Two pandemic-inspired trends that have lasted through 2024: Somewhat paradoxically, people are spending more time at home, as well as spending a lot of time outdoors. Here are the innovations we saw this year aimed at both of those environments.To meet a German client's needs, Polish architecture firm KWK Promes developed this privacy fencing that appears at the push of a button.In Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, these roller shutters are common. They resemble the rolldown gates urban American stores used to protect their businesses, but here the application is domestic, allowing homeowners to black out a room in seconds. In a village in Canada, residents are used to visiting bears destroying their privacy fences. Some neighborhood kids devised this outside-of-the-box solution.This homeowner hacked a way for his robot dog to help him out with yardwork.Worried about your tissue box blowing away in a strong breeze? Japanese design firm Form Design Studio created this tissue box made out of iron. Canadian firm Bateman Labs has a new take on work-from-home and gaming set-ups. They've devised a new furniture category: Modular armchair-based workstations and gaming stations. Tracing paper patterns onto fabric is time-consuming. This hi-tech Ditto system projects the patterns directly onto your fabric. In an effort to combat clutter, industrial design firm Kritzer came up with this unusual U-shaped power strip. No room for a laundry rack? Singaporean company Good Living offers this hi-tech automatic ceiling-mounted retractable laundry rack. Running out of space in the kitchen? Japanese company Yamazaki offers this add-on kitchen drawer and worksurface. A company called Rinseroo has harnessed the properties of thermoplastic rubber to create this Slip-On Tub Hose. U.S. Gymnastics coped with this year's sweltering Olympic Village by bringing in BedJets, which are in-bed air conditioning systems. Chinese company Xiaomi designed a draft-free air conditioner that exploits cool air's tendency to sink. If you're DIY'ing your house's interior, Trusscore is a user-friendly sheetrock alternative. Moving outside the house, the Bola Grill Master is a low-tech design for a barbecue grill with height-adjustable cooking surfaces. A similar take, with a different execution: The Takibi Stand, a space-saving Japanese alternative to the barbecue grill. Also from Japan comes this Square Kettle, which the manufacturer says boils water faster. Meant to cope with uneven ground, this camping table from Ruck & River only has one leg. For those who prefer four legs, French company Fixmotion's self-stabilizing outdoor tables get rid of wobble on uneven surfaces.Veteran tent designer Jake Lah created this Cot Tent for Helinox. No more sleeping on that cold, hard ground. Gear Aid's Heroclip is a carabiner with a swing-out hook and a pivot. Australian industrial design firm Tricycle re-thinks the design of the overlanding water tank with their G-Series. And finally, Gnara's GoFly zipper design makes it easy for women to pee outdoors.

Weve all had those frantic momentsdigging through bags, scrambling through drawersonly to come up empty-handed when it comes to finding a pen or pencil. Its the kind of chaos that can derail a flash of inspiration or a quick jot-down of genius. Thanks to the comeback of paper notebooks and analog productivity systems, keeping a writing tool on hand is no longer an oddity but a badge of preparedness.Yet most pencils and pens simply arent cut out for the job. Pencils snap under pressure, leads break, and mechanical ones need refilling like clockwork. But what if you could carry a writing instrument that never runs out, never needs sharpening, and never snapsno matter how hard you push it or how unceremoniously you stash it? Enter the Pocket Everlasting Metal Pencil, a sleek, game-changing upgrade to your everyday carry that ensures youre always ready when creativity strikes.Click Here to Buy Now: $18 $20 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 24 hours!Breaking the Writing BarrierThe pencildespite being a timeless toolhas always been a bit high-maintenance. Whether its a traditional wood pencil or a fancy mechanical one, they all suffer from the same Achilles heel: they require constant sharpening, lead refills, or worse, breakage mid-thought. Its enough to snap your train of thought in half while you scramble for sharpeners or spare leads, and stress levels rise with every scribble.The Pocket Everlasting Metal Pencil redefines the writing experience by eliminating those weak spots entirely. At its core lies a revolutionary special alloy that mimics the properties of traditional graphite but without the fragility. It delivers the clean, expressive quality of a 2H pencil, so your writing feels natural and familiar, but heres the kicker: it barely ever needs sharpeningor none at all. Gone are the days of dull points or broken leads disrupting your flow.A Writing Tool That Goes EverywhereAt just 4.7 inches (120mm), this all-metal pencil is compact enough to slip effortlessly into your pocket or EDC toolkit. Its the perfect balance between portability and comfort, never too short to cramp your style during extended note-taking sessions and never too long to feel cumbersome. Whether youre brainstorming ideas at a caf or sketching designs on the fly, this pencil is always at handready to roll when you are.Design That Does It AllTrue to its name, this everlasting pencil doesnt just performit looks the part. The faceted metal barrel, finished with a tactile matte texture, feels premium in hand and guarantees a secure grip no matter how you hold it. That subtle texture isnt just for show; it prevents the pencil from rolling off desksbecause losing your tools mid-work session is the kind of drama no one needs.And because details matter, it comes with a leather cap thats as stylish as it is functional. Slide it over the tip and tuck the pencil safely in your pocket without worrying about stray marks on your clothes. Its a small touch that makes this tool as easygoing as it is reliable.The Pencil, PerfectedWhether youre drafting designs, jotting down quick notes, or sketching the next big idea, the Pocket Everlasting Metal Pencil delivers a smooth, stress-free writing experience every time. Its the tool youll reach for again and againready, reliable, and always sharp. Its time to leave broken leads, dull tips, and endless sharpening behind. This is writing, redefined.Click Here to Buy Now: $18 $20 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 24 hours!The post Everlasting Metal Pencil Changes How You Write With No Sharpening Needed first appeared on Yanko Design.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, 2024 has ushered in a wave of groundbreaking designs that push the boundaries of innovation and redefine our relationship with devices. From futuristic smartphones to compact computing solutions, this years tech landscape is rich with creative concepts that challenge conventional norms. In this 2024 Wrapped, we have curated five exceptional tech products that blew our minds this year.Each tech product offers a unique perspective on functionality and design, showcasing the creativity and forward-thinking that drive the tech industry. Whether its a smartphone with an unconventional shape or a mini PC that fits in your pocket, these innovations promise to change how we interact with technology. Dive in!1. Nokia Infinity ProThe Nokia Infinity Pro Concept Phone transforms the smartphone design with a unique pill-shaped form, which challenges the conventional candy bar design. The device merges the elements of foldable clamshells and smartwatches, providing an ergonomic fit with its curvaceous shape.The phone features a full-surface screen, which wraps around the front, creating an immersive display experience. The back features a dual-camera system and a circular display for notifications and control when placed face down. The concept isnt simply about aesthetics, it also redefines functionality and ergonomics in smartphone design.Why is it noteworthy?The Nokia Infinity Pro demonstrates a bold departure from traditional smartphone designs. By eliminating sharp corners, it promises a more comfortable grip, addressing a common ergonomic issue. Its innovative screen design maximizes display area, enhancing user interaction. The dual camera and secondary display setup offer new ways to engage with the device, providing functionality without distraction. This concept represents a step forward in smartphone evolution, merging practicality with futuristic design, making its mark in 2024.What we likeErgonomic, corner-free design for comfortable handling.Full-surface screen for an immersive display experience.What we dislikePotential concerns about grip and slipperiness.Conceptual stage with unknown durability and feasibility.2. Nothing Phone (3)Called the Nothing Phone 3 Concept, this design showcases a creative leap in smartphone design. It redefines the brands iconic Glyph interface. It is designed by AndroidLe, and the Glyphs G-shaped arc has been transformed into an O shape. It elegantly encircles the wireless charging coils.The design also includes a revamped LED array around a new three-camera setup, which integrates a clover-meets-fidget-spinner aesthetic. The top-right glyph light, battery, and charging indicators remain intact. The concept successfully embodies Nothings commitment to consumer-focused innovation, and it maintains a distinctive visual identity that sets it apart.Why is it noteworthy?The Nothing Phone 3 Concept showcases a bold design evolution, demonstrating the brands dedication to consumer engagement and innovation. By reshaping the Glyph interface, it offers a fresh aesthetic while enhancing functionality, particularly around the camera system. As a visual exercise, this concept hints at exciting possibilities for future Nothing products, keeping the brands design trajectory intriguing and unpredictable, making it one of the groundbreaking designs we witnessed this year.What we likeInnovative Glyph redesign enhances aesthetics and functionality.Three-camera setup promises improved photography options.What we dislikeThe conceptual design may not reach production.Changes might not appeal to all existing users.3. Philips Screeneo UL5 SmartAnother tech revelation we witnessed in 2024 is the Philips Screeneo UL5 Smart Projector. The appliance is a worthy addition to our homes and entertainment arsenal. It is designed to be a budget-friendly ultra-short-throw projector that creates a captivating viewing experience without a TV. The projector measures over 8 inches long, 3.7 inches wide, and 3.4 inches tall.It can project a 100-inch screen from 20 inches away, transforming any room into a mini-theater. It boasts Full HD 1080p resolution, and a vibrant color output, on account of a DLP chip and triple-laser light source. It creates budget-friendly movie experiences in the comfort of your own home.Why is it noteworthy?The Philips Screeneo UL5 Smart Projector offers an exceptional cinematic experience without breaking the bank. Its standout feature is the 0.23:1 ultra-short throw ratio, which allows it to project a large image from a short distance, making it ideal for compact living spaces. With automatic keystone correction and focus adjustment, setting up the projector is a breeze, letting users dive into their favorite content with ease.What we likeIts compact size and ultra-short throw capability make it perfect for small spaces.Comes with its operating system for streaming services, eliminating the need for extra devices.What we dislikeDoes not offer the 4K resolution found in higher-end models.At 550 ANSI lumens, it might struggle in brightly lit environments.4. Lunar Mini PCNamed the Lunar Mini PC, this design revolutionizes portable computing with its clever design. It is a foldable keyboard that holds a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Processor. The compact device provides a complete PC experience in a portable form. It doesnt include a built-in screen, thereby allowing users to connect to external displays for a tailored setup.This solution saves battery life and aligns with modern work habits, where connectivity and flexibility are required. This mini PC is an excellent option for those who are often on the go. It gives them the power of a full-sized PC, and it will seamlessly fit into your routine, giving you access wherever you like.Why is it noteworthy?The Lunar Mini PC showcases an innovative design that merges portability with high performance. Its design caters to modern work styles, enabling seamless transitions between various environments and display setups. This mini PC is a game-changer for those seeking a powerful yet portable computing solution, making it a standout innovation in 2024s tech landscape.What we likeHigh-performance AMD Ryzen processor in a compact form.Flexible connectivity with external displays enhances usability.What we dislikeThe lack of a built-in screen may not suit all users.Requires external components for full functionality.5. Google TV StreamerSay hello to the Google TV Streamer! This is Chromecasts successor, and Apple TVs natural rival, and one of the designs that impressed us this year. It features a slanted top and a firm block base. The gadget showcases a minimal white color theme, distinguishing it from the small dongle Chromecast. It does maintain the Google TV branding though.It is the latest 4K streaming device from Google, and it is great for your movie-watching marathons. It is paired with a remote led by a D-Pad on the top and the back, and a gray-colored home button. The volume buttons are on the front below the home button, and not on the side.Why is it noteworthy?The Google TV Streamer boasts a refreshed design and comes with an upgraded remote control. The new remote is longer than its predecessor the Chromecast, offering notable improvements in both design and tactile feel. The streaming box itself connects via two cables at the back, likely for power and HDMI connectivity.What we likeFeatures a sleek, flat tabletop form factor.Comes with enhanced and upgraded smart home controls.What we dislikeUtilizes Wi-Fi 5, missing out on newer standards like Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7.It carries a higher price tag compared to the Chromecast with Google TV.The post 2024 Wrapped: Unveiling The Top 5 Innovative Tech Designs first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Obsidian Havenvisualized by Nikoletta Talahadzeis a breath of fresh air. Every detail whispers sophistication, and every corner invites relaxation. All while being a contrast between light and dark gray. The pendant lights cast soft shadows, while the rust accents bring the space to life. A tour through the Obsidian Haven will show you how neutrals can tell a design story of their own.The open-concept living area seamlessly blends the living space and kitchen. A muted grey palette dominates the interior. This is softened by warm terracotta accents, adding depth and vibrancy.In the living area, we see a sleek, low-profile sectional sofa. This is paired with a curved glass coffee table. It is transparent, which means light can pass througha secret to visually opening the space. The orange throw and cushions inject some much-needed warmth in the otherwise contemporary interior.In the kitchen area, a black marble-top island with unique veining makes a statement. This is paired with warm terracotta bar stools. Their rounded designs help add organic formsand, consequently, warmthto the space. The cabinetry is minimalist and hardware-less, while the under-cabinet lighting is incredibly sleek. Together, these enhance the kitchens streamlined look.Throughout the space, floor-to-ceiling windows are paired with easy-to-use blinds. These provide city views, perfectly complementing the modern ambiance.The modern bedroom uses a contrast of light and dark gray. Warm terracotta is injected through the pendant lightsasymmetrically hanging on one side of the bed. The nightstands are sleek and minimalist, while a potted plant and globe light bring each one to life. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, again, provide a glimpse into the busy city outdoors.In one corner, a sleek desk is paired with an orange ergonomic chair, forming a minimalist workstation. Here, open shelving allows plenty of room for accessories.The bathroom continues the dark color scheme with warm accentsparticularly added through the vessel sink. A sleek walll-mounted toilet and shower cubicle make sure the bathroom provides optimal functionality. A special mention for the lighting, which strategically casts shadows to create a visually intriguing environment.

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