Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Lobster, Multimedia Device

Check out this concept multimedia device from designer Danilo Mangini. It’s composed of an LCD screen that acts as a base for a multitude of media modules. By snapping those modules on, you further extend the Lobster’s features. The cool thing about the segmented design is it makes a perfect arm band, that is if you add enough modules.



There’s an MP3 module, a GPS one, a hard drive, a camera, a mobile phone and a heart rate monitor.


What an interesting design, and maybe a glimpse at some of the multifunctional devices to come in the future.

Monday, September 3, 2007

Brix, Real Multimedia Phone




What if you could combine mobile phones (lego-stylee) to get more screen real estate? Well, then you'd have Seok won Hong's Brix.

First and foremost, Brix is a phone. The entire surface is a touchscreen, even void of a receiver. There is no bezel at all so you really get 100% screen real estate on the front. You have all your personal multimedia functions just like any other phone but here's where it gets interesting. By stringing together multiple Brix, you expand the screen real estate. Suddenly video is bigger. A temporary virtual shared folder is created to merge content between the devices until they're disconnected or one device can be designated as the media hub and interface. The awesome thing is the ability to endlessly string together as many Brix as you want. You can easily go from a small media player to a big screen TV. Throw in an external audio jack, DVR functions, GPS and we have a wonder device - like for real.




BRIX multimedia phone concept aims to bring not only people together, but more importantly, their handsets as well...literally. The 1:2 ratio makes it easy to combine a number of BRIX units to create a much larger screen for all to watch and enjoy. This works out especially awesome for overcrowded sports bars. Get enough BRIX buddies together to snag the best seat in the house!




Saturday, September 1, 2007

Tempo, Digital Recycle Bin




Currently just a conceptual design, the TEMPO is an external storage device that’s designed to prevent you from losing files you accidentally delete. The clever thing about it is that it actually looks like a little recycling bin (although it might be mistaken for a cup of really black coffee).

Created by industrial designer Franco Cagnina for Intech, the TEMPO connects via Bluetooth to your Mac or PC and automatically stores backup copies of files as you delete them. As you fill the drive, a series colored LEDs on the side of the device indicates how full the “bin” is.

This is one of those great examples of utility and intuitive interface design coming together. I really hope that Intech does end up producing these.


Client: Intech
Product Type: Storage Device
Design Team: Franco Cagnina