There is no denying that modern graphic resolutions have reached unachievable heights. Yet, there are many with an emotional connect to pixelated style: an art form that rekindles memories of early computers and video game graphics. If you’re one of them, who rejoices the blurring the lines between analog and digital, you can (when available) lay hands on the Pixel Mirror that creates an inverted pixel image of what’s behind it.

The wearable Pixel Mirror, developed by Hakusi Katei aka Monoli, a Japanese material designer and Ph.D. in engineering, is a crystal that reduces the resolution of what’s behind it – regardless of distance and movement – leaving you with a pixel art of what you are looking at.

Designer: Monoli

Made from light-colored transparent crystal in forest green, gray, and colorless variant, the Pixel Mirror is designed for use in bright environments. While for some of us, it’s only a gimmicky wearable (more on the aspect later) it might have real utility for artists and painters, who can leverage from the immediate, readable fat swatches of the scene behind the prism you’re looking through.

The Pixel Mirror measures 16mm x 16mm x 10mm, which means it’s small enough to be worn as a pendant in a necklace. Monoli’s series of wearable and handheld prisms are all handmade, and because of the nature of polishing natural stones, they are not perfect square “pixels”. They are handmade to suit the condition of the available stone.

After the Pixel Mirror, Monoli now has the Pixel Window in works, which as the artist puts it, “the lens minecrafts scenery without electricity.”  Pixel Mirror is on sale in Japan for ¥ 19,800 (roughly $120). If you’re outside of Japan, you’ll want to keep an eye on Monoli’s tweets for information on international availability.

The post This Crystal Fragment turns everything you see into 8-bit Pixel Art, and it’s FASCINATING first appeared on Yanko Design.

Casio has partnered with UNO to create a one-of-a-kind timepiece that merges the nostalgia of both brands. This collaboration brings together the vintage A168 watch with the playful and colorful elements of the iconic card game UNO. The result is a watch that’s both a stylish accessory and a tribute to a beloved game that has entertained families and friends for decades.

Designer: Casio x UNO

Known for its reliable and affordable watches and the classic card game that has been a household staple since 1971, both brands emerged in the 1970s and have since built a loyal global following. This collaboration celebrates the enduring popularity of these two brands by integrating the playful spirit of the card game with the timeless design and functionality of the watch.

UNO collaboration model Vintage: A168WEUC-1A

Created by Merle Robbins in 1971, the card game has become one of the most popular worldwide. The game is simple yet engaging, where players match cards by color or number, aiming to be the first to play all their cards. The game’s excitement is amplified by special cards like the Wild Card, which allows players to change the current color, adding an element of strategy and unpredictability. Over the years, the game has evolved with various themed editions and special rules, but its core appeal remains unchanged: bringing people together through fun and friendly competition.

Watch face design with classic UNO motif

This watch collaboration captures attention with its incorporation of vibrant and iconic colors. The face is adorned with the distinctive hues of the Wild Card—red, blue, yellow, and green. These colors are strategically placed around the digital display, creating a visually engaging and nostalgic look. The case is finished in gunmetal gray ion plating, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. The black ion-plated stainless steel band complements the case, adding a touch of sophistication to the playful design.

EL backlight

One of the most captivating elements is the electroluminescent (EL) backlight. It reveals the word “Wild” across the LCD display when activated. This feature enhances visibility in low-light conditions and brings an interactive element to the design, echoing the excitement of drawing a Wild Card during a game.

Whimsical touch in case back engraving

Turning the watch over, the attention to detail continues. The case back is engraved with the game logo and a playful arrangement of the 1, 6, and 8 cards—corresponding to the model number. This hidden touch adds an element of surprise and delight, much like discovering a special card in the deck.

Back engraving

The technical features are equally impressive. The case size measures 38.6 x 36.3 x 9.6 mm and weighs 49 grams. The case and bezel are made of resin with chrome plating, while the band is stainless steel with an adjustable clasp for a comfortable fit. The watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for everyday wear.

Band clasp engraved in UNO card pattern

It boasts an impressive battery life of approximately seven years, powered by a CR2016 battery. The watch face is protected by resin glass, ensuring durability, and the black ion-plated band is both stylish and resilient. It features a 1/100-second stopwatch with a measuring capacity of up to 59’59.99″ and various modes, including elapsed time, split time, and 1st- and 2nd-place times.

It is equipped with a daily alarm and hourly time signal to keep you punctual. The electroluminescent backlight illuminates the display in blue, enhancing visibility. An auto-calendar function ensures accurate date-keeping, accounting for leap years. The watch maintains an accuracy of ±30 seconds per month and supports both 12-hour and 24-hour formats, displaying hours, minutes, seconds, PM, date, and day.

Special packaging

This unique watch comes in co-branded packaging, highlighting the collaboration while embracing sustainability. The packaging features the four iconic card colors and is made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. This collaborative watch is more than just a timepiece; it celebrates two iconic brands from the 1970s. It combines the nostalgia and fun of the card game with the reliable and stylish design of the watch, creating a unique and functional accessory that appeals to both watch enthusiasts and fans of the classic card game. Priced at $99.95, this special edition watch is available now online.

The post One-of-a-Kind Design Casio x UNO Watch: Classic Timekeeping Meets Iconic Card Game Fun first appeared on Yanko Design.

While decorating our homes, we always focus on the furniture we place in them or on the interior decor style we prefer, but focusing on home decor accents is equally important. These little decorative items can truly uplift the aesthetic appeal of a space, adding a personalized touch that will resonate with you and your visitors. A well-selected set of home decor accents can truly set the perfect tone for your home, and if they’re minimal and super-functional, well they tick all the boxes then! We’ve put together a collection of functional, nifty, and visually pleasing home decor accents that you need to check out!

1. Pop-up Book Vase Edition 4

Called the Pop-up Book Vase, this pretty vase holds and displays your flowers in a lovely, fairytale-ish style. As you open the cover, a 3D cutout of the vase is revealed, and it beautifully displays your elegant floral arrangement. You can even flip the age to unveil a different vase design, so you can have a fresh presentation whenever you want.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The book can be turned upside down to get lovely views from another angle. The book vase is quite simple but still, an interesting way to make your everyday flowers truly stand out, bringing a pop of personality to your living space. Start your home decor adventure with this ingenious pop-up book vase.

What we like

• Amped with three pretty pop-up vase designs
• It is made from 100% natural pulp with a water-resistant coating

What we dislike

• The vase seems a bit tough to clean, and there seem to be no clear instructions on how to do so

2. CD Jacket Player

Meet the CD Jacket Player – a unique design that allows you to relive priceless moments with CDs, while also appreciating the album art that comes along with it. The CD Jacket Player stores your classic audio CDS, while also enhancing their aesthetic appeal by seamlessly including their accompanying jackets.

Click Here to Buy Now: $159

Why is it noteworthy?

The CD Jakcet Player showcases the CD jacket art, and it can be wall-mounted as well, serving as a decorative element in your home. You can proudly show off your favorite album art, while also adding an interesting and visually appealing decorative item to your living space.

What we like

• Perfect design for music lovers, allows them to add an aesthetically pleasing musical element to their home

What we dislike

• It can be a bit redundant for people who prefer using digital music streaming platforms

3. IKEA JETSTRÖM

Designed by IKEA, the new JESTRÖM is a single-piece lighting panel in the form of a 30cm x 30cm square. However, it is not a simple square but features rounded corners and curved edges, which softens the harshness you may perceive from straight edges and inorganic forms. The lamp design has plenty of smart lighting features, and the white light can be shifted to warmer to set the mood.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can even set different colors to complement a particular theme. You can control these settings from the IKEA Home mobile app, and sync the lamp with other IKEA smart lights via the DIRIGERA hub, allowing you to create your own unique concert of lighting designs.

What we like

• Economically priced for a large smart LED panel

What we dislike

• Only one color is available for the diffuser cover
• There is a dedicated remote for it, but you need to purchase it separately, which increases costs

4. Invisible Shoehorn

Dubbed the Invisible Shoehorn, this innovative product will save your back and your socks as it harmoniously vanishes into the background once you’re done using it. It has a long stainless steel body that will prevent tears and snags in socks and stockings. It has a transparent and minimal form which is easy on the eye and on the interior style of your home.

Click Here to Buy Now: $299

Why is it noteworthy?

The Invisible Shoehorn is pretty unique as it artfully disappears into the background when it is not being utilized. It is equipped with a transparent stand, and the two elements partner up to form an interesting and visually appealing decoration for your home. The Invisible Shoehorn has both practical use, as well as decorative value.

What we like

• Functional design with decorative appeal
• Easily disappears into the background when not being used

What we dislike

• Hefty price tag which may be beyond someone’s price range

5. Oakywood MagSafe Collection

This is the Oakwood MagSafe collection, and it uses Apple MagSafe charges to support actual charging function, while also offering visually appealing aesthetics. The collection includes products with solid and multi-functional bases which keep your iPhone and Apple Watch in place, while also adding some minimalist design ethos to your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

With a mix of wood and matte aluminum materials, these stands and mounts look handsome on any motif you might have going for your desk, providing eye-catching ornaments without being distracting.

What we like

• The charger they accommodate can be removed and used separately
• Reduces e-waste in the long run

What we dislike

• The accessories do not come with an Apple MagSafe charger

7. Moon Rock Clock

If you share a love for the Moon and outer space, then you can welcome them both into your home with the Moon Rock Clock! The Moon Rock Clock is minimalist, yet quite striking, allowing you to embark on space travel fantasies within your own home. The clock is built from specially polished stainless steel and has. circular shape which perfectly represents the moon.

Click Here to Buy Now: $325

Why is it noteworthy?

The various numbers wane and wax about much like the moon, and the clock serves as a reminder to you, urging you to live life with an adventurous spirit, like the rocket ship moving around the moon. It features a moon travel-inspired aesthetic which is a gentle nudge to follow your dreams.

What we like

• The printed numbers seem to float and vanish around the moon

What we dislike

• A large and bulky product that will occupy substantial space on your desk or table

8. Gramophone Lamp

Named the Gramophone Lamp, this pretty and subtle home decoration design utilizes vinyl as material, featuring a retro and minimalistic aesthetic. It features a curved base that reminds you of the stands for an Apple monitor and is amped with a single aluminum stand that slopes at the back. The vinyl serves as the main light source.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Gramophone lamp also has a trackpad-like surface that holds the controls, and you can use it to switch the ambient lighting on and off, to increase and reduce the brightness. It has a polycarbonate diffuser disk which is considered the “star”, and it magnifies the light owing to its translucent quality.

What we like

• Amped with a 4000 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery that you can use for up to 24 hours even when not plugged in

What we dislike

• Seems like a desk lamp, but not really well-suited to be used as one

9. Modular Flower Tubes

Dubbed the Modular Flower Tubes, these pretty little tubes are an incredible alternative to the typical old vases we all tend to use. The container is made from metal and wood, delivering flexible creativity to the users, and allowing them to build their own flower arrangements according to their own tastes and requirements.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149

Why is it noteworthy?

The Modular Flower Tubes are equipped with thin copper pipes that can be arranged in different positions and patterns, in turn creating lovely floral displays. Users can develop different patinas with time, elevating the aesthetic sense and value to the vase. The base is wooden, and hence quite sturdy, offering stability and durability to the product.

What we like

• Offers users creative liberation, letting them create their own personalized arrangements

What we dislike

• The unique patinas that develop over the tube need to be maintained well, and not everyone may like them

10. Tray & Incense Holder

Designed by Songpa-gu in collaboration with the Seoul Design Foundation, this beautiful tray and incense holder represents the beauty of the Hangseong period of the Baekje Dynasty’s cultural legacy, as well as the aroma of tradition. The tray and holder perfectly complement all kinds of interior decor styles, while displaying the Baekjeasty’s beautiful art and cultural elements.

Why is it noteworthy?

The white finishes of the product create a zen and minimal aesthetic, which is pleasing to the eye, and also calming to the mind. The neutral colors elevate one’s mood, while also helping you to focus better, and complete tasks with more concentration and precision.

What we like

• Create a cozy, calming and soothing ambiance at home

What we dislike

• It features a wavy design which limits the type of items it can hold, hence impacting usability

The post Top 10 Essential Home Decor Accents For A Modern And Cozy Living Space first appeared on Yanko Design.

As powerful and as useful as our smartphones might be, they can also be stumbling blocks not only for productivity but also for mental health. Incessant notifications and the fear of missing out (FOMO) add to the stress and anxiety of the modern world. Of course, ditching your smartphone is no longer an option these days, which is why several designs try to meet the problem halfway, many utilizing minimalist interfaces or drab gray screens to limit our smartphone interaction. Those, however, only solve one part of the problem, leaving many people still unused to taking breaks or relaxing. This concept design for a smartphone accessory tries to do exactly that, keeping your phone safely away from your reach while also helping you get into the habit of taking good breaks from time to time.

Designer: Jeongmin Ham

The most basic strategy people use to avoid distractions from their phones is to put it away, either at a distance or inside a drawer, creating some friction or obstacle to getting the phone instantly. While it can be an effective strategy for some, it’s also a missed opportunity for the smartphone to do something, well, smart. Short of using it as a timer, which can also lead to temptations, it can perhaps be utilized for some other function while keeping its normal distracting features at bay.

FIKA is a concept design for an accessory that does exactly that, keeping your smartphone from distracting you but also putting it to good use in training you to take breaks and use those breaks wisely. It is pretty much a cage or enclosure where you put the phone in, blocking complete use of the device except for a small circular window to a part of the screen. This is the only place where you’ll be able to see the phone’s guidance on how to take a break properly, somewhat like guided meditation apps that have become quite popular these days.

The idea for FIKA is to not just simply put your phone away to avoid distractions but also to develop good habits of taking breaks. And while different people take breaks differently, not everyone has an idea of how to do so properly, so FIKA can suggest certain actions like breathing exercises. Over time, the reminders and the case might not even be needed anymore, as you would have developed the habit and willpower to do it on your own.

The concept design sadly leaves a lot of questions unanswered, like how one will be prevented from just fishing out the phone without some locking mechanism. It also doesn’t mention how the circular window actually works, whether it is just a hole that leaves a part of the phone’s screen exposed or if it’s a touch-sensitive surface that “passes” touches through to the phone inside. Still, the core idea is interesting enough to warrant further thought, especially in an age where people’s mental and physical health has been in decline due to smartphones and overworking.

The post Smartphone enclosure concept helps develop good relaxation habits first appeared on Yanko Design.

The world is filled with many things that have the potential to become materials for creating products, and yet we still prefer typical materials like plastics, metal, or wood. Not all of these are sustainable, and those that are sustainable aren’t always easily renewable or require a lot of energy to process or recycle. Admittedly, looking for alternative sources of materials isn’t an easy task, but once in a while, we come across a promising solution both in terms of sustainability and beauty. This rope light and Ikebana vase, for example, are already quite striking in their unique shapes, but they are made even more significant by the fact that they are made using a biodegradable material based on one of the most common and simplest kind of plant on the planet: algae.

Designer: Su Yang Choi

One of the problems with supposedly more sustainable or recyclable materials is that the process of making or treating them isn’t always sustainable, requiring more energy and water than usual. In contrast, this algae-based material isn’t treated with harmful chemicals, has reduced energy consumption during manufacturing, and can easily be shaped using heat. Even better, leftover scraps from the production process can be collected and recycled to reduce material waste at every step.

While the material itself is quite impressive, putting it to good use is the real test. For this purpose, a pair of everyday objects were made not just to demonstrate the usability of this algae-based material but also to show off the complicated designs that can be made with it. And nothing can perhaps be more complicated than knots, especially the beautiful traditional Korean knots known as Maedeup.

This knotting is best exemplified in this Ikebana vase that loops around itself a couple of times in an almost random fashion, symbolizing the unpredictability and cyclical nature of life. In addition to this rather intriguing structure, the biodegradable material used here is mixed with coffee grounds, another sustainable material, to give it that earthy brown color.

On the opposite end of the color spectrum is a long string lamp that uses the algae-based material in a four-faced linear braid that wraps around a flexible LED strip. This segmented structure was inspired by Korean stone pagodas that rise in majesty and grandeur, characteristics carried by this string lamp. These two objects, part of the Slow series of artworks, embody the ingenuity and creativity that spring from combining modern material science and traditional craftsmanship to produce breathtaking designs that do no harm to the planet in return.

The post Algae-based material and traditional Korean braiding turn into striking lights, vases first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 is my go-to everyday carry (EDC). At Yanko Design, we typically think of EDC items as tools like a knife, screwdriver, or flashlight—all rolled into one neat package. However, for those of us who need great audio for music, conference calls, and more, the AirPods Pro 2 are perfect. Their design is sleek and compact, fitting comfortably in the ear with different ear tip sizes to get the right fit. The charging case is genius—small enough to slip into the coin pocket of your jeans, making it super easy to carry around.

Designer: Apple

I gave my AirPods Pro to my 11-year-old, thinking I could get by with other brands of earbuds or headsets. That was a big mistake. Nothing else matched the seamless experience of switching between my iPhone, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. The AirPods Pro just work, no fuss.

With the new H2 chip, the sound quality is top-notch. Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes let you dive into your music or stay aware of your surroundings. The Adaptive Transparency mode even adjusts to loud noises on the fly. Plus, the battery life is impressive—up to six hours with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the charging case. No more constant recharges.

AirPods Pro 2: H2 Chip + custom-built driver and amplifier

The Personalized Spatial Audio feature, with dynamic head tracking, makes listening feel unique to you. The new touch controls on the stems are super handy for adjusting the volume on the go. Thanks to their stealth design, one could even use them as earplugs for sleeping on an airplane. I enjoy doing yard work, so they work amazingly well at blocking out the loud sound of a lawnmower and weed wackers.

I missed my AirPods Pro so much that I took them back, ordered a new pair for my kid, and snagged them at 20% off on Amazon. They’re just that good.

For anyone in the Apple ecosystem, it’s tough to recommend anything else. The seamless integration, amazing sound quality, and smart design make them an essential part of daily life. These little gems combine functionality, style, and tech into one awesome package.

Looking Forward to What’s Next

At WWDC 2024, Apple announced exciting updates for the AirPods lineup, aiming to make them even better for daily use and gaming. One cool new feature is interacting with Siri using head movements. Exclusive to AirPods Pro, you can nod or shake your head to answer or dismiss calls, manage notifications, and interact with messages silently. The H2 chip’s machine learning makes this hands-free experience seamless.

AirPods Pro also got a voice isolation upgrade. This tech reduces background noise during calls, making sure your voice comes through clearly, even in noisy or windy places. Apple introduced a new API for game developers to optimize games for AirPods. This means better dynamic head tracking and reduced audio latency, making the gaming experience on Apple devices more immersive. Latency is way down, making these earbuds great for gaming. AirPods Pro, paired with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, offers Apple’s best wireless audio latency ever for mobile gaming.

With support for 16-bit, 48kHz audio in games, your voice will come through crystal clear to teammates and other players. Perfect for those intense multiplayer sessions. These updates show Apple’s drive to make AirPods even better. The new features and enhancements will be available as a free firmware update this fall, with the developer beta available now for Apple Developer Program members.

Why Choose the AirPods Pro 2 Over the Original AirPods Pro and Regular AirPods?

On this Mobile Monday, we’re focusing on the AirPods Pro 2, and here’s why they stand out compared to the original AirPods Pro and regular AirPods. When it comes to wireless earbuds, Apple’s AirPods lineup offers several options, but the AirPods Pro 2 is the clear choice for several compelling reasons.

First, the AirPods Pro 2 feature the new H2 chip, which significantly enhances audio performance. The sound quality is richer and more immersive, with deeper bass and clearer highs. This is a noticeable improvement over both the original AirPods Pro and the regular AirPods, making your music, podcasts, and calls sound better than ever.

While the original AirPods Pro introduced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the AirPods Pro 2 took it to the next level. Enhanced ANC means you can block out more ambient noise, allowing for a more focused listening experience. The new Adaptive Transparency mode also dynamically adjusts to sudden loud noises, protecting your ears while still letting you stay aware of your surroundings.

Battery life is crucial for wireless earbuds, and the AirPods Pro 2 delivers. With ANC enabled, they offer up to six hours of listening time, and the charging case extends this to up to 30 hours. This is a significant improvement over the original AirPods Pro and regular AirPods, which means less frequent charging and more time enjoying your audio.

One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 2 is Personalized Spatial Audio. This technology tailors the audio experience to the unique shape of your ears, providing an immersive, theater-like sound. Combined with dynamic head tracking, it creates a more engaging and personalized listening experience, which is a step up from what the original AirPods Pro and regular AirPods offer.

The AirPods Pro 2 supports Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a more stable and efficient connection with your devices. The new touch controls on the stems are intuitive and allow you to adjust volume with a simple swipe, making them easier to use on the go compared to the original AirPods Pro and regular AirPods.

The AirPods Pro 2 comes with additional ear tip sizes, ensuring a more customized fit for a wider range of users. This improves both comfort and the effectiveness of noise cancellation. The regular AirPods, with their one-size-fits-all design, can’t match this level of personalized fit.

With updates announced at WWDC 2024, the AirPods Pro 2 is set to receive even more features that enhance usability. From head movement-based Siri interactions to improved voice isolation for clearer calls, these upcoming updates make the AirPods Pro 2 a future-proof investment.

The post Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 is My Everyday Carry I can’t live without first appeared on Yanko Design.

Even with the advent of smart TVs and streaming, remote controls are still an indispensable part of that user experience, imperfect as it may be. The basic design of remote controls has changed very little, save for the extra minimalist variants that, in exchange for simplicity, sometimes make you crawl through menus and options just to get to the function you need. More importantly, however, the complexity of these electronic accessories has made them too stressful to use, and their tendency to get stuck in the corners of couches was a meme even before there were memes. This concept tries to revolutionize the remote control design to deliver a more tactile experience that lets you operate or even pick it up without looking at it at all.

Designer: Gisung Han

The traditional remote control design has always been one of practical convenience rather than comfort or enjoyment. It’s meant to let you quickly change channels or the volume, but the irony is that it often takes more time to look for the right button or, worse, look for the remote itself. Even with more minimal designs that reduce the buttons to half a dozen or so, the rectangular shape of the device itself lends it to being lost too easily.

The Sightless Remote Control proposes a rather drastic change to the standard design in order to address these issues. Instead of a flat rectangle, the remote has a T-shaped form that ensures it won’t slip through the gaps in couches and chairs. It also makes it easy to pick up the remote, whether from those corners or from the top of a table, all without even looking at the remote and just using our sense of touch instead.

The same is true for the buttons themselves, which are no longer distinct circles or ovals. Instead, there’s a single column in the middle of the remote’s top surface with wedge-like shapes rising on opposite sides almost like waves in the ocean. Instead of using printed icons, text representing the functions are instead embossed, again allowing for “blind” use by letting your fingers do the seeing. It will still require a bit of muscle memory to help place that finger in the right area, but it won’t be as tedious as on a typical remote with very smooth buttons.

More than just enabling sightless use of the device, this design tries to bring back the joy of using an analog device in an age of smartphones and touchscreens. It makes entertainment not just a pleasure for our eyes and ears but also for our sense of touch, all while helping reduce the cognitive overload that multi-functional screens and phone apps bring to our brains.

The post Remote control redesign lets you use the device without even looking first appeared on Yanko Design.

Power strips and extension cords are now an unavoidable part of modern life. Unless you have custom-designed furniture, there will always be cases when you have too few power outlets or ones that are too far from your desk to matter. Unfortunately, these power supply accessories haven’t exactly evolved in terms of design, or at least most of them still look like appliances from the 90s rather than anything that fits modern aesthetics. Hiding these power sources has become an important part of the so-called cable management problem, which is often a source of tension and headache for some people. There are, thankfully, a few that try to embrace more pleasing designs, like this power supply box that thinks outside the box, pun intended, so that you don’t have stress over hiding it and instead proudly show it off on your desk or shelf.

Designer: OFS

Genuine wood isn’t often used as a material in many electronics, mostly because of its poor thermal handling, making it warp and deform over time due to heat. That and it’s a potential fire hazard, making it unsuitable for many devices. That doesn’t mean, however, that it can’t be used as a chassis or covering in a safe manner, especially if it can significantly change the character of a product from utilitarian to humane.

The Willow Power Supply is one such design that employs the warmth and natural beauty of wood to uplift the image of an ordinary extension cord from a tool to a decorative object. While most power strips and extension cords are painfully hidden behind or even under desks, Willow stands proudly on top. More than just boasting rights, however, this also means quick and easy access to those essential ports for your computer and devices.

Willow is available in a combination of beech or walnut shells and clear or black power boxes, though the best combination is the beech and clear or white box since it clearly brings out the beauty of the wood complimented by the minimalism of the power supply. The box itself has very little detail save for the outlet and ports in front and the braided cord coming out of its back.

While the Willow Power Supply might delight as an aesthetic product, it might disappoint as an actual power supply. There is only one power outlet, one USB-A port, and a lone USB-C port, a very basic and perhaps inadequate number for today’s needs. At $250, it does give off a feeling of being more like a designer product than one that’s made for power users, more for casual use than heavy-duty workstations. Either way, there is little doubt it adds a bit of accent to any workspace, especially matching minimalist designs with wooden furniture.

The post Wood-enclosed power supply box is designed to be seen first appeared on Yanko Design.

Desktops and laptops were named for their ability to sit on desks and on laps. Tablets, on the other hand, can’t do any sitting of their own and need to be propped up via a stand. Sure, you could buy a fancy case worth hundreds of dollars that packs a keyboard, or a flimsy one that barely props your tablet up… or you could go for the Ryze 360, a stand that lets you angle AND height-adjust your iPad, and even prop it up in both landscape and portrait modes. Relying on a clever design inspired by origami, the Ryze 360 takes the term ‘stand case’ to new heights, no pun intended. Use the case to prop your iPad up at surface level, or fold the flap to give your iPad a 3-inch height boost, turning it into a makeshift monitor that you can look at without straining your neck. The Ryze 360 also has a swiveling design that lets you rotate your iPad to landscape or portrait orientations – something you wish your current iPad case-stand did.

Designer: Amanda Chan

Click Here to Buy Now: $44.91 $49.90 (Use coupon code “YANKO-UNIQ10” to get 10% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The Ryze 360 builds on the success of its predecessor, the Ryze. Originally designed to give the iPad its own protective case and support stand, Ryze managed to do what most stands couldn’t – elevated docking. Almost every case stand (even the one I have on my iPad Pro M2 right now) gives you the ability to rest your tablet at a variety of angles, ranging from nearly horizontal to diagonal, and nearly vertical. Ryze did that too, while allowing for one more position – docking at a height… and the Ryze 360 retains that clever ability with one more trick up its sleeve, portrait/landscape switching.

The case comes with a faux-leather PU exterior that both gives the iPad its distinct leather-bound book-like feel, while protecting it from bumps and scratches. A crease pattern on the front flap guides you into setting up the Ryze’s stand. There are 3 angles you can choose from, depending on what you use your iPad for (doodling requires a lower angle, Facetime requires a higher front-facing angle), and a special fold lets you prop your iPad up at a height, raising it to match your eye-level so you don’t bend your neck while viewing the tablet. In this elevated mode, you can also rotate your iPad freely, alternating between landscape and portrait modes depending on what you use your iPad for.

The Ryze 360 comes in four colors – black, gray, lichen green, and caramel, and is compatible with both 11″ and 13″ models of the 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro. The tablets are protected by a polycarbonate shell on which the faux PU leather is mounted. A magnetic flap holds the front lid of the case in place, preventing it from accidentally opening on its own, while also protecting/holding the Apple Pencil Pro in place as it’s docked on the side of the iPad. The Ryze 360 starts at $49.90, but YD readers get a 10% discount using the coupon code YANKO-UNIQ10.

Click Here to Buy Now: $44.91 $49.90 (Use coupon code “YANKO-UNIQ10” to get 10% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

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Feeling overwhelmed by distractions and struggling to stay focused? The MOFT Snap Flow is the perfect solution for your everyday carry. Combining the age-old magic of pen and paper with modern tech, this clever tool helps you capture, organize, and act on your ideas with timeless simplicity. Portable and sleek, it attaches to the back of your phone and detaches quickly, allowing you to jot down inspirations instantly without fumbling for a notepad or getting lost in apps. Whether you’re in a meeting, on your commute, or enjoying a quiet moment at a café, this tool is always ready to boost your productivity and keep you focused.

Designer: Julianna He, Founder of MOFT

Click Here to Buy Now: $29 $49 (41% off). Hurry, only 1/100 left!

This sleek tool combines a pen, paper, organizer, and reminder, ensuring you capture, organize, and act on tasks without wasting mental energy. Handwrite your ideas for better memory recall without extra items. The foldaway pen and other tools fit directly on your phone, making everyday carry invisible and convenient.

We all have days where organizing takes up more time than doing. The MOFT Snap Flow helps you focus on what truly matters by eliminating “empty work.” When a brilliant idea strikes during a meeting, simply unfold the built-in pen and jot it down. The pen’s unique design folds flat to fit inside the Snap Flow and ergonomically transforms into an easy-to-hold shape.

If you usually start your morning by jotting down key to-dos and acting without distractions, the Snap Flow’s impactfulness yet versatility adapts to your daily activities. It allows you to note quick thoughts during conversations, filter actionable information, and review progress with ease. Capture inspirations during your walk, store rough sketches, and expand ideas using digital apps. This all-in-one companion helps you form a positive loop, motivating you to achieve more each day.

Don’t let mindless scrolling steal your “ah-ha” moments. Inspiration often strikes during downtime, like waiting for your train, sitting in a park, or in a café, and suddenly, that spark of genius hits you. With Snap Flow, you can quickly note it down without digging through your bag. With the MOFT Snap Flow, you can capture and explore every spark of creativity without distraction. Mounted on the back of your phone, it keeps you focused on your creative flow. Instead of getting lost in social media, you capture and turn those fleeting thoughts into action.

The Snap Flow features three dedicated zones for brain-dumping ideas, noting key to-do lists, and capturing core notes. This minimalist approach ensures you can kickstart your daily tasks immediately after capturing them. Imagine finishing a brainstorming session with everything neatly organized and ready for action without any extra steps. Whether you’re in a meeting or enjoying a quiet moment in a café, this tool helps you stay productive and focused.

When you need a visual reminder of your priorities while working at your desk, the Snap Flow magnetically detaches from your phone and folds up to create a focus zone. It also transforms into a handy phone stand for hands-free FaceTime with family and friends, making your device multitask with you. Use the Snap Flow as your on-the-go “idea lab” and “note library,” jotting down or drawing your ideas effortlessly.

Crafted with eco-friendly materials, the Snap Flow is your minimalist on-the-go companion, ready to help you stay productive and focused. Imagine beginning each day with a clear plan and the tools to see it through, all without the clutter.

The Snap Flow is available in four stylish color options to match your personal style: Misty Cove x Sapphire, Taupe x Sunrise, Navy Blue x Beach White, and Misty Cove. Choose the one that best fits your aesthetic and make productivity a seamless part of your daily life.

Click Here to Buy Now: $29 $49 (41% off). Hurry, only 1/100 left!

The post Boost Your Productivity with MOFT Snap Flow: The Ultimate Portable Focus Tool first appeared on Yanko Design.