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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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Information Visualization: The Impact of War
Although it has been around for a while, The Fallen of World War II does a remarkable job of visualizing the number of lives lost during the conflict.
Although it has been around for a while, The Fallen of World War II does a fine job of visualizing the number of lives lost during the conflict. It is always sobering to see the scope of the war visualized, and pieces like this help us to remain ever mindful of those who sacrificed or lost their lives in a civilian context so that the relative peace we have today is not taken for granted.
Mmmm. Mustard. Tasteful Visual Storytelling
The folks at Mustard have a way of telling stories rich in detail, background facts, and visuals. It is great seeing their work, much of which documents critical moments in mobility. It's great to see educational material this spicy! Pass the Mustard, please!
The folks at Mustard have a way of telling stories rich in detail, background facts, and visuals. It is great seeing their work, much of which documents critical moments in mobility. It's great to see educational material this spicy! Pass the Mustard, please!
The Mustard YouTube channel dedicated to airplanes is an aviation enthusiast's digital haven, offering a captivating and educational exploration of the world of flight. With a meticulous blend of historical insights, stunning visuals, and in-depth analyses, Mustard creates a compelling narrative that delves into the fascinating stories behind various aircraft, airlines, and the evolution of aviation technology. The channel showcases diverse content, including documentaries and detailed breakdowns of iconic and lesser-known aircraft. Mustard's dedication to providing comprehensive and visually engaging content appeals not only to aviation enthusiasts and professionals but also to anyone curious about the marvels of flight. It's a channel that celebrates the beauty, innovation, and historical significance of airplanes, making the wonder of aviation accessible to a broad and captivated audience.
www.youtube.com/@MustardChannel
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Millennium Falcon Scale Model
The modeling techniques reflected in this video are pretty impressive. From knowing when to release parts from their moldings to painting and weathering surfaces, several great ways to increase the realism of a model are shown.
The modeling techniques reflected in this video are pretty impressive. From knowing when to release parts from their moldings to painting and weathering surfaces, several great ways to increase the realism of a model are shown. The lighting and other details in Bandai’s perfect-grade Millennium Falcon kit are out of this world, as ModelChili’s work is ideal grade skills.
For more on this master model creator visit: www.modelchili.com
Topaz Level 5 Signature Detail
Having had the good fortune to have had several modern vehicles in the bivouac’s collection over the years, one thing is clear. Clear coat technology has undoubtedly improved since its introduction in the 1980s.
Having had the good fortune to have had several modern vehicles in the bivouac’s collection over the years, one thing is clear. Clear coat technology has undoubtedly improved since its introduction in the 1980s. That said, as manufacturers have moved to more water-based paints, orange peeling is still prevalent on even the most premium offerings, as evidenced in this Topaz Maybach detailing video. There’s something to be said for the masters with the patience, technique, and scientific outlook needed to rectify some of the failings of factory paint work. He’s to the details and detailers out there!
Form Follows Function: Camaro LZ-1
The audacity of the Chevy Camaro LZ-1’s design is a strong example of Louis Sullivan’s often-quoted axiom “form follows function.”
The audacity of the Chevy Camaro LZ-1’s design is a strong example of Louis Sullivan’s often-quoted axiom “form follows function.” Its massive and open grill, complete with a hollow Chevy bow tie logo known in this instance as a flow time, is critical in supplying the high-performance 6.2L LT4 Supercharged V-8, VVT with Direct Injection engine with adequate airflow. Overall, it becomes the primary signature element of the car.
Blending this striking visual element with functional performance benefits lends legitimacy to the design. Side sculpting shows that GM still knows how to sculpt surfaces for a dramatic interplay with natural lighting along the shoulder line of a vehicle, which is a type of visual functionality.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the highly controversial front grill of the BMW iX shows no evidence of function and appears entirely ornamental, serving brand purposes alone. Perhaps this lack of a tie to functionality makes this design feature subject to opinions. Both are bold, but the LZ-1 design benefits from being grounded in function, lending credibility to the design.
Functional features support engine cooling and aerodynamic downforce to support track handling on the LZ-1.
Features on the BMW iX are decorative and support the controversial styling of the vehicle rather than providing functionality.
The electrically powered Tesla Model Y requires minimal cooling, evidenced by a closed-form nose, allowing storage in the front trunk or “frunk.”
Atlas Up and Running
Boston Dynamics continues to make impressive strides forward with its Atlas robot seen here untethered and on the go.
Boston Dynamics continues to make impressive strides forward with its Atlas robot seen here untethered and on the go. Interesting to see how Atlas mimics human performance in clearing obstacles regardless of whether counterbalancing as we do is actually needed or not.
The Boston Dynamics Atlas robot is a remarkable and highly advanced humanoid robot designed to push the boundaries of robotics technology and mobility. Developed by the Massachusetts-based robotics company Boston Dynamics, Atlas has undergone several iterations, each demonstrating substantial improvements in terms of agility, dexterity, and overall capabilities.
Atlas is known for its extraordinary bipedal locomotion skills. It can navigate challenging terrains, perform acrobatic movements, and recover its balance when pushed or knocked. This mobility is made possible by combining sensors, including LIDAR and stereo vision, which enable it to perceive and interact with its environment effectively.
One of the notable features of Atlas is its impressive range of movements, which include walking, running, jumping, and even backflips. Its dynamic movements and lifelike balance make it an exceptional platform for research in both robotics and artificial intelligence. Researchers and engineers use Atlas to explore various applications, from disaster response and search and rescue missions to logistics and manufacturing. The robot's versatility and dexterity make it a key player in developing solutions for complex real-world problems. As Boston Dynamics continues to refine and enhance the Atlas robot, it remains at the forefront of humanoid robotics, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field.
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Ground Control to Major Tom
Ever wonder what it was like to ride aboard a mighty Saturn V rocket? Well, with Reentry: An Orbital Simulator, you can now take on the role of a mission commander and master the procedures followed by those who pioneered spaceflight.
Reentry: An Orbital Simulator is a captivating and immersive video game that allows players to experience the intricate challenges of guiding a spacecraft through Earth's atmosphere and safely landing it. This simulator provides a realistic and educational environment where players can test their skills in controlling spacecraft during the crucial phase of reentry and landing.
The game places a strong emphasis on physics and accuracy, making it a valuable tool for both space enthusiasts and budding aerospace engineers. Players can gain insights into the complexities of reentry, orbital mechanics, and the precise timing required for a successful landing. Reentry: An Orbital Simulator not only offers a thrilling gaming experience but also serves as an engaging educational platform for understanding the intricacies of space travel and reentry.
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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.
The BMW 1250cc Boxer
Here at the Bivouac, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the rugged reliability of BMW’s boxer engine in an R1100RT and the sheer sophistication and power of their inline six-cylinder engine in their remarkable continent cruiser, the K1600GT. Now, BMW is offering a new boxer engine with ShiftCam technology.
Here at the Bivouac, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the rugged reliability of BMW’s boxer engine in an R1100RT and the sheer sophistication and power of their inline six-cylinder engine in the remarkable continent cruiser, the K1600GT. Now, BMW is offering a new boxer engine with ShiftCam technology. Available in the new R1250RT and R1250GS.
BMW Motorrad's ShiftCam technology is an innovative engine design feature that has been integrated into their motorcycle lineup, enhancing both power delivery and fuel efficiency. ShiftCam stands for "Shift" and "Camshaft," and it represents a variable valve timing system, allowing the engine to optimize its performance characteristics depending on the rider's demands.
The core idea behind ShiftCam is to provide a broader and more usable power band. This technology allows the engine to switch between two camshaft profiles, one optimized for low to mid-range power and the other for high-end power. At lower RPMs, it operates with one cam profile, delivering smooth and efficient power for cruising and urban riding. As the throttle is opened further, or the engine speed increases, ShiftCam seamlessly switches to the second, more aggressive cam profile, delivering a surge of power and torque for spirited acceleration and highway cruising.
The benefits of ShiftCam technology are twofold. First, it improves the overall riding experience by providing better low-end torque and high-end power, making the motorcycle versatile in various riding conditions. Second, it enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, as the engine can operate more efficiently across different RPM ranges. BMW Motorrad has integrated ShiftCam into several of its models, offering riders a dynamic and fuel-efficient performance that adapts to their riding style and preferences.
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.
The Work Continues at Oroville Dam
If you have not been tracking the progress of the Oroville dam spillway repair project, the scale of the effort has been impressive since the collapse of a portion of the main spillway two winters ago.
If you have not been tracking the progress of the Oroville dam spillway repair project, the scale of the effort has been impressive since the collapse of a portion of the main spillway two winters ago. The California Department of Water Resources has been capturing progress through compelling videos. It’s inspiring to see projects of this magnitude in the United States today, accompanied by an excellent safety record.
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.
New UPS electric truck aids helps driver safety
Form can follow function and still be cute as well. Equipped with ADAS features and greater visibility, these electric trucks with a range of around 150 miles should serve London and Paris well.
Form can follow function and still be cute as well. Equipped with ADAS features and greater visibility, these electric trucks with a range of around 150 miles should serve London and Paris well.
The Last Staircase Challenge
Has Boston Dynamics solved the vexing "last staircase" challenge facing the on-demand delivery industry?
Has Boston Dynamics solved the vexing "last staircase" challenge facing the on-demand delivery industry? Look at the latest videos of Atlas and SpotMini in action and decide for yourself.
The Audaciousness of Apollo
Still serving as an inspiration today for those hoping that the human race will someday venture beyond the orbit of our moon to other planets and beyond, the Apollo program is still unsurpassed in its scope and audaciousness.
Still serving as an inspiration today for those hoping that the human race will someday venture beyond the orbit of our moon to other planets and beyond, the Apollo program is still unsurpassed in its scope and audaciousness. From its inception and from the very moment that President John F. Kennedy declared that America should set out on the grand adventure of setting a man on the moon and safely returning him to earth, the program was marked by boldness.
Recently, the bivouac’s appreciation of the effort grew after acquiring and putting together just a Lego version of the rocket. The size of the astronauts in comparison to the rocket reminds one of just how daunting the program must have felt at times for the tens of thousands of citizens who contributed to the accomplishment. It is fantastic to see the challenge of space travel being taken up once again with the likes of Elon Musk's SpaceX group. Below is a nice clip showing various space vehicles rendered on pad 39-A for side-by-side comparison.
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
