Very Smart

mashable.com

on 22 February 2017

South Korean start-up Dot will begin shipping their Dot smartwatch in March of this year to 100,000 customers (40,000 more are on the waitlist and can expect delivery in 2018). Foregoing audio prompts, the Dot watch displays four braille characters on its screen. A wearer can reply through two side buttons. The watch can receive smartphone information by way of Bluetooth—texts, notifications, directions—and translate to braille. This piece is only a portion of what Dot has in mind to aid blind or visually impaired people, with a tablet also in the works, made in partnership with Google.

bicycle breakthrough

cardboard bicycle by Israeli, Izhar Gafni (from good.is.com)

Found on the GOOD feed today. I have always been interested in bicycle and bike culture, and this cardboard bike just blew me away. Like the “one laptop per child” concept, this bike could conceivably be made easily available to children in developing countries who have to walk miles to school, or maybe don’t go because it’s too far. Cardboard . . . like $9.00 in materials, and able to hold 400 lbs.

Check out this video by Gioria Kariv: https://vimeo.com/37584656

sublime coral branch

When I find a singular stone (not that coral is really a stone) that is one-of-a kind; shape, size, color. markings, etc., I usually prefer to let it take center stage by itself, so one can notice its unique characteristics and beauty. The simplicity of a minimal design and secondary materials allows that focus.

the power of great ideas

My daughter sent me this link from Apple. She was inspired. I am inspired. The technology is a bit overwhelming for me, but its impact is so easy to understand.  http://www.apple.com/ios/videos/#developers

it’s not a food.

Sounds like you would eat it . . .right? Coming from the Japanese, wabi-sabi is an idea about beauty and aesthetics centering on imperfection, and impermanence. (Both of which I certainly am) But, actually, I have referred to and revered this concept as a designer, and think it quite powerful. It has informed my vision, and I believe in its value. The “fresh” part is hoping that my postings will be timely, interesting, and add something beautiful to your overcrowded world. I likely will be musing about design, food, my love for all things Asian, jewelry designing, and . . . . wabi-sabiness.