. With its cylindrical form, the design offers multidirectional, top-notch audio wherever you go. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 and a line-in 3.5 mm jack, it’s as quick and easy to connect AO Airplay to your music source as it is to control using the simplistic top end interface!

Designer: BelKharmoudi Aziz

These 2 pieces of luggage, both winners of the 2015 Red Dot Concept Award, are distinct in functionality but both aim to make the lives of travelers easy!

The first, called Air Pack (pictured top), utilizes an ingenious internal air bag inflation system to secure items inside. Because packed belongings can shift during travel, they often are susceptible to breaking or damage. The air bags absorb external shock and set your items firmly in place so when you reopen your bag they’re exactly where you left them!

The other, named the Waiting Companion (pictured bottom), makes for a perfect carry-on. While there may be plenty of seating at airports or train stations, tables and surfaces are few and far between. The design features a built-in board where you can conveniently enjoy a meal and beverages, work from a laptop, or enjoy a good book!

Designer for Air Pack: Kim Junsik

1. Arrange and place items into the luggage. 2. Close the luggage and pump air into the system using the handle. 3. The inflated air pack now fastens and protects the items. 4. To deflate simply unscrew the lid.

Designers for Waiting Companion: Zhou Peng, Dai ChangFu, & Liu ShuFu