There are a lot of product developers and designers who love to experiment with ideas for things that we sometimes take for granted. Good thing there are people like them who like to think about ways to improve these functional products. There are also those who think more about the materials used to create such products, especially materials that will lessen our carbon footprint. Chairs and stools are some of those things we don’t really think about innovating but there are still some ways to come up with better designed ones.
Designer: Razeen Mohammed
The EDGAR Stool is a concept for a portable stool born from the idea of creating something functional but also using the least amount of resources in terms of the material used for it, the energy needed to create it, and even the cost that you have to spend. In fact, in terms of prototyping this concept, they only spent around $0.29 in making one of these stools.
The reason for such a low cost is that the stool is made from waste from the packaging of electronic appliances and adhesives. The former is one of the biggest waste issues that we have now as the production of electronic appliances seem to be increasing. Therefore the waste has also been considerable. They were able to conceptualize a two legged stool from these waste materials and it seems to be light enough that you can carry it around.
However, from the product renders and photos, I don’t know how stable it is or how it can hold up a fully grown person. It might be able to fit a child or a really thin and small person but those with considerable weight might think twice about sitting on it. It also doesn’t seem all that comfortable especially if you have a pretty round derriere. But props to the designer for coming up with something that can utilize packaging for electronic appliances.
There are a lot of product developers and designers who love to experiment with ideas for things that we sometimes take for granted. Good thing there are people like them who like to think about ways to improve these functional products. There are also those who think more about the materials used to create such products, especially materials that will lessen our carbon footprint. Chairs and stools are some of those things we don’t really think about innovating but there are still some ways to come up with better designed ones.
Designer: Razeen Mohammed
The EDGAR Stool is a concept for a portable stool born from the idea of creating something functional but also using the least amount of resources in terms of the material used for it, the energy needed to create it, and even the cost that you have to spend. In fact, in terms of prototyping this concept, they only spent around $0.29 in making one of these stools.
The reason for such a low cost is that the stool is made from waste from the packaging of electronic appliances and adhesives. The former is one of the biggest waste issues that we have now as the production of electronic appliances seem to be increasing. Therefore the waste has also been considerable. They were able to conceptualize a two legged stool from these waste materials and it seems to be light enough that you can carry it around.
However, from the product renders and photos, I don’t know how stable it is or how it can hold up a fully grown person. It might be able to fit a child or a really thin and small person but those with considerable weight might think twice about sitting on it. It also doesn’t seem all that comfortable especially if you have a pretty round derriere. But props to the designer for coming up with something that can utilize packaging for electronic appliances.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of smart cities, the integration of technology into everyday life is becoming increasingly prevalent. One innovative solution to the challenges of urban waste management is “Qua” – a system of smart baskets designed to change the paradigm of garbage collection through a bio-inspired and playful approach to social robotics.
Designer: Luca Fiorentino
The creators of Qua have recognized the importance of seamlessly integrating robots into daily life. Unlike traditional robotic designs that may feel intimidating or too ‘robotic,’ Qua takes a different approach by drawing inspiration from nature, particularly the graceful and iconic single-file line movement of ducks. This design philosophy aims to make these robots a familiar and affable presence in urban environments, fostering acceptance and reducing the perceived intrusion of technology.
At its core, Qua is a system of autonomous waste collection baskets designed to move independently throughout the city. The baskets are equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence that allow them to recognize when a user needs to dispose of waste. Instead of requiring users to seek out a designated waste bin, it takes a proactive approach by approaching users when it detects the need for disposal.
The functionality of the robot extends beyond its bio-inspired design. Once it identifies a user ready to dispose of waste, it autonomously navigates towards them, streamlining the waste disposal process. After facilitating the user in discarding their waste, Qua then autonomously returns to a designated charging hub responsible for waste disposal.
One of the key advantages of these robots is their potential to address the issue of littering, particularly among individuals who may be less inclined to walk the extra mile to find a waste bin. By bringing waste collection directly to the user, it offers a convenient and accessible solution to urban waste management. This is particularly beneficial in encouraging responsible waste disposal practices and minimizing littering in public spaces.
However, it’s essential to consider the potential downside of such technology. As noted, Qua could inadvertently cater to the convenience of those who are lazy or unwilling to make the effort to dispose of waste properly. It is definitely serving the larger purpose for society but it raises important questions about the role of technology in shaping behaviors and the need for a balance between convenience and responsibility.
Having said that, Qua represents a groundbreaking approach to waste management in smart cities. By combining bio-inspired design with advanced robotics, Qua aims to redefine the relationship between technology and urban living. As with any technological advancement, it’s crucial to consider the societal implications and strive for a balance that promotes convenience without compromising responsible behavior. The future of waste management may indeed be shaped by innovations like these robots, where technology not only serves a functional purpose but also harmoniously integrates with the natural flow of city life.
In a world grappling with the environmental repercussions of excessive plastic use, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more pressing. Packaging waste, predominantly composed of plastic, poses a significant threat to our ecosystems. As we seek innovative solutions for a healthier planet, Philippine creative agency BBDO Guerrero has taken a bold step by sculpting vibrant shampoo bars into Dissolving Bottles, presenting an ingenious solution to the pervasive issue of plastic pollution.
Designer: BBDO Guerrero
The Dissolving Bottle shampoo bars are not just a practical alternative; they are a symbol of commitment to a sustainable and plastic-free future. The concept is simple yet revolutionary – as users lather up and wet the Dissolving Bottle, it gradually diminishes in size until it disappears, leaving no trace behind. This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional toiletry containers, offering a convenient and eco-friendly solution for daily hygiene routines.
Introduced in 2021, the Dissolving Bottle has recently expanded its reach to several countries in Europe through a partnership with LUORO GmbH, a Cologne-based e-commerce company. The bottle-shaped shampoo bars, distributed under LUORO’s Plain B brand, are not just a visual marvel but also carry a powerful message. By adopting the familiar shape of a typical shampoo container, BBDO Guerrero aims to make the transition from plastic bottles to shampoo bars seamless for users.
David Guerrero, Creative Chairman at BBDO Guerrero, emphasizes that the Dissolving Bottle was conceptualized as a response to the escalating plastic pollution crisis. The personal care industry, a major contributor to environmental issues, produces over 500 billion single-use plastic items annually. To address this problem, BBDO Guerrero chose a design that not only promotes sustainability but also incorporates witty slogans on the shampoo bars, such as ‘Recedes quicker than your hair,’ ‘vanishes into thin air,’ ‘leaves nothing behind,’ and ‘guaranteed not to last,’ serving as comical reminders of the benefits of choosing plastic-free alternatives.
While the environmental impact of Dissolving Bottle Shampoo Bars is undeniably positive, questions arise regarding their commercial viability. The entire bottle serving as solidified shampoo requires careful handling, as exposure to water could initiate premature dissolution. To address this logistical concern, there might be a need to explore alternative packaging materials which will be interesting to learn.
Moreover, the shift from traditional soaps to liquid body washes, driven by ease of use and convenience, poses a challenge for the widespread adoption of solid shampoo bars. The need to incorporate essential information typically printed on packaging into the Dissolving Bottle’s design further adds a layer of complexity.
Marketing strategies play a pivotal role in bridging this gap, and the strategies employed by BBDO Guerrero are commendable and hold the potential to capture consumer attention. Offering an intriguing narrative that aligns with environmental consciousness.
As these Dissolving Bottle shampoo bars make their way into the European market, priced at a reasonable starting point of 5.99 EUR, it remains to be seen whether consumers will embrace this innovative solution to reduce plastic waste. The success of such eco-friendly initiatives depends not only on their environmental benefits but also on their ability to cater to the evolving preferences and habits of consumers. The Dissolving Bottle represents a commendable step towards a more sustainable future, and its journey in the consumer market will undoubtedly be closely watched.
The use of plastic in products has almost become so second nature that we spare no thought about how the material affects the environment in the long run. After all, there are plenty of benefits to plastic, such as its resilience, durability, and affordability, that we easily lose sight of long-term disadvantages. Fortunately, there are also more people who have become aware of this situation nowadays, and they have started to either move away from plastic completely or at least incorporate recycled plastics as much as possible. This chair is one of the latter, and while that in itself isn’t exactly extraordinary, the play of contrasting elements creates a harmonious composition that makes it look not only interesting but also welcoming.
Designer: Xingcheng Zhu
“XOX” might sound like an odd name for a chair, especially since it’s synonymous with a simple yet popular paper-and-pencil game. You immediately see the connection, however, when you view it from an angle and notice the two wooden X’s flanking the half-spherical shape that forms the chair’s seat and backrest. The choice of the name may have been based on that visual, but it also represents the very essence of the chair as a combination of contrasting elements.
While the standard design of a chair involves flat surfaces for the seat and backrest, the XOX Chair employs a hollow sphere that has a portion of it chopped off, forming the cavity for a person to sit inside. This circular shape sits in between the long, tubular legs of the chair, spindly in contrast to the fuller mass of the seat itself. Although the legs are the more visible part of the chair, their simpler and thinner forms draw your eyes immediately to the seat instead.
The materials used also contrast and complement each other. The legs are made of wood, a natural material whose grains create minute yet beautiful imperfections that give each piece a unique character. The middle component, however, is made from recycled PET bottles, resulting in a synthetic perfection with almost no blemishes. The seat is also completely transparent, giving it an airy and ethereal imagery that contrasts nicely with the solid and earthy tones of the legs.
This balance of elements yields a design that is both pleasing to look at and comfortable to use. Although it lacks the traditional armrests that add some support and stability to the body, the open spherical shape evokes feelings of openness and spaciousness, as if enveloping the person in protection and warmth. Best of all, it is also a design that is aware of the impact that furniture has on the planet’s health, implementing a sustainable solution that doesn’t compromise aesthetics and functionality in the process.
Aside from the fact that I more often than not unintentionally kill the plants that are entrusted to me, another reason that I can’t really raise plants is that I don’t have space in my apartment. A lot of people who live in cities like me are unable to find spots in order to have some semblance of greenery in their every day lives. But what if you could have a tool to plant and raise organic materials and also help save on organic waste at the same time?
Designer: Batuhan Duran
This is the basic idea behind the Bosch eco-hub, a concept that is rethinking how we can grow plants in the middle of the concrete jungle. It was really born out of how to more efficiently reuse organic waste instead of just the usual disposal methods which may be counterintuitive to sustainable living. It is a box that is able to regrow some of these organic root waste and turn them into seeds, seedlings, and actual food. And since it is portable and small, it allows those who have little space to do their own home and balcony gardening.
This electricity-free biodynamic farming unit seems to be shaped lke a lunchbox, which is perfect since you can actually get your food here. The eco-hub is made from things like bioplastic, egg, wood, and biopolymer. You will be able to regenerate vegetables like lettuce, arugula, cress, and aromatic plants like mint, rosemary, basil. It has its own filtration system that eliminates things like pH sensors and constant water replacement since it is able to facilitate the water purification by transferring oxygen through their roots into the water.
I probably still can’t grow plants in my apartment for various reasons but those who have limited space and only have indoor space can probably benefit from an eco-hub like this. They say there’s also a great feeling that comes from being able to grow what you eat so this can bring satisfaction on different levels for those who would like to say they harvested from their living room.
In office environments, a significant amount of waste is generated daily, including cardboard cups, wooden teaspoons, and coffee grounds. These materials make up most of the trash produced in such settings. Fortunately, these waste materials are excellent for composting, and with the rising trend of indoor plants in offices, individuals can utilize compost to nourish their plants. However, composting has not been a popular choice in enclosed spaces due to various challenges, including the long processing time, space constraints, and unpleasant odors. To address these issues, the innovative Homepost composting station has been designed.
Designer: Alp Çakın
Homepost is a composting station specifically created to accelerate the composting process, prevent the spread of odors, and offer additional storage space. By utilizing this system, individuals can quickly produce nutrient-rich compost at home or offices, which can be used for various activities such as growing fruits and vegetables.
It can compost a wide range of organic waste materials. The compostable waste items include biodegradable plastics, paper waste, nutshells, teabags, coffee grounds, fruits and vegetable scraps, and eggshells. This comprehensive list ensures that all common office waste can be effectively transformed into nutrient-rich compost.
The composting process in Homepost is accelerated by an efficient acceleration module. The waste materials are shredded by a built-in knife and crushed between the crushing head and the bottom base. Through the gaps in the bottom base, the crushed material falls into the storage compartment of the acceleration module. The bottom chamber has a generous volume of 4.5 liters, while an additional compost tank with a capacity of 8.5 liters provides extra storage space.
To prevent any potential odor issues, Homepost is equipped with an active carbon filter. This filter effectively neutralizes any unpleasant smells that may arise during the composting process. This feature ensures that the composting station can be conveniently placed in office environments without causing any disturbances.
One of the notable features of Homepost is its environmentally friendly construction. The composting station is made from green polyethylene, a sustainable material derived from Brazilian sugarcane. This material not only provides excellent durability but also has the advantage of being 100% sustainable. The production process of green polyethylene involves the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by the sugarcane plant. For every kilogram of green polyethylene produced, approximately 3.0 kg of carbon dioxide is removed from the air, thereby minimizing the greenhouse effect. This is a revolutionary material to dig deeper into and its uses as the usual trend is to stop producing or reduce the production of certain objects/ materials to help the environment which limits our day-to-day usage but with this material, it is a noticeable advantage that does not restrict us from our use at all in fact encourages us to produce more useful objects in order to save our planet. It’s a win-win!
In terms of practicality and convenience, Homepost boasts a rotating arm that serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows the product to be easily transported, as the arm can be folded, reducing its volume. Additionally, the arm is fixed with ducts on the arm shaft, allowing for proper ventilation within the composting system.
Considering the importance of efficient transportation, the modules of Homepost have been thoughtfully designed to nest and occupy minimal space during transit. This feature enables easy distribution and ensures that the composting stations can reach their destinations with maximum efficiency.
Homepost revolutionizes composting in office environments by providing an efficient and odor-free solution to organic waste management. With its sustainable materials, accelerated composting process, ample storage capacity, and odor prevention mechanisms, Homepost empowers individuals to produce their own high-quality compost at home. By repurposing waste materials, Homepost encourages sustainable practices and contributes to a greener future. This is a great product for larger companies and offices where there is enough staff assigned for such tasks because it will be essential to separate the compostable waste from the plastic bottles and other materials. However, it would be an added task in a smaller firm with limited employees and would tend to overlook the product’s advantages.
