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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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Automobiles, Minimalism, BMW, Future Vision, Innovation Danny Stillion Automobiles, Minimalism, BMW, Future Vision, Innovation Danny Stillion

BMW GINA Visionary Concept Vehicle

GINA (which stands for Geometry and Function in Infinite Adaptation) may be a bit of an acronym stretch, but then again, stretching is appropriate for a concept vehicle with a flexible skin.

GINA (which stands for Geometry and Function in Infinite Adaptation) may be a bit of an acronym stretch, but then again, stretching is appropriate for a concept vehicle with a flexible skin. Take a closer look at how the GINA Visionary Concept Vehicle is set to reshape automobile design thinking.

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Automobiles, Minimalism, Notable Products Danny Stillion Automobiles, Minimalism, Notable Products Danny Stillion

Getting Smarter

With the Smart Fortwo becoming available in the United States, perhaps more sustainable attitudes towards transport will shift into higher gear.

With the Smart Fortwo becoming available in the United States, perhaps more sustainable attitudes toward transport will shift into higher gear. Who knows, maybe we will see a new generation of innovative modes of moving designs like BMW's C1 coming into the marketplace. It won't be easy to overcome significant challenges, as evidenced by the comparison image of the Smart Fortwo vs. Hummer H2 size. However, with new advances in active and passive safety coming to the market each year, perhaps we can find smarter alternative modes of movement before gasoline hits the $5.00 mark.

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Interface Hall of Fame, Interaction Design, Minimalism, Education Danny Stillion Interface Hall of Fame, Interaction Design, Minimalism, Education Danny Stillion

A Classic Educational Software Experience

The classic Broderbund title "Just Grandma and Me" reminds me of one of the simpler days of interactive media.

The classic Broderbund title "Just Grandma and Me" reminds me of one of the simpler days of interactive media. Hypercard-like in its simplicity, this clever and engaging title leverages delightful animations and sounds, which encourage kids to explore all of the nuances and details in the interactive illustrations. The written text of the story is interactive as well. Sentences can be read to children, or they can click on those tricky words to have them sounded out individually.

There are many learning websites for kids today, to be sure. However, this title, produced before SpongeBob SquarePants and the like, paved the way for all that has followed while keeping the quality bar high. There is little doubt that even Grandma would approve of this one.

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Interface Hall of Fame, Film, Future Vision, Information Design, Minimalism, Science Fiction Danny Stillion Interface Hall of Fame, Film, Future Vision, Information Design, Minimalism, Science Fiction Danny Stillion

HAL 9000

An essential entry in the Interface Hall of Fame, the HAL 9000 and its associated information displays remain impressive nearly 40 years after their creation

An essential entry in the Interface Hall of Fame, the HAL 9000 and its associated information displays remain impressive nearly 40 years after their creation. And that's no lie. Thanks HAL.

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Interface Hall of Fame, Apple, Interaction Design, Minimalism, Music, Notable Products Danny Stillion Interface Hall of Fame, Apple, Interaction Design, Minimalism, Music, Notable Products Danny Stillion

iPod + iTunes

Apple is often cited for simplicity and for getting the balance right regarding device vs. service interaction through iTunes.

Apple is often cited for simplicity and for getting the balance right regarding device vs. service interaction through iTunes. The combination of the iPod and iTunes keeps device use simple, and service encounters through iTunes are rich and powerful. The exceptionally well-executed controller of the iPod version shown below offers all critical points of control within the arch of a user's thumb and allows for ease of use even while the interface is not viewed directly.

 
 
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Interface Hall of Fame, Film, Information Design, Interaction Design, Minimalism, Science Fiction Danny Stillion Interface Hall of Fame, Film, Information Design, Interaction Design, Minimalism, Science Fiction Danny Stillion

Aliens Sentry Gun UI

The sentry gun interface from the film “Aliens” makes the Interface Hall of Fame.

The sentry gun interface from the film Aliens makes the designbivouac Interface Hall of Fame. It does a good job of reinforcing the story and function of the remote sentry guns through clips of the simple but clear interface in action. The interface conveys gun temperature, ammo levels, and the fact that there are four sentry gun units, adding clarity and suspense to the film.

 
 
 
 
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Motorcycling, BMW, Innovation, Minimalism Danny Stillion Motorcycling, BMW, Innovation, Minimalism Danny Stillion

Here it is at last...The BMW R1200RT

As BMW has rolled out new products, many traditionalists have been perplexed by the revolutionary nature of new models. The debut of the R1200 RT will undoubtedly have the same effect on many who have grown to appreciate the lauded RT models up to the 2005 model year. First impressions raise questions about whether the R1200 RT will be more biased towards luxury touring than today’s sport-touring-oriented RT model. If this proves to be true, BMW will also offer the all-new R1200 ST, which may explain how the lineup is being modified.

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