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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.
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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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
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.
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.
Kai Lenny Captures the Mouth of Jaws
There have been some fantastic surfing films over the years. Still, this POV footage from professional water athlete Kai Lenny of the North Shore of Maui captures the remarkable power of nature in a way few will experience.
Over the years, there have been countless incredible surfing films, but few capture the raw power and beauty of the ocean like this POV footage from professional waterman Kai Lenny. Filmed on the legendary North Shore of Maui, the video offers a rare, first-person perspective of the immense energy and unpredictability of the waves. It’s not just a surf clip—it’s an immersive experience that brings viewers as close as possible to the thrilling, often chaotic dance between athlete and ocean. Through Lenny’s lens, the awe-inspiring force of nature becomes deeply personal, offering a glimpse into a world few will ever experience firsthand.
In addition to the incredible power of nature captured in this remarkable footage, it is fantastic to see just how capable Kai Lenny is when navigating the big waves. His strength and agility are seen once he catches them. As the stakes increase with professional sports, technology evolves to help manage risk. The unsung heroes on jet skis, the setup for pulling athletes away from trouble, and the big wave inflatable vests that they can turn to in a last resort are all a testament to the sport, adding forms of safety assistance even while not all risks can be mitigated. Continued technological developments capable of capturing the remarkable exploits of athletes like Kai with unmatched clarity are equally inspiring.
Related Links:
Big Wave Surfing Surfing Vest Guide: www.bigwavesurfing.com
Kai Lenny’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@KaiLenny98
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.
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.
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Shapes from the Future
As a means of inspiration, the bivouac recently thought back to iconic objects, those notable stepping stones that have inspired generations of designers and have led, in some part, to the brighter side of where we are today. Perhaps we can learn from these successes and failures as we shape a new and exciting future together.
The bivouac recently began collecting objects that have or are likely to serve as timeless shapes from the future, inspiring generations of designers. Perhaps we can learn from aspects of these product successes and failures as we shape our future together.
Presented here are a few iconic designs that seem to have come from the future to inspire. What shapes from the future or your past do you draw inspiration from?
Fortnine's Surron Ultra Bee Review
Fortnine is known for its excellent reviews, and once again, its mix of providing an informative perspective with tongue-in-cheek humor captures how the bivouac feels about what Surron has recently accomplished in the electric two-wheel domain. We are in total agreement…the future of motorcycling is exciting and electrified.
Fortnine is known for its excellent reviews. Once again, its informative, tongue-in-cheek presentation aligns with how designbivouac sees what Surron has accomplished in the electric two-wheel vehicle domain. We are in total agreement…the future of motorcycling is exciting and electric.
FortNine, a prominent Canadian group, has established itself as a driving force in YouTube motorcycle and adventure gear reviews. Led by the charismatic and knowledgeable Ryan Kluftinger, FortNine provides riders with in-depth, unbiased insights into various motorcycle equipment, apparel, and accessories. Known for their high-quality production and informative content, FortNine's videos go beyond traditional product reviews, often delving into the science and technology behind the gear, helping riders make informed decisions.
With their commitment to assisting motorcyclists to create safer and more enjoyable journeys, FortNine has garnered a substantial following and earned a well-deserved reputation as an authority in the world of two-wheel adventure.
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E-Corner by Hyundai
Among the pioneers of this eco-conscious movement is Hyundai, a leading automaker at the forefront of innovation. One of the most revolutionary advancements in electric mobility is Hyundai's eCorner technology.
The automotive industry is shifting towards electric mobility solutions. Among the pioneers of this eco-conscious movement is Hyundai, a leading automaker at the forefront of innovation. Hyundai's eCorner technology has the potential to redefine the future of electric mobility. As more automakers embrace this innovative approach, we can expect a new generation of electric vehicles with unparalleled performance, efficiency, and safety features.
Hyundai’s eCorner technology, also known as the Electric Corner Module, is an ingenious innovation designed to revolutionize the operation of electric vehicles (EVs). In traditional vehicles, the powertrain, including the engine, transmission, and differential, is concentrated in the vehicle's front or rear. However, eCorner technology decentralizes the powertrain, placing an individual electric motor within each wheel of the vehicle. The eCorner technology functions on a concept known as "wheel-hub motors." Each wheel is equipped with an electric motor, enabling independent control and power distribution to all four corners of the vehicle. This advanced approach eliminates the need for a central engine, transmission, or drive shaft, making way for unprecedented freedom in vehicle design.
Benefits of eCorner Technology
Enhanced Handling and Maneuverability: With an electric motor at each wheel, eCorner technology enables precise and independent control of each corner. This results in improved handling, enhanced stability, and a smoother driving experience. The technology can adjust power output to individual wheels, optimizing traction and grip in various driving conditions.
Increased Energy Efficiency: Traditional vehicles often experience energy losses during power transmission from the engine to the wheels. With eCorner technology, these losses are minimized, increasing energy efficiency. As a result, EVs equipped with eCorner technology can enjoy extended driving ranges and reduced energy consumption.
Safety Advancements: Decentralized power distribution enhances the vehicle's safety by reducing the risk of mechanical failures. If there is an issue with one wheel or motor, the remaining wheels can continue functioning, ensuring a safer driving experience for the occupants.
Greater Design Flexibility: Without the constraints of a traditional powertrain, vehicle designers have greater freedom to reimagine the layout and aesthetics of EVs. This opens up new possibilities for creating innovative and futuristic vehicle designs.
Regenerative Braking Efficiency: eCorner technology allows for individual braking control at each wheel. This feature enhances regenerative braking, which recaptures energy during deceleration and returns it to the battery, thereby further extending the driving range of electric vehicles.
The decentralized power distribution and improved handling offered by eCorner technology could make electric vehicles (EVs) more appealing to a broader audience, thereby accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation. Additionally, the increased energy efficiency and extended driving ranges will help alleviate "range anxiety" - a common concern among consumers considering electric vehicles. As the charging infrastructure expands, eCorner-equipped electric vehicles (EVs) could become a practical and viable alternative to traditional combustion engine vehicles, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hyundai's eCorner technology represents a significant milestone in the development of electric cars. With its potential to transform driving dynamics, improve safety, and increase energy efficiency, this innovative technology has the power to revolutionize the automotive industry. As automakers continue to invest in sustainable mobility solutions, we can look forward to a cleaner, greener, and more exciting future on the roads, thanks partly to advancements like eCorner technology.
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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.
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
Is VW’s Future in Its Past?
With all the turmoil at Volkswagen, it remains to be seen what path the company will take moving forward. Despite decent vehicle sales against 2022’s headwinds, the company is rumored to be scrapping its current electric vehicle platform for an entirely new architecture. Fundamental leadership changes were recently announced at the CEO and Head of Design levels.
With all the turmoil at Volkswagen, it remains to be seen what path the company will take moving forward. Despite decent vehicle sales against 2022’s headwinds, the company is rumored to be scrapping its current electric vehicle platform for an entirely new architecture. Fundamental leadership changes were recently announced at the CEO and Head of Design levels. Here’s hoping a new electric platform designed from the ground up and a bit of looking at successes from the past can help move the company forward.
Well, here is a suggestion. Take a long, hard look back at more of your heritage vehicles. Why not apply your next-generation electric platform to making new vehicles that resemble desirable models from yesteryear? There is really no need to contemporize with flashy “ID. Buzz” aesthetics and the like. Modernize the one we knew and loved with modern manufacturing techniques and designs that meet today’s safety standards. The company had some success doing this with the VW bug, and it had a good run. Why not start with the new electric platform and relaunch with this…an electric-powered version of a T3 Syncro in a crew-cab Doka Transporter configuration?
Focus on building a line of vehicles closer to what VW was once known for producing: honest, economical, straightforward, accessible cars for the people. Variants of one platform worked in the past. They could again if the design of the new EV platform is done with that in mind. Efficiencies of this approach are working well for Tesla with the Model 3 and Model Y. Need more convincing of the appeal of your heritage vehicles? This artifact from VW’s past recently sold for $51,000 on Bring A Trailer.
And pick up the pace if you can. The competition is moving fast. Modernizing your iconic VW bus from the 1970s took over 20 years of concepting.
2001 Microbus Concept (Arguably the best looking vehicle of all the VW Van Concepts)
2011 Bulli Concept
2016 BUDD-e Concept
2017 I.D. Buzz Concept
2023 I.D. Buzz production model finally becomes available
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.
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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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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
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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.
Note: As an Amazon Associate designbivouac may benefit/earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
