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Top 10 of 2011: Design
Dec 30, 2011
It's time to take a look back at 2011 and share some of the standout designs of the year. I've always had a hard time creating top 10 lists because my top 10 always turns into 20 or 30... but I've managed to narrow it down to 10 of the most innovative, unique, and Character Approved designs I've seen this past year. Check them out below!
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- Airbus: Airbus knocked my socks off this year with their concept plane of the future. Imagine flying high in the skies with a 360-degree view! The plane does away with classes and instead features different sections based on activities--play games with other passengers, watch TV or spend some quiet time in the relaxation zone. Although this concept apparently won't be in action until 2050, we can hope that this is where all airlines will be headed in the future. [Image: Airbus]
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- Architect Barbie: Although Architect Barbie might be a little uncomfortable in heels on the construction site, this doll is no joke. The AIA worked with Mattel to create a new role model for Barbie's "I can be" line. There is still a shortage of women in the field of architecture, so this Barbie doll is an encouraging method of inspiring little girls that building houses can be both glamorous and rewarding. The AIA even had a Dream House competition in which the winner created a modern, green Malibu abode. [Image: Mattel]
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- BMW i: BMW i is a sub-brand of BMW focused on electric vehicles, and their zippy BMW i3 Concept and the roomy BMW i8 Concept were designed specifically for urban living. I'm looking forward to the day when I can see these on the road. They look like robots! [Image: BMW i]
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- Dyson Hot: Taking note from his popular bladeless fans, James Dyson has developed a heater in the same style called Dyson Hot, perfect for heating rooms and small spaces with no visible heating elements. It also stops working if it happens to fall over. [Image: Dyson]
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- Electronic Temporary Tattoos: Will we all be implanted with chips in the future? These temporary medical tattoos, imagined by the students and faculty of Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, aren't just for fun. The idea is that these tiny decals will be able to remotely monitor outpatients and remotely check things like heart rate or other levels. [Image: Northwestern University]
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- Bevara Tables: San Francisco-based Bevara Design House takes metal scraps and uses them to make beautiful tables. The unique patterns of the metal are created from post-industrial waste from a factory producing parts for tractors and NASCAR. I love that Bevara was able to see beauty in the waste and discards of other designs. [Image: Bevara Design]
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- Quadror: Dror Benshetrit has created a new building system called QuaDror, a special geometry that has structural integrity and flexible design capabilities. It might eventually be able to change the way buildings are erected in countries needing temporary shelter, quick rebuilding from natural disasters, or urban development. [Image: Quadror]
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- Shwood: Oregon-based Shwood is right on trend with their handcrafted wooden eyewear. Their designs are modern yet vintage-inspired, with multiple unique woods available including Rosewood and Zebrawood. And these shades aren't just about style, they're also about utility. Each pair has 100% UVA/UVB protection and Carl Zeiss lenses imported from Italy. [Image: Shwood]
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- Edible Drinkware: No more waste and messy cleanup after your party when your drinkware becomes the dessert! NYC-based product design consultancy The Way We See The World launched a campaign earlier this year on Kickstarter to jumpstart their edible, biodegradable and vegan drinkware collection and raised enough money almost immediately. I can't wait for these to become available for purchase. [Image: The Way We See The World]
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- Jordan Warasaka: Wisconsin-based designer Jordan Warasaka creates some amazing pieces of furniture and kinetic sculptures using old gears and pipes. His work is where design meets art--an intersection I'm always happy to be standing in. He uses industrial materials in an artistic way, making them feel elegant rather than rugged. [Image: Jordan Warasaka]
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