“Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams” is a comprehensive outline of almost four decades of work by Dieter Rams. Clearly the most influential industrial designer of the last century, Rams’ work is prominently examined from his earliest contributions.
The book was prompted by an exhibition of Ram’s design work that began in Osaka in 2008, and was edited by Ueki-Polet, a celebrated Japanese design curator who joined forces with Ram’s personal acquaintance, Klaus Klemp, himself an expert on industrial product design.
While Rams contributes to the text independently, the book includes a convergence of internationally known design experts who discuss his work within the context of today’s contemporary design. Included are a premier collection of images and sketches that reflect Ram’s designs and models during his time with German consumer products companies, Braun, Vitsoe and FSB.
Less and More is a substantial, museum-quality, bound volume worthy of even the most discerning collectors. Readers walk away from it possessed with a renewed understanding of what design is and what it has the potential to do. The beautifully illustrated pages explain Rams’ basic design principals and his overall philosophy as a designer. It explores the array of possibilities created by design for the consumer, and for the manufacturer, in terms of improving life through functional, attractive, earth-friendly solutions. Rams’ were ahead of their time. Probably most noted for his “ten commandments” of design, this text aptly proves that they are just as relevant today as they were when he wrote them decades ago.
Vintage appeal can make an ordinary gadget much more fun, and NES hard drives pleasantly capture the spirit of old Nintendo cartridges with a modern twist. NES hard drives house a standard laptop hard drive in the classic case of an NES cartridge.
Easy connection is provided via a USB 2.0 port, which works wonderfully. Several sizes are available, all the way up to 1TB of storage at reasonable prices considering the average cost of external hard drives. The unassuming cartridges provide great security in addition to their great looks and classic feel.
The storage capacity and retro looks of NES hard drives make them a must-have form of data storage for tech fans, computer lovers and video gamers alike.
With letters A-Z and digits 0-9, Metalvetica can make a statement— Big time. Metalvetica art forms are chunky blocks of metal about 35 cm high and 8 cm thick. Like the sans serif font they parody, they are amazingly adaptable. Think: organic meets geometric. Aluminium from the ancient earth is wrought into contemporary straight-edged sculpture. The combination is positively striking. Metalvetica is part industrial grunge, part modern hi-tech, and totally crammed with minimalist elegance. Its metallic lustre fits with every colour scheme.
The savvy art enthusiast will ‘initially’ love the way its form follows function as art and room décor. Metalvetica letters and numbers come with holes in back for hanging or they can be spryly propped on a shelf.
The TMA-1 Headphone from AIAIAI pops in all the right places. Gaudy gilded phones have past, and a new unassuming set has been perfectly pitched in the direction of philes serious about performance in the club or the studio. The new style is function, and this pair definitely hits by being able to take a hit. Their atypically low weight aids in extending long up-tempo sessions, and their flexibility due to details such as a partially coiled cable ensure maximum freedom of movement. Adjustability is also possible to accommodate the ears and any headspace. Critically, TMA-1′s fidelity allows focus without fuzz and superior clarity with crushing volume, while allowing the most subtle of tweaks to breaks, beats, and mixes alike.
The D3100 is the latest addition to Nikon’s Digital SLR camera line. It’s an upgrade to last year’s D3000; it’s about the same weight and size, but adds full 1080p high-definition video with continuous auto focus. Other improvements are a new sensor, an expanded ISO range, and an option for a quieter shutter release. The in-camera help guide, displayed on a 3″ LCD screen, has been expanded with more tips and suggested settings. Buttons have been added to the camera to make it easier to switch between possible usage modes, and the lenses have been designed to capture high contrast at maximum aperture. The 14.2 megapixel D3100 is intended for beginner and intermediate point-and-shoot camera users who are about to buy their first Digital SLR.
Cool things, gadgets and lifestyle for those who appreciate design, style and general cool stuff. We highlight everything that you should have or aspire to have to enhance your life for luxury, style & geek cred.
