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 Coupe De Grace
BMW's upcoming Summer 2006 arrival of the coupe version of the Z4 is turning heads.
BMW's upcoming Summer 2006 arrival of the coupe version of the Z4 is turning heads. The aluring M version is a final shot across the bow for the competition.
Sony P990
Sony looks set to impress with the P990, which is set to roll out in Europe in Q1 of 2006.
Sony looks set to impress with the P990, which rolls out in Europe in Q1 of 2006. An extensive feature list includes WiFi capabilities, the Symbian OS 9.1, Bluetooth, a 2-megapixel camera with “photo light,” video calling, FM radio, MP3 and MPEG-4 player, and keyboard (QWERTY) underneath the flip-down keypad and the new Opera 8 web browser. It is understood that units will ship with 80MB of free memory.
For more details, take a look at this review from mobile-review.com: www.mobile-review.com
Apollo Command Module Console
A classic collection of interaction design touchpoints make up the Apollo Command Module display console.
The Apollo Command Module display console is a classic collection of interaction design touchpoints. Note how functional elements are grouped into zones. Controls were designed to meet military specifications and resist unintended activation by weightless astronauts floating about the Command Module.
The Apollo Command Module display console stands as an iconic example of mid-20th-century interaction design, shaped by the practical needs of spaceflight and the rigorous demands of mission-critical environments. Far from being a random array of switches and dials, the console was methodically organized into zones based on function—communications, guidance, environmental controls, and propulsion—making it easier for astronauts to find and operate controls quickly under pressure. This functional zoning mirrored the mental models and task flow of the crew, a vital principle in modern interface design.
Each control and indicator was engineered to meet strict military specifications (MIL-SPEC), ensuring high reliability and resistance to environmental extremes. In the unique microgravity setting, these design constraints took on particular importance. Buttons were recessed or guarded to prevent accidental activation from floating limbs or tools, and toggle switches featured safety locks or detents. Knobs had tactile feedback and consistent resistance, allowing astronauts to operate them by feel when visual attention was elsewhere.
This thoughtful layout and robust construction made the console resilient and highly usable in one of the most unforgiving environments imaginable. The Apollo Command Module console can be seen as a forerunner of today's human-centered design philosophy, where ergonomics, task clarity, and operational safety converge. Its legacy continues to influence cockpit and control panel design in aviation and spaceflight. Would you like a diagram of the Apollo console layout to go with this?
The Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC), developed for NASA's lunar missions, introduced a unique and efficient user interface that relied on a system of "verb-noun" commands. This approach allowed astronauts to interact with the onboard computer using a numeric keypad and a display unit known as the DSKY (Display and Keyboard). Each command was composed of a verb, representing the action to be performed, and a noun, identifying the data or object of that action. For example, entering "Verb 06 Noun 20" would instruct the computer to display the spacecraft's velocity. The system was compact, highly structured, and optimized for the cognitive demands of spaceflight, where simplicity and clarity were essential.
This verb-noun structure allowed astronauts to perform a wide range of complex operations—from navigation to system diagnostics—using a consistent, modular language. Each verb and noun had a specific two-digit code, making it easier to memorize and reference. The design cleverly minimized ambiguity and reduced the risk of input errors, which was critical in the high-stakes environment of space missions. Despite the AGC’s limited memory and processing power by modern standards, its interface empowered astronauts to operate one of the most advanced pieces of technology of its time with remarkable precision and confidence.
Sony Tiles Interface Prototype
The Sony tiles interface research prototype offers an intriguing mixture of physical touchpoints and virtual functional modules.
The Sony tiles interface research prototype offers an intriguing mixture of physical touchpoints and virtual functional modules.
Thanks to Juho for the heads-up.
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.
Final Fantasy Surgical Interface
While "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within" was panned by many critics as being overhyped and having an unsatisfying storyline, it is hard to deny that, at a visual level, the film certainly has its moments.
While many critics panned "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within" as overhyped and having an unsatisfying storyline, it is hard to deny that, at a visual level, the film certainly has its moments. The characters have compelling technology to tap into, including Dr. Aki Ross's surgical laser, complete with a holographic interface. Check out the film if you are interested in animated features. The film features some noteworthy vehicles, uniforms, and clothing.
Marumushi newsmap
Notable for it powerful real-time visualization of the most popular news stories being read according to Google news statistics.
Notable for its powerful real-time visualization of the most popular news stories being read according to Google News statistics.
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.
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.
24 Hours of Adrenaline
This should be fun...24 hours of fun, to be exact.
This should be fun...24 hours of fun, to be exact. For more details, visit the 24 hours of Adrenaline website.
We'll see how one of these does during the event this year at Laguna Seca Raceway: 2002 Cannondale Jekyll 3000
Ace Combat 5: Pushing the Envelope
"Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War" keeps the Ace Combat series tradition of getting the most out of the Playstation 2 platform alive and well.
"Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War" keeps the Ace Combat series tradition of getting the most out of the Playstation 2 platform alive and well. Gameplay is compelling, and for flight lovers, the photo-realistic rendering engine using rich landscape textures and stunning details for aircraft provides visual delight.
Perhaps Namco's game tagline, "Nothing Else Comes Close," is the best summary for this edition...at this point. Let's hope the folks at Namco keep pushing things along. The latest version of the series provides an intriguing glimpse regarding possible future flight forms, including the massive low orbital aircraft and the ADF-01 Falken. The Falken image below shows the high detail and backstory that shapes the Ace Combat 5 world. Images share a surreal yet hyper-real quality.
Schuberth Concept 2 Helmet Masterpiece
Schuberth appears to have improved on the already strong Concept helmet with the release of the Concept 2 (C2) helmet.
Schuberth appears to have improved on the already strong Concept helmet with the release of the Concept 2 (C2) helmet. The advanced flip-up helmet features a redesigned release and lift mechanism and improved aerodynamics—another great offering from Schuberth.
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.
Red Planet (HAC Flexible Display)
The flexible display-equipped HAC units resemble the Tube concept put forth by a team of designers from IDEO in their 2010 technology forecasting project conducted for BusinessWeek.
The HAC flexible display device enabled the team in the film Red Planet to overlay accurate position information with a view of their surroundings to gain their bearings once they crashed on Mars. The flexible display-equipped HAC units resemble the Tube concept put forth by a team of designers from IDEO in their 2010 technology forecasting project conducted for BusinessWeek.
