Designer : Anton Babushkin

This electronic device is combined with a speech synthesis and a digital camera with a shape of a traditional product. The speech synthesis is able to decode texts to voice streams and the screen can be used as a magnification in conditions when the speech synthesis is not working. One good example of such situations is when a visual handicapped person wants to illuminate for instance images or illustrations which can be portrayed in endless ways. This device comprises a bendable OLED display featuring non-photosensitive images, fast speech synthesis and a digital camera module. Not all of these devices are ready to use today, but many of them are already operational.

This project took ten long weeks to accomplish aiming to create a product that will enable various options to clarify information for those people who are visually handicapped. The intention was not to replace the physical companion. Rather, it is an attempt to strengthen the self confidence of the users by feeling more self-governing.

Designer : Erik Rydell

Designer : Pinpach Piyatiratitivorakul

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]

Text from designer :
This product is designed to assist people with disabilities to independently ride a bicycle. Disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disabilities and Acquired Brain Injuries can affect basic motor functions such as balance and strength, hindering their ability to operate a bicycle as an individual. This bike supports the rider’s disability by helping them balance the bike, be effortless to operate and also looking and functioning like a main stream bicycle. This helps the rider gain the independence and confidence to ride a bicycle without assistance.

Although this bike has been designed specifically for people with disabilities, there is no reason why this product cannot be used or adapted for other demographics.

This bicycle was created to support the physical limitations of a person with a disability. As a result, this gives the rider the confidence to independently ride a bicycle. This helps increase the riders self esteem and encourages them to become more active in society.

Designer : Gavin Smith

Treepac story after the jump …

Press Release :
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, paper products are the biggest single component of community waste, with 85 million tons generated in 2006. Though much of this is recycled, the sheer volume compelled the team at product development consultancy Essential to examine their own consumption habits. Frustrated by their findings, the team devised a solution—the Treepac. Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) judges took notice and honored the concept with a Silver International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) in the Ecodesign category.

Treepac is a reusable shipping container intended to replace cardboard boxes. The structure is made entirely of sustainable wood-based polymer cellulose acetate, Treepac is used like cardboard packaging but is designed to enable and encourage people and companies to improve their environmental footprint. The more times each pack is used, the greater its positive effect on the environment.

“When we examined our everyday use of cardboard, we became aware of the quantity of packaging materials we should recycle, appalled at the amount of material we couldn’t, and frustrated by an inability to reuse most of it,” said Design Researcher Dave Siedzik. “We were disheartened that recycling cardboard is a completely inefficient process.”

The Treepac concept mirrors the good features of cardboard boxes while adding new attributes that lower the overall environmental impact of packaging. Essential researchers, designers and engineers estimate that a recycled cardboard box can have up to eight uses but must be reconstituted in an energy-draining production facility each time. The Treepac, on the other hand, can be reused again and again.

Developing the Treepac is one way the Essential team aspires to create a positive environmental and social impact through their work. “By thinking of new opportunities to reduce overall energy consumption while not fundamentally changing the current shipping and delivery infrastructure, the Treepac concept has the potential to both improve the industry and help the environment,” said Founding Partner Scott Stropkay.

Designer : Essential Design

Designer : Arthur Xin

The final delay for the Roadster’s production was in finding a durable 2-speed transmission that could handle the extreme performance of the high-powered electric motor over the lifespan of the vehicle – and while this struggle continues, the 2008 fleet will roll with an interim transmission and slightly reduced performance of 5.7-second acceleration times to 60mph instead of the 3.9 seconds originally promised. Tesla has promised to retrofit all 2008-model Roadsters with the new transmission when it’s available – at the company’s expense – and the full performance potential will be unlocked once these units are installed.

If you are interested with this car, better reserve your place. 900 Tesla roadsters have been sold or reserved already, sales are expected to increase with the release of Tesla’s next model.

Designer : TeslaMotors

Designer : FusionTables via MocoLoco