Yanko Design - Form Beyond Function

A wallet with $wag!

Posted: 07 Dec 2016 10:17 AM PST

Just imagine the reaction of the cashier at the grocery or your barista or the food delivery guy’s reaction when you pull the Zenlet out to pay them. It brings back the swagger with which most people would operate slider phones, but this concept puts its money where its mouth is, or rather money where its money is supposed to be… never mind. Zenlet is the world’s most outlandish wallet design and it honestly makes me want to ditch the cruddy folding leather wallet I’m currently using.

The way it works is simple. Molded in an ABS/PC blend (what every plastic phone body is made of), the Zenlet slides to open and close, revealing a storage space on the inside that’s perfect for cards, notes, and even a few coins. The sliding interaction opens like a breeze and closes with a reassuring click that even goes as far as to waterproof the insides of the wallet. Another incredible bit of innovation is the Zenlet’s RFID Blocking feature. It prevents hackers from scanning the contents of your wallet and getting access to your car/bank information, giving your money and valuables complete, all-round security.

It takes an extra bit of creativity to give the wallet such a bold makeover. We’ve seen loads of concepts of the same old wallet being made in different materials, or being simplified to just a clip or strap that holds your stuff in place, but nothing quite like the Zenlet. Not just a champion of innovative thinking, but also incredibly ahead in terms of functionality, Zenlet isn’t just a great wallet to own, it’s quite a case study for designers looking to shake the world up!

Designers: Ian Hsieh & Donna Chang

Buy It Here: $36.99 $53.00

Aging Never Looked So Good!

Posted: 07 Dec 2016 07:25 AM PST

It might not be relevant to you NOW, but one day, there’s a good chance you might need a walker, my friend! The unfortunately reality is that most of today’s walkers are… well… hideous. But, just because you’re old and decrepit doesn’t mean you don’t care how you or your walker look! That’s the idea behind Iris.

The Iris walker was designed with as much style as functionality. It’s lightweight, easy to use, easy to fold, and completely practical all while having a slim silhouette, tasteful colors, and a fashionable built-in bag for any goodies you need on-the-go. Unlike those big, bulky, grey contraptions, it erases the stigma associated with aging and failing mobility.

Designer: Reut Meiri‏‏‎

A Bug-inspired Builder

Posted: 07 Dec 2016 03:30 AM PST

Safety is key when it comes to construction sites, so why does current heavy machinery have standard doors that are cumbersome and potentially dangerous? That’s the question designed Jee Na Jun asked when conceiving the C-ANT forklift.

The design explores an alternative entry and exit method that’s not only safer for workers to use, but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the machinery. The circular shape takes inspiration from ants, nature’s most famous constructors. The door itself is near seamlessly integrated into the body, opening and closing by rotating rather than outward. Inside, the operator has unparalleled views and is kept safely out of harms way thanks to the naturally protective shape and rigid construction.

Designer: Jee Na Jun

A Chic Twist on the Sewing Machine

Posted: 07 Dec 2016 12:02 AM PST

You expect your clothes to be stylish, so why not the machine that’s used to make them?! PDF HAUS explores this idea by applying the design language of Vifa, a high-end audio maker, to a modern sewing machine.

Clad in Vifa’s signature, special-woven textile Kvadrat cover, the look is warm and inviting in contrast with its minimalist control features. Perfect for any clothes maker who values Nordic design or simply wants their tools to look as good as the clothes they make!

Designer: PDF HAUS

Let physics hold your table together

Posted: 06 Dec 2016 02:08 PM PST

Take a look at the Multi Tier Shelf for a bit. Do you notice how the shelf is held together not by fixtures, but by sheer interference? The outward facing legs prevent the shelves from sliding downwards. Isn’t that just the most simple solution ever? Ditch the nails, wooden pegs, glue, screws, and that tool kit. Gravity and physics will work just fine!

I personally love the touch given to the shelves near the holes through which the legs pass. The fabric, almost elastic effect gives the wood the illusion of being pulled, creating an aesthetic detail that you won’t forget for quite some time!

Designer: Ammar Kalo

Lightweight Laundromat

Posted: 06 Dec 2016 12:35 PM PST

Almost all consumer electronics have experienced the ‘portability’ wave, haven’t they? Vacuum cleaners became hand-held dustbusters, stoves have been portable for ages now. Even the refrigerator shrank down so it could fit in the boot of your car and travel to campsites. However, the washing machine never really fully saw a portable variant. You know what that means? It’s a wonderfully unexplored segment for designers!

The Buck Wash aims at bringing the technology of a washing machine into the footprint of a bucket. Designed for the lower-middle class Indian who still washes clothes by hand because they can’t afford and/or don’t have the space for a washing machine, the Buck Wash is perfectly sized, priced, and interfaced. Keeping things simple and functional, the Buck comes with a single knob that takes care of it all. A single drum on the inside has a unique shape with a centrifugal character. This, and other innovations by the designer allow it to work like a charm and also use up to 40% less water. Plus with its clean, pure aesthetic, it fulfills the aspirational need to own a washing machine.

Designer: Raja Sandeep Kumar