Plywoodie: The Car

via Yanko Design by Chris Burns on 7/27/09

Jonathon Henshall�s got quite the upgrade for the woodie! Perhaps you�d like to first take a look at a Woodie Gallery. Ok so you�ve got an idea of what�s going on. Here�s the future. Light plywood structure with degradable impregnated fabric coverings. Also rubber wheels and a few metals on the bottom. Perhaps you�d also like to avoid hitting anything ever! In this future there�s no crashes!

Once you�re inside take a look at the seats: combos on top of combos. Made for any number of different family members (perhaps for you expanding families?) Conceptuality ho! And of course, if you�re interested in these sorts of wild designs, take a peek through the entire Yanko Design automotive category.

Designer: Jonathon Henshall

Hydration Protection Snowsports Wear

via Yanko Design by Radhika Seth on 7/21/09

One of the biggest bnummers of any sport is the fear of injury from falls and winter sports are no different. Here is a jacket that proposes to act as a protective gear against those accidental slips on the ice, which can be really painful. The design includes an impact chamber filled with water and air that acts as a cushioning. On impact, the air is pushed up the back channel and into the dissipation chamber situated around the jacket�s neck, inflating it. Wear it and show off your stunts, without fear!

Since the neck area gets inflated, it offers a certain degree of whiplash protection and support. It�s a good idea to fill in drinkable water into the chamber; coz once you�re knocked down you may want to replenish yourself with some.

Designer: Francis Fox

AUDI EXO

via Yanko Design by Anthony James on 7/1/09

When I first learned to ride a horse, I was told that I needed to move with the horse, as if of one mind. I was bucked off twice before I finally let go and learned to let go and move with �Davis� the horse, as opposed to trying to force her to bend to my will. That lesson seems to be apparent in Designer Andrea Mocellin�s latest �EXO- AUDI� concept. Andrea feels that the best way to drive is to be at one with your machine.

By �Taking advantage of the exoskeleton and nanotechnology evolution, we can create a potential energy source and produce a new generation of human powered vehicles: faster and stronger.� Inspired by sports equipment, footwear design and human instinct, this design uses the owners own kinetic energy to power your way down the street. Though it is not quite clear if Andrea is talking about pedal power or full body motion, this design not only re-imagines power train options but also makes us look deeper into the obvious inefficiency of modern human conveyance systems. No wonder GM is having a hard time finding a buyer for HUMMER.

Designer: Andrea Mocellin

Super Green, Super Dangerous, Super Bike

via Yanko Design by Chris Burns on 7/2/09

So you�d like to have a tiny motorcycle. So you�d like to have a fast motorcycle. So you�d like to have a safe motorcycle. I am sorry you cannot have all three! What you�ve got here is a very fast, very dangerous vehicle. It�s called the Halbo, and it�s got a BMW stamp on it. It�s tiny and it�s got a front wheel motor combined with a sphere form rear wheel.

The target user for this vehicle is a �vibrant eco-minded young individual.� Speed on! It�s half the size of the �regular high end motorcycle,� and it�s full name is Halb Organismus.

Wild enough?

Also it�s electric powered. The front wheel is stationary, while the back� tail� turns left to right. It�s like flying an X-Wing! Or� like a motorboat! Or� anything with a stationary front end!

Designer: Pierre Yohanes Lubis

Future Duo-Wheel Transport BMW Halbo Pierre Yohanes Lubis

Nissan Motivity 400C - The Car of Magnetic Proportions

via Yanko Design by Chris Burns on 7/1/09

You�ve got the need for the speed in the streets. You�ve got to go faster than your crappy metal-on-metal jalopy can take you. Faster, harder, stronger! Check out the Nissan-Motivity 400C concept by Tryi Yeh. The 400C has the Maglev engine system in each tire, making it quite floaty and speedy. The 400C has a wild, new triangle shape that reduces drag, while the driver seat controls retain their classic build (although, as you�ll see, you still might have a time getting used to the seat!)

A little more info on the Maglev concept:

The use of the physical properties of magnetic fields generated by superconducting magnets to cause an object (as a vehicle) to float above a solid surface.

- Merriam Webster Dictionary

This method has the potential to be faster, quieter and smoother than wheeled mass transit systems. The technology has the potential to exceed 4,000 mph (6,400 km/h) if deployed in an evacuated tunnel.

- Wikipedia

The above speed(s) are, of course, assuming you�re rocking a bullet train on the magnetic-levitation tracks. With a car using maglev wheels, the benefit is much, much less. But a benefit nonetheless. Rock them wheels!

Designer: Tryi Yeh

Behind The Scenes With Philips X810

via Yanko Design by Radhika Seth on 6/25/09

Ardent fans know that YD rarely covers real-live phones and lets the tech sites do the honors. On the rare occasions that we do cover them, it�s coz we try and bring out a different angle to the phone, like the design angle. I had the opportunity to interact with the Philips X810 designer Trent Stoddard and understand his sensibilities in designing this phone. The task at hand was to design a phone for the Chinese market, for a user who needed a large range of functions (like handwriting recognition) plus reflect luxury and individuality.

Relying on his trademark straightforward and honest design approach, Trent employed contrasting materials like stainless steel and rubber to scrounge out a �minimal yet iconic� design.

Inspiration is an integral part of design and Trent was inspired by bars of gold and silver and even organic elements like waves and sand dunes. Apparently the wave form at the answer keys acts to protect the screen when the phone is placed face-down. The detailing on the phone was inspired by fashion accessories like the buckles on handbags and shoes.

I know the techie in you wants to know the specs, so feast on it here.

BTW, care to tell me what inspires you designers when you sit on the drawing board? Leave me your comments; I�m sure they will inspire all of us!

Designer: Trent Stoddard for Philips

The Car That Hangs Outta Your Window

via Yanko Design by Radhika Seth on 6/22/09

Picture this: you walk into this hub hanging outta your high-rise apartment and then it gently glides down to the ground level. Touch ground and it transforms into this ultimate car that looks and feels SEXY! This IS the Peugeot Metromorph and it transports you thru the city with ease. I dunno about your hometown, but where I live, I got to pay premium rent for parking my car in my apartment building. This kinda concept looks at eliminating parking woes. Hit the jump to see how this beauty soars.

There are some specific features that have been attributed to the Metromorph, to make it a viable concept:

Drivetrain- the vehicle is powered by two in wheel motors placed in the back. There are two battery cases on the back as well.

Interior- the seats are held by rotating arms which keep the seat level when the vehicle goes vertical or horizontal. When the vehicle is a balcony the seats are placed on a rolling base which enables them to become lounge chairs thus freeing up the interior of the car to make it a balcony. The interior is also left fairly hollow to accommodate the balcony mode.

Exterior- the car is designed to not look like a car vertically mounted to a building and still look like a vehicle when it�s on the road. So the wheels are concealed toward the inside. Rather than go vertically like many scissor doors today Metromorphs� arms rotate closely around the vehicle allowing the doors to freely open in a cramped area like a garage.

A Car Elevator!

Designer: Roman Mistiuk

Mobile Script Phone Needs No Batteries

via Yanko Design by Long Tran on 6/16/09

Yay! It�s been awhile since we�ve posted a mobile phone concept that promises to do everything under the sun in the thinnest form factor. I was getting withdrawal symptoms. The Mobile Script phone explores what functions any contemporary mobile device should have; internet access, documents on the go, games, communication, and mobility.

It has 2 touch screens, one in a traditional candy bar style format, the other a flexible OLED that stiffens with a low voltage charge when you unfurl it. This layout enables maximum real estate when watching movies or editing documents when you need it.

Okay if that wasn�t enough, there�s more futurist fantasms. You don�t need to charge it, yes you heard right. The case is covered in a photo sensitive nano material that converts sun light into energy. Oh my!

You know what? I like it.

Designer: Aleksandr Mukomelov

New Rollercoaster, Get Me A Dramamine

via Yanko Design by Long Tran on 6/11/09

Thrill seekers pack your bags because come this summer, a new roller coaster opens for your g-force fetishes. The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in Universal Orlando, Florida pulls a bunch of firsts like the world�s largest non-inverted loop and musically inspired maneuvers like the �Treble Clef� which you guessed it; is in the shape of the musical nomenclature.

The new innovative roller coaster combines music with highly sophisticated audio and video recording so you can witness the exact moment you lost your lunch. Creative Director Louis Alfieri was responsible for everything from the concept and aesthetic design, architecture, landscape, content production, and new media components. The coaster was manufactured by Maurer S�hne.

It utilizes a newish track system dubbed X-CAR which enables ride maneuvers not possible before. The musical aspect of the ride comes in the form of 30 popular songs you choose using a digital touchpad on your seat. Polk powered speakers blast the music into your ears at a brain reverberating 90 decibels for that truly customized experience.

When we talk about industrial design, we speak of creating experiences to make the world better. It doesn�t always have to be a utilitarian experience. Pure entertainment and putting smiles on people�s faces is also an experience that can make the world a better place. Happy people = Better world. So what�s up Universal? Wanna fly the Yanko Design staff and some of their readers out this summer for a test ride?

Designers: Louis Alfieri, Maurer S�hen

No Tangible Screen For this Mobile Phone

via�Yanko Design�by Radhika Seth on 6/10/09

Are you over the iPhone 3G S and Palm Pre? Good, coz I got to get you prepared for the future. In ten years from now, there probably will be no war amongst manufacturers with regards to display; coz there simply will be NONE! Holograms will replace the screens! Trou Hologram Mobile Phone relies totally on 3D holograms being projected in the vacant display area. Tiny projectors line the inner surface of the hollow and bring to life the many aspects of the technology. Imagine seeing 3D maps of a particular area or your girlfriend�s hologram when she calls!

Designer:�Mac Funamizu

Magnificent Men And Their Flying Ferrari

via�Yanko Design�by Radhika Seth on 6/8/09

While designer Iman Maghsoudi gave us a�Ferrari�that was akin to operating a PC touching speeds of 200 km/h; designer Vincent Montreuil has a different vision for the speedster. Adding a third dimension to the pulsating sport, he envisions race tracks in the air, demarcated with levitating lines (or ropes; u get the drift); and a Flying Ferrari X-Racer in the forefront. Call him crazy or over-ambitious, but it�s not hard to imagine his concept taking shape�say 50 years from now!

Designer:�Vincent Montreuil