The Inspirations Collection.
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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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BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide
Daytime lighting, adaptive non-blinding headlights, speed limit sensing, vehicle-to-vehicle cross-traffic assistance, and collision mitigation, all on a motorcycle? Yes, please. The sooner, the better.
Daytime lighting, adaptive non-blinding headlights, speed limit sensing, vehicle-to-vehicle cross-traffic assistance, and collision mitigation, all on a motorcycle? Yes, please. The sooner, the better. BMW ConnectedRide is an advanced suite of safety features and technologies designed to enhance rider safety and improve the overall riding experience on BMW motorcycles. This comprehensive system integrates various sensors, communication tools, and innovative features to provide a safer and more enjoyable ride for motorcyclists.
BMW ConnectedRide exemplifies the brand's commitment to rider safety by integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to mitigate risks and enhance the overall motorcycling experience. These features work in harmony to make BMW motorcycles equipped with ConnectedRide some of the safest and most technologically advanced on the market, allowing riders to enjoy their journey with confidence.
BMW ConnectedRide is an advanced suite of safety features and technologies that include:
1. **Emergency Call and Assistance**: BMW ConnectedRide includes an eCall feature, which automatically contacts emergency services in the event of an accident. It provides critical information such as the motorcycle's location and notifies the emergency services, potentially saving lives.
2. **Adaptive Headlights**: Adaptive headlights adjust their angle and intensity based on the motorcycle's lean angle, providing improved visibility when cornering at night. This helps riders see better and be seen by other road users.
3. **Dynamic Traction Control**: BMW motorcycles equipped with ConnectedRide often feature dynamic traction control systems that help prevent wheel spin and provide optimal grip on various road surfaces, improving stability and safety.
4. **ABS Pro**: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Pro enhances braking performance by dynamically adjusting brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup during heavy braking or emergency stops, even when cornering.
5. **Riding Modes**: BMW offers various riding modes through ConnectedRide, such as Rain, Road, and Dynamic, which adapt the motorcycle's performance characteristics to different riding conditions and rider preferences, enhancing safety and control.
6. **Hill Start Control**: This feature assists riders when starting on an incline by preventing the motorcycle from rolling backward, making it easier to pull away safely on hills.
7. **Distance Control**: Some BMW motorcycles with ConnectedRide have adaptive cruise control, automatically adjusting the following distance to the vehicle ahead, maintaining a safe gap while cruising on the highway.
8. **Collision Warning**: Advanced sensors and radar systems can detect potential collisions and warn the rider, helping to prevent accidents or reduce their severity.
9. **Intuitive Interface**: BMW ConnectedRide incorporates a user-friendly interface, allowing riders to access and control these features conveniently, ensuring minimal distractions and enhanced safety.
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Witty Knitting
Vík Prjónsdóttir is a collective of Icelandic designers that one day decided to start collaborating with an old knitting factory in the countryside of Iceland.
Vík Prjónsdóttir is a collective of Icelandic designers that one day decided to start collaborating with an old knitting factory in the countryside of Iceland.
View more here. http://www.vikprjonsdottir.com/
BMW Breaks Barriers with M1
BMW has long been breaking performance barriers with each successive model in their M range, and the new 1 Series M is no exception. In this nicely choreographed video, they take things to a new level, which would undoubtedly make Tanner proud.
BMW has long been breaking performance barriers with each successive model in their M range, and the new 1 Series M is no exception. In this nicely choreographed video they take things to a new level, which would undoubtedly make Tanner proud.
Building Empathy
For those who could swear that their car had to have been built late on a Friday afternoon or bought a pure lemon, try building an 8070 over a weekend.
For those who could swear that their car had to have been built late on a Friday afternoon or bought a pure lemon, try building an 8070 over a weekend. The latest supercar from Lego Group's Technic division includes a free-floating differential, a visible 8-cylinder engine with working pistons tied into the transmission, double wishbone suspension components, and various power goodies.
Putting one of these together without having many spare pieces lying around once the job is done is an excellent accomplishment. It's also a great empathy-building exercise to help us realize, even if on a much smaller scale, some of what a day is like for those putting together the things that move us daily. A special thanks goes out to you, the builders of the world.
Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept
Cadillac's Urban Luxury Concept, which debuted this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is just the kind of product that will continue to fuel General Motor's emergence from bankruptcy.
Cadillac's Urban Luxury Concept is the vehicle that could help continue General Motors's transition to a battery-electric vehicle fleet with zero emissions. The original concept, which debuted a few years back at the Los Angeles auto show, was not a BEV but still offered an impressive estimated fuel economy rating of 56 mpg city/65 mpg highway.
The size and styling of the Urban Luxury Concept could be resurrected and applied to the company’s new Ultimum electric platform. With room for four and several innovative features in store beyond the scissor-style doors, this could be a cutting-edge "Art and Science" vehicle.
The Warmth of Great Ideas
While perhaps not entirely ideal in that BioLite still draws on burning wood as a source of fuel, it is nonetheless a revolutionary stove that makes cooking on wood as clean, safe, and easy as modern fuels while generating electricity to provide illumination and cell phone connectivity to those that are off-grid.
While perhaps not entirely ideal in that BioLite still uses burning wood as a source of fuel, it is nonetheless a revolutionary stove that makes cooking on wood as clean, safe, and easy as using modern fuels while generating electricity to provide illumination and cell phone connectivity to those who are off-grid.
Like other carefully designed stoves using fans to blow air into the fire, BioLite dramatically improves combustion. However, other stoves require small amounts of electricity to power their fans. BioLite stoves solve this problem by converting a fraction of the fire’s thermal energy into electricity to power our combustion improvement system. Excess electricity is available to users to charge small electronic devices such as cell phones and LED lights. A bright idea indeed.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, Designbivouac may benefit/earn from qualifying purchases.
The New Face of BMW Motorrad
A recent study indicates that people love cars with angry faces. Automotive designers have long recognized this finding.
A recent study indicates that people love cars with angry faces. Automotive designers have long recognized this finding. Shaping the faces of vehicles to make a statement has been an essential aspect of the design process for many car companies over the years. With the release of the K1600GT and K1600GTL, BMW is migrating some of the most recognizable "facial" elements from its automobile division to its motorcycle group.
Here's hoping this new face of Motorrad propagates throughout BMW's motorcycle lineup. Not only is it distinctive and instantly associated with the power the brand has had on offer for decades, but it also brings welcomed innovation to the motorcycle industry in the form of the world's first adaptive headlamp for motorcycles. Critics might feel this new look is a bit too aggressive, but when you are moving down a dark and rainy Pacific coast highway, one is hard-pressed to think of a better way to ward off any potential threats lurking in the darkness.
BMW 6 Cylinder Now On Motorcycles
It's on the way...and ready for the touring motorcycle of the future.
It's on the way, and it's ready for the touring motorcycle of the future. I'm anxious to see what they wrap around what seems to be an impressive bit of engineering.
The BMW six-cylinder engine on the K1600GT is a remarkable piece of engineering, demonstrating BMW's commitment to delivering both luxury and performance in the world of touring motorcycles. Its exceptional power, seamless refinement, and advanced features make it a standout choice for riders seeking power, comfort, and long-distance touring capabilities in one impressive package.
The BMW six-cylinder motorcycle engine that powers the K1600GT is a masterpiece of engineering. It offers a unique blend of power, performance, and smoothness, earning it a special place among touring motorcycle enthusiasts. Introduced in 2011, this engine has set a new standard for inline-six motorcycle powerplants and has become a signature feature of BMW's K1600 series.
1. **Power and Performance**: The heart of the K1600GT is its 1,649cc inline-six engine. This powerhouse produces impressive power, delivering around 160 horsepower and a hefty amount of torque. This robust engine allows the K1600GT to accelerate with authority and provide a satisfying surge of power on demand, making it ideal for long-distance touring and overtaking on highways.
2. **Silky Smooth**: The inline-six configuration sets the BMW engine apart from the typical inline-four or V-twin layouts commonly found in motorcycles. This design offers exceptional smoothness and refinement, reducing vibrations to nearly imperceptible levels, even at higher speeds. This smoothness enhances rider comfort on long journeys and minimizes rider fatigue.
3. **Touring Excellence**: The K1600GT is a touring motorcycle designed to cover substantial distances in comfort and style. The six-cylinder engine perfectly complements this purpose, providing ample low-end torque for relaxed cruising while still offering a thrilling top-end rush for spirited riding.
4. **Advanced Technology**: BMW has equipped the K1600GT's engine with advanced technology, such as ride-by-wire throttle control, multiple riding modes, and an adaptive headlight system that adjusts the beam angle based on the bike's lean angle, improving night-time visibility.
5. **Soundtrack**: The engine's exhaust note is an auditory delight, producing a harmonious growl that complements the bike's performance capabilities. It adds to the overall sensory experience of riding the K1600GT.
6. **Maintenance and Reliability**: The BMW inline-six engine is known for its durability and reliability. Routine maintenance is straightforward, making it a practical choice for long-distance riders who want minimal downtime and maximum enjoyment.
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The Magic of Iteration
A few months back, I received an Apple Magic Mouse as a birthday gift. Since then, it has served as a powerful reminder of the power of offering a thoughtfully designed ecosystem to users and of the need to pay attention to even the smallest parts of that environment.
I received an Apple Magic Mouse as a birthday gift. Since then, it has proven the power of offering users a thoughtfully designed ecosystem and the need to pay attention to even the smallest parts of that ecosystem.
Companies offering extensive ecosystems are empowered to shape hardware and software touchpoints in powerfully integrated ways. Volumes have been written about how Apple has thoughtfully enhanced its user experience for years. But something else inspiring here has to do with focus and iteration.
Sometimes, the folks in Cupertino manage to release things that are not accompanied by a special press event, which nonetheless has a deep impact on our day-to-day user experiences. The "magic" of the Magic Mouse is one of those thoughtful additions that slipped into the ecosystem. While I don't use all the features offered by the Magic Mouse, I continue to find that just having the ability to scroll through deep web pages with the flick of the index finger is magic enough.
This kind of seamless hardware and software integration builds loyalty. Powerfully "sticky" parts of the user experience sometimes come in small packages. Many result from numerous iterations and refinements in the marketplace. In a world where new-to-market offerings are so highly valued, it serves us well to click "pause", to double-click if you will, to pause, and recognize when outstanding incremental innovations do come along.
Here's to paying attention to the little things. Indeed, there is magic in the details at Apple.
BMW R1200 RT: A New Perspective
Sometimes, the essence of an object is best revealed from angles seldom seen. Take the redesigned 2010 R1200RT, for example.
Sometimes, the essence of an object is best revealed from angles seldom seen. Take the redesigned 2010 R1200RT, for example. Seen from the side, the bike appears familiar—a refined design iteration of the venerable long-distance tourer. However, the true genius and dynamics of the design are best revealed from an eagle's-eye view.
From above, affordances for generous wind protection and ways to obtain mile comfort stand out. This type of "form follows function" creativity is undoubtedly stirred up during long hours spent shaping the design in a wind tunnel. Regardless of how it came into being, the bivouac is once again blown away by the refinements in Motorrad land. Perhaps you, too, are thinking about your designs from all angles.
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.
Sony Launches Xperia
Sony's Xperia X1 appears poised to compete strongly with the hipster while incorporating a large touch screen like the Apple iPhone.
Sony's Xperia X1 appears poised to compete strongly with the hipster while incorporating a large touch screen like the Apple iPhone. For those who are all thumbs, the X1's Arc slider design and QWERTY keypad may be just what they have been waiting for.
Seiko and Final Fantasy
Seiko has produced a limited edition of watches similar in appearance to the one Dr. Aki Ross wore in the film "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within."
Seiko has produced a limited edition of watches similar in appearance to the one Dr. Aki Ross wore in the film "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within." While it does not appear to have a holographic interface or the ability to detect and analyze spirits within, kudos to Seiko for pushing the edge on this and getting something unique in the market.
A less exclusive version of the watch based on the film is also available.
Back to the Future
Not sure just what is going on over at Cadillac headquarters these days, but let's hope they keep it up!
It is uncertain what is happening at Cadillac headquarters, but let's hope they keep it up! Ed Welburn and his design team continue to successfully explore the edged aesthetic reminiscent of some of Syd Mead's vehicle designs, which inspired many to think about what the future of vehicle design might hold. The CTS Coupe concept is another successful design exercise in that regard. Thanks to the folks at Cadillac for bringing back that feeling of future thinking once again. Now, if only we could start seeing more vehicles like this on the road, ideally with a hybrid power plant.
Lamborghini Reventon
Inspired by military aviation and the stealth aesthetic, the Lamborghini Reventon is admirable for its purity of statement.
Inspired by military aviation and the stealth aesthetic, the Lamborghini Reventon is admirable for its purity of statement. It is also not a bad performer, as evidenced by its recent run against an Italian Air Force Tornado.
Images: caricos.com
Sony Rolly
The Sony Rolly is captivating to watch—a candidate for the bivouac's notable products category.
The Sony Rolly is captivating to watch—a candidate for the bivouac's notable products category. It delightfully conveys the magic of music through movements and lighting effects that owners can choreograph. Thanks to Nicholas for the heads up.
One Laptop Per Child
The One Laptop per Child initiative was aimed at getting technology into the hands of more children so that they could learn programming and experience computing at an early age.
Starting November 12, One Laptop Per Child will be offering a Give 1 Get 1 Program for a brief window of time in North America. For $399, you will purchase two XO laptops—one sent to empower a child to learn in a developing nation and one sent to your child at home.
BMW X5: Before and After
Some people may have difficulty spotting the differences between the older model X5 and the all-new 2007 redesign. However, enhancements and changes are significant.
Some may have difficulty spotting the differences between the older model X5 and the all-new 2007 redesign. However, enhancements and changes are significant. This morphing promotional video shows that signature character elements remain while achieving significant design revision.
The 2007 BMW X5: Arguably the best design of the series. With its introduction, the problematic rear design was resolve and a new, sleeker dynamism appeared up front. Wheels on the 4.8i are remarkable.
Michelin Tweel
Coming to a vehicle near you. Not clear when, but Michelin is working on an airless wheel called the "Tweel"
They are coming to a vehicle near you. It's unclear when, but Michelin is working on an airless wheel called the "Tweel". Beyond not having to worry about air pressure, advantages include unique contact patch capabilities. Tweels also have obvious applications for lighter personal vehicles.
For more information, visit Michelin's press release page.
