Archive for the ‘News’ Category

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.

Breaking New Ground in Shelf Product Design

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

The humble shelf may not seem like it deserves the attention of cutting edge product design, but Tom Pawlofsky begs to differ with his innovative Zinfandel shelf.

The idea of the shelf or shelving unit is often imbued with rigidity and bulkiness. We don’t often find that our shelves are particularly easy to transport – but the Zinfandel changes all that. The product is a highly flexible grid in which rigid boxes can be inserted. This design enables the owner to essentially create their own shelf space – making it is as large or small as they wish. Most importantly, perhaps, is the ability to fit the shelving unit into any space necessary.

It is this kind of flexible thinking that excites Applied Product Design, where we love ideas that push the boundaries of accepted product development. And of course this means you have to try new things, apply innovative thinking. As Einstein said, “If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn’t be called research, would it?”