Monthly Archives: February 2015

A Perfect Bag For The Techy-On-The-Go

Screen Shot 2015-02-27 at 1.30.37 PM

We rely on our devices to get through the day, and like most people these days, if any of them get too close to 10% battery life, we have a minor anxiety attack. So, we carry our chargers with us, wondering when we will be in contact with the next power outlet. AMPL has designed a backpack for those that are constantly on-the-go, multi-tasking, and always on our devices, called the SmartBag.

This backpack charges your gadgets while they’re in your backpack. You can also monitor the charging status of your electronics without having to even reach into the backpack, from the mobile app. It has several layers that serve as separate charging stations for each of your devices, i,e phone, laptop, tablet with USB outlets. Since the bag is holding some of your most valuable gadgets, it is quite durable. It is shock-absorbing and water-resistant.

What Sparks our Fire:  Designing with those constantly on-the-go in mind.

What are your thoughts on the SmartBag?

Is This Packaging Still Effective?

004

As consumers in a digital age we are constantly marketed to, as result brands continually evolve to differentiate themselves.  In response to the overload of visual stimuli, Mehmet Gözetlik from design group Antrepo gradually took away major components from iconic brand packaging in their latest project, “Minimalist effect in the maximalist market.”

Once the packaging is stripped of its logo and identity is it still effective, or even recognizable as the iconic brand?

The images go in order of variation as follows…
1. Original variation
2. Simple variation
3. More simple variation
4. No logo variation

005 007 010

What Sparks our Fire:  An interesting exploratory on consumer packaging design.

Which variation do you think is the most effective?

Never Lose Your Wallet Again

Screen Shot 2015-02-25 at 12.07.57 PM

Let’s face it, we’ve all misplaced our wallet and felt that moment of panic. Where’s Wallet is a Kickstarter project that is eliminating that fear. Each wallet comes with a thin sensor that connects to the Where’s Wallet app. You can set a range and will be alerted when you step out of that range without your wallet. The app will help guide you back to your wallet. Even if you accidentally turn off the notification range, you can view where your wallet was last located. The wallets are sleek and stylish, and the app seems quite easy to use.

What Sparks our Fire:  Sleek design meets user-friendly technology.

Would you buy yourself this wallet?

A House Designed For Car Enthusiasts

Screen Shot 2015-02-24 at 3.24.43 PM

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has begun designing a house in Denmark that reflects a car showroom. Why? Well what better way to incorporate a client’s passion. Rather than keeping a vehicle in a garage where no one can see it, why not build the home around the showcasing of vehicle.

The house is in the form of a loop, which helps display the cars like you would see in a show room. The loop leads from the driveway, to showroom, then into the house, in an upward spiral. The house is centered around a beautiful courtyard.

What Sparks our Fire:  Innovative design with the client’s passion in mind.

Would you live in this house?

Meeting Room Meets Playground

king-arthur-round-swing-table-3

Your company’s conference room just got a little more exciting. Thanks to Duffy London and their design of the King Arthur, Round Swing Table. Gather round the table for a meeting, conference, brainstorm session, or a swing? Either way they’re pushing the envelope and defying gravity.

What Sparks our Fire:  Making the work space a little less average.

Would this swing table distract or inspire you?