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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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AI Moment: At the Plate
As I was dozing off to sleep the other day, I quickly jolted out of my transitional slumber state, exclaiming unexpectedly, “A small guy is batting at home plate!” Not realizing the significance of this, I thought I would drop the phrase into Midjourney. It was interesting to see how a pseudo-dream state declaration can be visualized using generative AI.
During an evening not long ago, I was quickly jolted out of a transitional slumber, exclaiming unexpectedly, “A small guy is batting at home plate!” Not realizing the significance of this, I thought I would drop the phrase into Midjourney. Seeing how a pseudo-dream state declaration is vividly visualized using generative AI was remarkable.
Perhaps, at some level, these little hitters reflect the state of my journey regarding embracing AI creative tools. I am, after all, finding quite a bit of joy in both the interaction with the tools and their output.
While it is essential to debate the use of new tools, we must also dive in and create with them to understand their evolving potential. Will generative AI tools replace much of what we know as design today, or will they be like the Macintosh of 1984? Will they open up new possibilities for designers by requiring that they learn the skills of writers, editors, or film directors? While I'm just getting started, I'm excited to step up to the plate and learn more about how AI can be integrated into the creative process.
AI: Suiting Up With Midjourney
Designbivouac is experimenting with the integration of AI into the creative process. This post focuses on a beginner’s exploration into the potential of AI as an aid in visualization. It is a study in prompting and editing.
Designbivouac is experimenting with the integration of AI into the creative process. It is a study in prompting and editing. Many creatives have mentioned that they treat Midjourney like an intern. Over the years, I have seen many interns produce invaluable work, primarily when they are well-mentored and treated with patience and respect. Thus, there are high hopes for Midjourney and various other AI visualization offerings. It's hard to believe we are just getting started.
The session began with the prompt: a space suit with textures and white metal plating, dark visors, lights, valves, and a photorealistic, futuristic aesthetic. Rendering time was about 35 seconds.
The image in the lower right was selected for further evolution.
Variations were run as a single pass. The variation in the upper right was selected for refinement based upon the revised visor shape and details on the upper rear of the helmet.
The abdominal region was selected for focused variational refinement.
Ultimately the original abdominal visuals were chosen.
Final version zoomed out 2x. This version proved ideal for the next bivouac mission.
I look forward to the day when these tools can function even further with voice input, and regions from one image can be swapped with those from another. Perhaps that is already possible. We could be much closer to interactions like those visualized in Bladerunner during the photo enhancement scene. Enhance!
Below is a gallery of other early designbivouac Midjouney visualizations.
Rediscovering "Thief"
In 1981, well before making another critically acclaimed film featuring thieves, Michael Mann created Thief, starring James Caan. The film’s cinematography, storyline, location selection, and soundtrack from Tangerine Dream set the tone for many action dramas that followed in the 1980s, including the series Miami Vice.
In 1981, well before making another critically acclaimed film featuring thieves, Michael Mann created Thief, starring James Caan. The film’s cinematography, storyline, location selection, and soundtrack from Tangerine Dream set the tone for many action dramas that followed in the 1980s, including the series Miami Vice.
Like Heat would do 14 years later by capturing the frenetic lives of thieves and the police who stalk them in Los Angeles, Thief challenges you to think more deeply about who sits on each side of the law and why. Whether in Chicago, Los Angeles, or Miami, Michael Mann has a gift for portraying a visually compelling underworld balanced by tragedy and shocking violence.
If you have seen the film Thief, let the link above and the film’s unique soundtrack take you back through the life of Frank, a talented jewel thief who emerges after serving twelve years in prison for stealing forty dollars, with a vision for how life will be. Frank's new life includes lifelong loyalty to mentors, the passionate love of a good woman, and a desire to live everyday life to its fullest.
These are admirable aspirations, but the methods Frank employs to attain his goals reveal an undertone of impending consequences that is ever-present throughout the film. Tangerine Dream’s soundtrack perfectly reinforces this throughout the film, accenting action sequences and seamlessly threading the drama together.
The film's authenticity partly stems from the fact that Mann cast some of the best safecrackers for roles in the movie. James Caan was trained to break into safes before filming started so that he would be familiar with the tools and methods used.
The detailed acting of the masterful cast adds deep credibility to Mann’s storytelling style, which is often said to involve the art of capturing truthfulness on film due to the preparedness he requires of his cast members.
If you enjoyed Heat and other works by Michael Mann but have yet to see Thief, give this film a viewing. Compelling visuals, great performances, and a fantastic soundtrack will likely make it worth any time stolen away.
Note: As an Amazon Associate designbivouac may benefit/earn from qualifying purchases.
Uplifting Transparency
The folks at hazegrayart have done a remarkable job of visualizing four famous rockets in a way that shows their fuel stages as being transparent.
The folks at Hazegrayart have done a remarkable job of visualizing four famous rockets in a way that shows their fuel stages as being transparent. This allows for a whole new perspective on staged launches and just what is happening with rocket systems we have seen in action over the decades of the space age.
The four launch sequences of different rockets are set against the audio track of the Apollo 11 launch. It is fantastic to see the varied quantities and fuel burn rates. Also instructive is the relatively coordinated timing of transitional states encountered by the spacecraft. Thanks for bringing some new clarity to how these remarkable systems work.
Visualizing Movements
The creator of animgraffs, Jake O’Neal, has created a remarkable animation to clearly explain how mechanical watch movements functions.
The creator of Animgraffs, Jake O’Neal, has created an informative animation conveying how mechanical watch movements work. The visualization makes clear how each component works, how it is supported mechanically, and why jewels are used, somewhat poetically, within these mechanical masterpieces. Often taken for granted today, watches remain tiny miracles of engineering. Wind with care.
Visual History of the iPhone
Well, it’s that time of year again—the second week of September. And, true to form, Apple has revealed the iPhone 13 in a special event. As the company continues advancing its iPhone offering, perhaps some of you feel nostalgic about your older iPhones.
Ah, Fall. A crispness in the air. Colorful leaves in the trees. And, yes, the launch of a new Apple iPhone. As the company continues advancing its iPhone offering, perhaps some feel nostalgia for older iPhones. Since models are revised yearly like clockwork, recalling the complete iPhone lineage can also be challenging. Thankfully, the folks at Apple Explained have captured this lineage up to a point in a crisp, well-designed video. It is great to see the evolution so beautifully represented.
Things Come Apart
Many things fell apart in 2020, and it proved to be a time for many to deconstruct the reality of life as we knew it. Many took the year as a prompt to look at things differently. Todd McLellan does just that through his meticulous work Things Come Apart.
"Things Come Apart" is a fascinating book that offers readers a unique perspective on everyday objects. Authored by Todd McLellan, a talented photographer and designer, the book takes a deep dive into the inner workings of everyday items, meticulously disassembling them and arranging the components into visually striking, intricate compositions.
Through this artful deconstruction, "Things Come Apart" invites readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity often hidden within the objects we use daily. Whether it's a vintage typewriter, a modern smartphone, or a classic camera, McLellan's stunning photographs showcase the precision, engineering, and craftsmanship behind these items. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the book also encourages contemplation about the evolution of technology and design, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how things come together and, inevitably, how they come apart. It's a visual celebration of the artistry that underpins our material world, encouraging us to see the beauty in the details that often go unnoticed.
For more perspectives, that might help as you design. Take a look at other bivouac-recommended readings.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, designbivouac may benefit/earn from qualifying purchases.
What Lies Beneath
Often, when the details of how structures are made can be seen, they become more impressive. Such is the case with large windmills anchored to solid ground.
Many products surround us in our day-to-day lives that require deep engineering excellence to come to fruition. Often, when the details of how structures are made can be seen, they become more impressive. Such is the case with large windmills anchored to solid ground. When you look beneath the surface, it is impressive to see how the Peikko Group provides deep anchoring for these mammoth structures.
Peikko Group's Rock Foundation system for onshore wind turbines is a revolutionary and sustainable solution that addresses the challenges of wind turbine foundation construction. The Rock Foundation system primarily consists of precast concrete elements that can be assembled on-site with ease. It takes advantage of Peikko's proprietary technology, which enables using local materials, significantly reducing transportation costs and emissions. This approach enhances the sustainability of wind energy projects by minimizing the carbon impact associated with the foundation's construction process. One of the key benefits of Peikko's Rock Foundation system is its adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions. By offering a versatile solution for various geological settings, it streamlines the installation process, reducing the need for extensive ground preparation and site-specific engineering. Peikko Group's Rock Foundation technology not only accelerates the installation of wind turbines but also contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective approach in the renewable energy industry.
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Just How Big Is It?
Tim Dodd, Everyday Astronaut, and some colleagues have created an excellent video showing rocket renderings in relatable places. It provides familiar contexts to help us better grasp the actual size of today’s impressive space vehicles.
Tim Dodd, Everyday Astronaut, and some colleagues have created an excellent video showing rocket renderings in relatable places. It provides familiar contexts to help us grasp the actual size of today’s impressive space vehicles. While there have been similar visualizations featuring fictional space vehicles, like massive Star Wars spacecraft hovering over Manhattan, this is still a big, beautiful idea that is nicely executed. Congratulations to the team there, and enjoy. Earth’s space efforts seem to be sizing up well!
Titles Tell the Story
The opening titles of the second season of Amazon Prime’s Jack Ryan series do a remarkable job of setting the stage for the drama. Conveying the dual nature of Jack Ryan’s life as a CIA analyst and a reluctant field operative; the sequence uses a split-screen approach, juxtaposing images for both of Jack’s worlds.
The opening titles of the second season of Amazon Prime’s Jack Ryan series do a remarkable job of setting the stage for the drama. Conveying the dual nature of Jack Ryan’s life as a CIA analyst and a reluctant field operative; the sequence uses a split-screen approach, juxtaposing images for both of Jack’s worlds. Baseballs interplay with grenades. Overhead views of cargo ships fade into Marine Corps rank ribbons. An airspeed dial completes a commuter bike wheel. Ryan’s broken spine x-ray aligns with a row of boneyard aircraft, once the backbone of America’s Air Force. Created by Imaginary Forces, the title sequence is a 90-second masterpiece of visual storytelling.
Imaginary Forces is a renowned design firm celebrated for its creativity and innovation in branding, motion graphics, and visual storytelling. With a diverse portfolio spanning over two decades, the firm has made its mark in entertainment, technology, and advertising. Imaginary Forces is known for its ability to seamlessly blend art and technology, producing captivating and memorable visual experiences for a wide range of clients. Their work often includes designing opening sequences for films and television shows, creating striking brand identities, and developing immersive multimedia installations. The firm's unique approach combines a deep understanding of narrative with cutting-edge design techniques, consistently pushing the boundaries of visual communication and leaving a lasting impact in the design and entertainment industries.
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Apollo Memories Have Us Looking Up
The Apollo launch multimedia piece shown upon and around the Washington Monument is an inspiring piece of storytelling and visualization.
The Apollo launch multimedia piece shown upon and around the Washington Monument is an inspiring piece of storytelling and visualization. It masters constraints beautifully, and the venue replicates the shared experience that those witnessing the launch and moon landing must have felt…albeit on a smaller scale. This liftoff will lift your spirits as we face our troubling times and contrast that with a vision of reaching Mars.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, the Washington Monument hosted an Apollo Space Launch Celebration, presenting a captivating event that commemorated the historic achievements of the Apollo space program. Held at the iconic Washington Monument in the heart of the nation's capital, this celebration pays tribute to the extraordinary efforts that led to humanity's first steps on the moon. The event featured awe-inspiring projections on the monument, showcasing the incredible journey of the Apollo missions to space. The Washington Monument, a symbol of American ingenuity and determination, serves as a fitting backdrop for this celebration of human exploration, science, and the enduring spirit of discovery that characterized the Apollo program. It's an occasion that unites people to celebrate one of the most significant achievements in the history of space exploration.
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Stålenhag’s Extraordinary Visual Storytelling
With a long-standing interest in future visualizations at the bivouac, the style and substance of Simon Stålenhag’s illustrations have left quite the impression. Stålenhag’s masterful illustrative technique is remarkable in and of itself. Still, his unique ability to seamlessly blend the world we know today with new and unfamiliar future technologies makes his work genuinely distinct.
Stålenhag’s command of visualizations portrays powerful story arcs without needing the written word. He is exceptionally skilled at capturing a sense of expansive scale. He does this by placing huge, futuristic objects into what would otherwise be commonplace landscapes. This juxtaposition, accompanied by a remarkable lighting command and a clarity of focus applied to some regions of the composition, further enhances a dramatic sense of expansiveness.
Another device Stålenhag uses is placing human beings in vulnerable situations with new forms of technology. Children or parents with children are seen navigating a landscape strewn with disused “old future” technologies or avoiding those who seem to be searching for them. Placing today’s emergent technology in such matter-of-fact settings and often applying an aged patina to technologies we have yet to know is powerful. Work like this can help encourage us to ask important questions about the technology we are bringing into the world at an increasing pace and why we might want to think more carefully about doing so.
To view more of Stålenhag’s work, visit: https://www.simonstalenhag.se/
Vehicle Interiors for New Purposes
While companies continue to do interesting and beautiful vehicle interior concept work, a wide range of new configurations for accommodating vehicle occupants remains to be explored.
While companies continue to do interesting and beautiful vehicle interior concept work, configurations for accommodating vehicle occupants remain to be explored. As we move towards a new era of Automobility driven by autonomous technology, how might we work or socialize in vehicles when we no longer have to be as attentive to the driving demands we face today?
We are in the midst of a transformative shift in how we perceive and interact with automobiles, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, connectivity, and user experience. For many, the traditional concept of car ownership may give way to a more sustainable and accessible model of shared and autonomous mobility. This is a world where smart, electric, and self-driving vehicles seamlessly integrate into urban ecosystems, reducing congestion, emissions, and the overall impact on the environment.
At the core of the future of automobility is the idea of the car as a service, where users can summon a vehicle tailored to their specific needs and preferences through a seamless, on-demand mobility platform. The driving experience is reimagined as a multi-modal journey, incorporating not just autonomous cars but also public transport, e-bikes, and scooters, creating a holistic transportation system that's not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. This vision extends to the design of the vehicle itself, emphasizing modularity, flexibility, and adaptability, allowing cars to evolve with changing user needs and technological advancements.
Additionally, a profound shift in the design and user interface of vehicles is coming. In the future, the car will become an extension of the home or office, offering a seamless, connected experience with integrated technology, augmented reality, and personalized environments. With a strong focus on user-centric design, today’s automotive creatives can make automobility not just efficient but also enjoyable, promoting a vision where the future of transportation is more sustainable, accessible, and deeply attuned to the needs of individuals and communities.
Take a closer look at a few explorations via IDEO’s Future of Automobility project summary.
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Information Visualization: The Impact of War
Although it has been around for a while, The Fallen of World War II does a remarkable job of visualizing the number of lives lost during the conflict.
Although it has been around for a while, The Fallen of World War II does a fine job of visualizing the number of lives lost during the conflict. It is always sobering to see the scope of the war visualized, and pieces like this help us to remain ever mindful of those who sacrificed or lost their lives in a civilian context so that the relative peace we have today is not taken for granted.
Mmmm. Mustard. Tasteful Visual Storytelling
The folks at Mustard have a way of telling stories rich in detail, background facts, and visuals. It is great seeing their work, much of which documents critical moments in mobility. It's great to see educational material this spicy! Pass the Mustard, please!
The folks at Mustard have a way of telling stories rich in detail, background facts, and visuals. It is great seeing their work, much of which documents critical moments in mobility. It's great to see educational material this spicy! Pass the Mustard, please!
The Mustard YouTube channel dedicated to airplanes is an aviation enthusiast's digital haven, offering a captivating and educational exploration of the world of flight. With a meticulous blend of historical insights, stunning visuals, and in-depth analyses, Mustard creates a compelling narrative that delves into the fascinating stories behind various aircraft, airlines, and the evolution of aviation technology. The channel showcases diverse content, including documentaries and detailed breakdowns of iconic and lesser-known aircraft. Mustard's dedication to providing comprehensive and visually engaging content appeals not only to aviation enthusiasts and professionals but also to anyone curious about the marvels of flight. It's a channel that celebrates the beauty, innovation, and historical significance of airplanes, making the wonder of aviation accessible to a broad and captivated audience.
www.youtube.com/@MustardChannel
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Ground Control to Major Tom
Ever wonder what it was like to ride aboard a mighty Saturn V rocket? Well, with Reentry: An Orbital Simulator, you can now take on the role of a mission commander and master the procedures followed by those who pioneered spaceflight.
Reentry: An Orbital Simulator is a captivating and immersive video game that allows players to experience the intricate challenges of guiding a spacecraft through Earth's atmosphere and safely landing it. This simulator provides a realistic and educational environment where players can test their skills in controlling spacecraft during the crucial phase of reentry and landing.
The game places a strong emphasis on physics and accuracy, making it a valuable tool for both space enthusiasts and budding aerospace engineers. Players can gain insights into the complexities of reentry, orbital mechanics, and the precise timing required for a successful landing. Reentry: An Orbital Simulator not only offers a thrilling gaming experience but also serves as an engaging educational platform for understanding the intricacies of space travel and reentry.
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Danny Goodman's Macintosh Handbook
Bringing together Danny Goodman and Richard Saul Wurman, this publication was and remains an exceptional example of accessible and visually delightful educational material.
Many fond memories of shaping early interaction design courses in 1993 persist here at the bivouac. I was fortunate to enter the field at a time when computing had matured just enough to become accessible to a broader range of creatives. I was also lucky to teach both introductory and advanced courses in computer visualization.
For the introductory course, I relied upon Danny Goodman’s excellent Macintosh Handbook Featuring System 7. Bringing together Danny Goodman and Richard Saul Wurman, this publication was and remains an exceptional example of accessible and visually delightful educational material. The illustrations are clear and inviting, and they demystified the breakthrough technology on offer from Apple at the time. For other inspirational publications, check out the bivouac’s list of design-related readings. Overall, Danny Goodman’s Macintosh Handbook remains an outstanding exemplar of explicit and inspirational instructional reference material. It passes the test of time in a fast-moving technical context. For a first-hand account of what went into creating the publication, visit Nathan Shedroff’s site article.
The book is innovative in other ways as well. Information and terms are supplemented with hypertext-like cross-references to related content in different book sections. This is an excellent reminder of the heady days of the dawn of the Macintosh and the promise of newly accessible computing for all creatives to enjoy. The publication visuals mimic the Macintosh operating system visuals, including a “finder” menu along the top of many pages, to further demystify the new world of Apple technology.
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.
Choices for Shared Travel
Today's ride-sharing services use vehicles never designed with this form of mobility. Offering passengers a choice of interior accommodation will be crucial for ride and car-sharing services.
Today's ride-sharing services use vehicles never designed with this form of mobility. Offering passengers a choice of interior accommodation will be crucial for ride and car-sharing services. Passengers may choose to work, converse, be entertained, or relax and restore themselves with some private time. This is what IDEO explores in chapter four of its Future of Automobility series. Seating "halos" containing noise-canceling and conversation-enhancing technologies could provide passengers with effortless conversations, enhanced access to media, or the ability to opt-out for tranquil time. It’s an exciting time to consider all the new needs, configurations, and technical possibilities as we plan for new forms of shared mobility.
Providing vehicle occupants with a choice of being social or privately relaxing will be key for future shared mobility services.
Just as we do with air travel today, tomorrow’s future shared vehicle passengers may well have a choice in how they move together.
