Archive for the ‘General’ Category

‘Design Key To Future UK Wealth’: Design Council

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

The Chief Executive of the Design Council, David Kester, has said that the design sector can be ‘the key to unlocking UK innovation and future wealth creation.”

The future of Britain’s economy is perhaps under more scrutiny now than it ever has been – as the realisation that over reliance on the financial and service sectors is more than a little risky. There was perhaps a time when it was believed that the UK was not the place to build things any longer – but the recession seems to have altered that view.

It seems certain that future wealth creation will rely on what traditionally Britons have been very good at – innovation. Coming up with new product design ideas that fulfil a demand in the market can lead to long term job creation in various fields.

iPhone 4: Thrilling Product Design, As Long As You Hold It Correctly

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

The Apple iPhone 4 is with us, and it looks like Jobs and Co have done a remarkable job. For the uninitiated, yet another version might seem unnecessary. However, if we look under the bonnet of the new iPhone, we see that there are indeed some big changes. At 9mm wide, it is 25% thinner than the 3GS. It offers better resolution, a noise cancelling microphone, a front-facing camera (5MP) and the ability to record HD video (720 x 30fps) among several other features. When all things are considered, the new iPhone appears to be a very worthwhile piece of product design.

One controversy that has dogged the new offering from Apple, though, is the suggestion that if the set is held a certain way, the antenna is covered, preventing reception. This could be a major stumbling block for the corporation, but in response, it seems to have been working on a patch that will correct the issue.

Samsung Sveta Pushes Refrigerator Product Design

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Inspired by the soft light of the northern and southern polar regions, Samsung Electronics bring you the Sveta RL52VE. It seeks to combine unique, sleek and Scandinavian-esque product design with the high electronics that Samsung have become known for.

The result is undeniably impressive – an appliance that seems to have the same aesthetic value as a piece of beautifully designed furniture. Combining the practical with the visually attractive is not always easy, but it seems that Samsung have done a good job here.

A key part of the design is the effect that the blue light has on those around the refrigerator; the designers sought to create a calming, energising feel to the fridge – something that such a humble kitchen appliance might not normally be associated with.