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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Future of Automobility at Cooper Hewitt
IDEO’s four-part exploration of “The Future of Automobility” is included within Cooper Hewitt’s “The Road Ahead: Reimagining Mobility” Exhibit.
It is such a pleasure to see work from IDEO’s four-part exploration of “The Future of Automobility” included within Cooper Hewitt’s “The Road Ahead: Reimagining Mobility” Exhibit. On view at the New York’s Cooper Hewitt through March 31st, 2019, the exhibit explores how we might move people, things, spaces, and information in the 21st Century and beyond. Innovative concepts, prototypes, and simulation work exploring how future forms of mobility and new approaches to urban planning might emerge are featured from leading companies working in the mobility domain.
Visitors are prompted to capture their hopes, needs, and desires for future mobility on post-it notes and to place them upon a life-sized sketch of a vehicle designed to support shared mobility. Concepts created for the Future of Automobility series exploring moving people, things, spaces, and together are on view within the exhibit space.
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.
Dwelling On Mobility and the Workplace
It was nice to see Dwell inquiring about possible futures of mobility and the workplace in their recent printed issue.
It was nice to see Dwell inquiring about possible futures of mobility and the workplace in their recent printed issue. The range of responses includes thinking about what is in IDEO's Slow Becomes Fast, flexible interiors concept and Inverse Commute Work on Wheels concept from its Future of Automobility provocation series. Take a closer look at an extract from their online feature.
Hot and Cool Things on the Road Ahead
With Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric vehicles on the horizon, the gig economy and the sharing economy may intertwine in interesting new ways.
With Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric (CASE) vehicles on the horizon, the gig economy and the sharing economy may intertwine in interesting new ways. Imagine accessing a shared vehicle for a few hours and paying for that time by running an errand for the vehicle owner. By picking up their groceries and placing them in a cooled storage area, everyone benefits. Mobility is gained, and the vehicle borrower saves money, and time is saved for the vehicle owner. Vehicle utilization goes up as well.
As envisioned in IDEO's Future of Automobility provocation series, accessible heated and cooled storage spaces could enable new on-demand services. Sharing economy...meet the gig economy. A driver using a shared vehicle cuts the cost of their shared vehicle session by running an errand (in this case, picking up fresh vegetables for the week and storing them in a cool vehicle storage area) for the vehicle owner.
Beyond Skin Deep
Something is striking about viewing cutaways of objects. One has the sense of being invited into a secret world, allowing us to see what lies beneath the skin of an object and how it is made.
Something is striking about viewing cutaways of objects. One has the sense of being invited into a secret world, allowing us to see what lies beneath the skin of an object and how it is made. This cutaway mockup of a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited four-door model gives the viewer a sense of the improvements made to the new model. This transparency shows Jeep’s confidence in their new vehicle and is visually fascinating, especially for objects as complicated to manufacture as automobiles.
Under the skin: The 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Prospective Perspective
Given the bivouac's interest in alternative futures, it is great to see more sophisticated provocations in videos like "One Hundred Hunters" from Nigel Stanford.
Given the bivouac's interest in alternative futures, it is great to see more sophisticated provocations in videos like "One Hundred Hunters" from Nigel Stanford.
With its masterful mixture of new and authentic retro footage from NASA, the combined storytelling helps fire the imagination. After all, there are so many questions about why we have not been back to the moon since 1972...or perhaps we have?
Just Ship It Series: Cadillac Cien
Although debuting way back in 2002, once the ELR starts shipping in January, kindly return your attention to the Cien, please, Cadillac.
Although debuting way back in 2002, once the ELR starts shipping in January, kindly return your attention to the Cien, please, Cadillac. The design of the Cien is a seamless fusion of aerodynamics and luxury. Its dramatic, angular lines and distinctive vertical headlamps make it visually striking. The cockpit blends innovative technology and refined materials with features like a heads-up display and premium leather surfaces. The gullwing-style doors add a touch of drama and accessibility. One in hybrid or BEV form would be an excellent "halo" vehicle for the brand.
The Cien, which means "one hundred" in Spanish, was created to celebrate Cadillac's centenary and to showcase the brand's innovation, performance, and design capabilities. The Cadillac Cien is a mid-engine, two-seat supercar that blends cutting-edge technology with elegant design. Its most notable feature is a 7.5-liter V12 engine that produces an impressive 750 horsepower. This powerplant is complemented by a hybrid system featuring a rear-mounted electric motor, which enhances the car's performance and efficiency. The Cien can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 200 mph, underlining its supercar status.
While it is understood that the Cadillac Cien was never intended for production, it serves as a bold statement of Cadillac's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology. Many luxury performance car enthusiasts would love to see an updated version shipping from the luxury brand. Perhaps the Corvette C8 platform could prove worthy.
The Cadillac Cien powerfully demonstrates the capabilities of General Motors Design Studio.
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Sci-Fi Illustrator Visionary Peter Elson
Future User Interfaces (or FUIs) have been buzzing lately at the bivouac. This got me thinking about how my interest in FUIs and things like "science faction."
At its best, science fiction provides design inspiration and a powerful means of looking ahead toward possible futures. The term "science faction" refers to things once represented in science fiction that have actually come into existence. I gave a TEDx Talk a while back exploring how the phenomenon of "science faction" can inspire us as we design for the future of education.
My first encounter with science fiction was during Christmas of 1979. I was twelve and still reeling from seeing "Star Wars" two years earlier. That Christmas, I received "Great Space Battles" by Stewart Cowley and Charles Herridge. Written with the authority and detail of a history textbook, the richly illustrated stories of future space exploration and conflicts captured my imagination.
For hours, I studied and tried to replicate the exquisite details of Peter Elson’s work and others in my work. Through attempting to replicate their masterpieces, I learned about light sources, shadow play, proportions, shading, perspective, implied materiality, and aspects of physics. Last but certainly not least, I learned about the art of applying" greebles,” or intricate details that make surfaces more exciting and enhance a sense of the scale of objects.
I was honored by a local hero artist named David Morris (who went on to work at Industrial Light and Magic) when he noted how well I applied greebles. That early praise of my drawings, along with supportive parents and an excellent elementary school Art teacher named Ms. Tilson, helped build my creative confidence. Through studying Peter Elson’s work, I learned the power of imagination to take us to new places.
Below are a few early inspirations from Peter Elson. To take a closer look at Elson's work, visit: www.peterelson.co.uk
Operation Ares by Peter Elson
Trailing Trailers
This recent IIHS crash test footage is scary stuff and good to keep in mind the next time you find yourself following a semi truck. Why not back off just a bit?
This recent IIHS crash test footage is scary stuff and good to keep in mind the next time you find yourself following a semi truck. Why not back off just a bit? Oh yeah, and while you are at it, write the makers of Manac/Trailmobile and thank them for desiging and producing proper trailer underride crash components.
Still Hyped By "Hyper-Matrix"
This "Hyper-Matrix" work from the media artist group Jonpasang made the rounds a while ago. Still, seeing it again, as well as the "making of" video, gives me a newfound respect for those who are taking experiences like this squarely to new levels of execution and excitement.
"Hyper-Matrix" is a dynamic, multi-dimensional display that combines kinetic elements, LED lights, and moving screens to create mesmerizing and ever-changing visual experiences. Created in 2012, the work is still an immersive standout amongst interactive installations at scale. The space transforms and reconfigures itself, creating a constantly shifting and engaging visual spectacle. This immersive and interactive art piece has been showcased at various exhibitions and events, garnering attention and acclaim for its fusion of art and technology.
Jonpasang's "Hyper-Matrix" is a testament to the creative possibilities when art and technology come together, offering audiences a unique and captivating experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. The installation has been celebrated for its ability to engage viewers and create a sense of wonder through its dynamic and evolving visual narratives.
New York Times Budget Puzzle
Frustrated with the way Congress is handling the nation’s budget? Take a look and try to balance the budget for yourself.
Frustrated with the way Congress is handling the nation’s budget? Take a look and try to balance the budget for yourself.
This is a great example of how to empower users to relate to an abstract concept...our federal budget deficit. Its minimalistic approach and small details, like representing 1 billion dollars with small blue squares that tally up in real time depending upon decisions users make, is a nice touch.
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.
What Is Your Project Space Like?
And how are you getting on with your mates in it? We all know that space matters...and so does gravity, as Paul Harrison and John Wood delightfully illustrate in Tate Shots Issue 12.
And how are you getting on with your mates in it? We all know that space matters, and so does gravity, as Paul Harrison and John Wood delightfully illustrate in Tate Shots Issue 12. Harrison and Wood's work has had a significant impact on the realm of contemporary art. They've inspired a new generation of artists to explore the intersection of humor and profundity. By questioning the nature of existence and inviting viewers to engage with the absurd, they've challenged traditional artistic conventions and opened doors to fresh perspectives on the human experience.
In the world of contemporary art, where experimentation knows no bounds, the work of Paul Harrison and John Wood stands out as a testament to creativity, humor, and a flair for the unexpected. This artistic duo has garnered international acclaim for their innovative and often humorous approach to video and performance art. Their work is celebrated for exploring human nature, the absurdity of everyday life, and clever visual storytelling.
Origins and Collaboration
Paul Harrison, born in Wolverhampton, England, and John Wood, originally from Hong Kong, first crossed paths during their studies at the Bath College of Higher Education in the late 1980s. Their artistic collaboration began organically as they shared a passion for exploring and transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. Drawing inspiration from artists like Bruce Nauman and Eadweard Muybridge, they embarked on a journey to create a distinctive artistic language characterized by wit, absurdity, and meticulous execution.
Video Art as a Medium
Harrison and Wood's primary medium is video art, and their works often feature the artists themselves as protagonists. Their early pieces involved deceptively simple yet meticulously choreographed actions, blurring the lines between performance and film. One of their most iconic works, "One More Kilometer" (1999), showcases their love for dry humor. The video depicts the artists running in a loop to mark the passage of time, echoing the monotony of life's routines.
Themes and Concepts
At the heart of Harrison and Wood's work is a deep exploration of the human condition. They excel in distilling the absurdity and often futile nature of human actions, presenting them in a way that resonates with viewers on both a philosophical and comedic level. Whether walking in reverse, attempting to create a perpetual motion machine, or navigating surreal landscapes, their pieces provoke thought while evoking laughter.
International Acclaim
Paul Harrison and John Wood have exhibited their work internationally, from the Tate Modern in London to the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Their art has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning them recognition and respect in the contemporary art scene. Their willingness to tackle profound concepts through an unconventional lens has made their work accessible to many viewers, transcending language barriers and cultural differences.
Influence on Contemporary Art
Paul Harrison and John Wood's journey in the world of art has been nothing short of exceptional. Their ability to blend humor and philosophical depth in their work sets them apart, making them visionaries in the realm of video and performance art. Their creative collaborations have not only entertained but also forced viewers to reconsider the world around them. As their influence continues to resonate, it's clear that the artistic legacy of Harrison and Wood will remain a source of inspiration for years to come, reminding us that even in the most ordinary moments, there's potential for extraordinary art.
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Quality Time in Seacrest County
Lately, my nephews and I have had the opportunity to spend quality time in Seacrest County, the fictional land featured in Need For Speed Hot Pursuit.
A while back, my nephews and I had the opportunity to spend quality time in Seacrest County, the fictional land featured in Need For Speed Hot Pursuit. Designers of this racing game didn’t obsess over telemetry and torque curves generated on the world's most famous race tracks. Instead, they opted for a beautifully rendered, massive open world and a childhood favorite formula: Good Guys vs. Bad Guys.
It starts with the diverse scenic vistas of Seacrest County. There are driving challenges for everyone, including coastal roads, wide-open desert highways, and snowcapped alpine routes. The maps and driving mechanics are excellent. The game's creators included many of the world's most exciting vehicles. The BMW Z4 sdrive 3.5is (whew, long name) and the Lamborghini Reventon are favorites at designbivouac.
The game delivers on a few well-honed gaming principles:
1. Support immersion- Convincing visual details in the landscape and vehicle modeling are convincing and invite drivers into the world of Seacrest County.
2. Cause and Effect Loops- Dramatic and sufficiently detailed damage simulation reinforces just enough cause and effect consequences to keep things interesting.
3. Collectibility- An impressive range of vehicles, each with its overview provided by an ecosystem of manufacturers, keeps one engaged and moving forward in the game, as does the addition of technological enhancements.
While there are many driving games out there offering more realism, few can match the sheer joy of busting bad guys or racing at high speeds across the deserts of Seacrest County. Thanks to those who spent quality time creating Seacrest County and Need For Speed Hot Pursuit. Thankfully, the game has been remastered for the PS5.
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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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.
Echochrome: A New Perspective On Gaming
Although somewhat puzzling initially, Echochrome offers Escher-like environments that players navigate by "filling" broken pathways as they change their perspective on the scene.
Although somewhat puzzling initially, Echochrome offers Escher-like environments that players navigate by "filling" broken pathways as they change their perspective on the scene. This title provides a refreshing angle on brain-enhancing gaming.
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.
