Category: Product Design
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Hello Kitty Train
Why do places like Japan think of inventive ways of taking the mundane task of commuting to a whole another level? Hello Kitty is getting their own themed bullet train which will take to the tracks on June 30th.
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Speculating the Future of Food
In a recent Monocle Minute newsletter, they featured California-based chef James Corwell who has created Ahimi, a tuna alternative made from tomato, soy sauce, sugar, water and sesame oil. This is coming after the stark realization that within the next 30 years, because of overfishing there may no longer be any fish in the sea. Which means…
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Branding a brandless company – Muji
What I love about Muji is the simplicity in their designs. You can see it in every aspect of your home. There’s a sense of zen and cleanness about the look and feel of their products. In recent years this company has started to expand its product line to pre-fab homes to hotel chains in…
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Dezeen and Instagram team up for @design
In a world where influencers rule the day on social media. Two of the biggest influencers in architecture and design have joined forces to outsource the content. They recently did a call for contributors to be one of the founding members to be featured during Milan Design Week. One of the caveats, you actually have to…
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Salone del Mobile – The Manifesto
As another Salone del Mobile approaches, one interesting development is to see how exhibitors and the rest of the industry will respond to a new manifesto that was published ahead of the event. The manifesto calls upon the industry to up its innovation and sustainability, citing specifically the need to embrace the “circular economy” and…
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The Maker’s Bill of Rights
Published by Make: in 2005, the Makers Bill of Rights articulates a list of 17 commandments that manufacturers should follow to make their products repairable and hackable. This manifesto is for those who want the freedom to tinker with, remake, repair, recombine, and upgrade the things they own. By advocating for an open, and resilient product system means…
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Bachelor of Branding Charrette
The Institute without Boundaries is known for their charrette process. A quick, dirty and effective way of producing many ideas and then editing it all down to the best possible outcomes. This charrette was to help the faculty and staff develop a new curriculum for a new bachelor degree. As they are in the preliminary…
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New Double Deck Go Buses
These buses were made for me…well for those travelling to-and-from the Hamilton GO station. When I first saw them on the road, I was excited because it meant that I could get a new perspective on my daily commutes. Here are some quick facts about the new buses: lower floors, and a longer, more gradual…
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The Price of Luxury
I buy luxury brands for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I want people to know that I can afford fashionable brands. Secondly, I believe in buying high-end quality items. Thirdly, I love the beautiful packaging it comes in.
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History of Wedding Favours
I recently went to a wedding this weekend. I don’t understand why people get married in the winter, it’s so cold that it doesn’t matter what you are wearing because you are going to be wearing your heavy coat regardless. Anyways, when we got to our table and there were so many things on the…
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Suncayr wins again!
This year’s Skyrocket Brand Prize was a close call. Each company had something unique and useful they wanted to bring to the world to make our lives better. Whether it is a platform for growing your own food, eradicating homelessness, protecting yourself from skin cancer, promoting active lifestyle or choosing the right education. But Waterloo-based startup Suncayr beat…
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Brian Pullen – Path to a Product
Brian Pullen is a designer and entrepreneur living and working in Toronto, Canada. He has been a creative director of more than 200 digital projects, ranging from websites to apps and games. In his Keynote presentation, Brian discusses “The Path to a Product – Building startups & making things,” bringing his experience in processes,business models, design…
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TeaBOT debuts at Nuit Blanche
The winner of Digifest’s 2015 IT’S A START Pitch Competition, TeaBot, debuted it’s custom tea dispenser at MaRs Discovery District during Nuit Blanche last week. All night long it served custom cups of tea to the crowds of people looking for something hot on the chilly night. 2016 IT’S A START Pitch Competition is now…
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Apple ups its game with staff offering fashion advice for wearables
Apple has hired Tag Heuer’s sales and retail VP Patrick Pruniaux to help market the Apple Watch to a larger audience. Understanding that it’s current tech-driven sales tactics will need to be massaged to create larger appeal, Apple is now training its staff to offer suggestions for customers on how the Apple Watch can be…
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DIAMOND SHADES by 13&9 Design
The Geometric Collection represents the combined skills from multiple professions – each with an individual history, background and approach to design. The first release of the Geometric Collection is titled Diamond Shades and is a limited edition collection which features distinct contours and facets, produced with high quality craftsmanship, made by hand in Austria.
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Material Lust does Lighting
Handmade in Italy by artisans outside of Florence the new Material Lust Lighting Collection expands the Geometry is God furniture collection released in 2014. The line is driven by a fascination with Pagan and Alchemical symbolism and ancient geometries. With this series, we have attempted to reinterpret these markings without losing the potency of their primary aesthetic.
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Harrods Cafe by DRS
The 160 m2 sandwich cafe takes inspiration from classical London club interiors using hues such as deep green, dark blue and rich burgundy. The brand new sandwich bar has been refashioned as an unusually chic and comfortable bolthole to complement the acres of retail within the world renowned department store. Tom Dixon Sandwich is furnished…
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Sony looks to revolutionize the way doors lock
In attempt to divert some attention from Sony Pictures’ recent security breach, the Japanese conglomerate reveals its latest innovation, the Qrio Smart Lock. Touted as the smallest and most intuitive of its kind, the device allows users to open doors with their smartphones and share encrypted keys with friends through messaging apps like LINE and…
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Gabriel Chandelier lights up the Palace of Versailles
A dramatic new chandelier created by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec with the support and expertise of Swarovski is lighting up the entrance to the King’s Grand Apartments at the Palace of Versailles. The award-winning designers created a majestic chandelier made of Swarovski crystal whose sweeping grace and modern lines integrate harmoniously with the historically charged…
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Urban gardening with EarthBox
I don’t mean to sound like a entrepreneur pitching their product to investors in the Dragons Den, but the Earthbox is the ultimate gardening system. As a designer, I’ve never had a green thumb but these planters really make me feel like an urban farmer. Currently, we are using this revolutionary product on two of…
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Designer Series: Pete Bresse
Pete Bresse is the owner of Eclectic Revival, a local vintage and custom lighting shop located in the trendy Junction neighbourhood. In the video, Pete walks us through the design process, and why his love of cars has translated into his one-of-a-kind designs.
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An Evening with Ace & Tate
Last month I was invited to the launch of a new eye-wear brand Ace & Tate. Currently, only available in Europe, the stylish frames offer a variety of silhouettes perfect for those wanting to sport the ‘hipster’ look.
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CYQL- a one of a kind ottoman
CYQL is a new ottoman concept developed by Design Laboratoire made with recycled bicycle inner tubes. The very unique pattern of this wrapping-like process gives it a fantastic look. The mix of tube’s quality, sizes, colors, and prints gives CYQL that unique industrial feeling and makes a real statement in any living room. Each ball…
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NEO LAMINATI by Kelly Behun
The Neo Laminati collection is a reinterpretation of some of the 20th century’s most memorable design movements: Avant Garde, OpArt, the Memphis Group and Minimalism. All surfaced in high quality laminates, each piece in the collection is available in a range of finish combinations including three custom stripe patterns and a rainbow of pre-selected solid…
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Wanted Design 2014
A round-up of what was showcased at this year’s Wanted Design event. Highlights include Ligne Roset, Moroso and Mush-Lume.
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Poetic technology by Daan Roosegaarde
Daan Roosegaarde 2014 from Richelle Sibolboro on Vimeo. Artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde discusses technology and its ability to translate poetic spaces derived from nature.
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This Is Not A Toy
At the intersection of art, design, fashion, music, luxury goods and street culture, ‘This Is Not A Toy’ is THE contemporary art and design show of 2014. Guest curated by Grammy and Oscar-nominated creative Pharrell Williams, the exhibition showcases work that have never been seen in Canada and the world. Co-curators John Wee Tom and…
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TAS Named Green Home Builder of the Year
Last Friday night TAS was named Green Home Builder of the Year (High-Rise) at the 34th annual BILD awards – an event that recognizes the finest projects in the GTA’s design and development industry. This BILD pinnacle award recognizes the builder who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the implementation of green building practices from the site…
Richelle Sibolboro 