last.fm

Last.fm is a digital music site and new application for xbox live that allows user to log on, search for an artist and listen to that artists and others similar to them streaming live. The design of the program is to provide music at no cost to the listener but with limited accessibility by not being able to choose the actual song. While the media is streaming, photos of the artist play in the background and album and artist information come up as well. I really like this design because I am always doing stuff around the house and don't have a radio, and If I did I wouldn't listen to it because I hate the radio. This is an amazing alternative for someone like myself to turn on their xbox and tv and listen to their favorite artists while doing house hold chores or homework. Brilliant. The design of the logo is simple yet unique. The animation that goes along with it draws the a into the s and disappears creating a brief infinity symbol which on music playing devices is the loop button. I like that too. Pandora is a very similar service but I would give this one a shot first.

Floating Bookshelf

I really like this design. The idea of having a bookshelf without the bookshelf has a sort of magical effect to it and not only looks appealing on the wall but also triggers the brain to think about what is missing and how did they do that? I used this design for my bedroom on a larger scale covering the entire wall with books without having a "bookshelf". The effect is very powerful. Seeming that bookshelves can vary from 40 dollars to well over a few hundred dollars, it is a cheap alternative to buy the hidden brackets at fraction of the cost. It also saves time and energy during times of moving because you don't have to lug around or take apart a large wooden or metal structure.

wireless charging mat

The wireless charging mat is a device designed to charge your portable devices such as cellphones, ipods, and portable video games, wirelessly by placing your device on the "power mat". This product looks cool and that is about it. I looked further into this and actually interacted with one at a Best Buy. The design of the mat looks like a small skateboard which has a coolness factor built in but the mat has to be plugged into a wall, obviously to send power to the mat. The portable devices that rest on the mat have two options to receive juice. One, use the provided power cube which has a cord with a plug on the end that comes with exchangeable adapters to fit your device. Then you set your device on the mat and the power cube which is wired to your device sends the juice. So pretty much you have to take more steps to charge your device "wirelessly". The other option is to buy a case that has the cube built in. 2 problems with this. This case makes your device twice the size with a hard rectangle on the back, and the those cases cost upwards to 40 dollars. With the pad costing 100 dollars to start this seems impractical. This design sounds great in theory, "charge your device wirelessly", but in all actuality it is terrible. You might as well buy a power strip from Wal Mart for 5 bucks and plug all your device's charger cords into that.

Football

The American football. The design of the football at first glance looks kind of weird. If Americans weren't used to what it looked like and also associated it with an amazing game would anyone really know what it was used for. It has an odd shape with laces only coming out of one side and white stripes on both ends but only on one half of the ball. And why is it made with the material and color used? Come to find out the ball was derived from the rugby ball which is similar in shape but larger and with rounder ends. The color of the ball come from the color of pigs bladders that were dried out and spread over the ball to prolong its life. Today the ball is made from leather case and rubber bladder. The white stripes are put there for better visibility of the ball and the laces are where the bladder is inserted. The laces also provide a grip to help throw the ball. The leather is also pressed to have tiny bumps to improve grip as well. The American footballs design has been slightly improved over time but the basic shape has pretty much stayed the same. Its cylindrical enough to be thrown through the air while round enough to be held and ran or kicked. I don't think there could be a better designed ball for American football.

Flask Flip Flop

This is a flip flop made by Reef that is not only a device made for walking but also drinking as well. Inside the sole of the flip flop there is flask that can hold anyone of your favorite beverages. I love this design. Instead of having to carry/ hide a flask in your pockets or belt when going to a concert or outdoor event you can conveniently hide it in something that you are already wearing that happen to be comfortable as well. The shoe even comes with a little funnel to help get the liquid inside. On the bottom of the shoe there is a gauge to see how much of the liquid is left. I can see some down falls of having to drink from your shoe, such as having to drink from your shoe. There could be a bit of a sanitation issue there if you didn't have something to pour the fluid into, especially if you stepped in mud. I could also see getting sand in your drink if you happen to be at the beach. At a price of 40 dollars I would have to consider buying this product. On one had it seems like a really handy device for certain times but on the other is it worth the hassle?

Joker Poster

This is a teaser poster for the move The Dark Knight which came out last year. I really like the design for this poster. The colors and over all texture and feel of it give a great sense of what the tone of the movie is going to be like. If people don't know who the dark night is, most people know what the Bat symbol is and how it is related to Batman. It also hints at who the main villain is going to be. The use of the Bat symbol with the graffiti eyes and the light hitting the brick wall gives a striking resemblance to the joker.The red for the bat symbol instead of the standard black definitely throws you off. But works great at emphasising who the face on the wall is. I think this poser is an extremely clever way to say a lot about a movie with out really saying anything at all. You know it's going to be dark, you know who the main characters are going to be, and those two things are enough to excite you to go see the movie to find out more.

Plastic Containers

The design of plastic containers in theory is a great one. I like the idea. I like what they do. They are a convenient way to store food and liquids, cheaply and effectively. They are stack able, reusable, microwaveable, dishwasher safe. If you drop them they wont break. Even plastic bottles from vending machines are a great storage design. Its an easy way to package a single or more serving of soda or other beverage neatly. You can even screw the cap back on if you aren't finished with your drink. Try that with glass bottles. I think all the greatness of these devices have blinded a lot of people of what these things are actually made from. I have always known they were made from petroleum but I don't think I actually analyzed that for food storage. What happens to plastic that is heated up? After doing some research I have come to the conclusion that storing and cooking food in plastic is only safe and a good idea if done properly. Only microwave plastic that is microwave safe and only freeze plastic that is freezer safe. I've also read not to have plastic wrap or storage bags touch your food in the microwave and use paper towels instead to cover your food. All this is due to chemicals that can be released into your food, which in turn will be released into your body. So use the design of plastic storage containers safely.