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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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DJI Flips The Script On Drone Deployment

The DJI Flip’s bold little leap into the pocket drone space flips the script in more ways than one. It’s a fun-first drone that nails the basics and adds a bit of flair. It’s designed for casual flyers, content creators, and younger users seeking portability and performance.

The DJI Flip is DJI’s bold little leap into the pocket drone space, and it flips the script in more ways than one. It’s a fun-first drone that nails the basics and adds a bit of flair. It’s aimed at casual flyers, content creators, and younger users looking for portability and performance.

Launched on January 14, 2025, the DJI Flip is an ultralight drone weighing just 249g, exempting it from U.S. FAA registration requirements. Its foldable design with full-coverage propeller guards ensures safe and reliable flying, even for novice pilots. The DJI Flip is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, feature-rich drone without breaking the bank. Its high-quality imaging, intelligent flight modes, and safety features make it ideal for content creators and hobbyists.

Flip expands to reveal protected propeller blades and folds into a compact carry size.


Features that separate it from the competition:

  • Portable: This thing folds into the size of a large phone. Toss it in a jacket pocket, and you're good to go.

  • One-Touch Tricks: True to its name, the Flip shines with built-in aerial flips and cinematic auto-maneuvers. Want to pull off an orbit or barrel roll? It's just a tap away.

  • DJI's Signature Stability: Even with its featherweight frame, the Flip holds surprisingly steady in mild wind thanks to DJI's tried-and-true stabilization tech.

  • Solid Camera for Its Class: 4K video, decent low-light performance, and a gimbal that works, not just digital wizardry pretending to be one.

This is something to consider:

  • App Features Can Lag: Some users have noticed delayed responses between app controls and drone execution, especially when using advanced modes.

  • No Obstacle Avoidance: This is a fun flyer, not a brainy one. You’ll want to keep it in open spaces or fly it manually with a light touch.


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Nike and Hyperice Boost Warm-Up and Recovery

In the ever-evolving world of sports and fitness, innovation is key. Nike, a global leader in athletic wear, and Hyperice, a pioneer in recovery technology, have teamed up to bring athletes two groundbreaking products: the Hyperice Normatec Recovery Boots and the Hyperice X Cooling Vest. These tools are designed to enhance performance, speed recovery, and keep athletes at the top of their game.

In the ever-evolving world of sports and fitness, innovation is key. Nike, a global leader in athletic wear, and Hyperice, a pioneer in recovery technology, have teamed up to bring athletes two groundbreaking products: the Hyperice Normatec Recovery Boots and the Hyperice X Cooling Vest. These tools are designed to enhance performance, speed recovery, and keep athletes at the top of their game.

The Hyperice Normatec Recovery Boots are a game-changer for athletes looking to optimize their recovery. Utilizing dynamic air compression, these boots help to increase circulation, reduce soreness, and improve overall mobility. By mimicking the body's natural muscle pump, they effectively remove metabolic waste from the muscles, allowing for faster recovery after intense workouts or competitions.

Athletes across various sports have embraced the Normatec Boots for their ability to provide consistent, high-quality recovery. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, incorporating these boots into your routine can significantly enhance your performance and keep you feeling fresh.


Hyperice Normatec Recovery Boots

On the other hand, the Hyperice X Cooling Vest is designed to keep athletes cool during intense training sessions or in hot environments. This vest uses advanced cooling technology to regulate body temperature, helping to prevent overheating and improve endurance.

The vest's sleek design allows maximum mobility while providing targeted cooling to critical areas of the body. It’s perfect for athletes who train in extreme conditions or those looking to gain an edge by maintaining optimal body temperature during workouts.

Hyperice X Cooling Vest

The Perfect Partnership

The collaboration between Nike and Hyperice brings together the best of both worlds: Nike’s expertise in athletic wear and Hyperice’s cutting-edge recovery technology. By integrating these products into their training and recovery routines, athletes can experience unparalleled performance and recovery benefits.

Whether you aim to enhance your performance, speed up recovery, or stay cool under pressure, the Hyperice Normatec Recovery Boots and Hyperice X Cooling Vest are essential tools in the modern athlete's arsenal. Embrace the future of sports and fitness with Nike and Hyperice, and take your game to the next level.



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Anti-Fall Airbags

S-Airbag is now making a smart wearable anti-fall airbag vest that deploys automatically in the event of a fall. Using similar technology found on MotoGP motorcycle rider vests, this system protects the wearer’s head and hips from injury during falls.

S-Airbag has introduced a cutting-edge smart wearable airbag vest designed to provide automatic protection in the event of a fall. Drawing on the same advanced technology used in MotoGP rider gear, the vest uses sensors and algorithms to detect the moment a fall begins—deploying airbags instantly to cushion and protect key areas such as the hips and head. This innovative safety solution is particularly valuable for elderly individuals or those with mobility challenges, offering a discreet yet highly effective layer of protection that could significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. It's a powerful example of how high-performance tech from extreme sports is now being adapted to enhance everyday safety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four Americans aged 65 and older experiences a fall each year—a statistic that underscores a serious public health concern. Falls can have a devastating impact on an individual's health, safety, and long-term independence, often leading to injuries that require extended recovery or result in permanent disability. While the appearance of a smart anti-fall airbag vest might draw the occasional chuckle, its purpose is anything but laughable. With a form-follows-function design, this wearable technology is engineered to protect the most vulnerable areas—the hips, head, neck, and lower back—during a fall. For those at risk, it’s a crucial tool that offers peace of mind, enhanced safety, and the possibility of maintaining an active and independent lifestyle.


Note: As an Amazon Associate designbivouac may benefit/earn from qualifying purchases.

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Automobiles, Innovation, Minimalism, Mobility Danny Stillion Automobiles, Innovation, Minimalism, Mobility Danny Stillion

Less is Far More

Tesla is always looking to reduce the complexity of its vehicle design. This Autoline Daily video outlines several ways the company is reducing part count and aiding operators in vehicle assembly.

Tesla is always looking to reduce the complexity of its vehicle design. This Autoline Daily video outlines several ways the company is reducing part count and aiding operators in vehicle assembly.


Note that the large aluminum gigacasting parts in the front and rear of the cars are produced in Austin, Texas. They reduce part count dramatically while providing large access areas for assembly workers. All this effort to make things modular and more manageable for human operators may someday pay off by further automating Tesla’s manufacturing processes with advancements in robotic assembly.


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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.


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Flying Through Giga Berlin

Take a dynamic fly-through of Tesla’s Giga Berlin factory. It is remarkable to see all that goes into making some of today’s most advanced vehicles at one of the most impressive factories in the world.


Take a dynamic fly-through of Tesla’s Giga Berlin—a striking showcase of cutting-edge manufacturing in motion. From the moment you enter, you're immersed in a meticulously choreographed ecosystem where robotic arms, automated conveyors, and human technicians work in seamless harmony. It's remarkable to witness the scale, precision, and innovation that power one of the world’s most advanced vehicle production facilities.

Every stage of the process, from gigacasting massive body components to battery pack integration and final assembly, reflects Tesla’s drive toward efficiency, speed, and sustainability. Giga Berlin isn’t just a factory—it’s a glimpse into the future of industrial automation and a testament to what's required to bring today’s most modern electric vehicles to life. Giga Berlin is designed to be an advanced electric vehicle (EV) production hub capable of producing a wide range of Tesla vehicles, including the Model 3, Model Y, and future models.

The factory is expected to incorporate cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and technologies, with a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has emphasized that the facility will include many innovations, particularly in battery and powertrain technology. One notable aspect of Giga Berlin is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The facility was designed with a strong emphasis on renewable energy sources, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint significantly. Tesla intends to make the factory a green and environmentally responsible operation, aligning with its broader goal of advancing sustainable transportation.

AI-enhanced post


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The Sur Ron X Evolved

As you can see in the excellent demo ride video from Electric Cycle Rider, the folks over at 4MFoundry are applying all that has been learned over the past few decades about off-road riding in designing their upgraded body and seat kit for the Sur Ron X.


The folks over at 4MFoundry applied decades of off-road riding knowledge to design their upgraded body and seat kit for the Sur Ron X. Already a very capable platform at a remarkable price, The Sur Ron X looks to benefit in several ways from the after-market body kit.

The kit features an extension of seat padding over the battery storage area. This allows riders to shift their weight more comfortably forward when needed. Side skirts enable riders to grip and control the bike with their knees. Aesthetically, the kit cleans up the bike design. 4MFoundry’s efforts highlight one of the best things about the Sur Ron platform—passionate and relatively easy community-based customization. Here’s wishing 4MFoundry all the best in improving the already remarkable Sur Ron X.

Photo: 4MFoundry

Learn more about the remarkable Sur Ron at sur-ronusa.com.

You can read more about the kit which is still in prototype form over at Electric Cycle Rider.

Ready to pick up a Sur Ron for yourself? The bivouac had a good experience with Sur Ron’s distributor Luna Cycles, quickly procuring its Sur Ron Black Edition.


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Defying Gravity

Some of humanity’s aspirations are timeless. Such is the desire to fly. As a result, the challenge is continually taken up by bright minds. As technology advances, our dreams of gracefully transcending the bounds of earth’s gravitation seem more achievable.


Some of humanity’s aspirations are timeless. Such is the desire to fly. As a result, the challenge is continually taken up by bright minds. As technology advances, our dreams of gracefully transcending the bounds of earth’s gravitation seem more achievable. Such is the case with Gravity, which produces one of the fastest jet packs supporting human flight today. It is inspiring to see dreams like this pursued. Not only because they make progress towards addressing our timeless fascination with flight, but they open up many practical applications.


One could imagine that Gravity’s system could empower firefighters to launch from one building to another. Trailing a cable, those trapped atop a burning skyscraper could take a safe zip-line ride. Once enough, additional thrust is assured with the system. Potential victims could just be plucked one by one from burning buildings or sinking ships. As the introduction of the helicopter back in the 1940s proved, beneficial applications abound for breakthrough VTOL technologies like these. I wish the team at Gravity all the best in their uplifting endeavors.


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Ursa Minor for JLUR

The bivouac hopes the Ursa Minor J30 pop-up camper hard top for the Jeep JL Rubicon Unlimited is worth the wait.


The bivouac hopes the Ursa Minor J30 pop-up camper hard top for the Jeep JL Rubicon Unlimited is worth the wait. Long intrigued by how the company’s current product transforms the JK into a platform for serious overlanding and…well…bivouacking; it would be great to see the company refine the design and make it available for Jeep’s newer JL and Gladiator lines soon. According to the company’s website, production for the JL was supposed to start in January, so they may already be on it.


Created to explore color and feature options, the image above is a quick visualization of what the bivouac hopes to see from the company. And, of course, the JLUR accessories from AEV are also eagerly awaited.

One good thing about the wait is that the diesel version of the JLUR Rubicon is now out, offering more torque, fuel economy, and hopefully reliability than other engine options in the FCA lineup. Who knows, maybe the plug-in hybrid will be around the corner despite the general assumption it won’t be available until around 2022. Well, good things are generally worth the wait.

Rendering created by the biviouac. Hopefully something like this will soon be available for the JLUR from Ursa Minor.


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The Sur-Ron Is Spot On!

The bivouac has been impressed by recent videos highlighting the surprising capabilities of the Sur-Ron electric bike, proving that companies like Tesla are not alone in disrupting mobility as we know it.


The bivouac has been impressed by recent videos highlighting the surprising capabilities of the Sur-Ron electric bike, proving that companies like Tesla are not alone in disrupting mobility as we know it. Check out what Electric Cycle Rider says while shaking down a Sur-Ron and watch it perform while racing. It is still early in the electric bike segment, so reaching these performance levels is impressive. While riders are dialing in brakes, forks, and other components, the Sur-Ron platform, in particular, is amazing right out of the box. Even so, companies like Luna Cycle are finding new ways to get even more out of their Sur-Rons by adding belt drives by Gates and even engineering their high-output batteries. Watch this space and keep up if you can. 2020 looks to be another fast-moving year for this segment.


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Minimalism, Mobility, Notable Products Danny Stillion Minimalism, Mobility, Notable Products Danny Stillion

Volvo's New Shining Star

Volvo’s Polestar helped shape perceptions of the brand’s performance capabilities. Now, Volvo has announced the Polestar 2, which will usher the brand into new, fully electric vehicle territory.

Volvo’s Polestar division has already played a key role in reshaping the brand’s identity, showcasing its ability to deliver refined performance with a modern edge. Now, with the launch of the Polestar 2, Volvo is charting a bold course into the fully electric future. This sleek, all-electric fastback blends Scandinavian design with cutting-edge technology, marking a significant step in the brand’s sustainability journey. If Volvo can continue to build on the momentum and innovation that Polestar represents, it’s clear that this guiding star is lighting the way toward a bright and electrified future.

The Volvo Polestar 2 is a standout electric vehicle (EV) that embodies Volvo's commitment to sustainability and innovation. As part of the Polestar brand, Volvo's electric performance division, the Polestar 2 offers a unique blend of style, performance, and environmental consciousness in the luxury electric vehicle market.

One of the most distinctive features of the Polestar 2 is its design, which strikes a balance between modern minimalism and Scandinavian luxury. The clean lines and uncluttered interior create an inviting and spacious cabin. The vehicle's infotainment system, powered by Google's Android Automotive OS, provides a user-friendly and highly connected experience. Drivers and passengers can enjoy a range of innovative features, including voice control, navigation, and various apps.

In terms of performance, the Polestar 2 offers an impressive electric powertrain. It features a dual-motor setup that delivers all-wheel drive and robust acceleration. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience. With a large battery pack, the Polestar 2 boasts an estimated range of over 200 miles on a single charge, making it practical for daily commutes and longer journeys. Its commitment to sustainability is further underscored by its use of vegan materials in the interior and a focus on reducing its carbon footprint throughout its production and usage. The Volvo Polestar 2 represents a compelling option for those looking to combine luxury, performance, and eco-friendliness in an electric vehicle.

Polestar 2 | Range Target: 275

Polestar 2 | 0-60 Time: 4.7 Seconds

Price: Around $45,000 | First Twelve Months Special Edition $63,000


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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.


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Automobiles, Mobility, Visualization Danny Stillion Automobiles, Mobility, Visualization Danny Stillion

Off The Wall

Whenever I see images of automotive designers thoughtfully shaping vehicle profiles at a 1:1 scale on walls with tape and film and pen and pencil, I get inspired.


I get inspired whenever I see images of automotive designers thoughtfully shaping vehicle profiles at a 1:1 scale on walls with tape, film, and pen and pencil. Regardless of how often these traditional visualization methods are used in this age of virtual reality visualization capability, these images are a powerful reminder of what goes into getting vehicles out into the world. For the rare percentage of them resembling rolling sculptures, it is good to remember all the effort, craft, vision, methods, and attention to detail that makes them a reality.



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Architecture, Visualization, Mobility Danny Stillion Architecture, Visualization, Mobility Danny Stillion

Dwelling On Mobility and the Workplace

It was nice to see Dwell inquiring about possible futures of mobility and the workplace in their recent printed issue.


It was nice to see Dwell inquiring about possible futures of mobility and the workplace in their recent printed issue. The range of responses includes thinking about what is in IDEO's Slow Becomes Fast, flexible interiors concept and Inverse Commute Work on Wheels concept from its Future of Automobility provocation series. Take a closer look at an extract from their online feature.


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The Future of Flight

The Embassy created noteworthy visualizations of future aircraft for a feature article appearing in the October 2003 issue of Popular Mechanics.


The Embassy created noteworthy visualizations of future aircraft for a feature article in the October 2003 issue of Popular Mechanics. What makes many of these futuristic aircraft visualizations so convincing is their placement in photorealistic background settings and remarkable attention to detailed texture mapping, which gives the vehicles a real-world lived-in look.



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