Col&McArthur has built a reputation on turning historical moments into wearable artifacts, and their latest piece, the Normandie 1944, might be their most literal interpretation of that concept yet. This is a watch that contains actual sand from the Normandy beaches, a dial cut from a real WWII-era American M1 helmet, and a strap fashioned from vintage M-1928 haversack fabric. The Belgian watchmaker has always leaned into the commemorative angle hard, from lunar meteorites in their Apollo tribute to Leonardo’s mirror-world timekeeping, but the D-Day piece feels different in its directness. There’s no gimmick here, no counterclockwise movement or spaceflight package, just raw material history pressed into a 43mm case.

What strikes me immediately is how balanced the design actually is given how loaded the subject matter could be. Military watches often veer into either sterile field watch territory or overwrought tactical cosplay, but the Normandie 1944 occupies a strange middle ground. The dial is split nearly in half, one side showing the etched Operation Neptune map on aged helmet steel, the other filled with that dark Normandy sand visible through a sapphire window. It’s a bold compositional choice that could easily read as gimmicky, but the execution has enough gravitas to pull it off. The sand capsule sits at 9 o’clock, roughly where you’d expect a small seconds subdial on a traditional three-hander, which makes the asymmetry feel intentional rather than forced. The golden thread running diagonally across the dial represents the “line of fire” between sea and shore, a visual metaphor that’s surprisingly effective when you catch it in the right light.

Designer: Col&McArthur

Click Here to Buy Now: $399 $699 ($300 off). Hurry, only 7/30 left! Raised over $38,000 raised.

The use of actual M1 helmet steel for the dial feels quite unique, not just for historic accuracy, but also from a material-design perspective. Steel helmets from that era were typically made from Hadfield manganese steel, which is tough but not particularly refined by modern watchmaking standards. Col&McArthur had to work with what amounts to scrap metal with historical significance, which means variations in patina, surface texture, and color from watch to watch. Each dial will be genuinely unique, something the brand is leaning into rather than trying to standardize. The engraved map of Operation Neptune, complete with the names of Allied ships like the USS Texas, HMS Glasgow, and HMS Hawkins, adds functional detail without cluttering the composition. These aren’t random naval vessels either, they were the actual ships positioned off Omaha and Gold beaches providing fire support during the landings.

The parachute-shaped seconds hand honoring the 6th Airborne Division’s midnight jump is the kind of nerdy detail that watch enthusiasts will appreciate for its specificity. It references the historic drop that began just after midnight on June 6, 1944, when thousands of paratroopers descended behind enemy lines to secure key positions. While the watch ships with a canvas strap included, an optional Paratrooper Backpack Strap takes the aforementioned historical connection further, using fabric from actual M-1928 haversacks carried by soldiers during the war. Col&McArthur has treated and reinforced the vintage material to make it wearable for daily use, which is the right call when you’re dealing with 80-year-old canvas. The strap is available as a $149 add-on, which gives buyers the flexibility to go full historical authenticity or opt for something more contemporary like the black stainless steel bracelet or titanium Grade 5 option. I’d probably rotate between them depending on occasion, keeping the haversack strap for moments when the symbolism matters most.

The caseback engravings listing the five D-Day beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, Sword) alongside Eisenhower’s words feel appropriate rather than maudlin. Commemorative watches live or die on whether they treat their subject matter with respect or exploit it, and this leans heavily toward the former. The 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in 2025 has predictably spawned a wave of tribute pieces from various brands, but most opt for symbolic gestures like historically inspired color schemes or period-correct typography. Col&McArthur went the opposite direction by embedding literal pieces of the event into the watch itself, which is either deeply meaningful or slightly macabre depending on your perspective.

The watch comes in a Miyota automatic movement, but can easily be upgraded to an automatic Sellita SW200-1 with a 41-hour reserve, and limited to 1,944 units (just as a hat-tip to history). The 43mm case size is smart, hitting that sweet spot between vintage proportions and modern wearability. Water resistance specs rates at 10atm, which means you can literally storm the beaches wearing the watch! Was that design choice intentional? Knowing Col&McArthur, it probably was!

The real appeal of the Normandie 1944 is how it succeeds as both a historical artifact and a functional timepiece. This is a watch that invites conversation, which means wearing it becomes an opportunity to share what that dark capsule at 9 o’clock actually contains and why it matters. Col&McArthur has created something that’s undeniably unique and thoughtfully executed, walking the line between memorial and daily wearer with more confidence than most commemorative pieces manage. For collectors, veterans, or history enthusiasts looking for something that carries genuine weight beyond another reissue or homage watch, the Normandie 1944 deserves serious attention.

Click Here to Buy Now: $399 $699 ($300 off). Hurry, only 7/30 left! Raised over $38,000 raised.

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A BMW paddleboard was absolutely not on my 2025 bingo card, yet here we are. The German automaker, apparently tired of limiting its electrification ambitions to asphalt, has partnered with Estonian watersports company SipaBoards to launch the BMW x SipaBoards e-SUP, an electric stand-up paddleboard that costs €3,990 (about $4,650) and comes with all the premium trappings you’d expect from a brand that charges extra for heated seats. The board was just unveiled at BMW Welt in Munich alongside the new iX3, because apparently nothing says “electric vehicle future” quite like a floating recreation device with a waterjet motor.

This might seem like a bizarre tangent for a car company, but BMW has always been obsessed with what it calls “sheer driving pleasure,” and I suppose when you run out of road, you start eyeing the water. The e-SUP features a 300-watt integrated motor that uses silent waterjet technology, which SipaBoards claims is 15% more powerful than previous versions while being quieter than anything else in the category. The board ships with two 90Wh battery modules good for 3.5 hours of assisted paddling, with larger 180Wh modules coming in 2026 that will double runtime to around 7 hours. You control the motor via a paddle-mounted remote that’s styled after BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, letting you throttle up without fumbling around or losing your balance.

Designers: BMW & Sipaboards

The e-SUP self-inflates, eliminating the tedious pump ritual that makes inflatable SUPs such a pain to deploy. Once inflated, the board measures in at a touring-friendly length (looks like their 12-foot model based on the “120” marking visible in the photos), with that signature pointed nose and enough deck space for gear mounting via the modular SipaMount system. That modularity matters because it means you can retrofit accessories and future upgrades without replacing the entire board, which is exactly the kind of longevity thinking that makes expensive gear purchases easier to justify. The design itself leans heavily into geometric patterns and muted blues and greys, with angular lines that echo the faceted, almost origami-like surfaces BMW has been experimenting with on concept vehicles.

Even though it does sound absurd on paper, the e-SUP really does align with BMW’s core identity. The German marque has always marketed itself around precision engineering, driver assist technology, and a certain aspirational lifestyle appeal. An app-connected paddleboard with route planning, performance tracking, and electric assist fits that template surprisingly well. You get the same obsessive attention to user experience: intuitive controls, connectivity features, modular upgradeability, and that unmistakable premium aesthetic. The safety angle is real too. Every year, paddleboarders get swept out by currents or wind, and having an electric motor as backup could genuinely prevent rescues or worse. It’s the same philosophy behind stability control in cars, just applied to a completely different environment.

The $4,650 pricing will make purists scoff, and they have a point. You can get a solid non-electric inflatable SUP for a quarter of the cost, and serious paddlers might balk at the weight penalty of integrated motors and batteries. But BMW has never competed on value. They compete on aspiration, refinement, and that intangible sense that you’re using something designed with obsessive care. The e-SUP succeeds at projecting that, from the premium carry bag to the sleek industrial design. Whether it finds an audience beyond BMW superfans and gadget-obsessed water sports enthusiasts remains to be seen, but as a first foray into electric watercraft, it’s competent, surprisingly coherent, and way more thought-through than I expected when I first heard “BMW paddleboard.” Sometimes brand extensions are desperate cash grabs. This one actually makes a weird kind of sense.

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Billy Hietanen or @nudemodular has quickly carved out a niche for himself in the world of contemporary furniture design, thanks to his playful approach to modularity and a steadfast commitment to minimalism. Rooted in Melbourne and inspired by Scandinavian sensibilities, his wooden furniture is as functional as it is visually refined. Each piece is built from high-quality plywood and designed for effortless assembly—no screws required—inviting users to mix, match, and reconfigure components like building blocks.

This philosophy of adaptability means the furniture grows with you, easily evolving to meet changing needs or tastes. With a focus on personalized finishes and intuitive construction, his furniture feels as much like a creative toolkit as it does a refined addition to the home. Here, we have curated a collection of five unique and impressive wooden designs by Billy Hietanen – each furniture piece is simple, versatile, and yet blessed with enduring appeal.

1. Cube Concept

The Cube Concept is all about modular freedom and hands-on creativity. Each face clicks together with sleek locking clips, letting you build, stack, or remix cubes for side tables, shelves, or seating—whatever your space craves. Each section can be used to create multiple combinations of seating arrangements, so the possibilities feel endless. It’s Billy Hietanen’s answer to furniture that’s never static—think bold, geometric vibes designed to adapt as your style shifts.

The cube concept offers an open invitation to experiment. Those simple corner and straight clips are an open call to play—move, swap, or add on as your mood changes, and we can’t wait to see how he modifies it further. It’s a system made for modern living, where every piece is a blank canvas for your personality and a perfect representation of the quintessential ever-evolving, interactive ‘nude modular’ energy.

What we like

• Each cube section can be combined or rearranged for countless seating and storage configurations.
• The simple locking system encourages creativity, making it fun to experiment and personalize your layout.

What we dislike

• The concept is still in development, and as the design evolves, some features or attachment methods may change.

2. Butterfly Stool/Chair

The Butterfly Stool/Chair is a rather popular and iconic piece in Billy’s modular collection. It’s crafted from hot-pressed, 6-axis CNC-machined Euro birch plywood and finished with clear Osmo oil. The design features a 3D-printed PLA chair adapter, enhancing its playful versatility. Its form is inspired by a butterfly’s wings, with gently curving lines that give it a light, sculptural presence.

This stool is all about flexibility and simplicity. It’s constructed from just a few universal components, allowing users to reconfigure, stack, and personalize each piece to suit their needs, echoing Billy’s “Lego-like” philosophy for furniture. Stackability makes it a space-saving solution, while the exposed structural elements celebrate a Finnish-inspired, minimalist ethos. The Butterfly Stool/Chair is available in multiple finishes, made to order, and intended as a functional, elegant addition to any modern home.

What we like

• Features a highly versatile and modular form that can be easily reconfigured, stacked, or used in various combinations.
• The minimalist and sculptural aesthetic with a modern look that suits many interiors.

What we dislike

• Limited comfort for prolonged sitting.

3. Magnetic Everychair Prototype

The Magnetic Everychair brings next-level flexibility to furniture design. The rather unique-looking chair doesn’t seem to possess any legs, and in fact features two massive magnets on its back. These strong magnets allow the chair to be attached to any surface, offering a portable and adaptable seating arrangement no matter where you are. It’s a statement in mobility and modularity—ready to transform at a moment’s notice to suit your needs.

You can move it around on a whim, making it perfect for anyone who loves to refresh their space or needs adaptable seating for modern living. With exposed structural lines and a crisp, Scandinavian-inspired profile, the Magnetic Everychair looks sharp in any setting. It’s a true expression of Nude Modular’s interactive ethos—a seat that’s as fun to use as it is to look at, and always ready for change.

What we like

• The magnetic back allows the chair to attach to various surfaces and be moved or repositioned with ease, perfect for dynamic spaces.
• Its legless form and exposed structure give it a bold, modern look that stands out in any interior.

What we dislike

• The chair’s functionality depends on finding suitable metal surfaces for attachment.
• The lack of legs and traditional support might not suit everyone, especially for longer sitting sessions or users seeking classic ergonomics.

4. Chaos Stool/Chess Table

The Chaos Stool/Chess Table is a clever dual-purpose piece crafted from clear-lacquered Euro birch plywood. Its standout feature is a machined top with a recessed chessboard pattern, which can be flipped over to reveal a smooth, flat surface. This allows the piece to function as both a compact side table and a casual chessboard, making it ideal for small spaces or anyone who appreciates multifunctional design.

With dimensions of 500mm in height and 370mm in both width and length, the Chaos Stool/Chess Table maintains a minimalist, geometric look that’s easy to pair with other modular pieces. The flip-top feature means you can instantly switch from game mode to everyday utility, reflecting Billy’s playful, flexible approach to furniture. It’s a practical, space-saving solution for modern living, where adaptability and creativity are always in demand.

What we like

• Acts as both a stool/side table and a chess table, offering dual functionality.
• The flip-top design lets you easily switch between a game surface and a smooth table, adding versatility and convenience.

What we dislike

• While ideal for smaller spaces, its modest dimensions may limit use as a primary table or for group chess sessions.

5. Screw-less Record Stand

The screwless record stand is a DIY-friendly furniture design that can be assembled entirely without screws. Instead of a ready-made product, Billy offers detailed manufacturing drawings, including PDF, STEP, and DXF files, allowing makers or enthusiasts to fabricate and build the stand themselves. This approach fits perfectly with his ethos of modularity and hands-on creativity, giving users the freedom to personalize or adapt the design as needed.

The manufacturing package provides all the technical details required for CNC fabrication or manual production, making it accessible for woodworkers and design hobbyists. The stand is designed to securely hold vinyl records in a minimalist, functional display, with an emphasis on clean lines and efficient assembly. This product appeals to those who want a custom, tool-free storage solution for their records and enjoy the process of building their furniture.

What we like

• The screwless design allows for quick, straightforward setup without the need for hardware or special tools.
• With detailed plans provided, users can personalize materials, finishes, and dimensions to match their style or space.

What we dislike

• Requires access to CNC equipment or woodworking skills, which may limit its appeal to non-makers.
• Since it’s a digital plan, users are responsible for troubleshooting and material sourcing on their own.

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When on the course, you need to bring you’re A game forward, every little thing matters when you hit the golf ball with the club, as the devil lies in the details. An important part of the whole experience is being correctly aware of the course. This is where a GPS Golf speaker comes in handy, as many pro golfers and budding ones are investing in the idea.

The golfing accessory has many benefits, right from being on top of the opponent with real-time yardages, or listening to your favorite tunes to destress. Bushnell has long been providing golfers with smart accessories to improve their game, and now their new GPS Golf speaker promises more. The accessory is a Bluetooth speaker, GPS rangefinder, and a look into the future of golf electronics.

Designer: Bushnell

The new version of the Wingman Bluetooth speaker is an upgrade to the Wingman View, introduced in 2023. The new speaker comes with a 3.5-inch color touchscreen that provides detailed metrics of the course you are currently on. Dubbed Wingman HD, the Bluetooth speaker graduates from a monochromatic LCD display on the previous version. To give you accurate details about the current course, the speaker employs the built-in GPS for tracking your location. It has a pre-loaded database of over 38,000 courses around the world, which is great if you love to play at multiple locations. The accessory details about the front, middle and back yardages, as well as hazards and distances from the hole to keep you one step ahead of the opponents. You can either have the information displayed on the screen or listen to it via the speaker.

You can connect the device to the smartphone with their mobile app that adds more functionality like flyovers of the entire hole, or detailed scorekeeping. The new speaker has a semi-cylindrical design that’s flatter on the top section. On the inside, it has two 15-watt drivers and a passive radiator to give the low-end frequencies a thump. To make things easy, the IPX67-rated Wingman HD speaker has magnetic mounts to stick it to your golf cart. There’s a feature on this called Dynamic Audio Adjustment that auto-adjusts the volume to compensate for ambient noises.

Depending on your taste, the sound can be adjusted with the Indoor and Outdoor EQ. There’s an added feature that allows you to record custom messages like “well played,” or trigger pre-recorded custom sounds like crowd applause. The best bit about the Wingman HD is that up to 100 of them can be connected to play simultaneously, which creates an altogether different playing experience, something similar to a packed sports arena. Bushnell Wingman HD is available now for $200, which is the same price as its predecessor.

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The fashion world is always evolving, but Coperni’s C+ line is truly ahead of the curve, bringing together innovative design and environmental consciousness. They’ve also had some pretty interesting collaborations and partnerships. This latest collection is all theirs though and its making waves for its use of regenerative clothing technology and biobased fabrics, offering style lovers a way to look good while supporting a healthier planet.

Coperni, already celebrated for its sleek and modern aesthetic, has taken a bold step forward by introducing garments that do more than just dress the body. The C+ line is crafted from materials designed with both you and the environment in mind. At the heart of this collection is a commitment to regenerative fashion, meaning each piece actively contributes to your well-being and the world around you.

Designer Name: Coperni

One of the standout features of the C+ line is its use of biobased fabrics. These materials are derived from renewable sources, reducing reliance on traditional synthetics and lowering the collection’s overall carbon footprint. The fabrics are not just environmentally friendly but are also gentle on your skin and engineered for comfort and performance throughout your day. This thoughtful approach ensures that each garment feels light, breathable, and soft, making it perfect for everything from morning errands to evening meetups.

But the innovation doesn’t stop at the fabric. Coperni’s C+ line incorporates probiotic textile treatments, a pioneering move highlighted in fashion and beauty circles. These treatments help support healthy skin by maintaining a balanced skin microbiome as you wear the clothes. The idea is to make clothing that protects and nourishes the skin, transforming your daily wardrobe into an active part of your wellness routine. It’s a step beyond traditional athleisure, combining science and design for garments that support your active, modern lifestyle.

The collection itself stays true to Coperni’s signature style, offering streamlined silhouettes and versatile pieces that easily fit into any wardrobe. From smart outerwear to easy-to-layer tops, bodysuits, and leggings, every item reflects the brand’s dedication to quality and contemporary design. The C+ line’s palette is understated, with neutral tones that make mixing and matching a breeze.

With this collection, Coperni is proving that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. The C+ line is a clear example of how the industry is shifting towards products that don’t just look good but also do good—supporting your personal health and the health of the planet at the same time.

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Sam Barker’s first monowheel was a disaster. Built in his kitchen four years ago, it flexed, it had bolts sticking out everywhere, and he fell off it multiple times. Most people would call that a learning experience and move on to safer hobbies. Barker decided to double down and build something even more ambitious: a diwheel powered by 60 kilowatts of electric motor.

For the uninitiated, a diwheel (or dicycle, depending on who you ask) consists of two large rings with the rider sitting in a frame between them. Unlike a monowheel, which requires constant balance and gyroscopic forces to stay upright, a diwheel is naturally stable. The outer rings rotate around a stationary inner frame via roller bearings, and the whole thing steers like a tank: differential power to each wheel. It’s the kind of vehicle that makes you wonder why we ever settled on boring old bicycles, right up until you try to navigate a doorway or park the thing.

Designer: Sam Barker

Barker’s approach to the rebuild borders on industrial overkill. The steel tubing for the rings measures 5mm thick and 100mm wide, sourced from a Sheffield metalworker who reported extraordinary difficulty even cutting and rolling the material. Each completed ring weighs 60 kilograms. For context, that’s heavier than most complete electric bicycles. The builder openly admits to over-engineering: “Have I gone over the top? Yes. Am I scared it’s going to run away with all the inertia? Yes. Is it going to bend? Absolutely not.” This kind of self-awareness is refreshing because it acknowledges the fundamental problem with amateur fabrication. When your welding skills are questionable and your measurements keep coming out wrong, you compensate with materials that could probably survive a tank rolling over them.

The ring construction alone turned into a multi-day nightmare. The Sheffield shop couldn’t roll the steel into complete circles without them ending up flat on the floor, so Barker had to cut each ring in half, attempt to align them perfectly, and weld them back together. Spoiler: they didn’t align perfectly. The gaps required creative clamping solutions and what he diplomatically calls “bodge” techniques. He built the first inner frame using 3D-printed templates, only to discover catastrophic measurement errors that forced a complete rebuild. The second frame copied the corrected dimensions but somehow still ended up a different size. Wrestling 60-kilogram rings into place solo nearly got him crushed when one started tipping. The whole process reads less like precision engineering and more like an extremely dangerous puzzle where every piece weighs as much as a small person.

His original monowheel used PLA 3D-printed rollers that lasted about 10 minutes before disintegrating. The new build features nylon SLS-printed rollers designed in Fusion 360 and manufactured through an online service with a 48-hour turnaround. Each roller houses four bearings (two center, one at each end) for load distribution. The suspension system exists primarily to accommodate construction mistakes, which is perhaps the most honest engineering justification I’ve ever heard. He needed 17mm bearings, couldn’t find rod stock that would fit through them, and ended up building a makeshift lathe from 3D-printed parts and a drill. This hybrid approach captures something essential about modern maker culture: CAD software and cloud manufacturing services combined with traditional metalwork and whatever happens to be lying around the workshop.

The diwheel currently rolls acceptably within its rings, which feels like damning with faint praise until you consider the fabrication chaos that preceded it. The racing bucket seat (sourced from Facebook Marketplace, naturally) isn’t mounted yet because Barker wants to finalize battery and motor placement first. Smart move. With 60kW on tap, weight distribution matters enormously. That power figure puts this build in the same league as many motorcycles, which raises obvious questions about what happens when all that rotating mass gets up to speed. Natural stability is one thing at walking pace. Natural stability at 50 kilometers per hour with hundreds of kilograms of steel spinning around you is something else entirely. The real advantage over his failed monowheel comes down to physics: diwheels don’t rely on gyroscopic forces to stay upright, which means they’re stable even at rest. Add electric drive with independent motor control for each wheel and you get tank-style steering without the constant terror of toppling over.

The real test comes in part two when he actually rides this beast. Until then, we have documentation of every measurement error, every misaligned weld, and every moment where heavy steel nearly crushed its creator. That honesty makes this build worth following… and if you dare, imitating too.

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It’s a shame that the AirPods only come in white. Or that drones only come in white or black. Or that the GoPro is only ever in black. We’re surrounded by color but somehow consumer tech giants only want to play it safe. Sure, releasing colored variants of GoPros means that people will select more of one color than another, causing logistical and supply issues that can only be solved by tonnes of market and trend research efforts… but hear me out. If we have colored smartphones, we can have colored gimbals, TWS earbuds, and mics. Røde is working on the latter, with its newly announced color-edition Wireless Micro professional-grade mic.

Røde’s color-edition mics mark a pretty unique shift in consumer tech, because these mics, worn by content creators, are truly a part of their outfit at this point. Having mics that are boring and black just doesn’t make emotional sense. It’s also why a lot of creators bejewel their mics, or attach them to random objects just to make them more unique and attention-grabbing.

Designer: Røde

“These vibrant new colors mark yet another milestone in the evolution of the world’s best-in-class microphone,” says Damien Wilson, CEO of Røde. “The Wireless Micro has always been about making professional audio accessible, and now creators can showcase both their signature sound and style with the same award-winning system. A wave of color is about to wash over the world of content creation – and Røde is at the crest.”

The Wireless Micro comes in 3 new colors, adding to the existing Black and White variants. This new announcement brings more vibrant colors like Red, Orange, and Blue to the mix, giving the mic a funky appeal, sort of the way KitchenAid and Vespa would bring character to their designs through splashes of colors. Feature for feature, however, these colored variants are absolutely identical to their achromatic counterparts. They come with USB-C connectivity for the receiver, an impressive 21 hour battery life, and built-in Røde features like the patent-pending acoustic chamber design and the GainAssist feature that helps capture clearly and at a consistent volume.

Røde’s tiniest mic, this particular gadget also scored the “Best Microphone of 2025” recommendation from Rolling Stone magazine and is even available in the lightning-port variant for older iPhone users. The mics can further be controlled via Røde’s free iOS or Android app, and for people looking to hook this to their DSLRs or video cameras, Røde also makes a camera receiver that the Wireless Micro can be plugged into.

The Wireless Micro’s available on Amazon for a reduced price of $97, although listings for the colored variants haven’t hit the store yet. Given that Røde just announced these colorways yesterday, we can probably expect online retailers to carry the new colored versions shortly. That being said, this is also an invitation to other companies like DJI, Hollyland, Sennheiser, and the likes to consider turning their tech into true fashion wearables. Watches have dazzling, fashionable straps, Meta partners with fashion brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley for their smart eyewear. The least we can do is ask our action cams, wireless mics, and other vlogging equipment to not be ‘boring’.

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The concept of SuperNatural comes from the combination of “super” and “nature,” describing phenomena that go beyond the limits of natural laws and scientific explanation. These are events or experiences that exist outside the ordinary, often carrying a sense of wonder or even mystery. In different cultures and throughout history, supernatural occurrences have inspired awe, curiosity, and sometimes fear. Imagine if these rare and extraordinary natural phenomena could become part of our daily lives, reimagined through creative and thoughtful design.

Designer HG K explores this idea with the SuperNatural concept collection. This project takes inspiration from rare and powerful natural events, translating their visual forms and movements into everyday objects. Each piece in the SuperNatural collection is rooted in a specific phenomenon, reinterpreted as a functional device that brings a sense of the extraordinary into everyday routines.

Designer Name: HG K

The first device, called Extinction, is a lighting product inspired by the drama of meteoric collisions. Just as a meteor shines brighter as it races toward Earth, the LED in Extinction grows more intense as it slides down a metal track. The base of the lamp doubles as a tray for small items, shaped with gentle hills and curves to evoke natural landscapes. A dinosaur figure on the tray acts as a playful power switch, connecting the cosmic theme to a moment of extinction in Earth’s history.

Snowspot is the next device in the collection, a compact speaker designed to capture the sensation of heavy snowfall. It takes the form of snow being shoveled, and when pressed, the internal materials compress to mimic the feeling of stepping into freshly fallen snow. This tactile experience connects users directly to the rare and sometimes disruptive phenomenon of a heavy snowstorm, but in a way that feels cozy and inviting.

The third device, Voom, draws inspiration from volcanic eruptions, one of nature’s most powerful forces. Voom is a document shredder that uses the imagery of lava spewing from a volcano. As you feed paper into the shredder, it emerges in strips, just as lava flows from a volcanic vent. The device is practical for both home and office, with simple controls for shredding and reversing, and it securely destroys documents while adding a burst of visual excitement to an otherwise routine task.

SuperNatural is a conceptual project, but it sparks the imagination by blending the extraordinary forces of nature with everyday functionality. Each product is a reminder that even the most familiar moments, such as turning on a light, listening to music, or shredding documents, can be infused with a sense of wonder. These designs encourage us to see the world differently, finding inspiration in the rare and powerful events that shape our planet.

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The future of computing increasingly demands input devices that work seamlessly in mobile, public, and wearable contexts where traditional mice become impractical or socially awkward. As we move toward augmented reality, smart glasses, and always-connected devices, the need for subtle, continuous interaction grows more pressing. Current solutions often require bulky hardware, frequent charging, or obvious gestures that draw unwanted attention.

The picoRing mouse research project tackles these challenges by reimagining the computer mouse as a ring-based, ultra-low-power wearable device. This experimental system consists of a tiny ring housing a trackball and a companion wristband that receives input data, creating a setup that enables discreet computer control in situations where conventional input methods would be impossible or inappropriate.

Designers: Yifan Li, Masaaki Fukumoto, Mohamed Kari, Shigemi Ishida, Akihito Noda, Tomoyuki Yokota, Takao Someya, Yoshihiro Kawahara, Ryo Takahashi (University of Tokyo)

The core technology relies on inductive coupling between coils embedded in both the ring and wristband. When you move the trackball with your finger, the input gets encoded as frequency-modulated signals and transmitted wirelessly to the wristband with minimal power consumption. The wristband then decodes these frequency peaks back into mouse movements and sends them to your connected device.

The user experience prioritizes subtlety and continuous availability. You can control a cursor, navigate interfaces, or interact with applications using tiny finger movements that are virtually invisible to others around you. The system is designed for environments like airplanes, trains, meetings, or crowded public spaces where pulling out a laptop mouse would be awkward or impossible.

Of course, the practical applications extend beyond just solving social awkwardness. The picoRing mouse could serve as an input device for presentations, allowing speakers to control slides while moving freely. It might also benefit users with mobility challenges who find traditional mice difficult to operate, or serve as a companion for future AR glasses and wearable computing devices.

The ultra-low power design enables all-day wearability without the charging anxiety that plagues most wearable devices. The research demonstrates that meaningful interaction doesn’t require high-power processors or large batteries when the communication method is optimized for efficiency rather than complexity.

That said, this remains a research prototype with significant limitations. The input precision and speed likely can’t match traditional mice for complex tasks, gaming, or detailed work. The learning curve for adapting to ring-based input could be substantial, and compatibility with existing devices and operating systems would require additional development before any commercial viability.

The research status means we’re looking at early-stage exploration rather than a polished product ready for everyday use. The focus is on proving concepts and testing boundaries rather than delivering a consumer-ready experience. Current limitations around input complexity, device integration, and user adaptation would need substantial refinement before practical deployment.

You’ll notice how research like this pushes the boundaries of what input devices can be, exploring possibilities that commercial products might never attempt. The picoRing mouse invites us to reconsider our assumptions about how we interact with technology, suggesting that the future of human-computer interfaces might be far more subtle and integrated than we currently imagine.

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When two design powerhouses come together, the results can be truly transformative. The new Muratto x Momentum collection is a testament to the power of creative collaboration, merging the expertise of Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering with the innovative approach of Muratto. This partnership has produced a collection that is not only visually stunning but also deeply rooted in sustainability and natural inspiration, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their interiors with a conscience.

The Muratto x Momentum collection is redefining eco-friendly interiors with a unique blend of artistic design and sustainable materials. This collaboration between Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering and Muratto introduces two standout product lines: Organic Blocks and PrimeCork. Each line brings its own distinct style, while both offer the many benefits of cork, including acoustic insulation, exceptional tactility, durability, and a commitment to environmentally friendly design.

Deisgner: Muratto x Momentum

Organic Blocks is the bold centerpiece of the collection. This series features nine different Design Blocks, each with sculptural shapes and geometric patterns inspired by the forms found in nature. From clean, modern lines to beehive motifs, the versatility of the Organic Blocks makes it easy to create customized wall sculptures that turn any interior into a dynamic work of art. The range also includes Cork Strips, with eight variations of linear profiles, providing even more ways to personalize a space. Accessories such as cork pieces with natural moss or modular lighting can be added, giving designers and homeowners the freedom to enhance the visual and sensory experience of every room.

PrimeCork takes a different approach, offering tiles that are more than just a green alternative to paint or wallpaper. These tiles are designed to add sophisticated texture to interiors, with finishes that include matte, velvety, and metallic surfaces. Whether you want to create a subtle accent wall or a bold design statement, PrimeCork tiles provide the flexibility to match a wide range of styles. The color palette is equally impressive, featuring hues like leather, rich terracotta, light champagne, and dark gray. These options make it easy to coordinate with warm, bold, or neutral decor, seamlessly tying a room’s look together.

Both Organic Blocks and PrimeCork are crafted from cork, a sustainable and biodegradable material that is harvested without damaging trees. This makes every piece in the Muratto x Momentum collection not only beautiful but also kind to the planet. The products are entirely recyclable and designed to last, providing acoustic comfort and durability for years to come. They are also lightweight and easy to install, which is a huge plus for both professional designers and DIY enthusiasts.

What sets this collection apart is its zero-waste manufacturing approach. Every stage of production is carefully managed to eliminate waste, making these wall coverings and tiles a truly responsible choice for eco-conscious projects. The collection is suitable for a wide variety of settings, including homes, offices, hotels, and even healthcare spaces, thanks to its blend of durability, sustainability, and contemporary style.

The post Muratto x Momentum Collection transforms spaces with eco-chic innovation first appeared on Yanko Design.