Analysts surveyed by LSEG are expecting Amazon to report revenue of $187 billion for its latest quarter on Thursday.

IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season will not be allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline, according to a letter sent Wednesday to IRS employees.The letter says that critical filing season positions in Taxpayer Services, Information Technology and the Taxpayer Advocate Service are exempt from the administrations buyout plan until May 15. Taxpayers have until April 15 to file their taxes unless they are granted an extension.Union leaders and worker advocates have criticized the proposal and question whether the government will honor any buyout contract.The news comes after President Donald Trump announced a plan to offer buyouts to federal employees through a deferred resignation program to quickly reduce the government workforce. The program deadline is Feb. 6, and administration officials said employees who accept will be able to stop working while still collecting a paycheck until Sept. 30.The buyouts, sent to roughly 2.3 million workers, are for all full-time federal employees with some exemptions, including military personnel, employees of the U.S. Postal Service and positions related to immigration enforcement. Its unclear if IRS workers who accept the buyout would only receive five months of pay instead or if they would also get a full eight months.The federal government employed more than 3 million people as of November, accounting for nearly 1.9% of the nations entire civilian workforce, according to the Pew Research Center.Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, has advised all federal workers not to accept the offer, which she says is dubious.This is not a good deal for them, Greenwald told The Associated Press. If you sign this document and then later change your mind, you are left without any power to fight back.Since federal employees are working under what is called a continuing resolution that keeps the government funded until March and the Anti-Deficiency Act prohibits agencies from spending more money than is actually appropriated funding for the buyout plan has not been approved, Greenwald said.She added: I do not recommend people sign the document. They need to have control of their own career, and this document does not give it to them.The NTEU union represents roughly 150,000 employees in 37 departments and agencies.This country needs skilled, experienced federal employees, she said we are urging people not to take this deal because it will damage the services to the American people and it will harm the federal employees who have dedicated themselves and their career to serving.Jan. 27 is the official start date of the 2025 tax season and the IRS expects more than 140 million tax returns to be filed by the April 15 deadline.What most people dont realize is that 85% of the federal workforce works outside of D.C., she said. Theyre your neighbors, your family, your friends. And they deliver key services for the American people.Fatima Hussein, Associated Press

Theres no question that the face of America is changing. Those under 18 are the first majority minority generation: 53% are non-White; one in four are Hispanic, and one in five are the children of immigrants. But while evolving racial demographics are reshaping rising generations, we are no longer a young nation: by 2030, Americans older than 65 will outnumber those under 18, a major deviation from 2000 when 26% were under 18 and just 12% were over 65. Add to that a widening wealth gap: The gap between top one fifthincomes and bottom one fifth incomes has increased by 53% in the past decade.To better understand the impact of these changes on the mindset and needs of this evolving populace, BBG Ventures conducted a study with 2,000 Americanslarge enough to be statistically relevant across race, gender, age, income, and geography. Our expectation, given the growing divide in the U.S. was that we would find major differences among racial groups, genders, and generations. But while its clear that Americans define their identities based on a unique perception of their place in the world, we actually have common priorities, needs, and concerns across nearly every age group, race, and gender.Health and Financial Security are the top two priorities for every race and gender, and nearly every age group. The exception is that those under 18 place Employment and Education as their top priority followed by Health.HealthWhen we dig deeper into health and well-being, Mental Health is the number-one concern, driven by finances, stress, and loneliness. After Mental Health, nearly every segment noted Sleep as their second highest priority.While there are varying degrees of satisfaction with interactions between Americans and their doctors/care providers, there is close to unanimous agreement on the most desired improvement. Notably, the ability to see a doctor virtually came in last for nearly all segments. Rather, Americans want their doctors to provide personalized care, including culturally competent care; have better availability for appointments; and be more present and less distracted during visits.Financial SecurityAs for Financial Security, the majority of Americans across nearly every segment lack confidence or feel neutral about their financial literacy (54%). Even more lack confidence or feel neutral about their financial position (65%). Paying bills consistently is the number-one financial goal for nearly all races and generations, followed by saving for an emergency fund. The high cost of living and inflation is the number-one factor preventing people from building wealth. This is despite the U.S.s so-called superstar status when it comes to GDP growth, historic unemployment rate lows, increasing household wealth, and wage growth versus costs. Whatever the stats say, the pain of high costs is firmly planted in American minds.Opportunity for entrepreneurs and investorsWhat do we take away from this? The emergence of Americas Polyculture, in and of itself, should not drive an us and them mentality, despite what social media might make you believe. The primary concerns and greatest needs of Americans across race, gender, and age are the sameand the presence of common needs suggests that the opportunity for transformative solutions is bigger than the sum of its parts.We can build highly scaled solutions; but how we go to market, and the user experience itself, will demand a new level of personalization that reflects our evolving polyculture. Heres how entrepreneurs and investors can not only spread this message, but drive meaningful change:Prioritize mental health in product developmentMental health is the top concern for most Americans, especially younger generations. We need a focus on developing tools that address mental health challenges, such as stress management, loneliness, and sleep improvement, along with availability. Its important to acknowledge that platforms have entered the market to solve for this in the 20202021 boom, but there remains room for innovation in integrating mental wellness into broader ecosystems and creating more culturally competent and personalized care. What we now need are founders who bring nuance to the approach, particularly for the younger generation who live their lives online. Further, integrating mental wellness into broader product ecosystems, whether in healthcare or tech, is essential to meet this growing demand.Address financial insecurity with accessible solutionsWe found that 65% of Americans lack confidence in their financial position. Startups have a significant opportunity to build tools that empower financial literacy, provide budgeting assistance, and help with wealth-building strategies. Platforms that personalize financial advice or automate savings and debt management could close the confidence gap and improve financial outcomes, particularly for underserved communities. Again, tools exist today to help people manage their finances, but more can be done to address specific challenges faced by different communities, particularly the 54% lacking confidence or feeling neutral in their financial position.Innovate for workforce flexibility and career shiftsWe found that 84% of employees are considering a career change. While job numbers may wax and wane, 84% suggests a larger job dissatisfaction epidemic in this country. Platforms that support career transitions, entrepreneurship, and freelancing, or offer new pathways for upskilling, job flexibility, or alternative work arrangements will tap into the dissatisfaction with traditional employment and enable people to stay productive well past traditional retirement age. Many Americans still need better tools for career transitions, freelancing, and upskilling, particularly with college enrollment at the lowest levels weve seen in three decades.Simply building scalable solutions isnt enough; while existing platforms have made strides in addressing the mental health, financial security, and workforce concerns that Americans share, there is still much work to be done. Entrepreneurs and investors must prioritize personalization and cultural competence as they develop the next generation of solutions. By doing so, they can help not only transform individual lives but innovate in a way that reflects the complexity of Americas polycultural future.Nisha Dua and Susan Lyne are cofounders and Managing Partners of BBG Ventures (BBGV), a seed and pre-seed venture fund backing high growth. For more information visit www.bbgventures.com, follow on bbgventures and connect on BBG Ventures.

British studio Foster + Partners has unveiled a pair of residential skyscrapers and an office towerin Bankside that will be "London's lowest whole-life carbon high-rise development".Set to be built on a1.8-acre (7,284-square-metre) site overlooking the Thames, The Round was designedby Foster + Partners for developer Hines with the aim of promoting wellness for its users."Sustainability is key to the overall design vision of The Round," the studio told Dezeen. "It will be London's lowest whole-life carbon high-rise development."Foster + Partners has unveiled a mixed-use development in LondonThe development will comprise two 40 and 22-storey residential buildings at 155 and 98 metres high. Alongside these, the tallest building at 195 metres will be a 45-storey building containing 74,000-square-metres of "wellbeing-led" office space.The development will also contain 1,850 square metres of cultural spaces and a 300-seat auditorium that will surround a public plaza.Sustainability strategies were integrated into the development, with The Round designed to be 100 per cent electric and net-zero carbon in operation through the use of ground source heat pumps that will deliver 95 per cent of the site's heat demand.The development will include residences, offices and cultural space. Render by BinyanAccording to the studio, the development is expected to create a 153 per cent increase in biodiversity, with the planting of 69 new trees.Additional strategies like therapy rooms, napping pods and workout facilities were established alongside wellness company Pillar to address issues such as social isolation, depression and anxiety."This wellbeing-first philosophy informs every aspect of The Rounds creation, from the design of indoor and outdoor spaces to material selection and programming, ensuring both individual and community wellbeing are actively and passively enhanced," Hines told Dezeen.It will be 100 per cent electric and net zero carbon in operation. Render by BinyanRenders of the development show grass-covered outdoor spaces that connect to a series of brick buildings complete with expansive glazing and overhanging greenery.The residential buildings will be articulated by external balconies and will contain 433 mixed-tenure homes. The taller tower will contain private homes with the shorter designated as affordable.Alongside this, the commercial building will be defined by largely glazed facades divided by vertical aluminium panels.Read: Foster + Partners redevelopment of Television City in LA moves forward"The chosen materials and colour palette are inspired by the surrounding context of Southwark, where brick and stone are prominent in the industrial and warehouse structures, as well as the railway arches that define the area," Foster + Partners said."By incorporating these materials, colours, and textures into the cladding design, the proposal seeks to reflect the character and vibrancy of the local community."Brick will be used for the buildings. Render by DBOXInside, renders reveal lofty interiors where curving platforms connected by staircases will host social areas equipped with seating space.Use of greenery will also extend to the interior, where structural details such as large openings to maximise sky views and fresh air ventilation systems will contribute to promoting wellness.Gardens added every three floors are designed to bring greenery to the facade, as well as enhance users' connectivity with nature.The interior has been designed to promote wellness. Render by BinyanElsewhere, the studio has unveiled designed for a series of undulating beachfront residences in Brazil and construction has begun on its two stepped-back towers in the Philippines.The renders are courtesy of Eleven unless otherwise stated.The post Foster + Partners reveals trio of skyscrapers overlooking Thames in London appeared first on Dezeen.

Swedish designer Jenny Nordberg has unveiled a collection of furniture at Stockholm Furniture Fair, made from used parts that are otherwise difficult to recycle.Nordberg worked on the project with Soeco, a Swedish company that refurbishes used office furniture for the second-hand market.Nordberg created the collection using recycled furniture partsThe designer took parts that Soeco struggles to sell and transformed them into designs that include a conference table, a cabinet, modular seating and a linear pendant light.Nordberg is exhibiting the collection, The Executive, in lvsj Grd, the section of Stockholm Furniture Fair dedicated to limited-edition design and gallery pieces.An old jalousie cabinet was upgraded with a new paint finish and replacement doorsHowever these designs are not just one-offs Soeco is taking orders from customers, with plans to mass-produce some of the pieces."You can order everything and it's reasonable in price," Nordberg told Dezeen.The project suggests how recycling might play more of a role in furniture production in future.A coffee table makes use of oddly shaped MDF desktopsIt was initiated by Sueco's recently appointed CEO, Mattias Andersson, who was interested in exploring how the 12-year-old company might evolve and adapt in changing times.Andersson gave Nordberg free rein to experiment, telling her she could work with anything the company had in its storage warehouses.The designer describes this warehouse as "a library of possibilities"."I said to them, point to things you can't sell," she explained.Old partition walls were used to make upholstered seatingA series of sound-absorbing partition walls provided the framework for upholstered seats in a mix of sizes, all based on the dimensions of the boards as found."The challenge here was to create furniture with minimal alterations to the partition walls, as they are difficult to cut," said Nordberg.The feet and cushions were also made from recycled material. The upholstery is the only new part, made from a "naked" vegetable-tanned leather.Filler marks and lacquer paint give a colourful finish to a conference tableAn undesirable jalousie cabinet was upgraded with a new paint finish and replacement doors made from plywood offcuts, featuring handles made from recycled aluminium profiles.Old tabletops were transformed into a conference table with a surprising colour finish, produced from filler marks and lacquer paint, and a series of oddly shaped coffee tables.Read: lvsj Grd exhibition showcases "functional sculptures" and undulating furniture"I wanted to use the shapes that were there," said Nordberg."They had around 500 of these strangely shaped desktops and couldn't sell them."A hanging light uses parts from old desks and whiteboardsThe collection includes a hanging light made from the curved beams from the frames of height-adjustable desks, along with pen holders from old whiteboards.There are also smaller designs, including a table lamp, a tray, vases and a wall-mounted sculpture.Once Stockholm Furniture Fair is over, all of the works on show will be used to furnish Andersson's office. This led to the project name, The Executive.Smaller pieces include a desk lamp made from aluminium profilesSoeco is a subsidiary of Yllw, an interior design company owned by leading Stockholm retailer Nordiska Galleriet (NO GA), so it is well-positioned to have a wider impact on how manufacturers work with recycled parts.Nordberg, who is based in southern Sweden, produced all the pieces in collaboration with Soeco's workshop team in Dalby, near Lund.Stockholm Design Week 2025 takes place at various locations around the city from 3 to 9 February. To see what's on, visitDezeen Events Guide. FollowDezeen LIVE for exclusive previews of products, installations and events.The photography is by Robert Whlstrm.The post Jenny Nordberg creates office furniture from "library" of unwanted parts appeared first on Dezeen.

To the layperson, wood is wood, metal is metal, that's as far as it goes. The average person may not understand why Cedar is a good choice for outdoor furniture or Oak makes for a hardy floor. Ditto with the various types of metals. Stainless steel, particularly in the EDC market, is often cited along with a number, meant as shorthand to express the benefits of that particular grade. Do ordinary consumers know the difference?Here I'll break down the stainless steel grades that you're most likely to see in product design or architectural applications. This isn't a comprehensive list, but something that industrial designers should at least be able to explain to their clients.The first number of a stainless steel grade denotes which general category it's in, and the second two numbers indicate the specific ingredient blend, which influences the material's properties.300 Series, AusteniticStainless steels in the 300 grade are the most widespread. They've got excellent corrosion resistance. They've got excellent ductility, meaning the material can be shaped and deformed without cracking. And they are not magnetic.304 Stainless SteelPerhaps the most common type you'll see, as it's easy to form and weld. You'll see it in kitchen sinks, elevator doors, hospital furniture, architectural panels and handrails. It's food-grade, so they make commercial kitchens out of the stuff. 316 Stainless Steel This one ups the already-good 300 series' corrosion resistance to marine-grade. You'll find it on boat fittings, as well as architectural panels and outdoor handrails in coastal areas. It's also bio-compatible, so you can make orthopedic implants out of it. Like 304, it's food-grade. 303 Stainless Steel Similar to 304, but modified with a splash of sulfur to make it better for machining. It's the stuff that non-magnetic screws and bolts are made of. 400 Series, FerriticThe 400 series in the Ferritic subcategory are magnetic, and offer just moderate corrosion resistance compared to the 300 series. They're also less expensive.430 Stainless Steel Basically a lesser, magnetic version of 304. You'll see it in architectural panels, but typically interior only (remember, it's less corrosion-resistant than the 300 stuff). An expensive truck fender might be made of 304, and the manufacturer might offer a step-down model made of 430; the latter will require regular preventative maintenance to avoid corrosion. Interestingly, some manufacturers claim 430 is food-grade, while others disagree. That said, you can easily find commercial kitchen equipment made of the stuff.Top, more expensive 304. Bottom, more affordable 430.409 Stainless Steel This is what the exhaust system on your car is made out of. You use 409 when you have an application that requires heat resistance. 444 Stainless Steel Above we'd mentioned that 316 is the go-to for marine environments. If your client just doesn't have the budget (or if the application really needs to be magnetic), you can step down to 444, which is cheaper and still able to deal with moderate marine environments. You'll also see this in architectural panels in coastal applications, where 316 might've been more desirable, but the scale of the project made 444 more financially feasible. 400 Series, MarseniticThese are 400 series materials that have been heat-treated, endowing them with high strength and wear resistance.410 Stainless Steel You'll find these in kitchen cutlery, utensils, and fasteners where magnetism is desirable. You'll find a lot of self-tapping screws are made of 410, as the heat-treating gives them the strength required to drive through the part. 420Basically more expensive 410, with some trade-offs. It's got more carbon, making it harder and more wear-resistant than 410, but it's also less ductile and can be brittle after hardening; your manufacturer really has to know what they're doing. It's harder to machine and weld, and will thus bring higher manufacturing costs. You'll find this stuff in surgical instruments and high-quality knives. If an EDC person with some prized specialty knife is bragging about the material, it's likely 420.Beyond these basic grades you can get into Duplex stainless steels, which combine the properties of austenitic and ferritic steels, and Precipitation-Hardening (PH) stainless steels. These expensive variants are more likely to be used in offshore drilling rigs or aerospace applications, and are probably beyond your average industrial designer's needs. However, if you've worked with these exotics, please let us know your experience in the comments!

The stresses of modern life make it imperative to find moments of tranquility in our daily routines. Whether youre seeking to unwind after a hectic day or simply aiming to incorporate peace into your busy schedule, these innovative products are designed to help you relax, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. From creative skill toys to elegantly designed diffusers, we have curated a collection of the top ten products that will soothe your mind and soul.In a world where our senses are often overwhelmed, these ten innovative products offer a refugea chance to reconnect with our inner calm and enrich our daily rituals. Whether integrating tranquility into your living environment or creating a personal oasis of relaxation, these thoughtfully designed items provide the perfect balance between functionality and peace, transforming your home into a haven for the mind and soul.1. ClearMind KendamaEnter a world of creativity, focus, and skill mastery with the ClearMind Kendama, an innovation designed by Tokyo Kendama. This isnt merely a toy; it is a thoughtful instrument for personal growth and is aimed at improving your coordination and stimulating creativity. It offers a mindful pause amid a busy day.If youre searching for a moment of calm or a challenge to push your boundaries, this kendama is designed to be your ideal companion. It is crafted from high-quality walnut and maple wood, and it promises a tactile connection to the simplicity of traditional craftsmanship. It helps you take your mind off the stresses of daily life!Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00Why is it noteworthy?The ClearMind Kendama showcases a dedication to artful play and mindfulness. Larger cups simplify trick landings, enhancing confidence while nurturing skill development. The balance recalibration introduces precision in motion, optimizing enjoyment in every trick. Its bearing system reduces string twists, maintaining control and promoting seamless play, allowing you to truly enjoy this innovation.What we likeEnhances skill mastery with thoughtful design features.Crafted with high-quality materials for long-term durability.What we dislikeRequires practice to fully enjoy and master.Limited appeal for those not interested in manual skill toys.2. 3-in-1 Luminous Mirror DiffuserSay hello to the Luminous Mirror Diffuseran artfully crafted product that merges customizable lighting, a shadow-free precision mirror, and soothing aroma diffusion. It was designed by the visionary behind the Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser, and it transforms everyday rituals into transcendent experiences by redefining how you illuminate and enhance your space.It is blessed with meticulously engineered features, offering effortless living while simultaneously serving as a refined piece of home dcor. It features sleek and chique aesthetics, making it a stylish and elegant addition to your living space. It boasts customizable lighting that transitions seamlessly between serene, neutral, and daylight tones.Click Here to Buy Now: $699.00Why is it noteworthy?It is equipped with a washable and patented aroma plate, which utilizes aluminum matrix technology to gently diffuse fragrances. You simply need to add a few drops of oil to create a lasting sense of calm and tranquility. This creates an enchanting living space that is relaxing, allowing you to unwind with ease after a long day at work.What we likeMultifunctional with adjustable lighting and aroma diffusion.Minimalist, durable design that fits into any dcor.What we dislikeMay require a learning curve to fully utilize all features.Hefty price tag.3. ZenFlow Personal Aroma DiffuserYou can now immerse your surroundings in peace with the ZenFlow aroma diffuse. It is an exquisite fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and advanced heat and airflow technology. It is designed to blend seamlessly with your interior dcor, and the ZenFlow aroma diffuser eases you into a fragrant, calming atmosphere with each use.The artisanal design reflects the elegance of traditional craftsmanship, reimagined through the lens of modern innovation. The premium craftsmanship and the diffusers ability to soften a room with its aroma make it a must-have for those days when you simply want to escape the world and rush into your little bubble of peace.Click Here to Buy Now: $169.00Why is it noteworthy?The ZenFlow diffuser elevates the aroma experience with a sophisticated metal base and handcrafted porcelain filters from Shibukusa Ryuzo Porcelain, a legacy of over 180 years. It utilizes hybrid heat and airflow technology for even fragrance diffusion without the mess of water. It features three adjustable modes, and the diffuser tailors scents to suit your moodfrom invigorating bursts to gentle breezes.What we likeWaterless fragrance diffusion is convenient and hassle-free.Portable design offers flexibility in usage locations.What we dislikeScent coverage may be limited in larger spaces.Requires regular maintenance of aroma plates.4. Fire Capsule Oil LampYou can now create a peaceful and serene space in your home with the Fire Capsule Oil Lamp. Minimalist elegance meets calming ambiance in this surreal product. It is designed by Eri Tsunoda, and this striking piece transcends traditional lighting to offer a soothing, candle-like illumination, enhancing your daily rituals with its warmth and glow.It is designed to be more than a dcor item, its a source of peace and tranquility in your personal sanctuary. On the days you feel a little glum and blue, this capsule lamp will light up your space and day with its tranquil illumination. It captivates us with its meticulous craftsmanship, which is inspired by traditional tea canisters.Click Here to Buy Now: $89.ooWhy is it noteworthy?It boasts a dust-free, precision-engineered design, an 80ml capacity for prolonged light, and versatility with an aroma plate for calming scents. It is perfect for both indoor ambiance and outdoor tranquility, and it burns cleanly with paraffin oil. It features a sleek, stackable design that combines portability with style, ensuring compatibility with any modern living space.What we likeProvides long-lasting light and a soothing ambiance.Portable with a sleek, modern design.What we dislikeRequires regular fuel refills for continuous use.Aromatherapy function depends on the purchase of essential oils.5. Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser SetCalled the Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set, this diffuser captures the tranquility of the mountains and forests within your living space. This eye-catching centerpiece combines the gentle spread of aromatic oils with the inviting aura of a campfire, offering a serene escape without stepping outside. It is crafted from rust-resistant stainless steel, and it merges functionality with a natural aesthetic.The Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set has a rustic and surreal charm that adds a touch of elegance and comfort to your living space. As you embrace the scents of a forest breeze, you instantly feel relaxed, allowing the worries of the world to wash away from you, and helping you enter a space of calm and serenity.Click Here to Buy Now: $99.00Why is it noteworthy?The Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set artfully combines a rustic design with practical function. The miniature firewood simulates the scent of a forest breeze through essential oils that capture Mt. Hakusans scent, making it a charming focal point in any room. The set includes trivets that transform the diffuser into a pocket stove, offering versatility beyond just aromatherapy.What we likeAttractive centerpiece with the dual function of aroma diffusion and cooking.Rust-resistant construction ensures longevity and easy maintenance.What we dislikeLimited scent range tied to available essential oils.May not appeal to those seeking modern or minimalist dcor styles.6. Buda BallIn a world constantly filled with stress, the Buda Ball offers a unique reminder to take a pause and restore balance. This captivating levitating sphere inspires moments of mindfulness with its ability to float and rotate gently above its base. It is inspired by the innovations of Nikola Tesla, and the Buda Ball combines aesthetics with functionality to enhance your environment and mind.It captivates and fascinates onlookers with its hypnotic, floating presence, providing a time-stopping illusion that brings immediate calm and focus. It is designed with clean, minimalist aesthetics, allowing it to fit seamlessly into any space. It wont look odd in your living space, instead, it will add some peace and charm to it.Why is it noteworthy?Its levitation is achieved through advanced technology, allowing the sphere to hover horizontally or vertically above its base, inspiring a sense of wonder and tranquility. As the sphere rotates in mid-air, it serves as a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the present moment, grounding you amidst lifes ups and downs.What we likeThe mesmerizing design creates a calming visual focal point.Encourages mindfulness and the practice of being present.What we dislikeRequires a stable power source for continuous levitation.May be considered a luxury item due to its price point.7. Japanese Lantern CandleYou can now bring the unique allure of traditional Japanese design into your home with the Japanese Lantern Candle. It draws inspiration from the classic chouchin lanterns, and this candle holder provides a calming light show, ideal for centering your mind before sleep. It features a minimalist design that effortlessly adds a touch of Japanese culture to any interior space.The Japanese Lantern Candle is a true celebration of traditional craftsmanship. It is handmade by skilled artisans in Kurashiki, Japan, and it features a patented technology preventing the outer wax from melting, ensuring long-term use. It makes for a premium and sophisticated addition to your home while helping you unwind after a long stressful day.Click Here to Buy Now: $69.00Why is it noteworthy?The candles unique undulating surface creates a mesmerizing dance of light that promotes relaxation and calmness. The lantern beautifully embodies minimalistic and simple elegance. It not only brightens but also beautifies your space with its cultural essence, making it perfect for both dcor and meditative practice.What we likeHandcrafted design for an authentic cultural experience.Patented technology increases candle longevity and safety.What we dislikeLimited lifespan compared to electric alternatives.Candle replacement is required for continued use.8. Fidget CubeDubbed the Fidget Cube, this intriguing desk toy serves as a perfect companion for those who frequently experience stress and anxiety. It is thoughtfully designed to harness the power of fidgeting, and this addictive little gadget helps users concentrate and finish their tasks with greater efficiency.The cube is ingeniously constructed with six sides, with each side featuring a unique fidgeting mechanism. These various activities collectively contribute to calming the mind and reducing stress. It is excellent for those who get easily stressed during a workday, and need something to break their mental spiral.Why is it noteworthy?The Fidget Cube features six multifunctional sides, each offering a different sensory experience to engage with. Its features include Click, Glide, Flip, Breathe, Roll, and Spineach designed to provide the tactile satisfaction many crave. The Click side is equipped with a clicker, effectively replacing the urge to incessantly click pens. Meanwhile, the glide action replicates the smooth motion of a joystick, adding an extra layer of fun and relaxation. This diversity of options caters to different fidgeting preferences, making it an ideal tool for those who need multiple ways to ease tension.What we likeOffers ten different color schemes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your personality or workspace decor.Enhances focus and aids in organizing thoughts, serving as a useful tool in both professional and personal settings.What we dislikeThe act of fidgeting is not universally acknowledged as positive, and the product may not be embraced by everyone as a beneficial tool.9. ASMR Zen BallCalled the ASMR Zen Ball, this innovative product artfully combines natural and engineered components to create a space-inspired design that provides users with a calming and soothing experience. This compact item boasts a meteorite-inspired porous surface, making it an excellent absorbent for your favorite aromatic oils, enhancing your environment with pleasant scents.The ASMR Zen Ball is an ideal product for those who tend to take tension and get stressed quite easily. It serves as an interesting and fun fidget toy, while also functioning as a source of aromatherapy. It has a compact and minimal design language, which allows it to seamlessly merge with the other accessories on your desk.Click Here to Buy Now: $99.00Why is it noteworthy?The Zen Ball is crafted from authentic volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, allowing it to serve as more than just an aromatherapy tool. It doubles as a fidget toy, offering users a tactile and interactive experience that connects them with the earths natural energy. The unique materials and design make it both a functional and engaging item, ideal for sensory stimulation and stress relief.What we likeFunctions effectively as a fidget toy, offering engaging and calming sensory stimulation.Made from genuine volcanic stone and aluminum alloy, providing a tangible connection to natural elements and ensuring durability.What we dislikeThe ball might accidentally roll if not securely positioned on its base, posing a risk of displacement.10. The SOULThe SOUL is an ambient sound generator that embraces simplicity and elegance, featuring a sleek, all-white, and minimalist design. Its form factor includes eight tactile sliders on the top surface and ambient lighting at the base, adding a gentle visual element to its sound functionality. Unlike many modern devices, the SOUL does not require Wi-Fi connectivity, an app, or Bluetooth.It focuses on providing a straightforward and user-friendly operation that allows it to stand apart from other sound-generating devices. This offers a refreshing change from other feature-heavy gadgets, allowing you to enjoy the relaxing sounds, instead of focusing on how to operate the device.Why is it noteworthy?The SOUL distinguishes itself by prioritizing tranquility and ease of use over complicated features and costly subscriptions. Its tactile spherical sliders enable users to craft personalized soundscapes, allowing you to select different ambient sounds and adjust their volumes to suit your preference. This hands-on approach is designed to help you relax and unwind without the distractions of digital interfaces or external connections.What we likeThe eight customizable sliders provide a high degree of personalization.The minimalist design and lack of connectivity requirements offer a simplistic, distraction-free user experience.What we dislikeThe absence of connectivity options, while offering simplicity, may limit potential integration or expansion in a connected environment.The post Top 10 Thoughtfully-Designed Products To Clear Your Mind & Reduce Your Everyday Stress first appeared on Yanko Design.

Designed by D3 Buro, Andrei Teut, and Elizaveta Vornicoglo, the Willow Apartment pretty much captures the gentle sway of willow treesevoking calm and serenity. It is designed to reflect the soft embrace of nature. And for that purpose, you will see plenty of earthy tones, organic textures, and understated luxury. The gentle flow of wood-grain surfaces and warmth of soft neutrals whisper calm. Think: cloud-like upholstery, light-washed oak, and sculptural accents. These are used strategically, in a way that they blur the lines between modern minimalism and a cozy retreat.The Willow Apartment uses a large oversized sofa, sleek in build, as the main seating space. A rust orange accent chair adds on some more space while incorporating a punch of color. The entertainment complex is sleek, featuring a wooden build and interesting LED lighting. A compact bookcase on one end lets residents showcase their accessories.The dining table uses light-hued wood, as do the chairs surrounding it. Behind this, we see modern, hardware-less cabinetry setting a contemporary ambiance. The wooden detailing and LED lighting make sure to add warmth. The kitchen island also uses a light variety of wood and is paired with three modern rustic bar stools. A vase of small red flowers adds a punch of color.This bedroom in the Willow Apartment features a fluted panel design on the wall. The bed has plush upholstery, and the sleek, low nightstands add luxury. One of the secrets to a modern ambiance is the smooth and minimal cabinetry.Finally, this bedroom uses a wood accent wall to create a welcoming ambiance. The headboard of the bed uses LED lighting, creating a distinct yet warm partition. We love the accent pendant light illuminating the matte black sculpture. Next to this, a bookcase holding decorativesometimes functionalaccessories adds style.

From spreadsheets to Spotify, sometimes all you need is a simple display.

Technically sound, Samsungs latest Android phones are a bit of a snooze.