Videochats have become indispensable for businesses, but they're no substitute for a face-to-face meeting. The lack of accurate eye contact is jarring, and it's a lot harder to read visual cues when staring at a tiny head in a laptop screen. Additionally, Steelcase learned during user research, people find videoconferencing mentally exhausting."People need better hybrid collaboration options -- especially in a time where we are spending so much of our day on video -- so we wanted to create a more realistic experience that would help combat digital fatigue," says Steelcase's Christina Vernon, general manager of distributed collaboration and tech partners. "Project Ghost was an experiment to see if people could connect virtually in the same way they might over a cup of coffee. What we found through all of our conversations and in-person demonstrations was that people were craving this kind of immersive and distraction-free experience to really improve their connections with their colleagues."Project Ghost, which was undertaken in collaboration with Logitech, was a trial to see if the companies could jointly create a better videoconferencing experience. The project's experimental prototypes have grown into a finished product, Ocular View. This dedicated videoconferencing booth seats two and, the companies reckon, provides multiple advantages over computer-based Zooms:Ocular View includes a comfortable lounge, small table and soft lighting to help participants look and feel their best. The space was intentionally designed to eliminate distractions, placing the technology secondary to the physical environment. Participants simply tap to join to start the realistic conversation. [The system uses] an effect that removes the remote participant from their background and displays a life-size rendering. The camera also creates eye-to-eye contact by connecting sight lines to create a natural gaze, so people feel as though they are engaging in-person. "When starting on this project, we asked ourselves how we could create a more human connection where technology fades into the background and people are front-and-center," says Alex Mooney, Logitech manager. The goal was to remove "the obvious presence of technology to focus on the engagement between two people." The units come in three different footprints, including a wheelchair-accessible one, and you can spec a variety of panel options. You can learn more here.

This little Corky gizmo was designed for cyclists with drop bars. It's so named because you install it by "corking up" the end of the bar, and now you've got a handy rearview mirror (polycarbonate, not glass) you can flip out. It's attached via a ball joint, so you can dial in the angle. Made by French bike accessories company The Beam, these run $38. They also sell a Corky Urban variant for ordinary handles. (Same price.)

Ample was commissioned to design a lovely tiny home for the Australian tourism and events company Visit Victoria. They came up with a charming and quaint house called Stella the Stargazer. The name sounds pretty poetic, and the off-grid dwelling is quite cute too. It has a rather rustic and raw aesthetic, bringing to mind the image of a rural farm shack. But the interior is really quite comfortable, with a bed that can be pulled out to let you sleep under the stars!It is based on a triple-axle trailer and features a length of 32 feet and a width of 7.8 feet. Old sections of steel were sourced from an abandoned farm shack in rural Penshurst, Victoria and they were used to build the home. Reclaimed corrugated iron and hardwood from the same site were utilized as well, giving the tiny home a shed-like aesthetic.Designer: AmpleTo break away from the trailer footprint, we have incorporated fold-up corrugated eaves, large steel framed East-orientated glazing, and an operable gas strut window, said Ample. Through this primary aperture, our bed platform rolls out and cantilevers from the trailer base. This treehouse-like element is covered from above by the Kundig-esquewindow and protected from bugs by a mosquito net hung at points from the window frame.What makes the tiny home truly stand out is the wonderful stargazing bed! Visitors can raise the glazed wall, and pull out the bed manually, to create the most comfortable and mesmerizing under-the-stars experience. If the weather isnt right, they can simply push the bed and stay inside.As you enter the home through sliding glass doors and a deck area, you are welcomed into the kitchen. The kitchen includes a wood-burning stove that also serves as a hotplate, as well as a propane-powered stove, fridge, sink, and some shelving. Reclaimed hardwood and porthole-style windows were incorporated throughout the home, to add some interesting personality and character.An operable window offers access to the deck area, allowing you to serve food and drinks. The tiny home also includes a dining table and a living room area with a sofa. A bathroom is placed behind the kitchen, and it also showcases a shed-inspired look. It features burnished steel, copper, and brass plumbing fittings.The tiny home can run off the grid using a solar panel system and batteries. It also includes a generator that will work when needed. A rainwater collection system has also been integrated, as well as tanks to hold greywater and waste. Stella the Stargazer can be booked for around US$210 and moves around in different locations.The post Slide Out The Bed Of This Off-Grid Tiny Home For The Ultimate Stargazing Experience In Nature first appeared on Yanko Design.

Footwear icon Nike and the creators of the classic Monopoly game set, Hasbro, have come into a special collaboration to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the board game on November 19 with a limited-edition Monopoly game set themed after the basketball legend LeBron James. Dubbed LeBron 22, the game set is fine memorabilia for both sports and Monopoly fans across all age groups.The board game, with a fresh twist, is not a solitary-themed item born out of this collaboration that no one saw coming. Anyway, comes along with exclusive LeBron sneakers inspired by the Monopolys design elements. The game set on the other hand comes with LeBron-themed playing pieces including rings, basketballs, sneakers, and jerseys that take the gameplay to the next level of fandom.Designer: Nike x HasbroHasbro x Nike Monopoly-themed speakers come in two distinct designs. The Currency and Token. While the first is inspired by the graphic approach of the money in the game of Monopoly, the latter is envisioned after the game tokens in luxurious blue and gold floral print. Both have their own journey and style but live up to the common goal of celebrating LeBrons admirable gameplay and lifestyle, and Monopolys iconic status. The Currency colorway is ready to drop on November 15 with Token arriving on the 19th.Aside from the release of the game of Monopoly and the thematic sneakers, Nike and Hasbro plan on bringing the LeBron 22 Monopoly Game Set to LeBron James House Three Thirty community center in Akron, OH, to celebrate Monopoly Day on November 19. Along with a life-size version of the game being hosted at LeBrons I Promise School where sixth to eighth-grade students will have a chance to experience Monopoly in a brand-new avatar. The idea of the large game board is to promote financial literacy with interactive gameplay.The post Nike and Hasbro collaborate over Limited-Edition LeBron themed Monopoly Game first appeared on Yanko Design.

Style: California Coastal Living RoomColor Combination: soft white, sandy beige, ocean blue, warm wood tonesWho is it for: Perfect for those who love a relaxed yet pulled-together look. Ideal for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone wanting their space to feel like a casual-luxe coastal getaway. This layout works beautifully for families who entertain or anyone seeking a serene, welcoming space thats both stylish and comfortable.Budget: $$California Coastal Living Room shopping listBelow we present a curated list of products presented on the board:1. Upholstered L-Shaped Sofa2. Champlain Coffee Table3. Braithwaite Upholstered Pouf4. Modern Painting Art5. Sarrah Blue Quartz Rug6. Ayala Vase7. Paradise House Plant8. Throw Pillow9. Square Chenille Pillow Cover10. Dou Lid Storage Basket11. Huhne Abstract Sculpture12. Brass Gold Shaded Pendant13. Abstract Vase Artificial Plant14. Arnelda End Table15. Osmond Linen Sling Chair16. Abstract 3 Piece Print Wall ArtTips and suggestionsColors That Work Together: The cloud-white sectional anchors the space like a pristine beach, while ocean-inspired blues add that perfect coastal pop. The warm wood tones echo beach driftwood, creating a natural, grounding element throughout the space.Wall Details: The triptych artwork brings the ocean inside with its calming blue waves and organic patterns. Think of it as windows to the sea adding depth and serenity without overwhelming the room.Furniture Picks: The oversized sectional offers plenty of lounge-worthy seating, while the sculptural wood coffee table adds organic movement. The casual chair brings in that perfect beach house vibe and invites a cocktail. Bringing Nature In: The large-leafed plant adds life and movement, while woven baskets bring texture and practical storage. Its like bringing the outside in, but in a curated and intentional way.Smart Lighting: The modern drum pendant adds architectural interest while keeping things coastal-cool. Table lamps can be added for evening ambience if you would want that sunset-at-the-beach glow.Textures: Heres where this space really shines plush upholstery, woven textiles, smooth wood, textured pillows, and that gorgeously detailed area rug all work together to create a rich, layered feel thats so essential to coastal design.The Final Note: Coastal style doesnt have to mean seashells and anchors everywhere. This space shows how to create a beachy vibe while keeping things modern and fresh. Mix comfortable pieces with natural textures, add touches of ocean blue, and keep it light and airy.Want to share your coastal-inspired space? Tag us in your photos or drop us a line at response@home-designing.com. Wed love to see how youre bringing the beach vibes home! For more regular updates from Home Designing, join us on Facebook. If you are reading this through e-mail, please consider forwarding this mail to a few of your friends who are into interior design. Come on, you know who they are! AdvertisementRelated Posts: 31 Low Light Indoor Plants That Flourish in Dim Spaces 25 Cozy Mid Century Modern Living Room Ideas 24 Dreamy Rustic Cottage Living Room Ideas 51 Modern Houses That Impress With Stunning Architecture, Pools & Landscaping

The 20th anniversary of World of Warcraft deserves an epic in-game event, but it's a jumbled mess of nostalgia.The anniversary event is full of sound and fury, thus far signifying no thing.

Remember SSHDs? Huawei's gone a step weirder by combining an SSD with a tape drive.SSD speed with tape's low cost and reliability. A match made in heaven or the worst of both worlds?

And it's generating a fierce debate.

MegaLights changes the game for creating realistic lighting and shadows.

Putting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services would fulfill Donald Trumps promise to let him go wild on health.