The Inspirations Collection.
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Welcome to designbivouac’s inspiration collection.
Exploring design and innovation.
Over 30 years of collaboration, designbivouac has uncovered lasting insights. Inspirations is a curated collection of inspirational objects and ideas shaping a continuous journey of creative exploration.
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Shapes from the Future
As a means of inspiration, the bivouac recently thought back to iconic objects, those notable stepping stones that have inspired generations of designers and have led, in some part, to the brighter side of where we are today. Perhaps we can learn from these successes and failures as we shape a new and exciting future together.
The bivouac recently began collecting objects that have or are likely to serve as timeless shapes from the future, inspiring generations of designers. Perhaps we can learn from aspects of these product successes and failures as we shape our future together.
Presented here are a few iconic designs that seem to have come from the future to inspire. What shapes from the future or your past do you draw inspiration from?
Up...up...and away!
Gravity continues to make progress on its rocket pack technology. Check out the company's genesis and some applications it is refining.
Gravity continues to make progress on its rocket pack technology. Hopefully, the company can continue to branch beyond potential military applications to things like exploration and perhaps empowering first responders or lifesaving use of the technology, such as assisting with evacuation from burning skyscrapers. This is undoubtedly one of the most compelling forms of human flight to ever take to the skies.
The Gravity Jet Pack Company is a pioneering and innovative enterprise at the forefront of the personal aviation industry. With a vision to make science fiction dreams a reality, this cutting-edge company specializes in designing and producing state-of-the-art jet packs that enable individuals to defy gravity and take to the skies with precision and safety. Their commitment to safety and efficiency is paramount, incorporating advanced technologies and rigorous testing to ensure a secure and exhilarating flying experience. As they continue to push the boundaries of human flight, the Gravity Jet Pack Company is a beacon of progress in the ever-evolving world of aviation, offering a thrilling glimpse into the future of personal transportation and exploration.
Climb on...together.
Amanda Gorman, a 22-year-old poet, read an original work at President Joe Biden's inauguration on January. 20, 2020.
Read more about Amanda Gorman, the nation’s first national youth poet laureate, here in the LA Times. Amanda Gorman, the nation's first National Youth Poet Laureate, has emerged as a powerful and inspiring voice in poetry and activism. Born in 1998, she gained international acclaim for her captivating poem, "The Hill We Climb," which she recited at the inauguration of President Joe Biden in January 2021.
Gorman's eloquent and poignant verses touch upon themes of unity, hope, and social justice, resonating with a wide audience. Beyond her remarkable talent as a poet, she is also an advocate for education and literacy, working to promote the transformative power of words and storytelling.
Amanda Gorman, a 22-year-old poet, read an original work at President Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2020.
Hassel + EOC Envision a Home on Mars
Congratulations to Hassell + EOC for crafting an inspirational bivouac for use on Mars. For many, conceptualizing habitation on Mars evokes the curiosity and optimism that was once experienced by many during the beginning of the space age.
Congratulations to Hassell + EOC for crafting an inspirational bivouac for use on Mars. For many, conceptualizing habitation on Mars evokes the curiosity and optimism once experienced by those taking part in earlier lunar exploration programs like Apollo. The 3D printed habitation concept is a beautifully considered design that accommodates constraints, builds on modular redundancy, anticipates harsh conditions of the red planet, and provides for the essential needs of a new generation of human explorers.
The Hassel + EOC concept of "Envision a Home on Mars" represents an innovative and forward-thinking approach to the prospect of human habitation on the Red Planet. This visionary project aims to design a feasible and sustainable living space for future Martian settlers, taking into account the challenges of the Martian environment while prioritizing the well-being and functionality of its inhabitants. With an inner inflatable living area architecture surrounded by a solid 3D printed structure made up on Martian soil, the facility will have dual layers of protection from atmospheric conditions. The design integrates cutting-edge technology, such as 3D printing and the use of local resources, to create a modular and adaptable living environment. It focuses on maximizing efficiency and self-sustainability, emphasizing features such as radiation protection, life support systems, and robust structures capable of withstanding the harsh Martian conditions. This concept envisions a habitat that fosters a sense of community and well-being while pushing the boundaries of architectural and technological innovation in the pursuit of establishing a viable human presence on Mars.
AI-enhanced post.
Future of Automobility at Cooper Hewitt
IDEO’s four-part exploration of “The Future of Automobility” is included within Cooper Hewitt’s “The Road Ahead: Reimagining Mobility” Exhibit.
It is such a pleasure to see work from IDEO’s four-part exploration of “The Future of Automobility” included within Cooper Hewitt’s “The Road Ahead: Reimagining Mobility” Exhibit. On view at the New York’s Cooper Hewitt through March 31st, 2019, the exhibit explores how we might move people, things, spaces, and information in the 21st Century and beyond. Innovative concepts, prototypes, and simulation work exploring how future forms of mobility and new approaches to urban planning might emerge are featured from leading companies working in the mobility domain.
Visitors are prompted to capture their hopes, needs, and desires for future mobility on post-it notes and to place them upon a life-sized sketch of a vehicle designed to support shared mobility. Concepts created for the Future of Automobility series exploring moving people, things, spaces, and together are on view within the exhibit space.
The Last Staircase Challenge
Has Boston Dynamics solved the vexing "last staircase" challenge facing the on-demand delivery industry?
Has Boston Dynamics solved the vexing "last staircase" challenge facing the on-demand delivery industry? Look at the latest videos of Atlas and SpotMini in action and decide for yourself.
The Audaciousness of Apollo
Still serving as an inspiration today for those hoping that the human race will someday venture beyond the orbit of our moon to other planets and beyond, the Apollo program is still unsurpassed in its scope and audaciousness.
Still serving as an inspiration today for those hoping that the human race will someday venture beyond the orbit of our moon to other planets and beyond, the Apollo program is still unsurpassed in its scope and audaciousness. From its inception and from the very moment that President John F. Kennedy declared that America should set out on the grand adventure of setting a man on the moon and safely returning him to earth, the program was marked by boldness.
Recently, the bivouac’s appreciation of the effort grew after acquiring and putting together just a Lego version of the rocket. The size of the astronauts in comparison to the rocket reminds one of just how daunting the program must have felt at times for the tens of thousands of citizens who contributed to the accomplishment. It is fantastic to see the challenge of space travel being taken up once again with the likes of Elon Musk's SpaceX group. Below is a nice clip showing various space vehicles rendered on pad 39-A for side-by-side comparison.
Prospective Perspective
Given the bivouac's interest in alternative futures, it is great to see more sophisticated provocations in videos like "One Hundred Hunters" from Nigel Stanford.
Given the bivouac's interest in alternative futures, it is great to see more sophisticated provocations in videos like "One Hundred Hunters" from Nigel Stanford.
With its masterful mixture of new and authentic retro footage from NASA, the combined storytelling helps fire the imagination. After all, there are so many questions about why we have not been back to the moon since 1972...or perhaps we have?
Just Ship It Series: Cadillac Cien
Although debuting way back in 2002, once the ELR starts shipping in January, kindly return your attention to the Cien, please, Cadillac.
Although debuting way back in 2002, once the ELR starts shipping in January, kindly return your attention to the Cien, please, Cadillac. The design of the Cien is a seamless fusion of aerodynamics and luxury. Its dramatic, angular lines and distinctive vertical headlamps make it visually striking. The cockpit blends innovative technology and refined materials with features like a heads-up display and premium leather surfaces. The gullwing-style doors add a touch of drama and accessibility. One in hybrid or BEV form would be an excellent "halo" vehicle for the brand.
The Cien, which means "one hundred" in Spanish, was created to celebrate Cadillac's centenary and to showcase the brand's innovation, performance, and design capabilities. The Cadillac Cien is a mid-engine, two-seat supercar that blends cutting-edge technology with elegant design. Its most notable feature is a 7.5-liter V12 engine that produces an impressive 750 horsepower. This powerplant is complemented by a hybrid system featuring a rear-mounted electric motor, which enhances the car's performance and efficiency. The Cien can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 200 mph, underlining its supercar status.
While it is understood that the Cadillac Cien was never intended for production, it serves as a bold statement of Cadillac's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology. Many luxury performance car enthusiasts would love to see an updated version shipping from the luxury brand. Perhaps the Corvette C8 platform could prove worthy.
The Cadillac Cien powerfully demonstrates the capabilities of General Motors Design Studio.
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Sci-Fi Illustrator Visionary Peter Elson
Future User Interfaces (or FUIs) have been buzzing lately at the bivouac. This got me thinking about how my interest in FUIs and things like "science faction."
At its best, science fiction provides design inspiration and a powerful means of looking ahead toward possible futures. The term "science faction" refers to things once represented in science fiction that have actually come into existence. I gave a TEDx Talk a while back exploring how the phenomenon of "science faction" can inspire us as we design for the future of education.
My first encounter with science fiction was during Christmas of 1979. I was twelve and still reeling from seeing "Star Wars" two years earlier. That Christmas, I received "Great Space Battles" by Stewart Cowley and Charles Herridge. Written with the authority and detail of a history textbook, the richly illustrated stories of future space exploration and conflicts captured my imagination.
For hours, I studied and tried to replicate the exquisite details of Peter Elson’s work and others in my work. Through attempting to replicate their masterpieces, I learned about light sources, shadow play, proportions, shading, perspective, implied materiality, and aspects of physics. Last but certainly not least, I learned about the art of applying" greebles,” or intricate details that make surfaces more exciting and enhance a sense of the scale of objects.
I was honored by a local hero artist named David Morris (who went on to work at Industrial Light and Magic) when he noted how well I applied greebles. That early praise of my drawings, along with supportive parents and an excellent elementary school Art teacher named Ms. Tilson, helped build my creative confidence. Through studying Peter Elson’s work, I learned the power of imagination to take us to new places.
Below are a few early inspirations from Peter Elson. To take a closer look at Elson's work, visit: www.peterelson.co.uk
Operation Ares by Peter Elson
Still Hyped By "Hyper-Matrix"
This "Hyper-Matrix" work from the media artist group Jonpasang made the rounds a while ago. Still, seeing it again, as well as the "making of" video, gives me a newfound respect for those who are taking experiences like this squarely to new levels of execution and excitement.
"Hyper-Matrix" is a dynamic, multi-dimensional display that combines kinetic elements, LED lights, and moving screens to create mesmerizing and ever-changing visual experiences. Created in 2012, the work is still an immersive standout amongst interactive installations at scale. The space transforms and reconfigures itself, creating a constantly shifting and engaging visual spectacle. This immersive and interactive art piece has been showcased at various exhibitions and events, garnering attention and acclaim for its fusion of art and technology.
Jonpasang's "Hyper-Matrix" is a testament to the creative possibilities when art and technology come together, offering audiences a unique and captivating experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. The installation has been celebrated for its ability to engage viewers and create a sense of wonder through its dynamic and evolving visual narratives.
Star Wars Figures Bring a Large Figure
Whether you are a fan of George Lucas's Star Wars saga or not, one has to respect this collection of Star Wars figures. Displayed creatively, it strangely evokes some modern Bayeux Tapestry.
Whether you are a fan of George Lucas's Star Wars saga or not, one has to respect this collection of Star Wars figures. Displayed creatively, it strangely evokes some modern Bayeux Tapestry. The collection recently sold for over $11,000. It appears to be made up of the latest round of action figures, not the originals that launched in 1977. The tooling and detail in this generation of figures are superior. Still, I am thankful to have had some of the originals, lifting the horizon of my imagination through countless hours of creative play. I am sure that those hours spent re-enacting Lucas’s masterpiece taught me a thing or two about filming and storytelling.
The Future of Phones
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of contributing some thoughts that informed Alexis Madrigal's Atlantic article "iPhone 5? Yawn. What Will the 'Phone' of 2022 Look Like?"
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of contributing some thoughts that informed Alexis Madrigal's Atlantic article "iPhone 5? Yawn. What Will the 'Phone' of 2022 Look Like?" While so many are understandably appreciating the latest offering from Apple in the "phone-on-glass'" category, the article does an excellent job of encouraging us to think beyond today's prevailing interaction paradigms and from factors toward a future with a greater variety of form factors as well as richer, more seamless interactions. Who knows, while displays are getting bigger this week, in 2022, the next big thing might be pretty small.
"Comfort Zone" ear piece from 2001 future technology forecasting project at IDEO.
Speech-driven interface in the film her.
Tony Stark interacts with J.A.R.V.I.S through gesture, physical controls and voice.