The dimensions of the vehicle are 10.5 inches long, 4.5 inches wide and 3 inches high and contain 741 pieces of 1:17 scale models including levels of real Lamborghini to give it an even more realistic look. This amazing playset is perfect for children of 9 to 14 years old. This is also great for christmas gift. [Buy it here]

From : Lego [Buy it here]

Text from Fabiano :
There are over 25 million legally registered vehicles on the UK’s roads today. Car manufacturers supply the basic tools that are required to perform the task of changing a wheel with every new car; these tools should be sufficient to complete the task successfully but is this really the case? Research suggests that people are reluctant to perform this task themselves.
Flat Tyres were the AA’s 3rd highest reason for call-out in 2005, beaten only by flat or faulty batteries and Lost keys.

Several user centered analyses were performed with volunteers who matched our key user profiles most closely. Existing products available for purchase were used. Many problems were highlighted in particular:
•  Safety, low posture is often required, particularly in removing wheel studs and jacking the car. If the flat is on the drivers sided, the task must be performed in the road as traffic passes. This posture hides the user from passing traffic and also makes it hard for the user to see the traffic approaching. This problem is increased at night.
•  Visibility of tools is poor at night. Existing tools tend to be black or grey in colour.
•  Clear instructions required, particularly for those who have never performed the task before. They serve to increase the users confidence in completing the task successfully and safely.
•  Psychological issues were also a key factor, many users remarked that they fear of failure would likely prevent them even attempting the task.

In every case we found that it was not possible to complete the task using the tools provided by the car manufacturer, a telescopic wrench was needed to increase the torque applied to the wheel studs.

The design concept behind the product changes the paradigm of how the most problematic task of changing a flat tyre is performed. The product minimizes the steps of changing a flat tyre by undoing the 4 studs of a wheel instead of undoing individually, using the motion force of the car.

• Utilizes the weight and motion of the car to release the 4studs, reducing required effort
• Does not rely on physical strength of user
• Improves road safety in reducing time spent in path of traffic

CONCLUSION

The final developed product is an innovative solution to the problems witnessed when changing a wheel. By loosening all four studs simultaneously, using the forces generated by the turning of the car wheel, the task becomes less demanding for the user while also reducing the time taken.

Designer : Fabiano Pottes

Text from Eli :
The Gluco(M) is a medical concept that provides diabetics with three functions: instant and non-invasive glucose readings, history of previous readings with averages, and an insulin chamber with a loaded syringe cartridge for injections.

Diabetics must monitor their own blood glucose levels times a day, to determine how far above or below normal their glucose is and to determine how much insulin(s) they may need. This is usually done by placing a drop of blood from a skin prick onto a glucose strip and then inserting the strip into a glucose meter, a small machine that provides a digital readout of the blood glucose level.

The Gluco(M) uses a technology known as “reverse iontophoresis.” By using an electric current running throughout the sensors, it collects glucose samples from fluids in the body. The device is then able to read the sample and give a reading. With this technology, diabetics can keep a much closer watch on their glucose levels and avoid the problems that may occurs from having levels too high or low. The Gluco(M) enables users with the convenience of checking blood-sugar levels more frequently throughout the day, thus yielding for better control of glucose in the blood stream.

Designer : Eli Hariton

Designer : Adam Schacter

Text from Joao about Cube 2.1:
With portability, professional sound reproduction and intuitive usability in mind, the CUBE 2.1 speakers where projected:

PORTABILITY-Thought for people that are constantly changing from place to place or just changing from the country house to city house without leaving their sound entertainment, the CUBE 2.1 speakers can be carried easy, first because they can be packed in one 25 cm cube with no strings attached, featuring a rechargeable Battery, wireless speakers and a remote control.

PROFESSIONAL SOUND REPRODUCTION-Featuring a 2.1 system (two wireless 360º sound speakers that can be placed anywhere that enhances the surround perception, plus a sub-woofer), the CUBE 2.1 is a powerful Mp3 player dock that also allows to connect the TV, Computer or a additional Mp3 player due to it’s USB plug-and-play feature.

INTUITIVE USABILITY-With a clean appearance objective and having trough all the design process the conscience that I was designing speakers and not some multifunctional gadget, the result was a simple interface that controls the necessary features and enhances the “Pro” look of this product, allowing this way it’s user to absorb it very fast.

Designer : Joao Carneiro

Desired outcome
Eliminate or dramatically reduce transportation devices contribution to carbon emission. Be able to cut down vehicle footprint and the number of vehicles operating on the road at any one time. Provide a sound and friendly module transportation system that are used by the public on a daily bases even for people without the Aventos vehicle.

Ease the finance pressure on small and medium sized businesses by providing an adaptive transportation device for their daily needs.

Assist the younger generation in adapting to the neo-nomadic lifestyle because the vehicle can assist in independent moving operations without the need of external assistance. Provide a fresh, young and eco friendly image for medium sized city commercial vehicles to the general public.

Designer : Timothy Choi

Freedom Phone is a small pre-paid phone for travelers who cannot use their usual mobile phones while being abroad, or it could be a solution for those users who just don’t need all the fancy features a last-generation phone has to offer, that is unique in design and unique in out it works. Upon arriving into the new country, you have the option of purchasing the Freedom Phone with 60, 100 or 200 minutes. There’s no fuss remembering Roaming tariffs, no extra prefixes to remember when being abroad, you have complete Freedom when calling home.

No SIM card needed – no roaming charges and in 10 short minutes, the Freedom Phone is charged. The phone number, important service and other information are located on the back of the Freedom Phone. Best of all, the Freedom Phone is so tiny; there won’t be the frustration of lagging the phone around with you on your trip. The bottom line, Freedom Phone, is a perfect and new solution to your traveling needs.

Not all the manufacturers have realized that there’s a huge market out there for people who are just interested in making and receiving phone calls, no need for advanced and complicated devices, which are used only at 5% of what they could really offer. There’s also a huge market comprised of elderly users, not at all the tech-savvy type, for which producers should remember to keep things simple, as simple as possible.

This concept simply grants you a phone that is used for nothing more than making and receiving calls. Its design focuses on ease of use and practicality.

Designer : Vadim Kibardin

Though there may be a few glitches, like the images not being sharp enough, or the voice is not clear enough but it is understandable, as it’s a kid’s camera, but one must see it as a constructive device as it allows kids to take a lot of pictures thus improving with each shot. The manufacturers also have added many fun elements within the camera like editing your snap with funny hats or draw borders thus developing the creative side of your kid.

The manufacturers have priced it very competitive compared to other kid cameras and has many features which many of the cameras in the same category do not possess. Also the manufacturers have made it quite durable, considering it’s targeted at an age group who are bound to drop things (my little cousin being no different though), but still all my doubts been put to rest, though I would admit that I was really scared when he dropped it the first couple of times. The camera has a 16 MB in built memory, which of course can be extended with the external memory sticks, so don’t worry your child will never go out of memory space. [Buy It Here]

The Caddy Topos Sail Design Concept – A Caddy With a Boat Deck!
MILTON KEYNES – August 27, 2008: Among the display of leisure vehicles and campers on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stand at Europe’s largest recreational vehicle show that starts in Düsseldorf, Germany this weekend will be an interesting Caddy Topos Sail design concept which takes its nautical theme to the extreme of having a wooden boat deck on its roof.

The Caddy Topos Sail design concept, based on the smallest model in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle van range, uses design cues from classic yachts and has its multi-functional roof covered with wooden decking surrounded by aluminium roof rails.

The wooden sun deck on the roof is accessed via four matching wooden and aluminium steps in the Caddy’s tailgate, and to complete the design theme there are wooden inserts along the side of the vehicle and in the rear bumper.

Other highlights of the Volkswagen stand demonstrate its strong heritage in leisure vehicles with a celebration of 20 years of the California camper.

Volkswagen campers became popular almost as soon as the Transporter van was introduced in the 1950s, and the California model was introduced in 1988 when the third generation of the Volkswagen Transporter was in production.

With California conversions of the subsequent fourth generation of Transporter van and today’s latest fifth generation model, more than 80,000 have been sold, which must make it one of the most successful campers ever.

Today’s California was introduced in 2006 and is unique as it is now made by Volkswagen, who must be the only vehicle manufacturer to produce its own camper. It is built to the same high quality standards as the rest of the range, and sold with a full three year warranty.

The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stand can be found in Hall 16 at Dusseldorf Caravan Salon (www.caravan-salon.de), which is open to the public from 30 August to 7 September.

Source : VW

Designer : Country Couch via Gizmodo