Turn that Ass Up!

Asspeaker Concept, at Gizmodo

Now your speakers are bumpin'! You don't actually shake, bump, or slide the Asspeaker to get your sounds out. The idea is that the speaker responds to a gentle tap (ON/OFF) or a smoove rub (VOLUME).


All credit (and subsequent ass jokes) should be directed toward Heat, as he is the one who found invented it.

Me & My Schmoo

Does this picture kinda freak you out?

Funkionide Part II

Then you should watch the super creeptastic video* !

Funktionide Part II

Funktionide Part II, designed by Stefan Ulrich, is essentially a body pillow...that breathes. Made of electroactive polymers or "artificial muscles," the purpose of this snuggle form is to help one through the lonelies.

What? No big comfy slug for you? Com'ere, lemme give you a hug...

* Thanks goes to Towleroad for the tip off AND for calling it a "schmoo."

Press 'n' Dress

Madame est Servie, by Aïssa Logerot

I NEVER iron. But I might be more prone to do so if I had this ironing board/mirror standing up smart in the corner of my bedroom.

Of course I would have to buy an iron but, after doing so, I would certainly offer my (poor) ironing and (adequate) primping skills to designer Aïssa Logerot if she needs someone to test out this conceptual, multifunctional piece. Send me an email if you need a wrinkly and unaccessorized guinea pig, Aïssa!

Love the Pink Feets

Bonus Bone: "Set Piece"

Looks like a nice chair, yes? Clean, modern, a little basic, maybe, but probably well-made and expensive. This is exactly what artist and designer Peter Andersson wants you think but let's admire it from all angles, shall we?

Oh?

Hey!

Brilliant!

Generally, I've always felt that artwork that pushes me off center and pulls out a smile, a sneer, tears, or any other kind of reaction I didn't expect, is good work. Peter Andersson's "Set Piece" made me catch my breath, grin, and then nod a lot (while still grinning). So, yes, good work.

Specifically, this conceptual piece speaks to me because it also represents what we do, collectively, as design bloggers. We publish the perfect micro-moment from our homes, knowing that it's styled and looks just so. As readers, you never see the mess we moved out of the way to get that shot. I think the jumble and chaos is beautiful in its own way (as are the wispy dustbunnies and pile of unopened mail) but these are the details uncelebrated.

With "Set Piece," Peter Andersson is letting it all hang out and challenging what we think is beautiful. Do we only value the glossy end-result or is the visible strength and construction of the piece more interesting? I say that it's both. Sure, I'll enjoy the aesthetics and serenity of the completed piece (or room or recipe or hair-do or home) but I'll appreciate it more if I can see its guts.

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Photo credit: Yanko Design