Springwise - Style & Design

Personalized plates and placemats for kids

2009-11-05T22:44:12Z

There's nothing like a baby to inspire adults to seek new heights of design and personalization. Last week we covered RoomsByYou's customizable fabrics for baby rooms, after which we were happy to spot Alphabet Plates, a line of plates and placemats that can be customized for young kids.

With bright, bold designs and BPA-free construction, Alphabet Plates can be personalized to reflect kids' favourite foods, sports, faces or monograms. Those approximating a child's face, for example, allow customization of the 10-inch melamine plate's colour as well as the child's hair, eye colour, skin tone and accessories; two small text boxes can accommodate the child's name and a phrase like "Big Sister." Food-themed designs include pizza and tofu, while volleyball and bicycling are among the sports represented. Alphabet Plates are priced at USD 22. The Florida company's personalizable USD 18 placemats, meanwhile, show where all the dishes and utensils go and are available in English, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Dutch and German. A portion of every sale is donated to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation.

It seems safe to say consumers will never tire of customization, especially when it comes to their children. What we can't wait to see is, who will make the first line of customizable—reusable or disposable—diapers...?

Website: www.alphabetplates.com
Contact: info@alphabetplates.com

Spotted by: swissmiss

Puzzle books given a design makeover

2009-11-04T22:27:26Z

Puzzle books are big sellers, but generally not much to look at. Aiming to capture that gap in the market is a series of eyecatching, pocket-sized books. The Pocket Posh line includes about two dozen books, which retail for USD 7.99. Each features 100 puzzles: crosswords, hangman, word searches, logic puzzles and various forms of sodoku.

Floral and geometric designs grace their covers, and the books have rounded corners and elastic band closures that mimic Moleskine notebooks. Developed by The Puzzle Society and published by Andrews McMeel, Pocket Posh is targeting female puzzlers. Proof once again that everything can be upgraded to appeal to design-sensitive consumers. One for other publishers to be inspired by? (Related: Toilet seat covers, upgraded — Chic vomit bags for morning-sick moms.)

Website: www.andrewsmcmeel.com
Contact: www.andrewsmcmeel.com/contact.html

Crowdsourcing of graphic design goes local

2009-11-03T22:59:00Z

We've written about various ventures that connect businesses with 'crowds' of graphic designers. Most work with contests, meaning that only the winning designer is paid for his or her efforts.

While companies like Crowdspring, CustomAdArt and 99designs (formerly SitePoint) tap into a global pool of pro-amateur or underemployed professional designers, a company in the Netherlands recently launched a local version, focusing on Dutch-speaking clients and designers. Like its international brethren, Brandsupply works with contests that run for 7 or 14 days. Clients outline a project and set the price they're willing to pay, after which designers can submit their suggested solutions.

The downside of a national approach is obvious: a smaller pool of talent to draw on. But for clients who don't feel comfortable communicating in English, or who need designers to be able to understand and incorporate local customs and tastes, local crowdsourcing marketplaces make sense. One to try out in your part of the world?

Website: www.brandsupply.nl
Contact: info@brandsupply.nl

Spotted by: Berend Schmit

Design your own rooms with customized fabrics

2009-10-30T16:28:00Z

Much the way DesignYourDorm gives college students 3D modelling tools to customize and shop for their dorm rooms, so RoomsByYou aims to bring such capabilities to the rest of us.

The California-based company goes well beyond simply allowing consumers to mix and match existing products, however; instead, it offers a combination of customization tools and build-to-order, on-demand manufacturing capabilities to give consumers a way to personalize the textiles used in their room. Beginning with baby rooms, the site lets consumers customize quilts, baby blankets, changing pads, pillows, crib bedding, diaper stackers and more using its assorted fabrics made of cotton, linen or polyester—silk and organics are coming soon. Consumers begin by choosing whether they want a classic or contemporary room. From there, they can mix and match fabric styles created by the site's participating designers, or they can upload artwork of their own for use in creating a new design. A retail calculator keeps track of the running total cost, and rooms can be shared, tagged or used to create a registry. An assortment of precustomized rooms are also available. All items from RoomsByYou are hand-assembled on demand in the San Francisco area. Coming soon are options for designing rooms for kids, teens and others as well.

Similar in many ways to DesignMyRoom—which unfortunately got repurposed since we covered it last year—RoomsByYou is further proof that when it comes to customization, there's no such thing as too much. Keep the design-your-own innovations coming! (Related: Design-your-own duvets — More design-your-own fabric.)

Website: www.roomsbyyou.com
Contact: support@roomsbyyou.com

Folding camper reborn as stylish pop-up lodging

2009-10-28T21:11:22Z

Once popular in Europe, folding campers have come to struggle with a bit of an image problem. They're practical and make for cheap travel, but have as much sex appeal as an orthopedic shoe. Aiming to change that is Opera, a foldout trailer that's as eyecatching and luxurious as it is convenient.

Designed by Axel Enthoven, who has led the department of Man & Mobility at Eindhoven's Design Academy since 1989, the Opera's overlapping domed tent is unabashedly inspired by the Sydney Opera House. It folds out of the trailer in minutes, revealing a sleek interior that includes hot and cold running water, a toilet, a simple stove, a wine cabinet and an espresso bar. As well as two luxury beds that slide together at the push of a button. And an enclosed teak veranda.

More compact than a full-sized recreational vehicle, the Opera allows travelers further off the beaten track, which is why it's being marketed as "your suite in nature". The concept will no doubt appeal to a new breed of nomads who want the feeling of roughing it out in the bush, without the actual roughness. Pricing hasn't yet been announced—Opera will be officially launched in December and taken into production in 2010—but it's safe to say that the company is targeting the high end of the market. (Related: Pop-up cabins designed for stargazing — Upscale camping at summer music festivals — Farm camping in cottage-style tents.)

Website: www.yoursuiteinnature.com (note that the current website is limited to a Flash presentation)

Wheelchair redesigned for better form & function

2009-10-27T22:51:18Z

Much like Club Bounce, which we just wrote about, Nomad Wheelchairs grew out of an entrepreneur's personal need. After spending over a decade in a variety of wheelchairs, director Mark Owen decided it was time to create a product he'd actually be proud to use. Launched just six months ago, the company's first product is the mrk1.

Consumers' increased interest in—and knowledge of—design is influencing manufacturers in every product category, and mobility products are no exception. The mrk1's minimalist appearance, customizable upholstery and careful finishing create an aesthetically pleasing product. Adjustable brakes and axle, improved caster arm and limited number of moving parts, meanwhile, ensure a better functioning chair that is lightweight and durable, with as smooth a ride as possible.

Given the fact that some people spend most of their waking hours in a wheelchair, it's only logical that both its looks and function should make for a pleasurable experience. Long overdue, there's a growing interest in improving that aspect of the health industry, which in turn creates sound opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Website: www.nomadwheelchairs.com
Contact: info@nomadwheelchairs.com

Spotted by: Jay Parkinson

Dell laptops, coming soon in nail-polish colours

2009-10-13T16:45:58Z

It wasn't all that long ago that most technology came in just two colours: black and grey. Palette options for laptops have been around for a while now, however, and a new partnership between Dell and nail-polish maker OPI promises to send the list of choices into overdrive.

Just in time for the holidays, Dell Mini, Inspiron and Studio laptops will soon be available in colours including “I’m Not Really a Waitress,” “Strawberry Margarita” and “Kyoto Pearl.” Twenty-six new colours will be added exclusively to the current Dell Design Studio palette and pattern options beginning next month in the US, and they will include not just 20 classic OPI colours but also six holiday-themed shades such as “Dear Santa,” “Merry Midnight” and “Smitten with Mittens.” Seasonal shades will vary, and availability in other countries will follow the palette's US introduction. Select OPI colours will also be available at many retailers.

Colour choices are Dell's most popular option for its consumer laptops, it says, proving once again that a splash of style can go a long way towards setting contenders apart. Could a bold new palette—and a smart brand partnership—create fresh excitement about *your* product line...?

Website: www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/design_studio/en/us/design_studio
Contact: support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/contact_us

Wave the magic wand to flip to the next channel

2009-10-12T13:45:50Z

Reimagined with inspiration from Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, the boring old TV remote control can now be replaced with a far more entertaining object. Like the Wii remote, the Kymera Magic Wand contains an accelerometer, allowing its holder to use gestures instead of pushing buttons.

By putting the wand in learning mode and 'commanding' it with a regular remote control, the Kymera can be programmed to learn up to 13 gestures: rotate clockwise to turn up the volume, for example, or flick right to switch to the next channel. Since the Kymera uses the widely accepted magical powers of infrared technology, it can be programmed to control not just televisions, but also DVRs, stereo sets, laptops (presenting a slide presentation will suddenly become a lot more fun) and other IR-friendly equipment.

The Wand Company—which is based in the UK—created a website that will enchant its audience as much as the product does, presenting it on aged paper pages and with illustrations and wording to match the wand's magical qualities. Currently only available online, the Kymera sells for GBP 49.95 and is shipped worldwide. (Packaged, we should add, in a 'faux dragonhide box line with Chinese silk brocade'.)

The obvious business opportunity here is to try to get hold of distribution rights, although The Wand Company has already received a great deal of trade interest and states that it will only be selling from its own website for the foreseeable future. The big picture opportunity isn't as easy to execute, but is equally obvious: take an everyday object and turn in into something extraordinary and delightful, and customers will line up at your door.

Website: www.thewandcompany.com
Contact: info@thewandcompany.com

Wedding registry for original art

2009-10-07T06:50:42Z

Should marriage really be celebrated with pots, pans and food processors? Aiming to offer a less dreary alternative, New York's nAscent Art has launched a registry service. The service, dubbed ArtWish, gives couples the chance to create a registry from art works showcased by the company. nAscent Art will then email the couple's friends and relatives explaining how they can purchase works from the list outright, or make a partial contribution as a gift. Customers have work from over fifty emerging New York artists to choose from, with pieces ranging from silk paintings to steel sculptures. Says nAscent co-founder, James Wallace: "We really bring art back from the stratosphere to prices within the reach of ordinary people. ArtWish is just one more way to reach that goal."

Recently married themselves, co-founders James and Jennifer Wallace wondered why art wasn't available on their own wedding registry. This formed the inspiration for the service. However, it's not necessarily limited to couples. With the holiday season on its way, some families might be spared the high-street frenzy by an invitation to chip in for a piece of art online.

Website: www.nascentartny.com
Contact: info@nascentartny.com

Spotter: Cecilia Biemann

'Stock market' for art to crowdfund 10 public projects

2009-10-01T21:55:40Z

Hard on the heels of our story about ArtPrize comes news of another artistic endeavour that's tapping the power of the crowds. It's not contest-judging that the crowds will have a hand in this time, however; rather, through a microfinance model much like the stock market, consumers can invest in—and profit from—public art projects they like.

Unveiled earlier this year at TED Palm Springs by New York media company Fame Theory, Trust Art is a social platform that aims to commission 10 public works of art over the next year. A select group of artists were invited to propose their dream projects and to realistically assess what it would take to bring their projects to life—including material costs, travel and other logistical expenses. The Trust Art website includes descriptions of those projects and costs, along with current updates. Each project is then assigned a certain number of shares—equal to twice its funding target—and half of those shares are automatically assigned to the participating artist. The rest are put up for sale, and consumers are invited to become shareholders in any project with as little as USD 1, giving them access to the artists and network of shareholders as well as special events. Next spring, each public project will be represented by a private piece of art that will be publicly auctioned. Proceeds from those sales will first go toward paying for the auction and paying back shareholders relative to their individual contributions; after that, the rest will be split 50/50 between the artists and the network of shareholders—again, relative to how much they originally invested.

The initiative's website explains: "Trust Art is a radical experiment in raising capital for social art. Its starting point is the assertion that social art can more easily raise social capital (i.e. networks of people interested in and talking about it), and therefore it should be able to more easily raise financial capital (because this is more easily raised as groups grow). So Trust Art exploits social networks of people (some already connected, some newly connected) to add value to social art."

Ultimately, Trust Art hopes to exist as an ongoing open platform whereby any artist can propose a dream project and get funded by the crowds. One to watch--or get involved with?

Website: www.trustart.org
Contact: info@trustart.org

Spotted by: Dietrich Arndt

Crowds judge world's biggest art prize

2009-09-28T20:22:18Z

Judged by a select group of insiders, art awards aren't known for their democratic approach. Uprooting that tradition is a contest that's currently being held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. ArtPrize will award the world's largest prize—USD 250,000—to the piece of art that receives the most votes from visitors. Aiming to "reboot the conversation between artists and audiences on a grand scale" the competition allows any artist to enter, any visitor to vote and any venue in Grand Rapids to exhibit. By uploading their portfolios on the ArtPrize website and connecting with venues, 1,262 artists have secured exhibition space at 159 sites across the city, including galleries, office lobbies and outdoor public spaces.

Voting is divided into two separate stages. During the first week, each visitor can give an "up-vote" to every piece they like, and a "down-vote" for every entry that doesn't take their fancy. (Only up-votes will decide the winner; down-votes are used to help highlight the most controversial works, or decide in case of a tie.) In the second week, the top ten pieces are voted on—one person, one vote. To be eligible to vote, all visitors must register in person with ID. They can then vote online, or via mobile devices as they browse through the galleries. The winner will be announced on October 8.

ArtPrize is the brainchild of entrepreneur Rick DeVos, son of local businessman and politician Dick DeVos, who is sponsoring the competition through his family's charitable foundation. It's breaking ground not only by letting the crowd be the judge, but also in allowing any artist to enter and any space to exhibit. For two weeks, the city of Grand Rapids is one big art gallery, and a smart example of how to put crowd clout to work.

Website: www.artprize.org
Contact: info@artprize.org

Spotted by: Jordan O'Neil

Furniture with a story, crafted from salvaged sailing dhows

2009-09-24T21:46:15Z

Dhows are boats of an ancient design that East Africans have long sailed on the Indian Ocean from Goa to Oman, following monsoon winds back and forth to Mozambique for fishing and cargo transport. Though such vessels typically get beached and abandoned when they can no longer weather the seas, Portuguese House of Wonders salvages and gives them new life in its line of one-of-a-kind furniture.

Retired dhows typically contain hardwood planks and frames that are still salvageable, so House of Wonders buys them from sailors on the coast of Tanzania, giving those owners the funds to build new ones. Meanwhile, the company ships the salvaged boats inland to its workshop near Dar Es Salaam, where more than 40 "fundis," or craftsmen, carefully disassemble and then re-invent them using almost exclusively traditional hand tools. More than 150 unique pieces are currently available, each with a certificate of origin including the story of the particular dhow that provided its wood. Custom pieces are also available. In addition to a showroom in Dar Es Salaam, the company's standard furniture line will also be displayed in a gallery in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Cascais, Portugal, starting in November. Products are available for shipping directly from Tanzania or consolidated through House of Wonders' logistical points in Europe, the Caribbean or the Americas.

While using salvaged wood with an interesting history is undoubtedly a clever move for any furniture maker, what's even more clever about House of Wonders' approach is making the most of that history with a certificate that explains each product's background. After all, as regular Springwise readers know, there's nothing like a product life story to elevate its authenticity and still-made-here appeal—not to mention its value. What recycled materials could *your* brand salvage and incorporate into its design and marketing...? (Related: Virgin Atlantic's seat covers, reborn as bags — Airplane trolleys, revamped & repurposed.)

Website: www.house-of-wonders.com
Contact: www.house-of-wonders.com/Index.asp?pagename=Contact+Us&site=1&siteid=1873

Connecting creative consumers with local fabricators

2009-09-21T18:45:52Z

Regular Springwise readers may remember Ponoko, the company that turns consumers' creative ideas into real-world, manufactured goods. Some 30,000 products have been made a reality using Ponoko since its launch back in 2007, and now the company has kicked off yet another initiative: 100kGarages, a site that connects creative consumers with small-scale, local garages that can do the manufacturing for them.

Soft-launched in May through a partnership between New Zealand-based Ponoko and North Carolina-based ShopBot Tools, 100kGarages is a community of workshops distributed around the world that are equipped with the digital fabrication tools needed to precisely cut, machine, drill or sculpt the components of virtually any creative project. "Makers"—or those with ideas—can post jobs on the site for items they'd like to get manufactured, including their ideal purchase price and delivery deadline along with sketches and details about colours, materials, measurements and so on. The site is powered by Ponoko's online "click to make" system, and makers can search for a workshop by location as well. "Fabbers"—the small-scale workshops with the necessary tools—can then bid on those jobs with their offer to do the manufacturing. Makers negotiate directly with fabbers on the details of the transaction; once the maker sends payment, the fabber produces and delivers the product. After the work is done, makers can rate and review the fabber in question.

Enabling anyone with an Internet connection to get almost anything custom-made and delivered from thousands of local digital manufacturers, 100kGarages aims to use "grassroots enterprise and ingenuity" to help "modernize school buildings and infrastructure, develop energy-saving alternatives, or simply produce great new products for our homes and businesses." One to put to work for *your* next big idea...?

Website: www.100kgarages.com
Contact: info@100kgarages.com

Colour-changing home appliances by Karim Rashid

2009-09-17T19:53:24Z

High-end appliance manufacturer Gorenje is showing ovens and fridges in a different light through their recent collaboration with New York-based designer Karim Rashid. Appliances in Gorenje's new line feature colour-adjustable LED strips, making the Slovenian company the first home appliance manufacturer to offer a solution that allows the users to change the colour of their oven or refrigerator. Gorenje is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of home appliance design. Back in 2006, we featured their Swarovski crystal-encrusted fridges; since then there have been collaborations with top designers Pininfarina and Ora-Ïto.

But this latest line of products is perhaps conceptually their most interesting. Rashid builds on a trend that started in a London hotel: St. Martin's Lane enabled guests to sculpt the lightscape of their rooms back in the '90s. The concept then moved into homes with Philips Living Colours lighting range, which allows people to change a room's colour to suit their mood or to create a different ambience. Applying the concept to large appliances like fridges and ovens is a logical next step. “Today we are dealing with a society based on experience, so objects need to blur experience with form", explains Rashid, reflecting the theme of trendwatching.com's 2006 briefing on insperiences. (Related: White goods morph into whiteboards.)

Website: www.gorenje.com
Email: info@gorenje.si

Chic vomit bags for morning-sick moms

2009-09-09T16:40:59Z

Morning sickness is an unfortunate reality for many pregnant mothers, and it's often compounded by the stress of being unable to predict where or when it will strike. Aiming to do away with the frantic search for an appropriate receptacle, Morning Chicness Bags offer a way for expectant moms to always be prepared.

Vancouver, B.C.-based Morning Chicness Bags come in six attractive designs that any mom would be proud to include in her purse. All are made of sturdy paper with leak-proof polyethylene lining and horizontal closure clip. Measuring 5 by 3 by 9.5 inches, the bags are priced ranging from USD 7.50 for a pack of 10 bags to USD 27.50 for a pack of 50. Morning Chicness Bags are available both online and through select stores in Western Canada and Oregon. International shipping is available.

And here's where we repeat one of our favourite refrains: everything can be upgraded! Whether it's vomit bags or toilet seat covers, you can bet there will be consumers willing to shell out a little more for a nicer alternative, particularly when there's a social angle involved. What other seemingly lowly necessity could stand a fresh—and premium—redesign... ? (Related: In-hospital spa services for new moms.)

Website: www.morningchicnessbags.com
Contact: info@morningchicnessbags.com

Spotted by: Sandy Manners