The LADIS Lamp DISinfection, a cap‑type drinking‑water UV sterilizer, has been recognized for its innovative approach to safe drinking water in underserved communities. Designed by Hwanjong Oh, the device combines compact form, solar‑powered operation, and a user‑friendly cap that can be attached to standard water bottles, delivering rapid UV sterilization that eliminates harmful pathogens.

Hwanjong Oh, a designer originally from Laos now based in the Republic of Korea, created the LADIS Lamp to address the persistent challenge of water‑borne diseases in areas lacking reliable water treatment infrastructure. The device’s lightweight aluminum body houses a UV‑LED module that activates with a simple twist, emitting germicidal light that neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and protozoa within seconds . The project was selected as a finalist in the 2025 Seoul Design Award, a global platform that highlights designs promoting sustainability and social impact.

Designer Name: Hwanjong Oh

Key features of the LADIS Lamp include its portability, as the cap‑type design fits on most water bottles, making it easy to carry and use on the go; its solar power capability, with a small solar panel integrated into the cap that charges an internal battery, enabling off‑grid operation; its rapid sterilization, where UV‑LED technology provides disinfection in under 30 seconds, ensuring immediate access to safe water; and its durability, thanks to an aluminum housing that resists corrosion and impact, suitable for rugged environments.

Beyond its technical merits, the LADIS Lamp embodies a user‑centered philosophy. By turning a familiar object, a bottle cap, nto a health‑saving tool, the design reduces the learning curve for users unfamiliar with complex water‑treatment systems. The project has been praised for its practicality, low energy consumption, and potential to improve public health in remote regions , fulfilling its mission of “safe water anytime, anywhere.”

The recognition from the Seoul Design Award brings increased visibility to the LADIS Lamp, opening opportunities for partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations seeking scalable water‑purification solutions. Early interest has already been expressed by several NGOs operating in Southeast Asia, where access to clean water remains a critical issue. We are living in times where climate change and population growth intensify water scarcity. Portable UV sterilizers like the LADIS Lamp represent a practical, low‑cost strategy to safeguard public health. This product highlights how thoughtful design can bridge technology and community needs, offering a glimpse of a future where safe drinking water is within reach for everyone.

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Kitchen fires remain one of the most common household emergencies, yet most of our safety equipment stays hidden in cabinets or tucked away in corners where we forget it exists. Traditional fire detectors and extinguishers often feel like necessary evils that interrupt the clean lines and thoughtful aesthetics of modern kitchen design, creating a disconnect between safety and style.

What makes the bogl concept particularly compelling is how it challenges this assumption entirely. This design study reimagines fire safety through the lens of visible, intuitive design, proposing that safety equipment should be a constant, beautiful presence in our kitchens rather than something we hide until disaster strikes.

Designer: Hyeonseo Park

The philosophy behind bogl centers on what designer Hyeonseo Park calls “visible safety.” Instead of concealing fire detection and suppression tools, the concept places them prominently in the kitchen, where they serve as daily reminders of safety awareness. This approach transforms emergency preparedness from an abstract concern into a tangible, everyday consideration that naturally becomes part of your routine.

The design draws clever inspiration from the familiar phenomenon of boiling water, using the movement of bubbles as visual metaphors for both detection and action. The fire detector mimics the swirling, rotating motion of bubbles in a pot, creating an intuitive connection between cooking and safety awareness. When the detector senses danger, this rotation becomes more pronounced, providing clear visual feedback.

Of course, the aesthetic execution feels equally important to the concept’s success. The clean, cylindrical forms feature a soft matte finish with bold orange accents that stand out without overwhelming the space. You get safety equipment that looks intentional rather than intrusive, designed to complement modern kitchen aesthetics while maintaining its essential functionality and visibility.

The fire extinguisher takes a similarly thoughtful approach to user interaction. When an emergency occurs, a ball floats upward within the device, mimicking bubbles rising to the surface of boiling water. This visual cue provides immediate, intuitive feedback that anyone can understand, even in stressful situations when complex instructions become difficult to process.

That said, the practical considerations remain carefully considered throughout the design. The compact 500ml extinguisher can sit on countertops or float on floors, while the detector uses AI-based pattern recognition to analyze smoke, heat, and air composition. Both devices prioritize accessibility and ease of use, ensuring that safety remains the primary concern despite the aesthetic improvements.

The bogl concept taps into something fundamental about how we relate to safety in our homes. Rather than treating fire safety as something to hide or ignore, this approach makes it a visible, accepted part of daily life. You can see how this kind of thinking might change our entire relationship with emergency preparedness, making us more aware and ready simply through better design.

The post Minimalist Fire Safety Concept That Belongs in the Modern Kitchen first appeared on Yanko Design.

Online shopping has turned every doorstep into a mini‑warehouse, and package theft has become a common frustration for homeowners. There are some bad elements who think that if there are packages out there on the front stoop, it’s fair game. Not all houses have security cams to help catch these thieves and so they just chalk it up to a regular inconvenience if they can’t be at home to receive packages.

Stonemore is offering a solution to this problem. Their anti‑package‑theft mailbox offers a sleek, steel‑clad solution that promises to keep parcels safe while adding a contemporary look to any porch. The mailbox is built from powder‑coated galvanized steel, a finish that resists rust and weathering, and it is designed to be anchored directly to a concrete pad for maximum stability. The box measures 39.01 inches in height, 16.73 inches in width, and 15.94 inches in depth, weighing 47.18 lbs, which are dimensions that comfortably accommodate everything from standard letters to larger parcels.

Designer: Stonemore

Security is the core of the design. A four‑pin key lock secures both the front and rear doors, and a master key is provided in case the primary key is misplaced . The front door serves as a one‑way delivery chute: once a courier slides a package inside, the chute prevents the item from being pulled back out, effectively blocking opportunistic thieves. The rear door is the only access point for retrieving mail and parcels, ensuring that only the homeowner can open the box.

Installation is straightforward. The mailbox arrives fully assembled, and all that is required is to bolt the base to the ground using the included anchor bolts. The package includes an installation guide that walks users through the process step‑by‑step, making it a DIY‑friendly upgrade for most homes. A five‑year structural warranty backs the product, underscoring Stonemore’s confidence in its durability.

Beyond security, the mailbox is functional for everyday use. It accepts A4‑size mail, handles small to large parcels, and even supports outgoing mail, allowing residents to drop letters without stepping inside the house. The sleek, boxy silhouette blends well with modern architectural styles, offering a visual upgrade that rivals traditional wooden mailboxes.

For homeowners who value peace of mind, the Stonemore mailbox eliminates the need to coordinate with neighbors or rely on “leave‑it‑on‑the‑porch” instructions. Couriers quickly recognize the dedicated delivery slot, reducing missed deliveries and the temptation for theft. The combination of a sturdy steel shell, anchored base, and dual‑door lock system creates a layered defense that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

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Remember when flip phones felt like the future? Sliding that satisfying little mechanism open made you feel like a secret agent, even if you were just calling your mom to say you’d be late for dinner. Hidden door handles in electric vehicles tap into that same psychological sweet spot, promising a sleek, futuristic experience that makes regular car doors feel as dated as a rotary phone. But China just threw cold water on this automotive love affair, moving to ban fully retractable door handles over mounting safety concerns. When your safety regulators are seeing a 47 percent spike in accidents caused by door handle failures, and hidden handles are responsible for 82 percent of those incidents, you’ve got a problem that goes way beyond aesthetics.. The question isn’t whether this regulatory crackdown will reshape the EV landscape (it will), but whether these handles were ever worth the hype in the first place.

Tesla deserves credit for making flush handles the must-have accessory of the EV world when the Model S debuted in 2012. What started as a premium design flourish quickly became the automotive equivalent of Apple’s removing the headphone jack: controversial, seemingly pointless to many, yet copied relentlessly across the industry. Today, EVs without hidden handles actually look conventional, according to automotive supply chain executives. But here’s the uncomfortable truth that’s finally bubbling to the surface: the case for hidden door handles was always built on shaky ground, propped up more by marketing departments than engineering data.

The Promised Land: What Hidden Handles Were Supposed to Do

The original pitch for hidden door handles rested on three pillars: aerodynamics, security, and aesthetics. On paper, these benefits sound compelling enough to justify the complexity. Flush handles eliminate the drag-inducing protrusions that traditional handles create, theoretically reducing wind resistance and boosting efficiency. For security-conscious buyers, handles that retract when locked supposedly make it harder for thieves to jimmy doors or identify entry points. The aesthetic argument needs no explanation: hidden handles create that unbroken body line that screams “expensive future car” from across a parking lot.

The technology integration aspect sweetened the deal further. Modern hidden handles often work in concert with keyless entry systems, proximity sensors, and even facial recognition. Walk up to your car, and the handles magically deploy like something out of Knight Rider. Some systems include soft-close mechanisms that gently pull doors shut with a satisfying thunk. For manufacturers, these features provided a perfect opportunity to justify premium pricing while differentiating their products in an increasingly crowded EV market. The handles became a physical manifestation of the high-tech experience buyers expected from electric vehicles.

The Reality Check: When Numbers Don’t Lie

Here’s where the marketing narrative crashes into cold, hard physics. Automakers love to throw around claims that hidden handles can improve a car’s drag coefficient by as much as 0.03 Cd, which sounds impressive until you realize what that actually means in the real world. Independent research suggests the actual improvement is closer to 0.005 Cd, which translates to saving about 0.6 kWh over 62 miles of driving. For context, that’s roughly equivalent to running a hair dryer for six minutes. Your daily coffee habit probably has a bigger impact on your budget than these aerodynamic gains have on your electric bill.

The weight penalty makes the situation even more absurd. The motors, sensors, actuators, and reinforced mechanisms needed for hidden handles can add up to 18 pounds to a vehicle. Basic physics tells us that carrying extra weight reduces efficiency, potentially canceling out any minor aerodynamic advantage. It’s like wearing ankle weights while bragging about your new aerodynamic running shoes. The cost differential is equally brutal: hidden handles reportedly cost three times more than traditional mechanical handles while failing eight times as often. That’s not a trade-off; that’s a engineering disaster disguised as innovation.

The Safety Reckoning: When Style Meets Emergency

The safety concerns that prompted China’s regulatory action aren’t theoretical problems buried in engineering reports. They’re real-world disasters happening with alarming frequency. Chinese authorities reported a 47 percent rise in accidents caused by door handle failures in 2024, with hidden handles responsible for 82 percent of those incidents. Even more disturbing, there was a 132 percent year-over-year jump in complaints about children getting their fingers pinched by automated handles, with some cases resulting in broken bones. When a design feature starts breaking kids’ fingers, it’s time to seriously reconsider priorities.

Crash testing reveals the most damning statistic: electric door handles only work 67 percent of the time during side collisions, compared to 98 percent success rates for traditional mechanical handles. In emergency situations, when adrenaline is pumping and seconds matter, hidden handles can trap occupants or delay first responders who don’t know where to find the manual override. Tesla includes mechanical backup releases, but they’re often hidden, poorly labeled, and unknown to users and emergency crews. The fatal Tesla Model Y incident that gained widespread attention highlighted how these design choices can literally be the difference between life and death.

The Real Winner: Marketing Over Function

Strip away the technical justifications, and hidden door handles reveal themselves as primarily a marketing exercise. They serve as a visual shorthand for “advanced technology” and “premium design,” much like how concept cars use scissor doors or transparent panels. The handles don’t need to provide meaningful functional benefits; they just need to make buyers feel like they’re purchasing something from the future rather than an expensive appliance with wheels. This psychological component explains why the feature spread so rapidly across the EV industry despite questionable practical advantages.

The automotive industry has a long history of prioritizing visual drama over common sense. Remember when manufacturers thought motorized seatbelts were a good idea? Or when they decided that hiding windshield wipers under the hood was worth the maintenance nightmare? Hidden door handles fit this pattern perfectly: a solution in search of a problem, justified by marginal technical benefits but really driven by the desire to look different in crowded showrooms. The fact that some luxury brands like Volkswagen have developed semi-retractable handles that maintain mechanical backups suggests that even manufacturers recognize the limitations of fully hidden systems.

The Engineering Headache: Why Complexity Breeds Problems

Beyond the safety and cost concerns, hidden door handles represent a masterclass in over-engineering. Traditional door handles are marvels of simplicity: a mechanical lever connected to a latch mechanism that works regardless of power, temperature, or electronic failures. Hidden handles replace this bulletproof simplicity with a Rube Goldberg machine of motors, sensors, springs, actuators, and control modules. Each additional component introduces new failure modes, particularly in harsh weather conditions where ice, snow, or extreme temperatures can disable the deployment mechanism.

The maintenance implications are staggering. While a traditional handle might need replacement after decades of use, hidden handle systems require regular software updates, sensor calibration, and mechanical adjustments. Some owners report handles that deploy randomly in parking lots, while others describe systems that refuse to work in freezing temperatures. The irony is thick: in the pursuit of futuristic sophistication, manufacturers created a feature that’s less reliable than technology from the 1950s. Wei Jianjun, Chairman of Great Wall Motor, captured the absurdity perfectly when he called hidden handles “heavy, with poor sealing, noisy, and relying on electric power while posing safety hazards.”

What’s Next: The Regulatory Pushback

China’s proposed ban on fully retractable handles represents more than just a local policy change; it signals a global shift toward prioritizing function over form in automotive design. The European New Car Assessment Programme has already announced that starting in 2026, vehicles that bury critical controls like turn signals and hazard lights in touchscreen menus won’t be eligible for five-star safety ratings. This regulatory trend suggests that authorities worldwide are growing tired of design decisions that prioritize aesthetics over usability and safety.

The proposed Chinese standards would still allow semi-retractable handles with mechanical backups, pointing toward a potential compromise solution. Companies like Audi have developed clever systems where handles deploy red pull cords during collisions, giving first responders a reliable manual override. These hybrid approaches acknowledge the marketing value of clean body lines while maintaining the reliability that traditional handles provide. The key requirement is that backup systems must work even when the vehicle loses power, a basic safety standard that should have been mandatory from the beginning.

The writing is on the wall for fully hidden door handles. As regulatory pressure mounts and real-world failures accumulate, manufacturers will likely pivot toward semi-retractable designs or abandon the concept entirely. Some brands may double down on the technology, arguing that improved engineering can solve the reliability issues. But the fundamental question remains: why add complexity, cost, and failure modes to solve a problem that didn’t exist? Traditional door handles work perfectly well, and the marginal benefits of hidden systems simply don’t justify the risks and costs.

The hidden door handle saga offers a valuable lesson about the difference between innovation and gimmickry. True automotive innovation improves safety, reduces costs, or enhances functionality in meaningful ways. Hidden handles do none of these things convincingly. They’re a solution to an aesthetic problem masquerading as an engineering advancement, and the industry is finally waking up to the difference.

The post The EV Feature That Was Designed To Kill You (In The Name Of Efficiency) first appeared on Yanko Design.

Door hardware hasn’t changed much over the decades. You’ve got your basic knobs, maybe some fancy lever handles if you’re feeling adventurous, but they all pretty much do the same thing. TCL’s new K1 Smart Fingerprint Door Knob looks like it belongs in that familiar category, but underneath that brushed nickel exterior lies some seriously clever technology that could change how we think about home security.

The magic happens the moment you grip the knob. An AI-powered fingerprint sensor recognizes your print in just 0.3 seconds, unlocking the door before you even realize what happened. There’s no fumbling with keys, no digging through pockets or purses, just grab and go. The sensor gets smarter with every use, too, learning your fingerprint patterns to improve accuracy over time.

Designer: TCL

What makes the K1 particularly clever is how it doesn’t put all its eggs in one biometric basket. Sure, the fingerprint unlock is the star of the show, but you’ve also got passcode entry, mobile app control, and a good old-fashioned mechanical key for backup. This means guests can get temporary codes, family members can use the app, and you’ll never get locked out if the battery dies.

The build quality feels substantial without being showy. TCL went with aerospace-grade aluminum and a brushed nickel finish that’s both scratch-resistant and surprisingly elegant. The knob itself maintains the familiar proportions and feel of traditional door hardware, which means it won’t look out of place on anything from a sleek modern front door to a classic bedroom entrance.

This design approach is actually pretty brilliant when you think about interior aesthetics. Most smart locks scream “I’m a gadget” with their chunky bodies and obvious tech elements. The K1 takes the opposite approach, blending seamlessly into existing door designs without disrupting the visual flow of a space. Whether you’re working with minimalist modern interiors or traditional home styles, this thing just disappears into the background.

The smart features are where things get really interesting. The companion app lets you manage up to 100 different fingerprints, create temporary access codes for guests, and even set the lock to passage mode during parties or privacy mode for extra security. Auto-lock functionality means you never have to worry about forgetting to secure the door, and the 12-month battery life keeps maintenance to a minimum.

There’s something deeply satisfying about technology that works exactly as it should without making a big fuss about it. The K1 delivers that rare combination of advanced functionality wrapped in a familiar, approachable design. The LED indicators are subtle, the fingerprint recognition is instant, and the whole experience feels natural rather than futuristic.

For $79.99, the TCL K1 feels like one of those products that makes you wonder why nobody thought of this approach sooner. It’s smart home tech that doesn’t feel like tech at all, just a really good doorknob that happens to remember who you are.

The post TCL K1 Smart Fingerprint Door Knob Harmonizes Seamless Security and Everyday Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Speaker systems typically serve one purpose: playing music until you get tired of them and shove them into a closet. They occupy valuable shelf space without offering much beyond decent sound quality, becoming expensive dust collectors that remind you of better purchasing decisions. Most people never think about what happens when the ground starts shaking and those speakers become useless decorations.

Melis Planalı’s Vervain concept flips this relationship by creating a modular speaker system that transforms into a comprehensive earthquake safety device when disaster strikes. Instead of designing another forgettable Bluetooth speaker, Planalı has imagined something that acknowledges the harsh reality of living in earthquake-prone regions while still delivering the audio quality people actually want from their entertainment systems.

Designer:
Melis Planali

The design centers around a tall main tower with four detachable orange and white disk modules that snap together like oversized building blocks. Each disk works independently as a standalone speaker, letting family members spread them throughout different rooms for personalized listening experiences. The modular approach means you’re never stuck with a single configuration that stops making sense when your living situation changes.

What makes Vervain genuinely clever is how it handles emergencies. Advanced seismic sensors and smart algorithms built into each disk can tell the difference between a passing truck and a dangerous earthquake, eliminating false alarms while ensuring rapid response when lives hang in the balance. The system uses Bluetooth Mesh networking to create synchronized alerts that reach every corner of your home simultaneously.

The emergency features go well beyond simple alarms. GPS location tracking helps rescue teams locate people trapped under debris, while the disks transform into walkie-talkies for hands-free communication with family members or emergency responders. Each module includes powerful flashlights for power outages, with solar charging, keeping everything operational when traditional power sources fail completely.

Planalı incorporates plant-based bioplastics made from corn starch and sugarcane, addressing environmental concerns while providing the durability needed for emergency situations. This material choice reduces electronic waste by combining multiple functions into a single device, eliminating the need for separate gadgets cluttering up your living space. The orange and white color scheme feels approachable rather than intimidating or clinical.

The concept targets extended families and student households who need flexible audio solutions but also face the reality of earthquake risks. During peaceful times, Vervain facilitates social bonding through shared music experiences and independent listening. When disaster strikes, those same friendly-looking modules become essential communication tools that could determine whether everyone makes it through safely.

The post Vervain Concept Speaker System: Modular Audio Meets Earthquake Safety first appeared on Yanko Design.

Every maker knows the frustration of dust collection systems that promise the world but deliver disappointment. You invest in what seems like a powerful dust collector, only to watch its suction fade as filters clog up, leaving your workspace covered in fine particles that make everything feel gritty and unhealthy.

The AnyDust dust collector takes a completely different approach to this age-old problem. Designed by two PhD mechanical engineers who understand flow and particle separation, this system eliminates the root cause of poor dust collection performance rather than just treating the symptoms. For the first time, you can focus on creating instead of constantly fighting your dust collection system.

Designer: Mehmed Akif Paksoy

Click Here to Buy Now: $2199 $4900 ($2701 off). Hurry, only 2/22 left! Raised over $231,000.

When Engineering Meets Real Workshop Frustrations

Traditional dust collectors follow the same basic formula that’s been around for decades: suck air through a filter and hope for the best. This approach works initially, but performance degrades quickly as filters accumulate dust and airflow drops. The result is weaker suction, more airborne particles, and constant filter maintenance that disrupts your creative flow.

AnyDust’s founders recognized that the solution required rethinking the entire approach to particle separation. Instead of relying primarily on filters, they developed a multi-cyclone system that captures particles before they ever reach the filter stage. This fundamental shift in design philosophy means the system maintains peak performance over time rather than gradually declining.

144 Cyclones Working in Perfect Harmony

The heart of AnyDust is its advanced multi-cyclone array featuring 144 individual cyclones working together to capture even micron-sized particles. This isn’t just about having more cyclones than the competition; it’s about creating a system where each cyclone operates at optimal efficiency to maintain consistent suction power.

The system includes a mesh-type pre-filter with self-cleaning capability that traps coarse particles before they enter the cyclone array. This extends the lifespan of the cyclones while ensuring the entire system operates at peak efficiency. The aerodynamically optimized aluminum impeller delivers maximum airflow with minimal resistance, creating the kind of consistent, powerful suction that makes dust collection feel effortless.

Smart Controls That Actually Make Sense

Most workshop tools treat smart features as afterthoughts, but AnyDust integrates them thoughtfully into the user experience. The 4.3-inch touchscreen provides real-time monitoring of system status, dust levels, and filter health, giving you the information you need without overwhelming complexity.

The companion mobile app extends this control, allowing you to monitor and adjust your dust collector from anywhere in the workshop. Smart sensors track dust levels, filter status, and flow path performance, providing maintenance alerts before problems develop. Firmware updates ensure your system continues improving over time, adding new features and optimizations as they become available.

Dual Bins That Make Disposal Actually Pleasant

The dual-chamber dust bin system separates coarse particles from ultra-fine dust, making disposal cleaner and more efficient. The larger bin handles the bulk of wood chips and shavings, while the smaller chamber captures the finest particles that would otherwise escape into your workspace air.

Ergonomic handles and smooth sliding mechanisms make emptying the bins quick and mess-free. The thoughtful design means you can dispose of collected debris without creating dust clouds or requiring protective equipment. This attention to the disposal experience shows how AnyDust considers every aspect of the user journey, not just the primary collection function.

Built for the Long Haul, Designed for Today

AnyDust’s construction uses premium materials, including steel, stainless steel, and corrosion-resistant aluminum components designed for decades of reliable operation. The system eliminates the need for disposable filters, reducing both ongoing costs and environmental waste. Lower energy consumption compared to traditional systems means reduced electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

The compact design fits into workshops where space is at a premium, while integrated handles make repositioning easy when your workspace layout changes. At 58-65 dB, it operates quietly enough that you can have conversations or listen to music while it runs, creating a more pleasant working environment.

Redefining What Workshop Tools Can Be

AnyDust represents a new generation of workshop equipment that combines serious engineering with thoughtful design and environmental responsibility. For makers and designers who want their tools to be as smart, efficient, and sustainable as their projects, AnyDust offers a compelling vision of what dust collection can become when you start from scratch and refuse to accept the limitations of traditional approaches.

Click Here to Buy Now: $2199 $4900 ($2701 off). Hurry, only 2/22 left! Raised over $231,000

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As our cities edge closer to a future where robots move alongside humans, the need for innovative traffic management becomes more urgent. Enter POLIS, a visionary traffic control system designed by Jimin Kim, created to keep urban spaces running smoothly as robots, drones, and humans share the streets. The POLIS project reimagines city safety for the age of intelligent machines, blending advanced technology with urban design to reduce accidents and protect everyone moving through the city.

POLIS is a smart traffic control station intended for robot-saturated cities like the fictional Acropolis. Unlike traditional traffic lights or cameras, POLIS is built to understand and manage the complex interactions between a wide variety of moving entities. These include not just humans and vehicles, but also delivery robots, cleaning bots, industrial machines, drones, and even animals. By mapping and tracking the movement of these different groups, POLIS aims to prevent collisions of all kinds, whether it is a human bumping into a delivery robot or a drone crossing paths with a building.

Designer: Jimin Kim

The heart of the POLIS system is a pair of core components. The first is a primary security unit equipped with advanced SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) sensors. These sensors give POLIS the ability to detect and predict potential accidents before they happen. If an incident does occur, the second component springs into action: a security barricade robot that can quickly deploy physical barriers, blocking off hazardous areas to prevent secondary or even tertiary accidents.

One of the key strengths of POLIS is its ability to blend seamlessly into the urban landscape. The units are designed to look sleek and modern, almost like a futuristic lamppost. Their coverage extends in concentric circles, with a close, medium, and long detection range, ensuring that every corner of the city is monitored for safety. The system communicates wirelessly, allowing multiple POLIS units to work together across neighborhoods and city blocks for comprehensive coverage.

POLIS goes beyond just technology by addressing real-world safety scenarios. It can handle a wide range of accident types, such as collisions between humans and robots, robots and animals, robots and buildings, or even a robot hitting a traffic light. This proactive approach is essential in cities where robots and smart devices are increasingly becoming part of everyday life. Jimin Kim’s design for POLIS points toward a future where technology and urban safety are perfectly integrated. By making cities safer for both people and machines, POLIS empowers urban areas to grow smarter and more efficient. For cities preparing for a new era of automation, POLIS offers a glimpse of how the right design can keep everyone, including robots or humans, moving safely.

The post POLIS concept reimagines urban traffic safety in robot-powered cities first appeared on Yanko Design.

Keeping digital life safe and adaptable as kids grow has always been a parenting nightmare. Most phones are either too restrictive for developing independence or too open for peace of mind. The HMD Fuse tackles this problem with a genuinely clever approach that evolves alongside its user.

This isn’t just another “safe phone” with clunky parental controls. The Fuse sports a slim, modern design with a textured back that feels premium in your hands. The 6.6-inch HD+ display runs at 90Hz for smooth scrolling, while dual cameras and a massive 5000mAh battery handle everything from social media to two-day battery life.

Designer: HMD

The real magic happens with HarmBlock+, HMD’s on-device AI that blocks explicit and harmful content before it reaches the screen. Unlike cloud-based filters that raise privacy concerns, everything happens locally on the phone. No data gets sent anywhere, and the protection runs constantly without slowing things down or draining battery life.

What makes the Fuse genuinely different is its “growing with you” philosophy. Parents can start with essential functions locked down, then gradually unlock more features as their child demonstrates responsibility and maturity. Think of it like training wheels that come off naturally over time rather than all at once.

This approach means the Fuse becomes a long-term companion instead of a starter phone you’ll replace in six months. Kids get the independence they crave while parents maintain appropriate oversight. The unlocking system encourages good digital habits rather than just blocking everything and hoping for the best.

The phone comes with two blue Outfits that add both protection and personality. The Casual Outfit handles everyday bumps and drops, while the Flashy Outfit includes a foldable LED light ring around the camera. Flip it over the front for perfectly lit selfies, or keep it behind for better photos of friends.

Both Outfits use 100% recycled TPU, showing HMD’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing style or function. The blue color theme gives the Fuse a playful, approachable vibe that doesn’t scream “kids’ phone” to everyone around you.

HMD clearly understands that digital safety shouldn’t mean digital isolation. The Fuse delivers mainstream Android functionality with intelligent guardrails that adapt over time. You’re not stuck with a locked-down experience forever, and you’re not thrown into the deep end without protection.

Most “safe phones” treat kids like they’ll never grow up, while regular phones ignore safety entirely. The Fuse finds that sweet spot where protection and independence can coexist. The always-on HarmBlock+ AI provides consistent safety without constant parental intervention, while the unlockable features system builds trust and responsibility gradually.

For families looking for a phone that actually understands how kids develop, the HMD Fuse offers something genuinely thoughtful. It’s not just about keeping kids safe today, but about teaching them to navigate the digital world responsibly as they grow into it.

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Reusable water bottles have become ubiquitous as people try to either become more hydrated or to try not to consume single use plastic water bottles or in some cases, they have even become emotional support objects. You see all the different kinds of brands, styles, colors, but most of them have pretty similar features which is to keep cold water cold and hot water hot. It looks like there is a new player in the market that wants to become the “designer brand” for this kind of product.

The OKAPA water bottle is not just another hydration accessory. It is a technical marvel, combining cutting-edge design with materials trusted in the medical field. For anyone seeking the ultimate in health, durability, and user experience, it wants to set new standards. Every detail in the OKAPA bottle is an example of how art and engineering can work together. With more than 70 utility and design patents globally, this bottle is the result of extensive research and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Each component is chosen for its performance, safety, and style, making the OKAPA bottle a true standout in a crowded market.

Designer: OKAPA

Hygiene is at the core of OKAPA’s design philosophy. The Swiss-made spout is crafted from Grilamid TR-90, a medical-grade material approved by both the EU and FDA. It is ultra-durable, resists odors, and is trusted in hospitals for its safety and longevity. The main body uses German borosilicate glass (3.3 grade), which is known for its purity, thermal shock resistance, and total lack of chemical leaching. This means your water stays clean, fresh, and free from unwanted flavors or contaminants, even after multiple uses or temperature changes.

Cleaning the OKAPA bottle is refreshingly simple. Every part is engineered for easy disassembly, allowing for quick rinses or deep cleaning with no hidden spots for buildup or bacteria. The built-in aeration system uses high-precision parts and top-grade materials to naturally keep the interior dry and fresh between uses, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. All components are dishwasher safe, except for the anodized aluminum shell, which should be hand-washed to preserve its premium finish.

Safety is another key pillar for OKAPA. The glass carafe is suspended within a silicone shock-absorbing system, giving it remarkable protection from accidental drops and daily bumps. Four silicone seals ensure a leakproof experience, so you can toss the bottle in your bag without worry. The exterior features an anodized aluminum shell which is extruded, perforated, and built for strength, offering robust protection for the inner glass. All thermoplastic elements are made from Swiss Grilamid TR-90, a material chosen for its impact resistance and food safety. The handle is designed for comfort and security, combining TR-90 with a soft elastomer coating for an ergonomic and slip-resistant grip.

Control and ease of use are achieved through high-precision engineering. The push button, locking bar, and spring hinge are crafted from surgical-grade Nitronic 60 stainless steel using advanced metal injection molding (MIM) which is a process typically reserved for medical and aerospace applications. The result is smooth, reliable function and exceptional durability. The push button allows quick one-handed opening, while the locking bar keeps the lid secure on the go. The spring hinge ensures the cap stays open when needed, held by a titanium detent pin for a seamless flow. For those who want more from their water bottle, specifically better hygiene, superior safety, and effortless control, the OKAPA water bottle is truly in a class of its own.

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