Yanko Design - Form Beyond Function

The latest from city park accessory master Art Lebedev, the Urnus-14 design is a compact and easy-to-service trash can. The stark metal structure is barely-there compared to other monolithic garbage bin designs but depending on color of the trash bag used, it can also stand out.

It’s also easier to reset by maintenance personnel. A built-in rubber band holds the bag rim in place, ensuring it doesn’t slip out of the grooved holder. One perk is that it doesn’t require additional cleaning – only removal of the bag.

I’m not sure how well it will contain items from outdoor critters, or how much people will enjoy visible garbage bags, but as far as being expertly minimalist goes… it’s a winner!

Designer: Art Lebedev Studio

At the risk of sounding like a fear-mongering conspiracy theorist, it is true that the device that connects you to the whole world also connects the whole world to you. Your search history is monitored, your internet activity tracked for targeting advertisements, and even more scarily, there are companies and individuals who can track the whereabouts of your internet-connected devices, switching on the microphone or camera remotely.

Now in this morbid world, there are a few who battle for the sake of privacy safety. Zuckerberg’s photo went absolutely viral, prompting people to put tape on their laptop webcam, lest it be hacked into. People are even actively investing in RFID wallets that help prevent hackers from stealing card data, however, the phone, the most used item in the world, still remains the most vulnerable. It holds your pictures, your bank details, your passwords, it stays on you all the time, giving away your location, access to your camera, and even your microphone, allowing people to snoop in on your day to day life.

That’s what birthed the RFID Faraday Pocket Carry and Utility Pouch. Designed to not leave any stone unturned, this pocket case is a case with a special material lining that completely blocks all external connections to your smart devices. A Faraday cage made of fabric, if you will. Designed to block out all frequencies from 100kHz to 5GHz, pretty much stopping anyone or thing from monitoring your calls, hacking your Wi-fi, stealing your sensitive data, accessing your location, camera, or microphone. When your device is inside the Faraday Pocket Carry, your life is truly private. Along with the Faraday Pocket Carry is the Faraday Utility Pouch for larger electronic devices from laptops to tablets. Made out of weatherproof leather, with a military grade Faraday Protectant double inner-lining, the Pocket Carry and Utility Pouch can store everything from your phones and laptops to your smartwatch, wallet, passport, to even your electronic car key-fobs.

The RFID Faraday Carry and Pouch battle the notion that in order to be safe, one needs to forego one’s privacy. With super-companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon having access to your private data and the NSA running programs like Prism to maintain tabs on the taxpayers they vow to protect, it only makes sense that we as consumers and citizens we embrace our need to keep certain aspects of our life private when we want to, be it a family moment, a getaway holiday, a business meeting, or just regular day-to-day life. The RFID Faraday Pocket Carry and Utility Pouch put the control of your privacy back in your hands!

Designer: Vincent Ho

Click here to buy the complete set: $99.00

The RFID Faraday Pocket Carry is perfect for when you are traveling or just want an organizer for all your essentials. On the left hand side there are two RFID pockets for passports and wallets. On the right hand side, there is a larger stash pocket and a magnetic faraday compartment that is large enough to hold up to three iPhone 7+ phones. In total, the RFID Faraday Pocket Carry measures 190mm x 120mm.

When you need to blackout larger devices, the RFID Faraday Utility Pouch is an absolute must-have. Designed for bigger jobs, the oversized signal jammer will simultaneously keep all your devices invisible. This is an oversized leather roll-top RFID Faraday cage.

Click here to buy the complete set: $99.00

Just as the name suggests, the Connected Stool explores an entirely new, interactive construction method and the result is stunning! Connected by a tough cord, 4 flat, planar elements transform into a handsome and useful three dimensional object.

The colorful cord makes for a bright and playful accent against the cozy wood. For a finishing touch, it’s fit with a leather strap and brass buckle that keeps the rope taut. Easy to deconstruct for storage or moving, this flat-packed puzzle is as convenient as it is fun to put together!

Designer: NYUN

From the same designer as this wildly cool washing machine comes yet another that’s functionally different yet just as aesthetically beautiful. It’s called Evaque and you can use it like a hamper by throwing in similar clothes before washing OR use it as you normally would with separate loads on laundry day.

The design stands out from others not just for its uber-minimalistic looks but for its innovative clothes-cleaning tech. It harnesses the power of an innovative “Ion Wash” system that cleans clothes even without detergent. The drum itself, which is made of specialized glass, creates a static charge when rubbed by the clothing that attracts, withdraws and neutralizes dirt. This feature also increases the electrical properties of the water so that it can better dissolve solids and other liquids. Thanks to these unique washing types, the design has a 20% reduction in water usage compared to standard wash units without sacrificing effectiveness.

Don’t be deceived by the minimalistic interface, this washer features a comprehensive selection of wash cycles and settings to accommodate various types of delicates, sportswear, linens, and more. Additionally, its thoughtfully designed lid is soft-closing so there’s never any slamming or jamming.

Designer: Aditya Patil

Hidden inside this pitch black bulbous shape is an entire chandelier. The Kind Edison Ghost Pendant Lamp is a single large-ish bulb that comes with a black exterior but switch the light inside on, and you get this dimmed view of a rather magnificent miniature chandelier, almost as if you’re staring into a crystal ball at a ghostly image.

Designed with a rather unique blend of modern and antique, the King Edison switches between the two. All you see is the hand-blown black glass exterior when it’s switched off, giving it a contemporary touch, however switch it on and you travel back in time with a miniature real brass hanging candelabra on the inside. The overall design combines the simplicity of Edison bulbs with the majestic mystery of the King chandelier hiding within.

Designer: Young & Battaglia

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There’s nothing more apocalyptic than a truck driver feeling drowsy behind the wheel. What’s scary is that there’s little you can do to avert these sorts of disasters because truckers usually work overnight shifts and over long distances, making it a true hazard.

Ford sought to tackle this problem with the SafeCap, a rather innocuous looking cap that actually houses an accelerometer that can detect when a driver’s head tilts forwards, backwards, or sideways. When it does so, lights on the lip of the cap immediately light up to alert the driver, while a sound and vibration unit gently nudges the driver back into reality almost immediately. Working much like the Pavlok, using lights, audio signals, and vibrations to keep one alert and aware, the SafeCap won’t make a driver feel less sleepy, but it will make sure he/she doesn’t drowse off at the wheel.

Designer: Ford