WHITEHART CREATIVE

Urbanears

Urbanears have become ubiquitous in the UK and I don’t feel like a day goes by without seeing someone wearing the iconic headphones. I think this is largely due to Urban Outfitters, the popular retailer, stocking them but also because of their simple and effective design. Despite having only a tiny amount of branding on the headphones they are instantly recognisable due to their design.

They have a great materials selection, I especially love that subtle matt of the actual headphone and the recent limited edition Harris Tweed headphones look great too.

The concept behind the headphones is the variety of clothing we all wear and Norra Norr did a great job of translating the headphone into a garment, even using fabric instead of plastic for the cord, a lovely touch.

The problem is I’m not sure I can pull them off….. While I would love a pair they don’t feel me. Do not despair my friends - as well as the prolific Platten range Urbanears also offer alternatives in the form of Medis (in ear headphones) and the Tanto line, a set of smaller over ear headphones. I’ve had my eyes set on a pair of cream Tantos since I lost my beloved Seinheisers. Similar in style they are understated and minimalist - a bit more ‘me’.

Recently Urbanears have announced the release of Slussen. This device plugs into your headphones and an external speaker and when paired with the Slussen App (iOS) allows users to act as a DJ. The app provides a simple interface allowing the DJ to preview tracks, crossfade and equalise them, as well as mix them together. 

Slussen looks great and I can’t wait to have a go with one!

(International DJ) Harry

#Twitter

It’s 2013 and I am embracing the modern world by getting a twitter account.

If you would like updates about design, food and occasional music then follow me @Enzo_Elliott :) 

For now I will leave you with Parrot Flower Power

A wireless plant sensor that sends sun, soil, temperature and fertiliser updates straight to your your smartphone. It looks great, so much so that I am tempted despite the fact that my botanical inclinations reach only as far as one Japanese peace lily (which I am proud to say has been alive for 3 years).

Harry

No Noise

During January 2013 Selfridges will be running a No Noise campaign, which aims to remove the stresses of everyday life in the modern world. This includes a Silence Room in their store on Oxford Street or the Headspace Pods which will be featured in their other stores across the UK. The most interesting part is the Quiet Shop which features our best loved products stripped of their branding in an attempt to remove the noise and ‘turn down the volume’.

I think it raises some interesting questions about consumer motivation when purchasing and also goes to show how developed and familiar these brands are, that even with text removed they are instantly recognisable. How does one develop a brand like that? Well…. I’m still working that part out myself.

Harry (self professed Marmite lover)

Lytro

“Lytro is a new icon for the next-era of photography. Visually defined by its striking figure, the innovative ‘extruded lens’ form, houses Lytro’s radical light field sensor technology – technology that allows you to focus after the photo is taken. The result of years of research & theory shrunk down into a pocket-sized object that reframes what photography is. Coupled with Lytro’s exclusive form is a magically useable User Interface that capitalizes upon the touch interaction found in smartphones. The outcome is a marked advancement in Product Architecture and the perfect example of compact packing.”

Lytro’s design was done by NewDealDesign and I think they did a great job. They are a dynamic agency that has worked on wide range of products and systems, including the previously blogged NFC.

The most innovative aspect of this camera is not its shape and unique usability but that it can refocus the photo after it is taken!

Santa?

Harry.

National Fitness Court

Im a gym lover and this design for a public gym by New Deal Design really strikes a cord with me.

62.8% of adults in the UK are overweight and while the Tories are trying to reduce the national deficit healthcare for these individuals is not only expensive but also avoidable. While the gym may look sparse to some people there is actually an extraordinary amount of bodyweight work which can be done here, techniques which are also extremely safe to do. 

Harry

Ippon Matsu Beer

Design by Kota Kobayashi this simplistic beer bottle represents survival after the 2011 Tsunami which affected Japan. The beautiful packaging is inspired by the single pine tree left standing in the small town of Rikuzentakat. The design on the beer represents progress and development after the tragedy and a small scroll is included which tells the story. I think it’s lovely!

 

Harry

Method

Method do yet another great piece of packaging which is innovative, disruptive, user centric and had great shelf standout!

Harry

Lierac

Lierac’s Prescription range effectively cue, as the name hints, the pharmalogical. This stand out premium packaging for skin treatments uses information as its USP, successfully pushing the product benefit and maintaining all important credibility in the consumers eyes. Bound to be a success!

Harry