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Techy flower
2008-03-10 21:46:00
The Moonlit Flower is a DIY project that combines tech to sewing skills.As you close the flower' snaps, the flower lights up! Proposed as part of the tech DIY web site, the project teaches basic knowledge of electricity and circuits and how to make a shiny and twinkle]y-twinkly “Moonlit Flower"! The site offers many other DIY tutorials combining technology to crafting. So everybody (including boys), enjoy!!!This work reminds me of Elisabeth Sylvan's research in 2005 on Ejewels. Participants used a combination of basic electronics materials and basic craft materials to create jewelry with lights that glow, flash, and change color. Posted by Cati Vaucelle @ Architectradure.......................... ......................................... ..........................Blog Jouons Blog Maison Blog Lesson

Transgenesis
2008-03-10 21:29:00
TransgenesisIn 2000 I had the chance to meet Pavel Smetana at Avignon Numérique, in France, and interact with his Room of Desires that he created in 1995. In this project I was connected to brainwave and heart-rate sensors in an empty room, with video projections of pretty relaxing pictures and music. As soon as I would become excited with an image, the system would generate new images and sounds, based on my biofeedback. The audience could witness these changes and understand what imagery would trigger a certain kind of emotions. After a while I would be able to control the system, in a way "controlling my emotions" and also what the audience would see as a result.Recently Pavel Smetana in collaboration with Ivor Diosi and Ivan Acher revisited this past work and created transgenesis, a set of virtual environments the audio and the visual parts of which are changing in real-time in dependence on data received form sensors capturing brain and heart activity of viewers. Each viewer e...

Wanna get an old new-mac?
2008-03-09 08:35:00
Me with my PowerBook G4, on the road from San Francisco to San DiegoBeing a big fan of Tim Mott's concept of guided fantasies with the need of rigorous user testing for designing user interfaces, I find Apple computers being all about user's needs. I recently repaired my old Power Book G4 to give it to my grand ma, who had almost no computer experience. After testing with her different platforms, she prefers working with a trackpad than a usual mouse. She loves the drag and drop and prefers it to the open/close menu. In sum, the mac interface and the macbook pro seems perfect for her. Teaching her using my old mac was so nice combining my knowledge in usability to the love for my grand ma. Now she is on Skype regularly and I can talk and chat with her!Apple iMac G4You can get Apple parts for old computers online. DV Warehouse proposes a wide range of used macs. They have pretty good deals, have a lot of apple parts, and also nostalgic pieces such as the Apple iMac G4 or the iMac ...

Spam drawing
2008-03-09 05:01:00
Apparently artists find spam inspiring. After spam architecture, Marian Bantjes creates spam drawing! Posted by Cati Vaucelle @ Architectradure.......................... ......................................... ..........................Blog Jouons Blog Maison Blog Lesson
More About: Spam , Drawing

MIT to be tuition-free for families earning less than $75,000 a year
2008-03-08 10:07:00
Pretty insane news! I am proud to belong to MIT when I know that nearly 30 percent of MIT students will soon have all tuition charges covered! The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) today announced its financial aid program for 2008-2009. Increases in financial aid will make it possible for a larger fraction of MIT students to have their tuition and fees completely covered. I received the following newsletter via the MIT alumni association:Under the new plan, which will take effect in the 2008-2009 academic yearFamilies earning less than $75,000 a year will have all tuition covered. For parents with total annual income below $75,000 and typical assets, MIT will ensure that all tuition charges are covered with an MIT scholarship, federal and state grants, and/or outside scholarship funds. Nearly 30 percent of MIT students fall into this tuition-free category.For families earning less than $75,000 a year, MIT will eliminate the student loan expectation. MIT will no longer exp...
More About: Free , Tuition , Year , Earning

Costumes for Domestic Oppositional Training
2008-03-08 09:33:00
atHABITAT: Costumes for Domestic Oppositional Training , 2007Kate James focuses on interests of the body, it’s habits, movements, and dynamic sectional relationship to it’s surrounding structures. She hopes to question and complicate the interfaces between the corporeal and the environmental — those objects, surfaces, and systems that mediate the body’s experience within an environment and fuel the habitual kinesthesia of everyday life. Posted by Cati Vaucelle @ Architectradure.......................... ......................................... ..........................

A village on the ice
2008-03-08 07:18:00
Antarctic Village by Orta Studio is a symbol of the plight of those struggling to transverse borders and to gain the freedom of movement necessary to escape political and social conflict.Dotted along the ice, the tents formed a settlement reminiscent of the images of refugee camps we see so often reported about on our television screens and newspapers. Physically the installation Antarctic Village is emblematic of Ortas’ body of work, composed of what could be termed modular architecture and reflecting qualities of nomadic shelters and campsites. More on Orta's web site. Posted by Cati Vaucelle @ Architectradure.......................... ......................................... ..........................

Coloring book
2008-03-08 03:20:00
I love this coloring book and sticker kit idea by Sanithna Phansavanh. Posted by Cati Vaucelle @ Architectradure.......................... ......................................... ..........................
More About: Book

A ball-shaped camera that takes pictures while playing catch
2008-03-07 23:00:00
TosPom is a ball-shaped camera that takes pictures while playing catch created By Izumi Yagi and Mitsuyoshi Kimura.When the photographer throws TosPom to the object, the object’s face will be taken automatically as the object catches it, and the picture will be shown on the display. With TosPom, the act of taking pictures becomes a mutual, interactive activity that involves both the photographer and the object while both parties engage in a fun activity of playing catch. Moreover, the photographer can draw out a more natural and relaxed expression from the object.Video Posted by Cati Vaucelle @ Architectradure.......................... ......................................... ..........................
More About: Pictures , Camera , Catch , Ball

Sound Candy
2008-03-07 22:53:00
"Sound Candy is a toy which makes public playground yours with sounds and gestures. Wear Sound Candy on your body, record your favorite sounds to it, and jump! Hop! Run! Sound candy mutates the recorded sound according to your movement. Play creatively." By Shuichi Ishibashi, Daisuke Uriu and Professor Naohito Okude at the Okude Lab in Japan.Sound Candy is a device for anyone to create a personal playground with sound and movements. The main idea for Sound Candy is to offer the possibility to entertain and be entertained by using ordinary stones and wood sticks that surrounds us. Because of its small size, Sound Candy can be attached to any part of the human and animal body, artifacts and objects. Sound Candy has two function: a recording one, and the possibility to integrate the recorded sounds and the signals from the sensors, such as vibration or acceleration caused by a variety of movements. The recorded sounds are converted in various ways by selecting either Angle Mode, Vibra...

Spam architecture
2008-03-07 02:15:00
The images from the Spam Architecture series are generated by a computer program that accepts as input, junk email. Various patterns, keywords and rhythms found in the text are translated into three-dimensional modeling gestures. Created by Alex Dragulescu. Posted by Cati Vaucelle @ Architectradure.......................... ......................................... ..........................

An Environment for the Prosthetic Body
2008-03-06 03:31:00
Hybrid Architecture: An Environment for the Prosthetic Body by Georges Teyssot The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, Vol. 11, No. 4, 72-84 (2005)Drawing from philosophical, literary, artistic and technological sources, this text focuses on the theoretical relations between body and environment. It illustrates the argument by probing into various topics such as: desiring machines, body without organs, organs without body, gymnastic implements, body-building, celibate machines, incorporation, disembodiment, androids, robots, cyborgs, electro-mechanical and electronic apparatuses, spacesuits, wearable computers and augmented reality, the eco-technical spheres and the matrix. In addition, it looks into theories of medical devices that help explain the notion of the prosthetic body. Finally, within the context of theories of tools and cyber-organism, it attempts to rethink design through the terms of contemporary practices of daily life.Zombie Kit V1, 20...

Floating DIY robotic species
2008-03-05 04:47:00
Blubber Bots are floating DIY robotic species that navigate autonomously and intelligently. Blubber Bots float, dance, seek and sing. They are light-seeking hellium-filled balloons that graze the landscape in search of light and cellphone signals. Designed into the inflatable form is a set of light sensors enabling them to seek out the brightest light source. They are also equipped with a phone flasher and can recognize cellphone activity. You can interact with a Blubber Bot by making a call and waving your phone near it. In response, it will go into a flocking dance or sing you a special tune. In the pursuit to evolve and grow the biotopes, some of the species have bred forming 500 new young, The Blubber Bots. are offspring of the Autonomous Light Air Vessels (ALAVs). The Blubber Bots call for participation from the audience. Through educating an audience from a more hands on experience, Blubber Bots can be assembled and let loose into the world by anyone willing to do so. Posted ...
More About: Robotic , Floating

Enjoying inactivity
2008-03-02 18:27:00
Mouse TrapThe Society Of Happy Inactivity believes in the right to enjoy inactivity and being able to withstand the pressure of overactivity in todays society. The mouse trap is one of the company's supportive product. Posted by Cati Vaucelle @ Architectradure.......................... ......................................... ..........................

Le Décalé
2008-03-01 04:44:00
I love Sala's design objects. From interior to furniture design, every piece will make you smile! Posted by Cati Vaucelle @ Architectradure.......................... ......................................... ..........................

Adam Boulanger, Dan Ellsey and Tod Machover at TED 2008
2008-02-29 21:52:00
Tod Machover chose scientist Adam Boulanger to live demo, at TED 2008 , the latest cutting-edge research being done in his group at MIT. Tod worked for many years to invite everyone to compose music. Today Adam had the chance to present at TED his PhD's baby with partner Dan Ellsey. I had mentioned in a previous post his research. Adam graduated from the prestigious Berklee's school of music, studied medicine and worked for a few years as a music neurologist-therapist in New York. When he arrived at MIT he decided to apply his specialty in neurology to music composition. He met with Dan Ellsey who has cerebral palsy and worked together on means to compose with the Hyperscore environment at the hyperinstruments research group.For his research with Dan, Adam developed a head-set and supporting software so that Dan could expressively perform his hyperscore compositions as a soloist. Dan worked closely with the team to perform his songs using head movements. If you want more technical ...

Impossible things? Negative Capability and the Creative Imagination
2008-02-29 19:59:00
I came across an intriguing paper written by Professor Irene McAra-McWilliam, researcher that I admire. She reviews the history and contemporary understanding of the concepts of creativity and the imagination, referring to poetry and visualization to explore the role of the imagination, and to reflect on the concept of creativity.Excerpt from her paperI challenge the popular view of the Romantic poet as “mad, bad and dangerous to know”, and propose instead that these artists were committed to the project of understanding the creative imagination and being attentive to its modes of operation. Indeed many of their poems, such as Coleridge’s Kubla Khan (Coleridge, 1996, pp. 229-231), are expressions of their research. The Romantic project can be seen therefore as an attempt to understand the creative imagination through its own operation, and to articulate this in artistic expression. Poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge were interested in how we see the world, and they propose...
More About: Creative , Imagination , Things , Negative , Impossible

Wooden Toys
2008-02-29 03:13:00
After Paper Toys , one can update to Wooden Toys. Ben Wilson combines product and graphic design into his furniture kits. The chairs are routed out of one sheet of 8x4 15mm Birch faced ply-wood or MDF. Posted by Cati Vaucelle ♥ Architectradure.......................... ...................

Accessories for lonely men
2008-02-28 07:13:00
My friends Burak and Yasmine mentioned an exhibition at the Moma that I checked online. I now plan a trip to New York to attend it. Among the many stimulating pieces, I selected this very funny set of electronic objects in the vein of Design Noir, which I believe could sadly become a commercial hit! Accessories for lonely men are eight electronic devices designed to alleviate loneliness by stimulating the -sometimes annoying- traces that one's companion would normally leave behind. The collection includes a Sheet Thief, which "winds the bedclothes up on the other side of the bed while you're sleeping". Other joys of sharing a bed are re-created with Cold feet and a Heavy Breather that breathes hot air down the user's neck. In the morning the Hair Alarm Clock swings hair across the user's face to wake him, while the steel finger of the Chest-Hair Curler gently swirls his chest hair in concentric circles. Accessories for lonely men by Noam Toran, photos Frank ThurstonDesign and th...
More About: Lonely

Life-size dolls
2008-02-27 02:11:00
London Life . Concept: Scarlet Projects and Matt HiggsLaforet Museum presented a snapshot of London life as seen through the eyes of 10 of the brightest new stars on the London scene. A mixture of young designers, architects, club promoters, stylists, models and artists, came together to present their own particular style, and give us a glimpse into their personal and distinctive view of London life. Each person was represented by a life-size doll, packaged like a Barbie Doll, and dressed by themselves in their own selected clothing. Their lifestyle was presented through the packaging – with accessories as well as personal information about them, detailing their favorite things and places. A tv monitor incorporated into the packaging played a personal video diary.
More About: Size , Life Size , Dolls

Toys to sew
2008-02-24 23:06:00
Recently I have started crafting objects, dolls, and sewing stuffed animals. My goal and challenge being to design like Anano.The books that I pre-ordered are Sweet Needle Felts: 25 Projects to Wear, Give & HugToys to Sew: Dozens of Patterns for Dolls, Animals, Doll Clothes, and Accessories.Little Felted Animals : Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques by Marie-Noelle Horvath. If you have any outstanding craft book you recommend, let me know!Fuzzy Felted Friends by Saori Yamazaki.I already received the book Softies : Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals. I don't regret it, the explanations are awesome, the illustrations beautiful and the patterns easy to follow.I also bought Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts! and received it yesterday. The book is really cute, but it requires starting crochet. The book offers beginner crochet lessons, and it seems so easy! it is well organized as it starts with lessons, with examples and outstanding pictures of cute creat...

Tenori On by Toshio Iwai
2008-02-24 21:45:00
I saw it many times on the net, but never quite understood the genius of it until I saw this video. It is a "64" buttons interface, very simple, but the sound works so well for its type of interaction and the device fits instantaneously with your expectation. The rhythm you create invites for more exploration. Toshio Iwai Launch of Tenori-OnPosted by Cati Vaucelle ♥ Architectradure.......................... ...................

Where's George?
2008-02-23 21:45:00
So today I go to the Algiers Cafe place in Harvard Square where I have been given this one dollar bill. On it, I can see a red stamp that says: "See where I have been. Track where I go next!"So I look it up online. The bill traveled 2 Yrs, 241 Days, 14 Hrs and done 881 miles! I will soon release it, for it to continue some adventures ...Posted by Cati Vaucelle ♥ Architectradure.......................... ...................
More About: George

Bar code revolution
2008-02-22 19:06:00
To answer the question Why Has the Barcode Never Changed? the team at Bar Code Revolution studied the Barcode technology standards and invented a process that allows a design element to be integrated into the barcode.Posted by Cati Vaucelle ♥ Architectradure.......................... ...................

Data managment
2008-02-21 19:16:00
Dialog 05 creates objects between analog and digital. USB is nowadays often used as a synonym for a universal connection. Originally only used by computer experts, this former high-tech standard has developed into an every-day item and low-tech symbol for universal connections.Dialog 05 used the interface standard to envision scenario for data management. I selected my favorite ones as they seem to belong to a USB sub-culture!plastic, steel and glass. where should the data go? an icon regains its physical form.Eternal loveare we suited to one another? are we really compatible? how long will it last? it’s all about give and take – synchronize!Memory boxa snapshot from summeryour favorite gig, your first time or your last flirtation. do you want to click through your memories or bury them?Dialers and non dialersfor the non-dialling generation, it’s a trip into the past – for those born earlier, it’s a trip down memory lane.no access for unauthorized persons.Posted by Cati Va...
More About: Data

The explorers
2008-02-20 15:04:00
The Explorers , 2005 - Archival ink jetThe explorers is part of Jennifer Zwick's constructed-narrative series of photographs. They focus on bizarrely adventurous young girls populating beautiful but uneasy worlds. To create these images, the artist draws from childhood fantasies and memories, then constructs life-sized environments. By pushing these scenarios to an extreme conclusion, the girls become metaphors for our hyper-real childhood selves, where remembered emotions become stronger through time.The Explorers (detail), 2005Posted by Cati Vaucelle ♥ Architectradure.......................... ...................

The sense of smell in interaction design
2008-02-19 17:53:00
I came across the concept of a Scentsory phone by Nokia on Gadgettastic. The phone uses the human senses of sight, sound, touch and even smell for an ultimate multi-sensory experience. It could detect, transmit and emit smells, as well as radiate colors, lighting, and temperature from the caller’s environment. Its electronic nose works with highly sophisticated (i.e. unknown) sensors. The nose samples the odor of the caller’s environment and transmits this to the recipient electronically. Nokia Scentory PhoneSmell s' detection and re-creation is a fascinating topic today most probably because it is still very hard to achieve technically. Last year I started developing the Odora Storyteller, a smell collector. It encompasses the experience of the everyday collector and creates an associative memory of smells, places and objects. The prototype was conceived for children to collect samples from their environment. The children can reveal and create associative connection between sme...
More About: Design , Sense , Interaction

Two in one: a doll and a wallet!
2008-02-18 23:35:00
The concept behind Stereotype is to create metaphoric creatures in costumes that mimic well known identities we see on our streets and in our imaginationI selected this one, in which I immediately recognized the useful wallet & doll combo!Posted by Cati Vaucelle ♥ Architectradure.......................... ...................
More About: Wallet , Doll

Hollow Voices
2008-02-15 20:54:00
Hollow Voices by Laurent MassalouxThe product being designed hollow, the radio turns on when its open face is placed on the table. Posted by Cati Vaucelle ♥ Architectradure.......................... ...................
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New interaction design for mobile phones
2008-02-13 04:42:00
Smartphone Battle by Bill BagnallPosted by Cati Vaucelle ♥ Architectradure.......................... ...................
More About: Design , Mobile , Mobile Phones , Phones , Interaction