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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Timeless Timekeeping
The Rolex GMT-Master II is an excellent timepiece. This remarkable piece of human engineering and mechanical artistry inspires.
The Rolex GMT-Master II is an excellent timepiece. This remarkable piece of human engineering and mechanical artistry inspires. Rolex has a time-honored tradition of honing its products, refining each subsequent edition with subtle and dramatic technical advancements. Take a closer look at the bezel production process, and one's appreciation for these masterpieces is sure to grow. Few products manage to balance technical appeal while blending into formal contexts as well as this timepiece does. Established in 1905, the bivouac is looking forward to what the next 113 years bring from the company.
The Rolex GMT-Master II, often referred to as the "Batman" or "Blue and Black," is a highly coveted and iconic timepiece in the world of luxury watches. This distinctive model gained its nickname due to its unique bezel design, which features a combination of blue and black colors, resembling the iconic superhero's mask. The "Blue and Black" GMT-Master II is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, precision, and versatility. It is equipped with Rolex's proprietary Caliber 3285 movement, which offers impeccable timekeeping accuracy and a second time zone function. This feature makes it famous among travelers and pilots, allowing the wearer to track two time zones simultaneously.
The watch's blue and black ceramic bezel, also known as the "Cerachrom" bezel, is aesthetically striking, extremely durable, and resistant to fading, corrosion, and scratching. This combination of colors adds a touch of elegance to the watch and enhances its readability, thanks to the high contrast. The Rolex GMT-Master II "Blue and Black" is crafted from Rolex's renowned Oystersteel, ensuring both durability and a timeless design. With its classic and versatile appearance, this watch seamlessly transitions from formal occasions to more casual settings. It has become a symbol of Rolex's commitment to precision, innovation, and style, making it a prized possession for watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
How they did it: It is remarkable to see from the video below how much innovation goes into signature elements on the GMTII, including a proprietary ceramic bezel manufacturing process.
Keeping up with the times. The "Batman" blue and black version of the timeless Rolex GMT II (Reference: 116710BLNR) strikes a dynamic balance between technical advancement and timeless elegance.
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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.
Farnsworth House
An earlier bivouac post spoke to the merit of building items with Lego Technic. Depending on the kit, one can gain a genuine appreciation for certain mechanical relationships within drive trains, limited slip differentials, pistons and camshafts, and the like. It turns out that a recent encounter with Lego's Architecture series had a similar effect, leading to a renewed appreciation for Mies van der Rohe's iconic Farnsworth House.
An earlier bivouac post spoke to the merit of building items with Lego Technic. Depending on the kit, one can gain a genuine appreciation for certain mechanical relationships within drive trains, limited slip differentials, pistons and camshafts, and the like. It turns out that a recent encounter with Lego's Architecture series had a similar effect, leading to a renewed appreciation for Mies van der Rohe's iconic Farnsworth House.
While not as resilient to the 2008 flooding event as a Lego version would have been, hopefully, the master architect's minimalist selection of travertine marble, glass, and steel will mean that any further restoration can mainly focus on the more precious interior, such as silk curtains and an interior core element clad in primavera paneling. Farnsworth House stands as a testament to simplicity and minimalism. As I struggled during my "construction project" to keep each Lego tile as perpendicular to one another as possible, the exercise proved to be a poignant reminder that sometimes, keeping things pure and simple is hard.
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.
Enlightened Signature Elements
The Cadillac ELR design has been getting much attention at the bivouac lately. In addition to the striking design and progressive technologies inside and out, various small details stand out.
The Cadillac ELR design has been getting much attention at the bivouac lately. In addition to the striking design and progressive technologies inside and out, various small details stand out. Cadillac logo placement within both headlamp and tail light elements is well executed. Each adds an elegant and refreshingly understated yet dynamic signature touch. That's a tricky middle ground to hit. Here's hoping such attention to detail lights the way forward to continued impressive designs from the Cadillac studio in 2013 and beyond.
Star Wars Figures Bring a Large Figure
Whether you are a fan of George Lucas's Star Wars saga or not, one has to respect this collection of Star Wars figures. Displayed creatively, it strangely evokes some modern Bayeux Tapestry.
Whether you are a fan of George Lucas's Star Wars saga or not, one has to respect this collection of Star Wars figures. Displayed creatively, it strangely evokes some modern Bayeux Tapestry. The collection recently sold for over $11,000. It appears to be made up of the latest round of action figures, not the originals that launched in 1977. The tooling and detail in this generation of figures are superior. Still, I am thankful to have had some of the originals, lifting the horizon of my imagination through countless hours of creative play. I am sure that those hours spent re-enacting Lucas’s masterpiece taught me a thing or two about filming and storytelling.
Cadillac ELR: Faithful to the Concept
With the release of the production version of the Cadillac ELR at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past week, General Motors proved that the resurgence of the American automotive industry continues.
With the release of the production version of the Cadillac ELR at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past week, General Motors proved that the resurgence of the American automotive industry continues. Cadillac has stayed faithful to the 2009 Converj concept car that inspired the ELR, deserving high praise. Audi came close to this when they introduced the production version of the TT. However, with respect to the Cadillac ELR, it is a rare instance where the shipping car looks better than the concept car.
GM also deserves credit for moving into the luxury Extended Range Electric Vehicle luxury niche before other large-scale luxury vehicle manufacturers. They are introducing new driving affordances unique to this type of vehicle, such as steering wheel-mounted paddles that allow drivers to induce regenerative braking on demand. While we will have to wait and see how the ELR performs, on paper, things look promising. And if you are a fan of Cadillac's "Art and Science" aesthetics, on the showroom floor, things are looking great.
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Eyes are the Window to the Soul
There have been some fantastic things happening lately in the world of LED lighting for vehicles. More efficient and robust than traditional lighting, they adorn most new car models.
There have been some fantastic things happening lately in the world of LED lighting for vehicles. More efficient and robust than traditional lighting, they adorn most new car models. Given their ability to light up even the darkest corners of the Serengeti, it seems appropriate to see them now on the 2013 R1200GS. The units look fantastic in day and night running configurations, providing an even more aggressive and determined look for the GS. Now, that’s enlightenment at its best.
The Future of Phones
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of contributing some thoughts that informed Alexis Madrigal's Atlantic article "iPhone 5? Yawn. What Will the 'Phone' of 2022 Look Like?"
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of contributing some thoughts that informed Alexis Madrigal's Atlantic article "iPhone 5? Yawn. What Will the 'Phone' of 2022 Look Like?" While so many are understandably appreciating the latest offering from Apple in the "phone-on-glass'" category, the article does an excellent job of encouraging us to think beyond today's prevailing interaction paradigms and from factors toward a future with a greater variety of form factors as well as richer, more seamless interactions. Who knows, while displays are getting bigger this week, in 2022, the next big thing might be pretty small.
"Comfort Zone" ear piece from 2001 future technology forecasting project at IDEO.
Speech-driven interface in the film her.
Tony Stark interacts with J.A.R.V.I.S through gesture, physical controls and voice.
Final Fantasy Holographic Interfaces
There are many excellent examples of holographic interfaces interspersed throughout the film “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.”
There are many excellent examples of holographic interfaces interspersed throughout the film “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.” I’d encourage interaction designers looking for inspiration to watch the film. Thankfully, someone took the time to make a summary video from the Huds and Guis section of Vimeo, which is available below.
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/
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.
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.
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.
