Playercharacter Member Aug 27, 2024 175 I am firmly in the camp that thinks a first playthrough of a game should be vanilla, as developers intended. However, I've started considering a few games I didn't finish because of issues modders had already solved and whether I would have gone farther if I had used them from the start. What do you tend to choose regarding mods in a first playthrough?  SCUMMbag Prophet of Truth - Chicken Chaser Member Oct 25, 2017 7,013 The older the game is, the more mods I add on first playthrough. Almost exclusively QoL/Graphics stuff though.  2Blackcats Member Oct 26, 2017 17,379 Only to correct technical issues   astro Member Oct 25, 2017 64,637 Poll doesn't really match the question. There's no option I can pick. Sometimes. If a game has unresolved issues that mods fix, I'll mod. If it's an older game and has some kind of overhaul that is is recommended, I might use that. If it lacks QoL and there are mods for it, I'll use them.  Zephy Member Oct 27, 2017 7,040 Usually mods that enhance the vanilla experience or fix issues I personally have with the game. For example, a few hours in I had no problem adding a mod to Starfield that made the crafting cost to zero, because I was tired of having to look for and carry materials, and I was only interested in crafting weapon mods anyway (which stupidly also require crafting materials when you want to remove them). Made my experience much better.  MADSUPERVILLAIN Member Jan 11, 2018 1,612 Dunedin, New Zealand Only whatever mods I need for an acceptable resolution/frame rate/FOV.   HolyJonte AVALANCHE Member Aug 31, 2023 1,225 From Stockholm but now living in Padova, Italy Only for later playthroughs.   Dogstar Member Oct 29, 2017 2,754 It does depends on the game. I'm not going to chuck visual mods onto an already great looking title, but may try some performance/stability if I'm having issues, and maybe later try other things if I play through again. However, when I first started Skyrim I was determined to play as the developer's intended, but as time went by mods started to creep in as I played, until the whole thing was transformed. I still muck around with it to this day... Modding has become the game with Skyrim.  Kalentan Member Oct 25, 2017 50,220 It massively depends on the game. If the game is perfectly fine, technical and otherwise without mods, I'll go without mods... But if the game has been out for awhile and people have modded stuff that make a "first playthrough" much more enjoyable, then I'll download the mods.   Tagyhag Member Oct 27, 2017 14,952 Always always for me, I don't usually get to play a game more than once so I want to have as best as a personal experience as I can.   blueredandgold Member Oct 25, 2017 8,404 Are console mods still a thing like they tried to get going last gen?   Shin Kojima Member Oct 27, 2017 3,992 Option 6. Never ever. Mods just feel wrong to me, even if they're objectively good.  blainethemono Member Oct 27, 2017 609 HDR mods (renodx/reshade/dxvk/special k) are essential these days for me for injecting or correcting HDR as needed, and one of the main reasons to never buy games on consoles if i can help it View: https://youtu.be/kR0XjbEcT9Y?si=EDLtuiE-XruRodXA View: https://youtu.be/B0H921CxJck?si=DzycUG4Rpma7vFf3 View: https://youtu.be/s7YOO6mNBOI?si=eUnm5dCPwZ2b_dz_   Last edited: Today at 5:02 AM Gelf Member Oct 27, 2017 6,061 Only to fix technical issues I encounter and am annoyed by. Maybe a UI mod if I find something really irritating. Full gameplay or graphics changing mods, not even a consideration until I've played the game fully.   Madao Avalanche's One Winged Slayer Member Oct 26, 2017 5,552 Panama i can't think of any time i've used mods on a first playthrough. but then i don't play on PC which is where most modding exists. you don't really see that kind of modding on consoles often. do upscalers count for moddded consoles? it certainly makes games look a lot better than they did on unmodded hardware.  Shopolic Avenger Oct 27, 2017 8,015 Just simple things like unlimited inventory in Bethesda games.   JoeInky Member Oct 25, 2017 3,952 Always vanilla, I'd like to get an accurate account of what the game is like in it's base state. If there's something I run into that's completely gamebreaking then I'll look into mods that fix it afterwards, but otherwise I want to see either what the developer's intent was, or what their standards are for a full release in terms of performance. Don't really want to reward developers who release shit even if there are mods that fix many/all of the games performance-related issues.  E-bite Member Oct 24, 2018 1,334 #1 and #2 Also, this reminded me of a crazy Watch Dogs 1 mods video. People have actually added new gameplay features to this game. View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_7PWkLKk2I  HellofaMouse Member Oct 27, 2017 8,259 yes, but rarely, and not right away. i usually play the game for a bit to see if there is anything i really dislike and want to change. if available i usually look at mods that increase the game speed for management games, increase inventory space/carry weight in rpgs, remove annoying puzzles or minigames in action/fps (bioshock) etc  Shaman Member Jan 18, 2024 3,387 I only use mods when I think its necessary for some QoL/fixes. Thats about it   Greywaren Member Jul 16, 2019 12,748 Spain I have no issue with using mods for performance improvements, bug fixes and QoL stuff. Anything else, I'd rather not on a first playthrough.   Doc Laserstein Member Oct 25, 2017 5,546 When applicable and possible, I mod inventory limits/encumbrance and fast travel restrictions out of games as soon as the mods are available.   Heh Member Dec 12, 2017 616 I'm pretty sure I enjoyed Baldur's Gate 3 more than I would've because of the WASD Character Movement mod. Although most of the time I don't use mods.  Tortillo VI Member May 27, 2018 2,238 Usually, never. But with Starfield and Fallout 4 I had to during my first playthrough for huge quality of life improvements that should absolutely have been there by default and that modders have been adding in their previous games.   bob1001 ▲ Legend ▲ Member May 7, 2020 2,072 A question I would ask people is do you actually believe that modding actually goes against developer intent every single time? The insinuation many people are making is that installing a mod objectively goes against their design philosophy, but that isn't always the case. Capcom pinned a topic to the RE4 Steam forum about RE4 HD Project, that's a very faithful graphical overhaul that remakes every single asset in the game but they clearly don't see it as a big deal. CDProjektRED implemented several mods into the next gen version of the Witcher 3, including Witcher 3 HD Reworked (another major asset overhaul). Those mods literally became the developers intent. Todd Howard loves SkyUI, another major overhaul mod. I wouldn't say the developer's vision has been changed from installing any of these mods, the same is true for many other mods. Developer intent is important, and I agree that in your first playthrough you should give an earnest attempt at experiencing the game the way the developer intended. But I cannot agree with what many users here are saying about needing a completely mod-free first playthrough to experience that. Not all mods are altering the experience in such a major way that the developer would say their vision has been undone, the whole point of making a Vanilla+ mod is to enhance a game without changing the core game design/aesthetic. Personally I have no issue with mods in this category, even if they are major overhauls.  joffocakes Member Nov 15, 2017 1,923 Other than Unreal Tournament back in the early 2000s I think the only mods I've used are to get games to boot up in the first place (removing Games For Windows Live requirement).   Apollo Corrupted by Vengeance Avenger Oct 25, 2017 9,805 Necessary fixes only.   Arukado Member Oct 27, 2017 3,951 Yes to the first three options, not necessarily together, and it depends on the game.   Foffy Member Oct 25, 2017 17,532 Depends on the game, I think. I'll never play a Soulsborne game with mods unless they're fixing deadzones or something, but something like ArmA benefits from AI and realism mods for the campaigns. In the latter case, it makes a complex game that takes dozens of hours to learn even more daunting, but I'm the kind of person that likes being tossed into the deep end.   BasilZero Member Oct 25, 2017 39,588 Omni Vanilla unless certain mods improve FPS and the HUD.   Nateo Member Oct 27, 2017 8,885 Entirely game dependent.   Mauricio_Magus Member Oct 25, 2017 15,570 Depends on the game, most of the time just to fix stuff but sometimes it really benefits a first play through.   Paroni Member Dec 17, 2020 4,678 Sometimes with older/janky games. Like I have never played vanilla Master of Magic or Vampire the Masquerade - Bloodlines, and I have only played Eador Genesis with the New Horizons fan overhaul.   Edward ▲ Legend ▲ Avenger Oct 30, 2017 5,886 There are some games like a Rimworld or Zomboid that i find are more enjoyable with vanilla+ mods that i will check out or unofficial patches that fixes stuttering and what not but for the most part i prefer to play games at their purest vanilla form. I'm the weirdo that only has 2-3 wow addons and only because they are required to do raids with most guilds.  player23 Member Mar 12, 2022 1,083 Bethesda game I'm looking for that Inventory mod immediately   Boopers Member Nov 1, 2020 4,057 Vermont usa Just small improvements like an ultra wide mod or something. The last game I really went nuts over modding for the first playthrough was Fallout 4. I don't regret it, but it makes it hard to play vanilla now — especially for the settlements. Edward said: I'm the weirdo that only has 2-3 wow addons and only because they are required to do raids with most guilds. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Hey me too. I only have one addon, and that's just to dim the UI when I'm out of combat so my OLED monitor doesn't get burn-in. I used to have so, so many addons at one point that I had to just, like, delete them all for my sanity. Haven't looked back since!  EatChildren Wonder from Down Under Member Oct 27, 2017 7,553 Depends entirely on the game and the mod. If I've never played through the game before I'll usually avoid mods that drastically impact the content and/or mechanics, unless it fixes something fundamentally broken. Bloodlines, for example, absolutely needed mods to polish it up. But my thumb rule is keep the core content intact, and use mods to improve performance, add/improve technical aspects, and make the act-of-play more user friendly and/or immersive without compromising the former stuff. The Witcher 3, for example, got an adaptive HUD mod pretty damn early on in its life and I immediately put it to use.  Jetsun Mila Member Apr 7, 2021 3,925 When I played the game for a few hours, I know what the developers vision is, so I'm OK with adding mods to it.   Ashes of Dreams Fallen Guardian of Unshakable Resolve Member May 22, 2020 19,244 I like to go as vanilla as possible. I'm interested in seeing the game as it was created. I don't think I can truly speak to an experience without doing so. However, if I'm confident I'll only be playing a game once and there are obvious small improvements to be gained from mods, I will use them. Performance and bugfix mods are obviously fine. Maybe some light UI and QOL mods but nothing major or overhaul-y.   southwest Member Sep 15, 2022 2,619 If a mod fixes something that I don't like about the vanilla game I'd rather mod it than drop it.   Shadout Shinra Employee Member Oct 27, 2017 2,767 Quite game dependent. I am fine with fixes, UI, graphics mods. Rarely will I add content mods on a first playthrough. But it definitely can happen for very old games. Generally a big fan of mods. Not so much overhauls though. Should still feel like the original game, even with the stuff that is changed.  random88 Member Oct 25, 2017 3,753 Not US I prefer the original experience as much as possible, not counting some bug fixes. But if I play some older 3d game with camera controls, I use dual stick option that Duckstation provides. There is no way I'd play old Armored Core games otherwise and I don't think it goes against developers' intention because devs just didn't know better at the time. It does mess with the intended difficulty, because the games are balanced around those shitty controls, but they still provide a decent challenge.  Arkanim94 Member Oct 27, 2017 16,522 some old games are unplayable without fixes or mods.   elyetis Member Oct 26, 2017 4,637 I recently played dragon's dogma 2 for the first time and used mods from the get go. Goes from something as basic as a transmog mod, to Custom Difficulty Tweaks and even Wild Loot which takes most items from shops and places them as loot in the world. I knew I would most likely play the game only once, so I might as well play the way which seemed the most fun to me. 

Menu Home News Hardware Gaming Mobile Finance Deals Reviews How To Wccftech LeakMobile Apple Vision Air Battery Puck Allegedly Gets Pictured With A Smaller Design That Is Also Said To Be Lighter, While Also Showing Off A Different, Darker Color Omar Sohail • Apr 20, 2025 at 05:07am EDT A low-cost version of the Apple Vision Pro has been reported on numerous occasions to arrive later this year, with the possibility that its official name is Apple Vision Air. There have been a series of leaks surrounding the more affordable headset, such as how it will boast a lighter design as some of its internal parts will be made of titanium, along with a new color option, plus a connector makeover. With the device shedding a few pounds, we also get our first alleged look at the battery puck, and while it will be similar to the external unit that shipped with the $3,499 headset, this one will not just be smaller, but also lighter. A smaller and lighter battery puck will reduce the additional fatigue of having to carry around a bulky shell, but it will potentially reduce the Apple Vision Air’s runtime Apart from getting a first look at the Apple Vision Air’s power cable in the Midnight Blue color, we have also stumbled upon the battery puck, possibly belonging to the low-cost headset. The image initially uploaded by Sonny Dickson on X has been removed because the person likely does not want to invite Apple’s wrath and be sent a legal notice. Fortunately, we managed to capture a small image courtesy of a WhatsApp image preview. The color of this battery puck matches the power cable’s finish, suggesting that we could be looking at the same accessories designed for the Apple Vision Air. However, the tipster has not shared the weight or the capacity of the puck. Unfortunately, given its lightweight design, the accessory could feature fewer cells, meaning that the entire battery could hold a smaller charge than the Apple Vision Pro’s unit, resulting in reduced runtime. Then again, the Apple Vision Air is said to arrive with a few compromises. One of them was that it would feature an A-series chipset instead of an M-series one, plus a switch to an inferior quality display. While these are hardware downgrades on paper, they will consume less juice than the Apple Vision Pro’s components, potentially leading to the same runtime as the more expensive head-mounted wearable. We have every possibility of believing that the upcoming headset will sport a new color and lighter battery puck, but we have to treat this leak with a pinch of salt, at least until the official Apple Vision Air announcement. News Source: Sonny Dickson Subscribe to get an everyday digest of the latest technology news in your inbox Follow us on Topics Sections Company Some posts on wccftech.com may contain affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com © 2025 WCCF TECH INC. 700 - 401 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

شهدت خدمة Xbox Cloud Gaming نموًا ملحوظًا، خاصة مع تركيز مايكروسوفت بشكل أكبر على البرمجيات والاشتراكات بدلاً من الأجهزة.ورغم أن الهواتف الذكية تُعد وسيلة مثالية لبث الألعاب أثناء التنقّل بعيدًا عن الحواسيب أو وحدات التحكم، إلا أن الإحصائيات التي عُرضت في مؤتمر مطوري الألعاب الأخير في ديسمبر قد تفاجئ الكثير من اللاعبين.أظهرت البيانات أن الاستخدام الأكبر لخدمة الألعاب السحابية يتم من داخل المنازل، حيث تُعد أجهزة Xbox One وأجهزة التلفاز الذكية الوسائل الأكثر شيوعًا بين المستخدمين.ويستفيد العديد من مالكي Xbox One من الخدمة لتجربة ألعاب Xbox Series X|S التي لا تتوفر على أجهزتهم مباشرة. كما تحولت أجهزة تلفاز مثل Samsung وLG إلى مراكز ترفيه متكاملة بدعمها لتطبيقات الألعاب السحابية.في ظل الشائعات المتزايدة حول جهاز Xbox محمول جديد، تأمل مايكروسوفت في تحسين تجربة الألعاب السحابية على الأجهزة المحمولة. لكن في الوقت الحالي، لا تزال الهواتف الذكية متأخرة خلف أجهزة التحكم والتلفاز من حيث الاستخدام في Xbox Cloud Gaming.وأشار Jez Corden في تقرير على Windows Central إلى بعض التحديات التي تعيق تجربة اللعب على الهواتف، أبرزها صعوبة التحكم، وظهور أشرطة سوداء نتيجة لعدم توافق الأبعاد مع نسبة العرض 16:9. وقد حاولت شركة Razer التصدّي لمشكلة الأبعاد، وإن لم تكن تقنيًا ضمن تجربة الألعاب السحابية.من جانبها، تعمل مايكروسوفت على تحسين جودة الرسومات على الشاشات الصغيرة مستقبلًا، كما أنها تتعاون مع شركة Asus في تطوير مشروع يُعرف باسم Project Keenan.وتشير التقارير إلى أن الجهاز الجديد قد يعمل بنظام Windows مشابه لذلك المستخدم في ROG Ally، مع واجهة مستوحاة من وحدات التحكم تتيح الوصول إلى ألعاب Xbox وSteam وEpic من شاشة واحدة.ورغم التحديات، تستمر خدمة Xbox Cloud في جذب المزيد من اللاعبين شهريًا، حيث سجّلت أكثر من 140 مليون ساعة لعب في الربع الأخير من عام 2024. ومع ذلك، لا يزال سوق الأجهزة المحمولة يحمل فرصًا واسعة لم تُستغل بعد.المصدر

Hideo Kojima, creator of the 2019 hit action-adventure game Death Stranding, has not held back in offering fans an extensive look at Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Its State of Play and pre-order trailers are both over ten minutes long, with plenty of introductions when it comes to story, characters, features, and more. However, despite those two lengthy trailers, there are still a multitude of questions about Death Stranding 2, particularly when it comes to the story and its characters. One character, in particular, appeared for a split second in Death Stranding 2's pre-order trailer, and fans have only been able to speculate on who they might be.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.If you’re looking for a home security camera that doesn’t cost a fortune but still delivers sharp video and smart features, the TP-Link Tapo C120 might be worth a closer look. At $24.99 (down from $39.99), it undercuts a lot of competition while still offering 2K video, color night vision, and voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant. TP-Link Tapo Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Wi-Fi Camera C120 $24.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Get Deal $24.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $15.00 It’s compact, just over two inches wide, with a clean design that fits just as easily on a bookshelf as it does on an outdoor wall. And thanks to its magnetic base and weatherproof IP66 rating, you can mount it indoors or out without stressing over the elements. That said, it plugs in with the included 10-foot USB-C cable, so it’s not battery-powered, but you won’t be dealing with frequent recharges either.What the TP-Link Tapo C120 does well is core functionality. Its video feed is sharp thanks to its 4MP sensor (with a 120-degree field of view), and it gives you full-color night vision (using its Starlight sensor plus its built-in spotlights) when there’s ambient light—or even in complete darkness if you toggle the white LEDs. And if you don’t want to light things up, you can always switch to black-and-white infrared mode via the companion app. Motion detection is customizable—you can set it to notify you only for people or cars, for example, which keeps the spammy alerts in check. You get the option to store clips locally using your own microSD card (up to 512GB) or pay for cloud storage via Tapo Care. That subscription starts at $3.49/month and adds things like longer clip history and better filtering, but it’s optional if you’re okay with handling storage yourself.That said, it doesn’t support Apple HomeKit or IFTTT, according to this PCMag review. Google Assistant and Alexa work fine, especially for viewing the feed on smart displays, but automation is limited beyond that. Two-way audio is there, too, but you have to hold a button on the app to talk, which can be annoying if you're using it frequently. Still, the footage it captures—especially at night—is better than what you’d expect from a sub-$30 camera.

Apple TV+ has a ton of popular originals like Ted Lasso, Severance, Slow Horses, For All Mankind, Foundation and Silo. If you've been meaning to check them out, you can do so for less right now. Apple TV+ is on sale right now for $3 per month for the first three months, bringing the total cost to just $9 for the entire period. That saves you a total of $21 off the standard $10 monthly cost of the subscription that we consider to be one of our favorite streaming services. Apple's shows won 10 Emmy Awards in 2024, including a Slow Horses victory for outstanding writing in a drama series. Although its films weren't up for anything at this year's Oscars, it received 13 nominations in 2024, including Best Picture nods for Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon. Three months of Apple TV+ for $9 is available through April 24. Both new and qualified returning subscribers (those who haven't been subscribed for the past 30 days) are eligible. You also must sign up via Apple directly and not through a third-party provider or your mobile wireless provider. If you don't want to pay full price after three months, just remember to cancel before the renewal date. Check out our coverage of the best streaming deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-three-months-of-apple-tv-for-only-9-193009997.html?src=rss

Former New Zealand Prime Minister reveals how governments, companies and workers can all create a more positive environment

On the morning of March 20, Mathew Roberts was working at a chemical plant on the outskirts of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when he was involved in an accident with a forklift. Unresponsive and in critical condition, the father of two and Iraq War veteran known for his big laugh and warm smile was taken from the Nutrien nitrogen plant to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries.  The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident, along with local law enforcement, but Roberts’s family members said they are still waiting for answers. The workplace death is not unusual in Louisiana, which has been ranked the sixth-most-dangerous state for workers in the U.S., according to a study that used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than 200 chemical plants and refineries sit along an 85-mile stretch of the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, which has been dubbed “Cancer Alley” because of the high rates of cancer linked to petrochemicals. In recent years, there have been multiple chemical plant exposures or explosions in the state. In December, a possible explosion occurred at a Westlake Corp. chemical plant not far from the Nutrien plant. In October, four workers were sent to the hospital after being exposed to ammonia at a Formosa Plastics plant. In September, a hydrogen gas explosion at the nearby Chevron Renewable Energy Group plant injured two people.  Several weeks before Roberts’s accident, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency announced that it will close 11 OSHA field offices, including the one in Baton Rouge that is investigating Roberts’s death. It is the agency’s only office in Louisiana, and its potential closure is raising concerns among workplace safety experts. The closures remain “under review,” per the U.S. Department of Labor, which oversees OSHA.  A Department of Labor spokesperson told Capital & Main, “Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors continue to conduct legally required inspections and remain focused on OSHA’s core mission to prevent injury, illness, and death in the workplace and promote safe and healthy workplaces for U.S. workers.” A spokesperson for DOGE did not respond to Capital & Main’s request for comment.   Former OSHA Director David Michaels said by closing the office, “those enormous oil and petrochemical facilities with significant safety and health hazards will be inspected even less frequently than they are now.” By closing the office, the government will save $109,346, according to DOGE. OSHA staffers in the office will have to choose between leaving OSHA entirely or relocating to another region hundreds of miles away, Michaels said. Staffers at the Baton Rouge office said they’re not aware of any layoffs, though rumors have been swirling since the DOGE announcement in mid-March.  “We’re still here, but I don’t know for how long,” said one staffer who asked not to be identified out of fear it would put their job in jeopardy. In addition to the Baton Rouge office, which conducted 386 workplace inspections over the last year and assessed more than $750,000 in penalties for serious violations, DOGE is also planning to close field offices in Houston and in Mobile, Alabama. “These closures will result in more injuries, illnesses, and deaths,” Michaels said.  Musk’s efficiency mandate will end up affecting workers, said Bernard Fontaine Jr., a former OSHA compliance officer.  “What they’re trying to do is consolidate offices and reduce costs,” Fontaine said. “But the impact of the services being provided is going to be dramatically reduced so that when people call and file a complaint, it may not be addressed for a very long period of time. By then, someone could be very sick.” This piece was originally published by Capital & Main, which reports from California on economic, political, and social issues.

Zen aesthetics is deeply rooted in Zen Buddhist principles with an emphasis on simplicity, natural beauty, and tranquility. Originating in China and Japan, Zen design focuses on eliminating excess by focusing on only what is essential and fostering harmony between elements to create a balanced and serene design. This approach aligns closely with minimalist design and embraces the idea that “less is more.” At its core, Zen design draws inspiration from nature, seeking to reflect its purity and peacefulness in every aspect. This is because it is not just about appearances but about connecting deeply with the essence of nature that promotes calmness and mindful appreciation of life and design. What is the Relationship Between Zen Aesthetics and Minimalist Design? Minimalist design, born from a desire to strip away excess, finds a kindred spirit in Zen aesthetics. Both philosophies champion simplicity as a pathway to clarity, favoring essential elements and a muted color palette. This shared emphasis creates spaces and objects free from distraction, allowing the inherent beauty of form and material to shine. Rooted in Zen principles, minimalist design transcends mere functionality, aiming to reveal the essence of an object and create a timeless aesthetic that resonates with a sense of calm. Zen aesthetics further enriches minimalist design by infusing it with depth and tranquility. Beyond the removal of clutter, it introduces a sense of balance and mindfulness into every design element. This approach transforms minimalist creations into more than just functional objects; they become reflections of inner peace and harmony. By embracing principles like asymmetry (fukinsei) and naturalness (shizen), Zen aesthetics elevate minimalist design, fostering a deeper connection between the user and the object, promoting a sense of serenity and contemplation. Functional Design Zen design emphasizes reduction, and refinement and focuses on functionality with a fuss-free approach that avoids unnecessary elements or clutter. It is a philosophy that reinforces the idea that less is more. The primary goal of zen aesthetics is to focus on simplicity without frills by prioritizing function over form. As a result, clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and only essential elements should be included to solve a practical purpose in product design. This makes the product intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to use. Additionally, Zen aesthetics encourage sustainable design and it aims for longevity and durability in form and function. Form follows function in the Zenbrew coffee maker concept, where each design element enhances the brewing experience and promotes tranquility. The goal is to turn the simple act of making coffee into a peaceful ritual, combining minimalist design, elegant aesthetics, and essential functionality. Zenbrew is inspired by the hourglass shape, symbolizing calm and simplicity, while the designs evoke a sense of serenity. One variation resembles a traditional coffee maker with a glass dome, while the other combines a pour-over device with a Bunsen burner that creates a futuristic, space-like vibe. Zenbrew aims to create a zen-like atmosphere as you brew and sip your coffee and it helps you start or end your day in a mindful and unhurried way. While a beautiful coffee maker alone won’t guarantee a perfect morning it may inspire a more intentional routine. Zenbrew embraces zen aesthetics and encourages slowing down by embracing the moment and turning your daily coffee ritual into an opportunity for peace and reflection especially in the early mornings. Integrates Balance and Harmony Zen design and aesthetics aim to achieve a sense of balance and harmony between various design elements so that they work together effortlessly. The design seeks equilibrium, with symmetry and proportion as essential principles. Balance in product design refers to the visual distribution of weight and creates compositions that feel stable without any part overpowering the others. Also, harmony aims to strike a balance between creativity and visual appeal by fostering a sense of order and unity, while ensuring a pleasing balance between the various design elements. Therefore, in zen-inspired product design, the interaction between form and function should flow naturally and foster a sense of calm and serenity. Outside In is a multifunctional, shapeshifting table inspired by the balance, harmony, and serene design of Japanese Zen gardens. Featuring hand-carved grooves in its timber frame, the table evokes the raked patterns of these gardens, blending minimalist design with natural elements. Designed by Samuel Burns for Sabu Studio, the table is both an art piece and a practical furniture solution. Its sinuous timber surface is paired with hand-carved granite and marble elements that slide across the grooves, offering adaptable flat surfaces. This versatile design allows the marble halves to separate and create smaller surfaces, or these pieces can come together to form a larger tabletop. Burns drew inspiration from the natural flow of water and Zen gardens to bring a sense of tranquility to urban interior spaces. Fully functional and symbolic, Outside In is ideal for hospitality settings or event halls as it blends nature with modern design to create harmony and balance in any space. Nature-Inspired Design Zen aesthetics are deeply inspired by nature, evoking a sense of calm through earthy textures and organic shapes. Materials like bamboo, wood, stone, and clay are commonly used in product design to create a connection to the natural world. This approach embraces a minimal color palette and values simplicity, resulting in uncluttered designs that promote tranquility. Sustainable design practices are also key, with a focus on using natural materials, energy-efficient designs, and minimizing waste during manufacturing, production, and packaging. The products feature organic and rounded forms that are inspired by the fluidity of nature and further enhance the sense of harmony and balance. Blom is an innovative air purifier that seamlessly blends and creates a harmonious nature-inspired design that is combined with advanced technology. Drawing inspiration from the elegance of flowers, Blom’s organic, flower-like shape not only enhances air quality but also elevates the aesthetic appeal of any space. Its design mirrors the natural forms of plants, which purify the air by filtering pollutants and producing oxygen. It is a creative way of symbolizing a harmony between nature and function. This nature-inspired design goes beyond aesthetics and offers practical benefits. Blom can be wall-mounted or placed on a stand, fitting easily into any room. Equipped with a HEPA filter for efficient purification, it ensures a constant flow of clean air. The purifier’s intuitive design includes a magnetic remote and smart technology that allows the users to control the unit via an app. Blom’s fusion of form, function, and nature makes it a beautiful, functional addition to any living space. Embrace Imperfections Zen aesthetics is rooted in the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which encourages the appreciation of imperfection and the impermanence of all things. It invites us to accept the natural cycles of growth and decay, celebrating flaws such as cracks, crevices, rust, and patina as signs of authenticity. In product design, Zen aesthetics embraces these imperfections, viewing them as an essential part of the overall beauty. Each flaw adds uniqueness and character, making every piece one-of-a-kind. Instead of opting for a flawless, mass-produced look, Zen design values individuality and finds beauty in subtle irregularities. For instance, in Japan, Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken objects with gold. The concept of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, is the inspiration behind this unique notebook. Kintsugi symbolizes embracing imperfection and the beauty of restoration by encouraging self-acceptance and resilience. The notebook’s black cover features gold screen-printed lines that mimic the cracks mended with lacquer in kintsugi, representing the strength found in healing and the beauty in flaws. This design invites the owner to reflect on their journey of growth and recovery. Inside, the notebook features pages made from bagasse, a sustainable material derived from sugarcane residue, emphasizing the theme of renewal. By reusing what was once discarded, the notebook not only promotes personal healing but also contributes to environmental recovery. Combining minimalist design with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, this notebook encourages its owner to embrace imperfection, find beauty in brokenness, and create something meaningful from what is often overlooked. It’s a powerful reminder that even the cracks can lead to something beautiful. The symbiotic relationship between Zen aesthetics and minimalist design transcends mere visual similarity, offering a profound approach to creating spaces and objects that nurture both mind and spirit. As we’ve explored through various examples, from the meditative Zenbrew coffee maker to the transformative Outside In table and the thoughtful Blom air purifier, we see how these principles manifest in contemporary design. What makes this relationship particularly powerful is not just the shared commitment to simplicity, but the deeper philosophical underpinnings that elevate minimalist design from a style choice to a mindful practice. When designers embrace Zen principles such as functional elegance, natural harmony, and the beauty of imperfection, they create works that don’t merely occupy space but actively contribute to our sense of tranquility and presence. In our increasingly complex and overstimulated world, the marriage of Zen aesthetics and minimalist design offers more than aesthetic appeal; it provides a pathway to mindfulness and intentional living. These design approaches remind us that true beauty often lies in restraint and that the spaces and objects we surround ourselves with can either contribute to mental clutter or foster clarity. By embracing the principles outlined in this exploration, designers and consumers alike can create environments that not only please the eye but also nurture the soul. In this way, the ancient wisdom of Zen continues to offer relevant guidance for contemporary design challenges, proving that sometimes, the most profound innovation comes from honoring timeless principles rather than constantly pursuing the new.The post Beyond Minimalism: Discovering the Soul of Japanese And Zen Aesthetics in Product Design first appeared on Yanko Design.