Puffy Kachula: multipurpose comfort

February 1, 2018  |  Projects

What do you get when you mix a highly functional outdoor blanket with a puffy jacket? How about a blanket that is fashionable enough to wear as a wrap, yet practical enough to keep you warm and cozy in all kinds of conditions? That’s the idea behind the Puffy Kachula, a new design from Coalatree, …
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Solar jacket charges itself to glow

February 1, 2018  |  Projects

Nick and Steve Tidball, twin brothers and founders of Vollebak, have created a jacket made from material that can be charged to glow in the dark by exposing it to almost any light source. The Solar Charged Jacket stores light to glow in the dark, and protects from driving rain and winds. The company…
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Exo-skeleton supports overhead work

February 1, 2018  |  Projects

Workers who must raise their arms over their heads for long periods of time know how strenuous it can be. Even though many companies have eliminated long-term overhead work, in some industries it can’t be avoided. To aid workers who deal with this type of manual labor long term, the Hohenstein Ins…
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Folded fabric sculpture

February 1, 2018  |  Projects

The London Design Festival is an annual event that promotes London as the design capital of the world. It showcases the exciting and often cutting-edge work of artists, architects and designers at exhibits and installations in locations around the city. The Victoria & Albert Museum, the world’…
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Fabrics that store information

February 1, 2018  |  Projects

One day soon, the most sought-after feature in a new jacket may not be the style, color or its ability to keep you warm—it may be the garment’s unique capability to store information. Researchers at the University of Washington are using off-the-shelf conductive thread to create fabrics and fa…
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Immigration art in Minnesota skyways

February 1, 2018  |  Projects

The U.S. is a nation of immigrants. The call to “huddled masses, yearning to breathe free” has been a source of inspiration for people around the world to emigrate for a better life. Artist Nancy Ann Coyne wanted to explore the meaning of home for immigrants in Minnesota. A native New Yorker, Co…
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Backpack repairs itself

February 1, 2018  |  Projects

What happens if you’re out on the trail and your backpack gets punctured? It’s not a problem if you’re carrying the Wolverine Pack, a utility pack made with a self-healing textile. Developed by Slughaus, a San Francisco, Calif.-based design firm, the Wolverine owes its healing capabilities to …
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Balloon network provides internet

January 1, 2018  |  Projects

For many, internet access is common and logging in is second nature. But more than half of the world’s population is still without access. Google is committed to remedy this and has developed Project Loon, a network of balloons that can provide internet coverage to people in rural and remote locat…
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The tent roof for cars

January 1, 2018  |  Projects

MINI Cooper owners with the spirit of the open road can carry their tent with them and erect it right on top of the car. Designed by AUTOHOME®, an Italian specialist in automobile roof tents, the Air Top™ Roof Tent works with the MINI Countryman and other models. The beauty of the design is that …
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Helmets that detect concussions

January 1, 2018  |  Projects

More and more evidence is coming to light about the devastating effects of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries suffered during contact sports like football. Sometimes an athlete doesn’t even know he or she had a concussion and continues playing, possibly making injuries worse. To help p…
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