Nike and LEGO are two iconic companies in their own right that have long inspired us to learn, play, and create. So, when the two brands decided to collaborate to give kids a world where sports and creative play always win, there was nothing more fascinating for even the adults to appreciate. There have been rumors of what’s coming out in the collaboration, but the wait is finally over. The first result of their partnership is here: the fully co-branded Nike Dunk x LEGO Set.

An inspiring set that celebrates imagination, sneaker culture, and the spirit of basketball in the same breath was dropped on July 1, 2025, for an amazing $99.99 tag. It’s an electrifying display of colors, elements, and playfulness that kids above the age of 10 will enjoy rebuilding and displaying at home. However, I’m sure the crazy Dunk fans are not going to miss their chance to get home the memorabilia, even if it means hosting an ardent LEGO builder friend for a sleepover. Arguably, this is the hottest LEGO build of the season. The creation is not just a toy, it’s a unification of culture and imagination at its pinnacle.

Designer: Nike x LEGO

“Kicks, bricks, and a whole lot of hype” come together in the Nike Dunk x LEGO Set, which doesn’t include the Nike Dunk as the main element by default. The choice is to celebrate the iconic status and the cultural relevance that the silhouette has enjoyed once on and off the court, and how it is making a resurgence among kids of late. The set, predominantly in blue and white colorway, comprises 1,180 pieces and is designed “for kids to build, rebuild, and display. The almost real brick-built Nike Dunk in blue and white remains on display, accompanied by a rotatable brick basketball (not intended for play), the Dunk logo in 3D letters, and a minifig wearing Nike Dunks.

The minifigure with an orange basketball head (and its eclectic elements) is outfitted with its own Nike Drip and Dunks. The Jersey sports number 32 on the front – a nod to the number of years the LEGO Group has been entertaining us – and number 72 on the back, which is a reference to the number of years it’s been since Nike released its first shoe. The minifig can either stand guard at the bottom of the display or hide inside the secret compartment in the LEGO Dunk (which is revealed by pulling the heel back or lifting the tongue upward). While the blue and white colorway looks cool, if you want the Dunk in your build to look a little different, you can pull open the toe and bring out the faded green laces to replace the blue ones instantly.

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Clean water has become something of a luxury these days, with tap water quality varying wildly from city to city. Municipal treatment plants do their best, but aging infrastructure and environmental contaminants still find their way into our glasses. Your family deserves better than crossing your fingers every time someone reaches for the faucet.

Prime Day presents the perfect opportunity to transform your household’s water quality without breaking the bank. Waterdrop’s impressive lineup of filtration systems tackles everything from daily hydration needs to specialized applications like car washing. These aren’t just filters; they’re comprehensive solutions designed to fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles while delivering consistently pure, great-tasting water.

Designer: Waterdrop Filter

Waterdrop G3P800 RO System – The Powerhouse Under-Sink Solution

The G3P800 represents serious filtration technology packed into a sleek under-sink package. This powerhouse churns out 800 gallons of purified water daily, making it perfect for busy households that go through water like there’s no tomorrow. The 10-stage precision filtration system tackles everything from chlorine and heavy metals to those sneaky PFAS compounds everyone’s worried about lately.

Installation couldn’t be more straightforward, and the tankless design means you’ll actually have storage space under your sink for once. The smart faucet displays real-time water quality readings, so you’ll know exactly what you’re drinking. Plus, that impressive 3:1 pure-to-drain ratio means you’re not wasting water while getting the cleanest possible result from every drop.

Click Here to Buy Now: $699 $999 ($300 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Waterdrop A2 Instant Hot & Cold Water RO System – Countertop Convenience

Renters and office workers, this one’s calling your name. The A2 transforms any countertop into a water station that would make fancy coffee shops jealous. No plumbing modifications needed; just plug it in and start enjoying purified water at six different temperature settings. Whether you’re brewing morning tea, mixing baby formula, or thirsting for a refreshing cool drink after a workout, the precise temperature control takes the guesswork out of water preparation.

The 5-stage RO filtration works overtime to remove contaminants while the sleek design actually improves your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal. That smart touch screen isn’t just for show; it monitors water quality and filter life so you’ll never be caught off guard. Perfect for small spaces where every square inch counts, yet powerful enough to handle your entire household’s hydration needs.

Click Here to Buy Now: $379 $499 ($120 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Waterdrop King Tank Series – The Gravity-Fed Champion

Adventure seekers and emergency preparedness enthusiasts will appreciate the King Tank’s rugged simplicity. This 2.25-gallon stainless steel system operates purely on gravity, meaning no electricity bills or water pressure worries. The outdoor-ready design features a non-skid base that stays put whether you’re camping in the mountains or dealing with power outages at home.

Each filter pair delivers an astounding 6,000 gallons of clean water, equivalent to eliminating 53,000 plastic bottles from your lifestyle. The instant access design means clean water flows whenever you need it, and the generous capacity handles group camping trips or large family gatherings with ease. Built like a tank but refined enough for indoor use, it bridges the gap between rugged functionality and everyday convenience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $177.63 $299 ($121.37 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Waterdrop Glass Water Filter Pitcher – Premium Aesthetics

Sometimes the simplest solutions make the biggest impact. This glass pitcher ditches plastic completely, offering a chemical-free way to store and serve filtered water. The lead-free glass construction looks elegant on any table while the 5-stage filtration quietly removes chlorine, sediment, and other common tap water nasties. Each filter lasts 100 gallons, providing two months of consistently clean water.

The trapdoor design makes refilling effortless, while the scratch-resistant glass maintains its pristine appearance through countless daily uses. Budget-conscious households love the combination of premium materials and affordable ongoing costs. Whether you’re hosting dinner parties or just want better-tasting water for daily cooking, this pitcher delivers both style and substance without compromise.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49.99 $59.99 ($10 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Waterdrop Car Wash System – Spot-Free Outdoor Excellence

Car enthusiasts know the frustration of water spots ruining an otherwise perfect wash job. This specialized system uses premium resin filtration to eliminate the minerals that cause those annoying spots and streaks. The 10-micron filtration transforms ordinary tap water into deionized water that rinses completely clean, leaving your vehicle’s finish flawless every time.

Installation takes minutes with any standard garden hose, and the system works with your existing washing equipment. No more expensive trips to a professional car wash or spending hours trying to buff out water spots. The cost-effective design pays for itself quickly while giving you the satisfaction of achieving professional results in your own driveway.

Click Here to Buy Now: $271.99 $339.99 ($68 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

This Prime Day opportunity won’t last forever, and neither will these incredible savings on water filtration systems that could transform your family’s health and daily routine. Whether you’re protecting your household from contaminants, seeking convenience for your busy lifestyle, or preparing for outdoor adventures, Waterdrop’s comprehensive lineup delivers solutions that work as hard as you do.

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Nestled in the heart of Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in West Sussex, a remarkable new installation is teaching us how art and science can unite for bee conservation. “Seed Stories” by visual artist Kristina Pulejkova is more than just a work of art. It is a thoughtful, practical contribution to pollinator conservation in the UK, blending sustainability, science, and digital technology in a way that feels both innovative and deeply meaningful.

“Seed Stories” features four striking wooden sculptures, each carefully crafted to serve as both an artwork and a bee hotel. Pulejkova’s vision was to create pieces that not only inspire the imagination but also provide real refuge for bees at a time when their habitats are increasingly threatened by environmental changes. The design of these pollinator hotels draws direct inspiration from the Millennium Seed Bank’s collection at Wakehurst. This seed bank is the largest underground resource of its kind in the world and plays a vital role in conserving wild plant species for the future. Pulejkova’s sculptures use untreated marine ply and cedar, materials chosen for their environmental compatibility, natural antifungal properties, and aromatic qualities. These choices help ensure that the hotels remain safe and comfortable for bees, especially during periods of extreme heat in British summers.

Designer: Kristina Pulejkova

The creation of “Seed Stories” was a truly collaborative process. Pulejkova worked closely with Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee, who leads the “Trees for Bees” habitat restoration initiative. Every detail of the pollinator hotels is rooted in scientific research. The entrance holes, for example, are based on data about bee preferences, while the color palette was selected for its appeal to the bees’ visual spectrum. Blues, yellows, and violets are favored, while reds and greens are avoided, reflecting how bees perceive color in nature. These design choices do more than attract bees. They allow researchers at Wakehurst to collect pollen left behind in the hotels, helping them study which species are drawn to different tree types. This transforms the installation into a living laboratory, offering valuable insights into how pollinators interact with their environment.

A unique feature of “Seed Stories” is its integration of digital technology. Each of the four sculptures includes an augmented reality (AR) experience, accessible through a dedicated app. When visitors scan the sculptures, they can enjoy interactive educational stories about specific seeds from the Millennium Seed Bank. These stories highlight the crucial role of the facility in climate preservation, biodiversity, and global food security, making the learning experience both engaging and memorable. By installing pollinator hotels directly within the landscape and aligning their design with ongoing scientific research, “Seed Stories” contributes to broader conservation efforts at Wakehurst. The project not only provides safe havens for bees but also promotes biodiversity and helps scientists better understand the delicate relationships between pollinators and plants.

The post Seed Stories art installation also serves as ‘hotel’ for bees first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Dog Hut Side Table brings together cozy functionality, modern aesthetics, and advanced manufacturing in one compact design. It offers a dedicated nook for dogs, along with convenient features like a cup holder and a book stand, making it a versatile addition to contemporary living spaces. With its house-like silhouette and integrated utility, the piece is designed to support both comfort and connection, encouraging shared spaces between pets and people.

The concept began in 2023 with a playful plywood prototype that captured attention with its charming form. However, production challenges soon became apparent. The curved geometry and layered construction proved difficult to manufacture efficiently using traditional methods. This led to a shift in direction, focusing on practical side tables that retained visual character while improving build feasibility.

Designer: Liam de la Bedoyere

In 2024, the design was refined with greater attention to user needs. Aesthetics were still important, but now balanced with usability. The table had to serve a functional role in the home, acting as a stable surface for cups and books, while continuing to offer a soft, inviting spot for pets to rest. This phase emphasized the development of multifunctional features without compromising visual simplicity.

By 2025, the design transitioned to robotic 3D printing, a move driven by the desire to experiment with new forms and reduce material waste. Robotic printing allowed the creation of smooth, organic shapes that would be difficult to achieve with traditional fabrication. The technology also made it possible to optimize the table’s structure, reduce assembly steps, and maintain consistency across production runs.

A key challenge was designing the chimney-like feature at the top. This element doubles as a visual anchor and a table surface, contributing both function and character. To ensure it could be printed without support material, the form was shaped with subtle draft angles. This allowed the printer to build it layer by layer without interruption. The ends of the table were also tapered strategically to hold the cushion in place securely, offering both comfort and durability.

Multiple small-scale prototypes helped validate the design. These tests confirmed that the structure could be printed efficiently, the features functioned as intended, and the final piece maintained its visual appeal. The precision of robotic 3D printing also supported sustainability goals by minimizing waste and using only the material necessary.

The completed Dog Hut Side Table reflects a thoughtful combination of experimentation, iteration, and problem-solving. Its compact design provides a cozy retreat for pets while meeting the everyday needs of its human users. Through a playful yet practical approach, the project explores how furniture can evolve to support modern lifestyles, bringing people and pets closer, supported by technology that respects form, function, and environmental impact.

The post 3D-Printed Dog House Blends Pet Comfort with Modern Functionality first appeared on Yanko Design.

Imagine hanging out in your dorm room, when suddenly someone suggests watching that viral TikTok compilation everyone’s been talking about. Instead of crowding around a tiny phone screen, you casually pull out what looks like an oversized coffee tumbler, tap a button, and boom, your wall transforms into a massive vertical cinema. Welcome to the world of the JMGO PicoPlay+, where entertainment gets a serious upgrade without any of the usual hassle.

This isn’t your typical projector that requires engineering degrees to set up properly. The PicoPlay+ weighs about as much as your laptop and fits comfortably in any backpack, yet it packs enough technological wizardry to make your living space feel like a premium entertainment venue. Think of it as that friend who somehow makes every gathering more fun just by showing up, except this friend never gets tired or asks to borrow money.

Designer: JMGO

Click Here to Buy Now: PicoPlay (White), PicoPlay+ (Black)

The genius lies in its chameleon-like personality. One moment it’s projecting crystal-clear 1080P visuals with 460 ISO lumens of brightness that actually work in normal lighting conditions. The next moment, you flip a switch and it becomes a powerful 360-degree Bluetooth speaker that fills your entire space with rich, immersive sound. No additional gadgets, no complicated setup routines, just pure versatility packed into a sleek cylindrical design.

Here’s where things get really interesting: vertical projection mode. While traditional projectors force you to tilt your head sideways for mobile content, the PicoPlay+ flips the script entirely. Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, and YouTube Shorts explode into life-sized vertical glory, transforming your social media browsing experience into something genuinely cinematic. Your friends will definitely want to know how you managed to make scrolling through feeds feel like attending a private screening.

The built-in Google TV integration means you’re getting access to over 10,000 apps right out of the box, including Netflix, without needing any external streaming devices cluttering your setup. Personalized recommendations appear instantly, and switching between different platforms feels seamless and intuitive. Gaming, streaming, social media consumption, all happen with zero lag and maximum convenience. Content discovery becomes effortless when everything lives in one unified interface.

Smart features elevate this device beyond basic projection. The gimbal-based auto-correction system automatically adjusts your image regardless of angle, so whether you’re pointing it at the ceiling, wall, or that awkward corner spot, everything looks perfectly aligned. Touch controls mean you can operate everything without hunting for remotes in dark rooms, while the customizable action button gives you one-tap access to your favorite apps and functions.

But perhaps the most delightful surprise comes from the ambient lighting system. Colorful RGB lights synchronize with your music, creating dynamic light shows that pulse and shift with every beat. Whether you’re hosting a chill evening with acoustic playlists or pumping up the energy for weekend parties, the atmospheric effects add that extra layer of immersion that transforms ordinary hangouts into memorable experiences.

The portability factor cannot be overstated. At just 85 millimeters in diameter, this device slides effortlessly into travel bags, dorm room setups, or weekend camping gear. An all-black power bank stand provides over four hours of continuous operation while doubling as a stable platform, making it perfect for outdoor movie nights, rooftop screenings, or impromptu presentations. Weekend adventures just got significantly more entertaining.

The 8-watt speaker system delivers surprisingly robust audio that eliminates the need for separate sound equipment, perfect for the standalone Bluetooth Speaker mode. HDMI 2.1 connectivity with ARC support, USB ports, and Type-C charging ensure compatibility with virtually any device you might want to connect. The 25,000-hour LED lifespan means this device will outlast several smartphone upgrades.

What makes the PicoPlay+ special isn’t just its impressive feature list, it’s how effortlessly it adapts to different situations and social contexts. Whether you’re creating a cozy movie atmosphere for two, energizing a study group with vertical content, or setting the mood for larger gatherings with synchronized lighting effects, this device responds intuitively to whatever vibe you’re trying to create. The PicoPlay+ will be available in the US soon, but if you happen to be in France, hit the link to get yours. Entertainment just became infinitely more flexible, social, and genuinely exciting.

Click Here to Buy Now: PicoPlay (White), PicoPlay+ (Black)

The post Tiny PicoPlay+ Projector with Google TV Transforms Any Space Into a Social Hub first appeared on Yanko Design.

There’s a certain magic in objects that don’t need to shout for your attention, quietly helping you through the day without ever demanding the spotlight. The Bable Robot Side Table concept is a playful twist on what it means to live with technology, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary in a way that feels instantly familiar. Instead of chasing after flashy looks or exposed sensors, this little companion slips into daily life as easily as your favorite mug or bedside lamp.

You might not even realize Bable is more than just a side table at first glance. That’s the point. It is designed to feel right at home, blending into your space and routines with a gentle presence. Where many robots try to impress with futuristic flair, Bable prefers a softer approach. Its intelligence is wrapped in warmth and charm, winning you over with thoughtful support and delightful touches that make every day just a little bit brighter.

Designer: Abin Rajendran

The genius of Bable lies in how it rethinks the relationship between people and their machines. By disguising its technology behind a familiar form, it quietly makes itself welcome, opening the door to a future where robots support without interruption. Invisible technology is the name of the game here, with Bable showing that a robot can care for you without loudly announcing its presence. It’s a subtle shift that could make home robotics feel more like a friend than a gadget.

One of the most clever details is the downward-facing ring light that runs underneath the tabletop. Instead of lighting up the whole room, it creates a soft glow on the floor, making the space around Bable easy to navigate at night. This gentle illumination helps you find your way without stumbling or fumbling for a light switch, and it does so without ever becoming harsh or intrusive. It’s a thoughtful touch that feels both futuristic and comfortingly normal.

Bable is more than a pretty face, too. It moves through your daily routine with you, quietly following your rhythm. When you’re active, it’s ready to lend a hand, and when you’re resting, it’s right there recharging by your side. The built-in drawer is perfect for keeping essentials close at hand, blending function with emotional familiarity. The result is a side table that feels less like a machine and more like a caring companion.

By shaping technology to suit the rhythms of real life, Bable makes a case for robots that support and respect our routines. It’s a friendly reminder that sometimes, the smartest solutions are the ones that disappear into the background, letting us live with a little more comfort, and maybe even a little more joy.

The post Meet the Robot Side Table Concept That Blends Human Touch With Modern Living first appeared on Yanko Design.

It is easy to take for granted how much technology we surround ourselves with every day, but somehow, even surrounded by screens, real connections at home can feel harder than ever. That is the challenge at the heart of ITDA, a concept design from Korea that aims to help families find each other again in the most gentle and thoughtful way possible.

The name ITDA comes from a Korean word that means “to connect,” and that philosophy runs through every detail. This is not just another smart gadget or an app notification fighting for your attention. Instead, ITDA is a collection of gentle, tactile objects designed to quietly restore the little moments we have been missing, those exchanges of feeling and warmth that get lost in the shuffle of daily life.

Designers: Hyunwoo Jung, Yehoon Cho, Sieun Cha, Gayeon Kim

At the center of the system is TOPI, a device that looks more like a minimalist home sculpture than anything you would expect from a tech product. Set it on the kitchen table or by the entryway, and it becomes a gentle hub for conversation. Instead of sending out alerts or lighting up with endless information, TOPI introduces topics when family members are together, using a display that feels inviting rather than commanding. There is even a little shelf on its back for keys or treasures, which feels like a reminder that the belongings we carry say as much about us as our words do.

The rest of the collection is just as quietly clever. TILO gives a more humane spin on that drab office time card. Instead of something you dread, it welcomes you home with a familiar voice as soon as you step in the door and put in your personal card. It is the kind of touch that could easily become a small but meaningful ritual, the sound of someone who cares, right when you need it most.

Then there is TOK, a pebble-shaped device made for those times when words are tough to find. Instead of forcing a conversation, TOK lets you send a simple signal, by inserting the pebble-shaped object into TOPI that matches your mood, messages that say, “I am thinking of you,” or “I would like to talk.” It is nonverbal, simple, and maybe even a little poetic, especially for anyone who has ever wished they could reach out without having to explain everything.

What is striking about ITDA is how little it asks of you. There are no complicated screens to navigate, no endless setup menus, and no pressure to perform. The forms are gentle and approachable, meant to blend into your home rather than take it over. Every element, from the way you interact with the devices to the materials themselves, feels designed for comfort and calm.

It is worth remembering that ITDA is just a concept right now, not something you can buy and plug in tomorrow. But as a piece of design thinking, it feels especially timely. In a world where smart often means louder, brighter, and busier, ITDA turns the volume down and gently nudges us back toward each other. Maybe that is the real innovation: a reminder that sometimes, the most important connections do not happen on a screen, they happen in the quiet spaces we make for each other.

The post ITDA Concept Offers A Minimalist Approach to Family Connection at Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ever feel like AI is always hiding in the background, tucked away on your phone or buried behind a dozen browser tabs? Most of us interact with digital assistants through screens, which, let’s be honest, makes technology feel a little distant from our actual lives. But what if AI could be more present, accessible, and even a little bit stylish? That’s where the Copilot Fellow concept comes in, and honestly, it’s hard not to get a little excited about the idea.

The Copilot Fellow isn’t just another gadget to add to your collection. Picture a pill-shaped device, smooth and minimal, with a flat front and back. The front features a camera and a bold Copilot button, the heart of the design. Tap it, and you’re instantly connected to your AI assistant, ready to ask a question, set a reminder, or get a quick weather update. It’s designed to be intuitive, something you can operate without fiddling around or losing your train of thought.

Designer: Braz de Pina

What really makes Copilot Fellow stand out, though, are the four shortcut buttons, two on each side, that you can program for your favorite prompts or voice commands. Imagine setting one for “What’s on my calendar?” and another for “Send a quick note.” There’s no scrolling through endless menus or getting lost in settings. It’s simple, direct, and focused on the way you actually use AI day to day.

Now, here’s a little twist to that premise: While the front is all about that single, satisfying Copilot button, the back features a discreet screen. If you want to read your prompts or see some quick info, it’s there. But since it’s hidden away on the reverse side, it never gets in the way. This design choice keeps your interactions as screen-free as you want them to be, which feels like a breath of fresh air in our notification-heavy world.

One of the coolest things about Copilot Fellow is how you can wear it. You’re not locked into any one style, it works as a pendant around your neck, or you can just toss it in your pocket. It feels less like another gadget and more like a little presence you carry with you, always ready to help but never demanding attention. There’s something almost companion-like about it, which is a big leap from the usual “Hey Siri” or “Okay Google” voice floating out of your phone.

It’s important to remember that this is still a concept design, and Microsoft is unlikely to make one itself. But honestly, wouldn’t it be cool if someone DIY’ed their own version? The simplicity and flexibility make it feel approachable, even for tinkerers. Copilot Fellow reimagines how we might invite AI into our lives: more personal, more tangible, and a lot more stylish. Would you wear your AI around your neck, or are you sticking with the old-school phone in your pocket? Either way, this concept makes us rethink what AI gadgets could be.

The post Copilot Fellow Concept is an AI Pendant That Feels More Like a Friend Than a Gadget first appeared on Yanko Design.

Desk lamps have always been pretty boring, haven’t they? Most of them just sit there doing their job without much personality, looking more like medical equipment than something you’d actually want on display. The Lumio Ovo throws that whole concept out the window, transforming what should be a mundane lighting tool into something that genuinely makes you want to play with it.

This isn’t your typical adjustable lamp that creaks and groans every time you try to position it differently. The Ovo moves like a graceful seesaw, creating this almost meditative experience every time you interact with it. There’s something oddly satisfying about giving it a gentle nudge and watching it find its perfect balance, almost like having a tiny kinetic art piece right there on your workspace.

Designer: Lumio

The design philosophy here is pretty brilliant when you think about it. Instead of cramming in multiple joints and hinges that eventually get loose and wobbly, Lumio went with this single-pivot system that feels solid and precise. The lamp literally rotates 360 degrees around its central point, which means you can direct light anywhere without the usual mechanical complexity that plagues most adjustable lighting.

What really catches your attention is how the Ovo seems to invite interaction. Unlike those intimidating industrial lamps that look like they belong in an architect’s office, this one feels approachable and almost playful. The smooth rotation combined with touch controls creates this seamless experience where adjusting your lighting becomes less of a chore and more of a moment of calm in your day.

The technical stuff is equally impressive, though Lumio managed to hide all the boring bits behind that sculptural exterior. You get over eight hours of cordless operation at 50% brightness from a 3.5-hour USB-C charge, which is genuinely useful when you want to move your lighting around without hunting for outlets. Four different brightness levels give you plenty of control without needing complicated apps or confusing button sequences.

Morning productivity sessions become more enjoyable when your lamp feels like a thoughtful companion rather than just another piece of office equipment. The focused beam works perfectly for detailed tasks, while the gentle rotation lets you fine-tune the angle without interrupting your flow. It’s one of those designs that makes you realize how clunky traditional adjustable lamps really are.

Evening versatility is where the Ovo truly shines, quite literally. Lifting it from your desk and carrying it to a reading nook or outdoor gathering feels natural and effortless. The cordless freedom means you can create ambient lighting wherever inspiration strikes, turning any space into something more comfortable and inviting without dealing with extension cords or hunting for wall outlets.

The Ovo succeeds because it treats lighting as sculpture and interaction as art. This approach transforms everyday utility into something genuinely special, proving that functional design can be inherently engaging. For design enthusiasts seeking pieces that perform as beautifully as they appear, the Ovo represents a thoughtful evolution of how we think about workspace lighting and kinetic interaction.

The post Lumio Ovo: A Sculptural Desk Lamp That Moves With Your Day first appeared on Yanko Design.

A handmade Kumiko panel can stop you in your tracks. The lattice catches light like stained glass without the color, every sliver of wood outlining a pattern that feels part geometry quiz, part meditation aid. Luxury brands charge about 2,700 dollars for a single wall-sized piece, and collectors gladly queue. That price reflects hours of chiseling and perfect millimeter tolerances, but it also keeps Kumiko pinned to galleries and high-end hotels. When a Canadian maker asked, “What if I could just 3-D print one?”, curiosity flipped into a three-month rabbit hole that now lives on my desk in vivid plastic.

The finished panel looks like a sci-fi portal that wandered through Kyoto. Triangles stack into hexagons, hexagons lock into a field, and a trio of colors pops against a matte black backing. Underneath the gloss sits a spreadsheet of numbers: 48 core panels, 32 inner borders, 32 outer borders, 124 seam covers, and a wild 1,028 patterned inserts. Add 1,650 black backplates, and the printer clock stops at 196 hours with 5,150 grams of filament spent. Material cost hovers near 100 dollars, proof that patience sometimes beats cash.

Designer: Paper View

Kumiko itself dates back to the Asuka period, about thirteen centuries ago, when Japanese carpenters discovered that thin cedar strips could sing in repeated triangles, squares, and diamonds. Artisans today catalog nearly two hundred named patterns, each said to evoke natural scenes: hemp leaves, sea waves, turtle shells. In a traditional workshop, every joint is blunt-fit, no glue, no nails, just wedges nudged until friction pretends to be chemistry. A good panel holds together even after an earthquake test. That purity is part craft and part engineering, which is why the technique feels right at home in the maker sphere.

Shrinking that heritage to a 25 by 25 centimeter print bed required playful geometry. The maker flirted with simple tiles, realized the weak spots, then drilled dovetail sockets straight through the hearts of his hexagons. The dovetail is woodworking’s oldest keystone, and here it reappears in PLA at two millimeters thick, tough enough for studio handling yet forgiving when the cat jumps on the workbench. To expand the sheet horizontally, he mirrored the design at 180 degrees so each print run reaches edge-to-edge, wasting zero nozzle travel. Vertical growth happens inside an L-shaped frame that locks every row, so the panel scales like Lego towers, one clip at a time.

Seams still bothered him. Both woodworkers and cosplayers know that rule #1 of photo day is hiding the line. Rather than slog through sanding and filler, he modeled shallow pockets at every butt joint, then printed thin cover plates that press-fit like sticker tattoos. A final border ring holds sneaky dovetails, so the lattice floats inside a picture frame with only pencil-thin shadows hinting at the joins. Up close, you watch colors melt into a continuous weave; step back, and the eye forgets plastic entirely, reading depth instead of seams.

Eighty hours just for the core tiles, seventy-five more for the colored inserts, and an extra twenty for the black backgrounds that let the colors shout. The filament list reads like a pantry: 2.3 kilograms for panels, 1.8 for inserts, smaller scoops for borders and seams. Each insert is scarcely larger than a postage stamp, yet the panel holds a thousand of them, a reminder that pattern is compound interest for the retinas. The blue-red-beige trio feels playful, but swap those for translucent PETG and you get a window that glows like pixelated rice paper.

The entire parametric file sits on Makerworld, free to tweak. You can stretch the grid to fit a coffee table, compress it into a lampshade, or change every triangle count without opening trigonometry notes. Print the pieces separately, and you can pop out colors next season, or merge the mesh into a single slab so small bits never vanish in the vacuum cleaner. The template even lets you choose a translucent base if you plan to backlight your panel with an LED strip scavenged from your old RGB gaming rig.

Kumiko always balanced precision and poetry, and this printed version stays loyal to both. The machine hum rewrites the chisel rhythm, but the final grid still traps light, guides the gaze, and invites fingertips to trace nested lines. Students looking for a summer project, interior designers hunting for fresh texture, or anyone who loves the thrill of watching an object materialize layer by layer can grab the file tonight and hit start. By next weekend, you might be hanging a slice of centuries-old tradition in neon plastic, proving that elegance sometimes arrives in 0.2-millimeter layers.

The post This Affordable 3D-Printed Kumiko Panel Elevates Your Interiors with Japanese Elegance first appeared on Yanko Design.