Sony Hana-Akari Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Sony's Hana-Akari (HANAAKARI) lamp prototype uses dye-sensitized solar cells to turn light into energy. Big breakthrough is not only dye-sensitized cells are cheaper than conventional solar cells, they can also be dyed in different colors and shades.
Sony expects to develop the lamp further so it can also power other small devices attached to it. If you take a look at the image above, you can see a small fan connected to a panel to demonstrate this ability. Slated for a 2009 release, SONY has announced that they have ‘big plans’ for the technology.

Source:http://www.gizmodo.com/

http://www.goodcleantech.com/

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“Never Get Wet” Wonder of Nanotech Fabric

Researchers from the University of Zurich have developed a new fabric that never gets wet. The fabric can be submerged in water for two months and still remain dry to the touch. The secret to this incredible water resistance is the layer of silicone nanofilaments, which are highly chemically hydrophobic. The spiky structure of the 40-nanometre-wide filaments strengthens that effect, to create a coating that prevents water droplets from soaking through the coating to the polyester fibres underneath.
A similar combination of water-repelling substances and tiny nanostructures is responsible for many natural examples of extreme water resistance, such as the surface of Lotus leaves.
Not only could the fabric create a self-cleaning clothing; according to preliminary experiments, it reduces drag in water by 20%. (hint Michael Phelps)

Source:
www.gizmodo.com
www.newscientist.com

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ILoveSketch..

ILoveSketch from Seok-Hyung Bae on Vimeo.

Can this be the next evolution in 3d software? Developed by lads at the University of Toronto. As described by them: “A 3D curve sketching system that captures some of the affordances of pen and paper for professional designers, allowing them to iterate directly on concept 3D curve models. The system coherently integrates existing techniques of sketch-based interaction with a number of novel and enhanced features. Novel contributions of the system include automatic view rotation to improve curve sketchability, an axis widget for sketch surface selection, and implicitly inferred changes between sketching techniques. We also improve on a number of existing ideas such as a virtual sketchbook, simplified 2D and 3D view navigation, multi-stroke NURBS curve creation, and a cohesive gesture vocabulary.”Click the above video to see the most user intuitive way of skeching in 3d.
http://www.ilovesketch.com/

www.dgp.toronto.edu/~shbae

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Architectural Elegance.

It is interesting to see when famous architects try to translate their signature aesthetics to product design. Case in point is this Wyborowa vodka and its gift case designed by well known architect Frank Gehry. Mr. Gehry is well known for his ground breaking designs of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao Spain and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angles. With twisting forms and angles, the bottle and gift case mimics Gehry’s style. Looking at both pieces, I am more drawn to the gift case than the bottle. Maybe it is due to twisting forms of the wood and its handmade quality, also it just looks different then what I normally see in packaging design. I would like to see both pieces in person but I haven’t had any luck finding it. I have checked out a couple of big liquor stores by me but no luck.

Image courtesy of Wyborowa vodka

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Kinetic Energy!!!

I am excited about Ford adopting its new design language called "Kinetic Design". "Kinetic Design" means energy in motion. The concept appeared at Frankfurt Motor Show with the debut of the iosis Concept, a four-door sedan that featured clean angles, a sharply sloped windscreen and large wheels. Many of its design themes are now on the S-MAX and Galaxy MPV’s and the 2007 Mondeo. It is very hard to design something that evokes certain emotions and is aesthetically pleasing at the same time. If you have both combination working then you have a winning design. As far as I can see, Ford translating kinetic design DNA into their other model lines is working quite well. Unfortunately, a lot of these cool designs won’t be making it to the States. Which begs the question; how come Europe always gets cool designs?? Especially when it comes to small hatchbacks..... Read More......