Interesting online UI research study - Don’t Click It - developed by the Institute of Interactive Research.
Flash-enabled rollover functionality is relatively pervasive these days, but most fundamental website and desktop UI’s still require clicking for navigation.
Scientists and engineers and a Cornell design student are developing clothing that has the potential to eliminate viruses before giving you a cold, eats smog, so you can breath cleaner air, and never have to be washed. Microscopic nanoparticles coating the garments can actively eliminate viruses and bacteria.
Wally Yachts is developing a 325-foot yacht with a giant front platform, which can be configured to include a deep water pool and garden oasis with trees!
One of Jacque Fresco’s future construction concepts is that prefab components will be assembled by robotic cranes, and buildings will have an infinite number of possible design variations. Many perceive prefab construction to have unoriginal, cheap, cookie-cutter designs, but in reality it simply means that components are efficiently manufactured and assembled quickly like Legos. Traditional construction results in a ton of waste, is usually energy and resource inefficient, and less structurally strong than prefab construction.
Check out this incredible tour of a Living Homes prefab home.
Also, a Scoble interview with the founder of Clever Homes.
Finally, check out Perrinepods, an Australian company that will be manufacturing stackable pods that are basically “plug-and-play” like an iPod, with internal wiring and plumbing built-in. [source link]
I watched Future Cars last night, a mini-series on the Discovery Channel, and there were several interesting concepts. For example, why not design a car frame or shell with an inner interior compartment that has a cushion surrounding it, so in a collision the cushion absorbs the impact and protects the inhabitants to a much greater extent than current airbags?
Also, why has there been no real innovation in the big trucks segment? There was a highly aerodynamic designed truck cabin featured that potentially increases fuel efficiency by 50% without any engine modification.
Also watched Future by Design this week, the documentary about Jacque Fresco I previously mentioned here. I’m still absorbing much of it, particularly Jacque’s vision of a resource based economy of abundance, but there were some really no brainer design concepts. For example, he demonstrated a type of material, a shape memory alloy, that could potentially be used in automobile exteriors, so in the event of a bump or collision, the frame simply fixes itself. Of course, there will be electronics that significantly reduce the chances of a collision in the first place.
Or, cargo ships with modular sections, so the ship never has to be unbalanced or inefficiently travel empty. And, Jacque raised the possibility to transport things underwater, where there is much less resistance than on the surface, with an air bubble system to further reduce resistance.
Or, homes that are slightly pressurized to eradicate dust.
Or, building a bathroom system, so sink and shower waste water is used to flush the toilet.
Each of his designs aren’t just whimsical visions of futuristic aesthetics, but really have a logical basis for function and improved interaction between different social and environmental factors. It’s an inspiring documentary. Check it out!
Jump Studios designed the Red Bull offices in London equipped with a slide!
I just ordered the DVD for Future by Design, a new documentary directed by William Gazecki about futurist Jacque Fresco, a self-described generalist or multi-disciplinarian whom many consider to be a modern-day Da Vinci. Check out the movie’s website here. I’ll update here with my thoughts after viewing.
The Radisson in Berlin is home to this enormous acquarium.
The curvaceous “Marilyn Monroe” building designed by Chinese architect Ma Yansong will be built in Mississaugua, Ontario, Canada. [via Neatorama]
Also, an interesting interview with Ma (VIDEO).
Ironic Sans asks, “Why not build a building the shape of Godzilla?”
This amazing 400 bed resort and hotel concept designed by the Atkins Architecture Group is set in Songjiang, China. The building is integrated into the natural environment of a water-filled quarry. [via the cool hunter]
