DesignYak

Design for Life

BBC's Design for Life is nearing the end of it's first series. Will it return for a second one though? I've found the program entertaining, but does it shine the best light on British design? No. I think everyone on the program is shocked and awkward. The students seem shocked at Starck's high expectations, and Starck seems shocked at the students inabilities to meet them.

Starck set out with the ambition of invigorating British design, creating a new style, but from early on he has seemed resigned to failure. It's a shame, because I think this show could really work. Ben Terrett said on his blog 'designing does not lend itself to exciting TV,' but I think it could. 

For a start the people on the show have to improve. Or at least seem to want to be there. I know it's edited, but they seem to moan a lot about the tasks they've been given, and it's blocked their ability to do the job. They also moan about the time given to complete tasks, which supports what I've said previously about university projects being too long and makes students relax too much. It doesn't really simulate reality.

I'd be surprised if Starck returned for another series, but you never know. Who'd be up for a graphic design version?

Brilliant folding bike

I've now been living in Bristol for nearly a month, and with that comes my daily commute to Cardiff to get to work. Saw this brilliant folding bike which I could easily get on the train. The bike was created by student, Dominic Hargreaves and has been shortlisted for this year's James Dyson award. I love the movement of the front wheel when it's being folded. Take a look...

Typographic Skateboard

Sorry there's been a shortage of posts in the past few days, been really busy with the new job! So here's a typographic skateboard to cheer you up, designed by Antonio Carusone, check out the website. Via Swissmiss

Tetris plant pots

Here's some cool ceramic plant pots by Stephanie Choplin, inspired by Tetris. 

For those of you saying 'I wish I could play Tetris right now..!' Don't fret, click here to play... Ceramic article via Industrial Design Served

Condom USB

I saw this USB Condom in a magazine in Hong Kong. It's designed by Ko Yany. It works by placing the 'condom' over your USB before connecting to the computer, and it senses the presence of a computer virus, protection and preservation!

Stamps celebrate classic British design

Here are some new Royal Mail stamps celebrating classic British designs. Click here to read more about these stamps and more that are to follow. Cheers to my Dad for this post.

Lego Camera

Along with Digital Blue, Lego are creating gadgets for kids, including this Lego digital camera. Sod the kids, I want one! via aboutcolonblank

Click Gloves

Anderson Horta has made these click oven gloves, taking inspiration from the hand icon used on computers. It even has pixelated fingers. Horta is a young product designer from Brazil, you can see his blog here. 

'Tact' Braille Watch

Designed by Julien Bergignat. The word 'time' is inscribed on the watch in braille indicating the direction of reading. Hours are marked by the central circle with a point larger than the secondary circle which denotes minutes. I've always been fascinated by braille, think the idea and simplicity of the design is beautiful.

DesCom

Away from graphics, look at this desk with a laptop built into it, designed by Sung-kyu Nam. It looks amazing, that was my first reaction, but then I thought, that desk would look pretty weird if you took the laptop away. Still think its a good idea and looks really good though, what do you think?