Why age is often the “least relevant thing” when co-designing with the elderly
Products and services for older people are designed to be functional and not much else – these designers want to create joyful experiences instead.
Product
News, views and analysis on the latest product and industrial design stories, covering transport, tech products and homewares.
Is this lidless design the future of disposable coffee cups?
A new design from start-up company ButterflyCup needs no separate lid and simply biodegrades naturally if disposed of improperly.
Design inspiration: the best projects from November
Another month spent in lockdown had some designers yearning for nightclubs and events gone by, while others are revisiting old projects or pushing new boundaries.
Could this VR sketching tool be coming of age for designers?
Oluwaseyi Sosanya, founder of Gravity Sketch, tells Design Week virtual 3D sketching is a “gateway to new abilities”, so long as the industry can overcome a “cultural hurdle”.
British Plastics Federation launch sustainable plastic packaging design database
The interactive Eco Design Guide hub collects sustainable design tools and guides from around the world, with the aim of helping make plastic usage more sustainable.
Meet the Abbatts: the pioneering mid-century toy designers
A new book written by Alan Powers examines the work of Paul and Marjorie Abbatt and their philosophy of educational toys.
Tom Vek’s portable music player aims to lead a “digital album artwork revolution”
Sleevenote and its accompanying music library app aim to draw attention to album artwork in an age of digital music consumption.
Norway’s redesigned passports pay homage to the Northern Lights
Norwegian studio Neue has revealed the minimalist designs of its six-year development process, which feature UV details and a “panorama” of scenic images.
Wearable air purifier and diabetes earring lead social impact showcase
The projects have been revealed as part of the line-up for the 2020 Global Grad Show, which showcases student and academic responses to social issues.
We don’t design to make “trash and money”: A Mexican design guide
As part of our series exploring countries’ design cultures, we look at how Mexican designers are fusing heritage craft with modern design.
Toy designer Tom Karen: “Pleasing objects are what I live for”
Ahead of the release of his memoir, the 94-year old designer talks to Design Week about his life, the pieces he’s creating to this day and just what goes into
This modular camera kit aims to change how designers approach motion
Controlled by an app, RGKit Play is a modular kit of Meccano-like motors that aim to take designers beyond “linear motion” for their content.
Design inspiration: the best projects from October
Some of this month’s most inspiring projects offer escapism, while others are a reaction to the everchanging political landscape we find ourselves in.
Mat Hunter: “Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not”
Having recently opened the doors of his new Plus X innovation space, the former Design Council chief design officer talks to Design Week about confidence, regional development and why he
How Fortnite and Farmville prompted the digital clothing revolution
Well-established fashion houses are turning their attention to digital clothing – we talk to the founders of three platforms to find out how digital design is paving the way.
Sennep and Roli’s light-up keyboard lets people teach themselves piano
Lumi is designed to help people learn the piano and individual songs through light-up key technology and a corresponding app.
Studio Blackburn avoids “old-fashioned” route for at-home brewing brand
The Greater Good Fresh Brewing Co. has been rebranded with an “extremely bold, but relatively simple” new look.
This portable product is designed to reduce opioid overdoses
Ventizolve contains naloxone, which can help those suffering from an opioid overdose with their breathing in under a minute.
Airbnb brings Jony Ive on board to design “future” of company
The former chief of design at Apple has teamed up with the property rental service to create “the next generation of Airbnb products and services”.
Beazley Designs of the Year showcases coronavirus responses and social tensions
The annual awards exhibition aims to highlight the diverse design reponses to world events, from self-sanitising door handles to Stormzy’s police vest.
RNIB launches a pregnancy test concept for women with sight loss
The institute’s prototype hopes to provide greater privacy and usability for women with sight loss finding out their results.
In-house teams: how Duolingo designs to make language education “universal”
As part of our series looking at in-house design teams, we talk to the heads of art and design about harnessing the creativity of illustrators, graphic designers and product designers.
Einride launches self-driving electric freight truck
The driverless vehicles will come in four different models, which can transport freight around various locations, from factory facilities to motorways.
Debunking myths about in-house design teams
The leaders of creative teams at Channel 4, Pentland Brands and Specsavers discuss the realities of working in-house, from budgets and talent, to stigma and internal relations.