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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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CudaJet: The Underwater Jetpack
The CudaJet is a true underwater jetpack—worn like a backpack, allowing divers to glide hands-free beneath the surface. Instead of holding onto bulky sea scooters or kicking with fins, your body becomes the controller. Steering is accomplished through subtle shifts in posture, making the experience feel more akin to underwater flight than traditional diving.
The CudaJet is a true underwater jetpack—worn like a backpack, allowing divers to glide hands-free beneath the surface. Instead of holding onto bulky sea scooters or kicking with fins, your body becomes the controller. Steering is accomplished through subtle shifts in posture, making the experience feel more akin to underwater flight than traditional diving.
Its sleek hydrodynamic shell, carbon fiber harness, and compact propulsion system generate up to 40 kilograms of thrust, propelling users to speeds of around 3 meters per second. It’s fast, quiet, and fluid—designed to feel more like a creature of the sea than a machine.
Experience & Context
Initially developed for professional divers and rescue teams, the CudaJet is now making waves in the luxury adventure scene. Resorts in the Maldives and other high-end destinations offer it as an exclusive experience, allowing guests to explore reefs and open water with an unprecedented sense of freedom.
Users describe it as “weightless flying,” with effortless control and a sensation of immersion that blurs the line between human and marine life. Its portability also makes it attractive for expedition teams, filmmakers, and marine scientists.
Why It Matters
CudaJet isn’t just a cool gadget—it represents a leap forward in how we interact with the natural world. It blends bio-inspired motion with cutting-edge design, offering a new way to experience underwater environments while minimizing its impact. For designers, technologists, and adventurers alike, the CudaJet prompts questions about future mobility, human-machine interaction, and the ethics of exploration in fragile ecosystems. It’s a bold new chapter in the story of underwater design.
Pros
Hands-free operation with body-directed movement
Precision throttle control for smooth acceleration
Rechargeable and eco-conscious—no fuel required
Durable, sleek, and highly engineered for both comfort and performance
Considerations
Premium price (~$18,000–$30,000 depending on customization)
Requires breath-hold diving; not compatible with scuba systems
Fitness, confidence, and dive safety knowledge are prerequisites
Not suited for shallow or obstacle-heavy water without training
Technical Specs (2025 Model)
Weight (on land): Approximately 13.2 kg for the jetpack unit
Max depth: 40 m (factory-limited to 3 m for safety)
Runtime: Up to 40 minutes per charge
Recharge time: Approximately 75 minutes
Controls: Wired throttle with color display and ultra-fine adjustment
Harness sizing: Fits chest sizes from 81–152 cm
Cautions
Not a Life-Saving Device: It is a performance-enhancing tool, not a rescue system. It does not replace dive training or flotation gear.
Breath-Hold Use Only: The CudaJet is not compatible with traditional scuba diving (due to air pressure differentials at depth and free ascent risks). It’s designed for snorkeling and free diving only.
Battery Handling: Like with any high-output lithium battery, improper charging, exposure to saltwater, or physical damage could present risks. Users are advised to follow strict charging and storage protocols.
Physical Fitness Required: Operating a high-speed underwater propulsion system requires strong swimming skills, core control, and situational awareness.
Hair and Loose Gear: Long hair must be tied up, and no loose straps or accessories should be worn, as they could get caught in the thrusters.
Environmental Awareness: With speeds of up to 3 m/s, it's easy to collide with reefs, other divers, or wildlife if you’re not highly alert and respectful of your surroundings.
Images: Cudajet
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.
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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Lessons from Superfest
Never heard of the brand Superfest? If you venture into a pub in the territory of what was once East Germany under the Soviet Union, chances are you’ll enjoy your favorite beer using one.
Never heard of the brand Superfest? If you venture into a pub in the territory of what was once East Germany under the Soviet Union, chances are you’ll enjoy your favorite beer using one. Like the space program, the history of this nearly unbreakable glass is a testament to what can be accomplished in the name of international competition. But, unlike the successful Apollo program, like Velcro, Superfest’s lack of market success raises some cautionary and uncomfortable questions about the power of market forces.
The origin of Superfest hardened glassware can be traced back to a pivotal moment in the world of glassmaking—the invention of tempered glass. Tempered glass, born out of a quest for durability and safety, revolutionized the industry with its enhanced strength and resistance to breakage. However, tempering glass and a later innovation involving laminating plastics between layers of glass to strengthen it are expensive processes that can cloud glass clarity.
As a result, the government of East Germany, highly motivated to prove the value and innovation capacity of Eastern Bloc countries, set out to develop a nearly unbreakable glass that was inexpensive to produce. Through relentless research and development, chemists experimented with ion-exchanging, a process that involves heating ordinary glass and immersing it in a Potassium Nitrate solution, which alters its chemical structure. Gaps at a molecular level that make glass prone to cracking are filled by Potassium Ions, making the glass far more resistant to breaking.
When released in 1977, it was 15 times more durable than standard glassware. Despite its superiority, Superfest, German for “super firm,” never became a commercial success. In part, this was due to the remarkable nature of the product. Once most restaurants and pubs in the Eastern Bloc had purchased Superfest glassware, the need to replace their inventory dropped dramatically. What was once an annual business expense for many companies has been eliminated. Additionally, many companies that one would think would be very interested in it, such as Coca-Cola, actually made money by selling their glass bottles. So, despite offering a far more robust and seemingly more sustainable product, companies preferred an inferior product that helped their bottom line.
Decades later, in response to a request from Steve Jobs, Corning introduced a similar chemically hardened glass for the iPhone. While expensive, it met the need for a thin and robust display for electronic devices. Today, the product is called Gorilla Glass and is featured on billions of best-selling consumer electronic devices.
Overall, the Superfest story prompts you to wonder, as Fern so eloquently asks in the linked video, how many of today's products are worse than they should be? Take a closer look at this fantastic story on Fern. It may challenge some of your views on market forces and how they operate today.
AI-Enhanced Article
Rabbit Introduces R1 and Rabbit OS
In UX and AI news, Rabbit introduces the R1 personal companion that leverages natural language models and a Large Action Model (LAM) to get things done across applications or web pages.
In a bold step toward redefining user interaction with digital tools, Rabbit has introduced the R1, a compact personal AI companion designed to streamline everyday tasks through intuitive natural language interactions. At the heart of the R1 is a sophisticated integration of natural language models paired with Rabbit's proprietary Large Action Model (LAM)—a system trained to understand and perform complex tasks across a wide range of applications and websites.
Unlike traditional virtual assistants that rely on rigid scripts or predefined integrations, the R1’s LAM enables it to see and act like a human user, navigating interfaces, clicking buttons, and filling forms based on user intent. This means users can ask the R1 to do things like order food, book a flight, or manage emails—all through a single conversational interface.
Targeting the disintegrated ecosystem of apps on smartphones, Jesse Lyu, the CEO and founder of an AI startup called Rabbit, ran through the rationale for the product and presented some compelling demos, which included booking a flight for a family with specific travel needs and planning an entire relaxed vacation itinerary. The pocketable device, co-designed by the delightful folks at Teenage Engineering, is expected to begin shipping around Easter with an initial price of $199. It will be interesting to see if the interaction is fluid enough for users to make more room in their pockets for the handy assistant. Check out the introductory video below.
Images: Rabbit
Sinking Lego Ships
Many childhood hours were spent at the bivouac playing and pushing the imagination with Lego. There was learning about modular design and how failure leads to success. All that creative activity made me a better designer and person.
Many childhood hours were joyfully spent at the bivouac, building, imagining, and experimenting with LEGO. It was more than play—it was an early education in modular design, problem-solving, and the value of persistence. Every structure that collapsed or didn’t quite work was a lesson in how failure fuels creativity and growth. Those hands-on exploration sessions helped shape not only a better designer but also a more curious and resilient person. Looking back, it's clear that those colorful bricks laid more than models—they laid a foundation for lifelong learning and creative thinking.
With the inclusion of specialized kit components like gears, chain drives, tubes, girders, motors, switches, and electrical systems, today's LEGO Technic builders have an incredible array of tools to bring complex creations to life. These advanced elements not only expand creative possibilities but also offer hands-on lessons in engineering and physics. In another engaging video from Brick Technology, viewers can explore concepts such as displacement, wave theory, tensional force, and centrifugal force—all demonstrated through the imaginative and educational world of LEGO Technic. It's a brilliant fusion of play and learning that continues to inspire the next generation of inventors and problem-solvers.
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.
Refinement in the Marketplace
Initially written in 2009, this post has been updated to reflect how BMW Motorcycles continues to refine its GS motorcycle. Few companies have been able to balance refining iconic offerings without compromising what made a product great in the first place. T
Originally written in 2009, this post has been updated to reflect BMW Motorcycles' continued refinement of its iconic GS motorcycle. Few companies have mastered the art of evolving a product while maintaining the core elements that made it great. The R 1300 GS represents the most significant update to the model in over a decade, introducing numerous new features, safety technologies, and technical improvements. Yet, despite these enhancements, it remains remarkably familiar—exemplary in its design, performance, and commitment to the values that have defined the GS lineage.
2024 BMW R1300 GS Trophy Edition
Companies genuinely passionate about their offerings continually refine them in the open market, demonstrating a commitment to progress and user communities. The BMW GS line of motorcycles is a compelling example. Even when BMW held a strong lead in the adventure touring category, with what many considered the benchmark bike, the company didn't rest on its reputation. Instead, it stayed engaged, listening closely to riders, dealers, and evolving market demands. Each new model year introduced a mix of thoughtful updates, ranging from subtle ergonomic tweaks to more significant advances in performance and styling. While the degree of change varied from year to year, the consistent pace of refinement set a clear standard.
One of the most impressive aspects of this evolution is BMW’s ability to improve the GS line while reducing overall weight—a challenging achievement in a segment where added features often lead to added bulk. This balancing act underscores the company’s ability to harmonize principled design thinking with deep enthusiasm for the riding experience. Rather than chasing novelty for its own sake, BMW’s refinements are grounded in a core philosophy of rideability—ensuring that every enhancement, no matter how innovative, makes the bike feel better, more intuitive, and more rewarding on the road or trail.
The R1150GS benefited from many refinements since the release of the first R1000GS, which was launched in 1993. The R1300GS represents the pinnacle in the adventure bike class for 2023.
As a testament to its ongoing commitment to refinement and innovation from a leadership position, BMW has introduced the 2024 R1300GS. This significant update builds meaningfully on the strengths of its predecessor. At the heart of this evolution is a newly engineered frame contributing to a notable reduction in overall weight, enhancing both agility and performance without sacrificing the bike’s rugged, long-distance capabilities. This structural change reflects BMW’s continued emphasis on functional improvements that matter to riders, especially those seeking a balance between touring comfort and off-road versatility.
In addition to mechanical enhancements, the 2024 model integrates a suite of advanced technologies that elevate both safety and rider experience. New signature lighting elements provide improved visibility and a distinctive visual identity. At the same time, cutting-edge features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and an automatic SOS call function offer increased peace of mind. These updates align with evolving rider expectations and reinforce BMW’s role as a category leader, demonstrating how design thinking, customer insight, and engineering excellence can converge to keep a flagship product relevant, desirable, and unmistakably premium.
R1300 GS
R1250 GS Adventure
R1200 GS Adventure
R1150 GS Adventure
(Note: Models not shown to scale)
This kind of subtle, year-over-year improvement both impresses and inspires. It reflects a deep respect for users and a commitment to thoughtful evolution over flashy reinvention. When done consistently, it builds better products and lasting trust. The beauty of this approach is that it cultivates a loyal, secure following. Customers believe any changes will be intentional, meaningful, and aligned with their passions. Over time, this trust becomes a powerful differentiator, turning users into advocates and products into enduring icons.
The BMW GS series had a signature dual-lamp headlight system for years. The R1300GS breaks convention with a new headlight and an adaptive cruise control sensor mounted above it
Once an offering achieves a certain level of success, there is often a strong temptation to avoid further refinement, whether due to economic pressures, risk aversion, or the fear of disrupting a winning formula. Yet companies like BMW demonstrate the value of ongoing evolution, driven by clear design principles and a deep understanding of user needs. Their commitment to refining rather than reinventing is evident in the launch of the R1300 GS, a motorcycle widely praised as a substantial advancement over its predecessor. Despite its technical and functional improvements, the R1300 GS retains the familiar character that riders value, allowing it to stand out amid increasingly intense competition.
This approach reflects a culture of passion and disciplined design thinking that values long-term impact over short-term hype. By continuously nurturing and improving their offerings, BMW creates a legacy of excellence that compounds over time. Each successive model contributes to a lineage that reinforces the brand’s reputation and deepens its emotional resonance with riders. In contrast, many once-promising products falter when creators abandon them too soon or fail to maintain momentum. BMW’s example underscores how persistence, thoughtful iteration, and commitment to core values can leave a lasting mark on the marketplace, one that outlives fleeting trends and initial bursts of popularity.
A similar balance of passion and principled design thinking is evident in Apple’s approach to refining the iPhone. The transition from the original iPhone to the 3G model introduced significant new capabilities, such as enhanced location awareness, yet the overall experience remained intuitive and familiar. Rather than overwhelming users with tutorials or complex setup procedures, new features were revealed organically through use. For example, prompts to enable location services appeared contextually within the Maps app, allowing users to discover functionality at moments of high emotional relevance. This subtle, experience-driven introduction created a sense of delight rather than friction, reinforcing trust in the product’s design.
Comparable moments of intuitive discovery can be found in other well-designed experiences, such as with BMW GS motorcycles. Riders often realize, mid-ride and at freeway speeds, that the bike offers a sixth gear—an elegant reward for attentive exploration. These moments aren’t explicitly advertised or forced upon the user; instead, they unfold naturally, deepening the connection between person and machine. In these carefully orchestrated, user-centered refinements, design transcends utility and becomes something more enduring—something felt.
Some variation has occurred between the original iPhone and the iPhone 15, but the product has mainly stayed true to its core offering and user interface.
In an era where innovation is frequently celebrated as the hallmark of progress, it's important not to overlook the enduring value of incremental refinement. While groundbreaking leaps often capture headlines, steady evolution can cultivate deep user trust, foster long-term loyalty, and deliver consistent, meaningful improvements. Thoughtful iteration doesn’t just enhance functionality—it creates a sense of continuity that reassures users and allows them to grow with a product over time. This approach can be especially powerful when it’s rooted in a strong foundational design that balances legacy with forward motion.
A quintessential example of this philosophy is the Porsche 911. Widely referenced in design and engineering circles, the 911 demonstrates how a product can undergo decades of evolution while remaining true to its original spirit. Over time, its performance, handling, and technology have advanced dramatically, yet the vehicle’s iconic silhouette, rear-engine layout, and design cues remain instantly recognizable. This continuity isn’t accidental; it reflects a disciplined commitment to refinement rather than reinvention. By honoring its heritage while embracing innovation in measured steps, the 911 continues to attract new enthusiasts while maintaining the loyalty of longtime fans—a powerful testament to the enduring impact of thoughtful iteration.
The 911 demonstrates how a product can undergo decades of evolution while remaining true to its original spirit. Can you think of other products that show evidence of inspired refinement or companies that do a great job of prototyping and refining in the marketplace?
Maxed Out: Apple AirPods Max
Apple has done it again, maxing out its auditory accessories with its Airpods Max offering.
Apple has done it again, maxing out its auditory accessories with its AirPods Max offering. These top-quality headphones are a premium addition to Apple's renowned AirPods lineup, offering a high-end audio experience, impeccable design, and the ability to interact with devices across your Apple ecosystem reasonably seamlessly.
The AirPods Max are renowned for their exceptional audio quality and sleek, minimalist design. They utilize premium materials such as aluminum and memory foam ear cushions for enhanced comfort. They effectively isolate the wearer from ambient noise and offer excellent sound quality. They feature a relatively low aesthetic profile compared to other over-the-ear headphones in their class, and, like most Apple products, the finish is exceptional.
AirPods Max headphones offer extended comfort and an ingeniously secured ear cushion system. Magnets hold the ear covers in place, making them easy to remove for cleaning. This is good because the bivouac has only noticed that it tends to retain heat and moisture in many months of use. The removable cushions enable quick and thorough cleaning with ease. They fold relatively flat and come in a minimalist case with elegant magnetic closures. It protects the lower earphones, leaving the upper band exposed.
These over-ear headphones feature custom-designed drivers that deliver rich, immersive sound and incorporate Apple's active noise cancellation technology for an unparalleled audio experience. They offer features like spatial audio for a truly immersive listening experience. While they come at a premium price, the AirPods Max cater to audiophiles and Apple enthusiasts looking for top-tier wireless headphones.
Note: As an Amazon Associate designbivouac may benefit/earn from qualifying purchases.
Revisiting 3D Printed Homes
We previously posted about Matt Rissinger from The Build Show visiting Lennar and ICON’s 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas.
We previously posted about Matt Risinger from The Build Show visiting Lennar and ICON’s 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas.Matt returns to the Lennar/ICON community to check out more features of homes in the build process and view finished homes. Benefits of 3-D printed homes include increased strength over wood framed homes, increased efficiency for heating and cooling, lower cost, shorter construction time, increased resistance to insects, increased resistance to mold, increased fire resistance, and a longer lifecycle of the material and the structure.
Lennar and ICON have made a significant mark in the Texas housing market with their innovative 3D-printed homes. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, these industry leaders are revolutionizing the construction industry in Texas. Lennar, a renowned real estate company, has partnered with ICON, a 3D printing construction technology pioneer, to create sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions. Their collaboration has produced stunning, energy-efficient homes that reduce construction waste and offer a faster and more affordable housing option. These 3D-printed homes in Texas are a prime example of how technology is transforming the real estate landscape, offering environmentally friendly and economically accessible housing options to residents in the state.
More Than Meets The Rye
In the world of modern agriculture, efficiency and productivity are paramount. Farmers are constantly looking for innovative equipment to help them maximize their yields while minimizing their environmental impact.
The John Deere X9 Combine represents a remarkable leap forward in farming equipment. Its exceptional capacity, advanced technology, and focus on efficiency make it a game-changer for modern agriculture.
According to a new United Nations report, the world's population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100. That leaves a lot of chaff to sort through to feed the masses. As farmers face the challenges of feeding a growing global population, tools like the X9 are essential in ensuring that agriculture remains sustainable, productive, and environmentally responsible.
With the X9 Combine, John Deere has again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and helping farmers succeed in an ever-evolving industry. Take a closer look at the nicely visualized video below to gain a better understanding of all that the X9. Combine is capable of. Below are some key features and benefits that the X9 offers to farmers.
Features and Benefits
Key Features of the John Deere X9 Combine
Exceptional Capacity: The X9 Combine is designed to handle large-scale farming operations. Its massive grain tank can hold up to 1,200 bushels, which means less time spent unloading and more time harvesting. This increased capacity allows farmers to cover more ground in a day.
Powerful Engine: Equipped with a robust engine, the X9 delivers the power needed to tackle tough crops and challenging conditions. It provides consistent and reliable performance, even in demanding situations.
Advanced Harvesting Technology: The X9 has the latest harvesting technology, including the Combine Advisor™ system. This system optimizes the combine's settings in real-time, ensuring that the machine operates at peak efficiency, regardless of crop conditions.
Improved Grain Quality: The X9 features the ActiveVision™ camera system, providing a real-time grain-quality view. This allows farmers to make instant adjustments to reduce grain loss and improve overall crop quality.
Comfortable Cab: Farming is hard work, and the X9's spacious and ergonomically designed cab offers exceptional comfort for operators during long hours in the field. The CommandCenter™ display provides intuitive control over the combine's functions.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Efficiency benefits farmers and the environment. The X9's advanced technology helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making it a more sustainable choice for modern farming.
Benefits for Farmers
Increased Productivity: With its impressive capacity and cutting-edge technology, the X9 Combine allows farmers to harvest more acres in less time. This increased efficiency can significantly boost overall productivity.
Greater Precision: The X9's advanced technology ensures that every pass through the field is optimized for maximum yield. This precision helps farmers make the most of their resources and reduce waste.
Cost Savings: While the initial investment in the X9 may be substantial, its efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements can lead to long-term savings for farmers.
Sustainability: Using less fuel and reducing grain loss, the X9 helps farmers operate more environmentally responsible, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable agriculture.
AI-enhanced article
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.
Just Print It!
The always informative Matt Risinger with Build recently explored how Icon is now printing a neighborhood in Texas to learn how to scale up their home printing technology best.
The always informative Matt Risinger with Build explored how Icon is printing a neighborhood in Texas to learn how to scale up their home printing technology best. Working with Lennar homes, this 100-home neighborhood may be making history as more resilient and affordable homes take shape one printer pass at a time.
While the kinks with the technology are still being worked out to achieve efficiencies at scale, it is inspiring to see larger projects beginning with large home builders. Take a look at the future of homebuilding at iconbuild.com. Naturally, floodproof, fire resistant, insect proof, sign me up!
Related Article: www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/worlds-largest-3d-printed-neighborhood-set-to-break-ground-in-austin-next-year/2818293/
Images: Lennar
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 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.
Going Big with Sea Dragon
The Apollo program was appropriately scaled to match America’s grand ambitions for putting the first human being on the moon. But there was an alternative rocket proposed to the mighty Saturn V.
The NASA Sea Dragon concept represents a visionary and audacious approach to space launch systems that was proposed in the late 1960s but never realized. Designed by engineer Robert Truax, the Sea Dragon was envisioned as a colossal, single-stage-to-orbit rocket, among the largest ever conceived. What set the Sea Dragon apart was its unique launch method—submersion in the ocean.
This massive rocket would be constructed as a semi-submersible platform at sea, where it would be assembled and fueled and then floated to the launch site. The rocket's enormous payload capacity could have revolutionized space travel, potentially ferrying entire space stations or lunar habitats into orbit in a single launch. While the Sea Dragon concept was never built due to budget constraints and changing priorities, it remains a symbol of bold thinking in space exploration and the innovative ideas that have driven NASA's research and development efforts over the years.
Approach for launching Sea Dragon rocket at sea
AI-enhanced post
Where There's Smoke, There Should be a Dyson
The bivouac’s northern HQ was recently allocated a Dyson TPO4 Pure Cool Tower capable of clearing the air in an 800-square-foot space. While testing continues through the latest California wildfire season, preliminary results are impressive.
The bivouac’s northern HQ was recently allocated a Dyson TPO4 Pure Cool Tower capable of clearing the air in an 800-square-foot space. While testing continues through the latest California wildfire season, preliminary results are impressive. With outdoor air quality indices coming in lately at upwards of 180, interior bivouac spaces are averaging a measurement of just 12 on the PM 2.5 scale.
These include microscopic particles smaller than 2.5 microns, including smoke, bacteria, and allergens. With its handy remote and a Wi-Fi connection that lets you control the unit and get deeper trending information through Dyson’s link app, the Dyson Pure Cool Tower is a clear winner.
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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.
Through the Myst: Creativity and Constraints
The bivouac recently came across this War Stories video by Ars Technica in which Rand Miller recounts how challenging it was to publish the seminal interactive title Myst.
The bivouac recently came across this War Stories video by Ars Technica in which Rand Miller recounts how challenging it was to publish the seminal interactive title Myst. Launching such a beautifully immersive interactive experience was a remarkable feat in 1993. It required creatively navigating the technological constraints of early personal computers, reminding me of embracing the constraints of technology in my interactive work around that time.
Hyped Up On Hypercard
The bivouac had its own “war story” around the same time. The year was 1990. Apple’s HyperCard exposed many future interaction designers to the possibilities of interactive media. Simply placing invisible buttons anywhere over an image opened up creative avenues previously unavailable to storytellers and designers. Approachable and powerful, Bill Atkinson’s creation proved to be a friendly gateway to exploring code and non-linear interaction design for a wide range of designers in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
When clicked, these simple “go to” or “play” scripts were executed, taking users to other cards, flipping through a series of cards to create animations, or playing audio clips. Even though the experience was limited to simple black and white dithered images, Hypercard was its time's compelling and immersive platform with its unique combination of simplicity and creative publishing power. Indeed, hypercards preceded the commercial adoption of the World Wide Web and established the precedent of clicking on “hyperlinks” to navigate to additional information pages, which is commonplace using today’s web browsers.
Hypercard was a simple yet powerful introduction to interactive media for millions of users and designers.
A New Age of Interactive Multimedia
In the early 1990s, at the dawn of the age of interactive media, titles like “Columbus: Encounter, Discover, and Beyond,” produced by Robert Abel and distributed by IBM, set a new bar for empowering students to study a wide range of content in new ways. The title leveraged IBM’s large format IBM Ultimedia optical disc technology and was targeted at educational institutions.
The product description is impressive and reads:
“With James Earl Jones as narrator and Joe Morton as storyteller, these interactive titles span Europe and the Americas from the early Renaissance to the 20th Century from five different cultural perspectives -- White/European, Black/African, Hispanic/Latino, Asian and Native American. The largest multimedia project ever made, "Columbus," is on permanent display at the Library of Congress, National Demonstration Laboratories for new media and technology. Using an IBM CDROM drive, a Pioneer LaserDisc Player, and an advanced concept engine, "Columbus" connects 4400 scenes, 3,500 concepts, 5 hours of video, 180 hours of self-navigable imagery, and over 900,000 soft links on three videodiscs, and one computer optical disc.” This is a testament to the significance of the project.
As a budding interaction designer still in graduate school, I was so excited to see how the team was able to leverage visuals in icon form to help users navigate through the extensive content of the project. The possibilities of placing audio, visuals, and even early QuickTime film loops together, all to enhance storytelling, were influential to see in a commercial setting.
This and a piece focused on the immigration experience at Ellis Island created by Nancy Hechinger, who at the time had her multimedia production studio, Hands On Media. The Ellis Island work influenced my decision to explore using photorealistic points of contact within my interactive thesis work.
Exploring photorealistic points of contact was key to transcending interactive environments, which relied upon metaphor and abstracted icons. Abel’s work bridged the two worlds by providing vivid photos of objects or symbolic images, even on tiny button areas, guiding users across the environment’s functional elements. Hechniger’s work, and it is hoped that my thesis work also pushed the use of interactive elements further, allowing users to be further immersed in a story’s context.
Robert Abel and his team demonstrated the power of multimedia environments in educational contexts.
The Longest Day: An Interactive Thesis
In 1992, as part of creating my thesis work, I explored the use of photorealistic interfaces to immerse users in content. Meredith Davis guided my thesis work at the College of Design at North Carolina State University. Meredith recognized the power of interactive technology early on, and she had deep expertise regarding pedagogy. My thesis project focused on how interactive educational environments could benefit abstract, concrete, active, and reflective learners.
Content focused on the Normandy invasion. Users could explore content using a photorealistic montage of objects common to the battlefields of World War II as an interface. Different days could be selected by clicking on arrows next to the date on the header of the Stars and Stripes newspaper. Content could be explored hourly by clicking on watch hands in the interface. Active learners developed empathy with leaders of the invasion by analyzing cause-and-effect scenarios using a role-playing map. Audio content from the film The Longest Day helped users understand what it must have been like to participate in the invasion. Finally, users could reflect upon their learnings and compose letters home that included audio and video clips from the film. In this way, creative writing skills could be assessed.
Just as with Rand Miller, though on a smaller scale, this thesis work involved overcoming serious technological constraints of the time. Created using Macintosh IIsi with 5MB of RAM and a 40MB hard drive, the Normandy invasion was chosen as a topic in part because the content lent itself well to a greyscale interface aesthetic. Most personal computers at the time were limited to displaying 256 colors, resulting in dithered images. However, computers could accommodate greyscale images acceptably. Similarly, the greyscale QuickTime film clips took less disk space and loaded faster. For further information on this thesis work and the golden dawn of the interactive media era, take a look at this Medium article I wrote a while back.
Upon completing graduate school, I took on a teaching position and, within a year, had shaped and was teaching some of the earliest interaction design courses of the early 1990’s. Working with various undergraduate and graduate students in programs ranging from communications design to painting and sculpture, new interactive media experiences were created with passion. Then, in 1993, Robyn and Rand Miller created Myst, raising the bar for what could be done with the interactive media. It inspired a new generation of interdisciplinary students and creatives to combine the power of computer programming, visualization, audio scapes, music, and storytelling in compelling new ways. Thanks to Rand Miller for sharing his war story and creating an inspirational example of how constraints invite creativity. And thanks for reminding the bivouac of its early 1990s “war story.”
The Longest Day: An Interactive Overview used intuitive photorealistic interaction points throughout the interface.
A Technological Footnote:
Created using Macintosh IIsi with 5MB of RAM and a 40MB hard drive, the Normandy invasion was chosen as a topic in part because the content lent itself well to a greyscale interface aesthetic. Most personal computers at the time were limited to displaying 256 colors, resulting in dithered images. However, computers could accommodate greyscale images acceptably. Hence, the choice to create the thesis in greyscale.
Have you dealt with constraints creatively? If so, how and when?
Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin
With local COVID restrictions of hand-launched watercraft like kayaks and canoes now being lifted in the bivouac’s northern outpost, more lake time has been had recently. This has the bivouac turning eyes toward the nautical side of things.
With local COVID restrictions of hand-launched watercraft like kayaks and canoes now being lifted in the bivouac’s northern outpost, more lake time has been had recently. This has the bivouac turning eyes toward the nautical side of things. The 2020 Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin is a new find that combines the best features from at least a couple of boat classes.
Know as the “Grand Turismo of the Seas,” on sunny days; the cabin doors slide wide open, the top slides back, and cabin gull-wing doors can even be opened wide to approximate a sun runner. In inclement weather, things can be reversed and buttoned up nicely with Webasto heating, keeping things toasty. The fore and aft cabins provide ample accommodations for a small family weekend getaway or an outing with friends. As Axopar has added an option for a wet bath and a galley behind the cockpit, longer runs are possible, too. The only things missing, which the company seems to be working on, are a larger refrigeration space and accommodations for hot water. Air conditioning would also be great but may not yet be on the list.
Overall, she’s a natural beauty with a revised raked roofline for 2020 that makes the boat appear more aggressive. And with twin Mercury outboard engines, she is undoubtedly capable of delivering a sporty yet controlled and smooth ride that matches her appearance due to her stepped hull design. Mercury joystick controls as an option complement her graceful lines with graceful in-harbor handling. All-in-all, it is a gorgeous and refreshingly practical nautical accomplishment.
