FOCUS ON WOMEN & CHILDREN
Savvy manufacturers see a huge opportunity to market the latest technology to women and kids and are utilizing design to create compelling products to meet the particular need of these consumers. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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I particularly liked concepts where the unique demands of this market were reflected in deeper solutions rather than just "making it pink." Connecting with the family, encouraging and enabling kids to help themselves, and reflecting personal style without losing any high tech capabilities are what resonated with me at CES.
Tanya Sillitti, Marketing Manager, PDT + Telefonix
kidFit by @xdoriaproducts: beautiful activity tracker for parents to connect with kids
Helicopter parents rejoice! Track jr's sleep patterns, adjust firmness and set goals... to think kids used to be expected to just sleep after a story.
Maybe the kids with grab a #charger with their tablet if it looks like a truck...Justin Jr. equips little ones who can't put the electronics down.
#tech that's not just black or silver. #Colorful, #feminine, and more like jewelry.
KID FIT
SLEEP IQ KIDS
JUSTIN JR.
CATHERINE MALANDRINO
RETAIL / PUBLIC SPACES
Technology that we often take for granted is starting to take a more prominent (some might say intrusive) role in our daily activities. It will be interesting to see how we balance the competing demands of commerce and personal space in coming years. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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The words of Barbara Kruger spring to mind.. "I shop therefore I am." Kruger said, "I work with pictures and words because they have the ability to determine who we are and who we aren't." Technological advancements, the Internet of Things and 'big brother' data capture make the presence of media almost boundless. As Product Designers, also motivated by sales, we need to make sure we influence corporate responsibility (especially in transient fast fashion sectors) to minimize our impact on the environment so like who we become.
Try on your next pair of pants @ToshibaUSA virtual dressing room... Has this tech finally arrived?
Ok this tech has gone too far...Color TV ads while washing hands in men's room
TOSHIBA VIRTUAL DRESSING ROOM
COLOR TV ADS
Richard Mold, Designer, United Kingdom
VIRTUAL REALITY
It is tempting to say that virtual reality may be CES 2015's "3D television," which is to say we won't be seeing it again in a year or two. But we don't think that's the case. Unlike 3D TV, VR is certain to develop into a truly valuable new way to interact with everything from flight simulators to remote healthcare. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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While the frontiers of virtual reality are expanding due to increased interest, creating virtual reality experiences will lead to a number of important changes in human life and daily activity. The success of virtual reality is dependent on developers to bring the designer and artist great concepts to life.
Karen Carlson, Software Engineer
Kolor is another #tech leveraging @Intel RealSense #3D camera, letting you interact within 3D video content from your windows or mac.
Hopefully better uses for #virtualreality on the way...
KOLOR EYES
VIRTUAL REALITY
ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment has always served as a natural introduction for the latest advances in technology, and CES 2015 continued the tradition. Sometimes innovation "trickles down" into purely fun applications, but in many cases consumers benefit from manufacturers identifying profitable spin-offs of non-consumer tech. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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Often times the greatest technologies are flexible enough to be used in many applications across various industries. As time goes on cross-pollination between industries is rapidly increasing, and it's exciting to see how technologies are coming together in truly entertaining ways.
Eric Schiffer, Electrical Engineer
Karaoke on steroids for the iPhone generation... @singtrix makes anyone sound awesome
FaceShift uses @Intel RealSense #3D camera to make animated characters mimic your facial expressions. #gamingfuture
Incredible HUD empowers cars with smart situational awareness, great stuff @nvidia at #CES2015
Frameless, edge-to-edge 4K goodness from @SharpAQUOS is thing of beauty
Seriously, forget 4K... Ultra HD feels like can walk right through screen into the scene. Really.
SINGTRIX
FACESHIFT
NVIDIA
SHARP AQUOS
ULTRA HD
CHARGING SOLUTIONS
There was no shortage of mobile charging solutions on the show floor this year. In fact, it seemed like every other booth was devoted to portable battery solutions. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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You used to be able to just throw a plain cable on a block and call it a charge solution, but as devices become more personal and more mobile, charge solutions must do the same. The market is adapting to visually incorporate chargers into our environment and to make them highly mobile. We are seeing more colors and materials for cables than ever before, and the shape of portable charge solutions are now convenient to carry on the person.
Only adds 1/3 of #charge to your phone, but Native Union's Jump is super small, organized and charming. I like it.
Biggest worry of modern life solved at every other booth... Mobile power is official generic tech of #CES2015
So many phone chargers, but minds from @MIT took on laptop charging. Finsix's Dart once again shows startups fuel #innovation
Most invisible big thing @ #CES2015: In-wall plugs with USB ports from @generalelectric
First truly novel mobile power solution I've seen at #CES2015, Reeljuice by @Lynktec
Soba cable mgt system by @bluelounge is brilliantly simple solution to cable spaghetti
1 more battery worth noting... Compact lighting mirror by @hypershop2 so your lipstick is charged up
JUMP BY NATIVE UNION
PERSONAL POWER
DART
GE
REELJUICE
BLUE LOUNGE
PEARL MIRROR
Steve Fragassi, Mechanical Engineer
CONNECTED HOME
Whether you're home or not, Iris by @Lowes has your back from thermostat control to alarm systems.
Most complete, user friendly #ConnectedHome solution at #CES2015: @WEMO by @belkin
Smart, simple and elegant home security tech by @ring_labs... Wireless video doorbell
Sometimes it's the little things: @LGUS magic fridge "open" button most wow switch at #CES2015
IRIS BY LOWE'S
WEMO
RING DOORBELL
LG APPLIANCES
Dave Carlson, Director of Software Engineering
OLD SCHOOL COMEBACKS
Over the past few years, it's been great to see some well-known brands reinvent themselves at CES. 2015 was especially satisfying in this regard, with the smartest players using technology to find genuine relevance in today's marketplace. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
#CES2015 isn't so much about new tech, more real life use for tech shown prior years. Maybe not exciting, but satisfying.
PDT is a global, award-winning product design and development firm with experience in myriad industries, from medical to defense, consumer electronics and aerospace.
APP CONTROLLED DEVICES
There's an app for that. And that. And that. Apps know no limit and are controlling products from cars to shoe insoles. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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Your device may be just what people need. Does your app meet that same need? Does it display relevant information that users can understand and act upon?
George Guffey, Director of User Experience Development
App controlled mood lighting by @MiPowuk: great lifestyle use of #LEDlighting at #CES2015
Warm your feet, GPS, SOS.. World's first App controlled insoles for sports
LED LIGHTING
HOT2GO
DRONES
An entire section of CES was dedicated to drones this year. With FAA regulations on the horizon, the potential applications for drones are still up in the air, but we expect to see this market continue to expand. come into focus over the next couple of years. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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I think drones are still finding their niche in the consumer space. Applications, particularly as they pertain to safety, are really useful. Inspecting a roof or chimney for example could prevent a lot of accidents. However drones also present a new set of safety concerns. Expect to see the FAA step up regulations before the air traffic gets too out of control.
Mark Schwartz, CEO
CARS OF THE FUTURE
Vehicle manufacturers are working on everything from highly efficient electric motors to increasingly connected vehicles that push the limits of in-car information overload. Attendees were particularly awed by the latest in self-driving technology. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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I believe the auto industry has started to focus on Millennials and what this generation finds desirable. Gen X and Baby Boomers have always regarded control of a vehicle as a method of power and freedom. Millennials regard vehicles as transportation or entertainment. So as we read about google autonomous cars and see Mercedes Benz present a concept that removes effort/power of driving and creates a platform for which you are driven and entertained or allowed to multi-task, we mark the start of an enormous fundamental shift in industry and culture.
Gil Cavada, Director of Industrial Design
Remarkable new ride at #CES2015 from @ElioMotors creates a whole new category of car. And 84mpg
Ford's Gen 3 voice control; Surveys show buyers tear hair out over current tech. Anyone listening?
Smartest smart car @ #CES2015: @VW Golf Touch. Gesture control, no switches, looks way cool.
@MBUSA self driving concept car gives nod to generation that wants to do everything but drive in their vehicles
Mitsubishi presenting eco-friendly #EV power train concept EMIRAI. Impressive customizable dashboard. But styling... futuristic or ridiculous?
Audi, Hyundai want your watch to talk to your car. Thanks, I'll keep my Timex
ELIO MOTORS
FORD SYNC 3
VW GOLF TOUCH
MERCEDES
MITSUBISHI
AUDI/HYUNDAI
BATTERY TECHNOLOGY
All of this technology is great...but not without the batteries to fuel it. There were a few notable new power sources displayed at CES. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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How do you provide enough energy to last a lifetime? Shape and structure has been the primary advance in innovation more so than the energy density of batteries. Moving forward, it will become critical that new chemistries will provide the "next big thing."
Stephen Lingle, Director of Electrical Engineering
@Panasonic #ebike integrated display will notify when lithium ion battery is just about done & you actually have to get some exercise
The only #vehicle you have to be pre-screened to own: @HyundaiTuscon Fuel Cell drinks up compressed hydrogen
Jflex #batteries can be folded like origami #TwistAndShout
PANASONIC
HYUNDAI
JFLEX BATTERIES
INTERNET OF THINGS
The "Internet of Things" was the big buzzword at last year's CES, and 2015 saw the hype start to settle down into practical applications with exciting possibilities. Everyone wants to make their product "smart," with the ability to communicate with a variety of other devices in a limitless technological ecosystem. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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Our role as designers is now focused not just on tangible elements and aesthetics, but also the economics and usage of a connected product (will the Nest thermostat really save me money over time?). Just like working with engineers, Industrial Designers have to play well with UI/UX designers in order to create a great overall product experience.
Tom O'Connor, Industrial Designer
Bluetooth padlock from @fuzdesigns makes a lot of sense, never lose a key or combo
Somewhat creepy but truly useful robotic telepresence by @suitabletech
FUZ PADLOCK
SUITABLE TECH
TABLETS
It can be difficult to find something notable in the sea of tablets at CES, but we saw a couple that deserved a little shout-out. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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We are seeing a convergence between a person's use of their phone, tablet and laptop. There are more phones today that look like mini-tablets and laptops that are designed to be more versatile. Consumers are looking to purchase a tablet that operates as their traditional personal computer. One that is feature-packed with things like USB connectivity or a sophisticated interface that can easily transform between a working laptop and a device on the go.
John Morici, Mechanical Engineer
GalaxyNote Edge wraps screen over side of device, compelling design from @SamsungMobile
@Lenovo Yoga 2 #tablet makes it possible to project your vacation photos and videos anywhere you go. Watch out family and friends!
GALAXY NOTE EDGE
INTEL/LENOVO
IPHONE / IPAD ACCESSORIES
iPhone and iPad accessory development show no signs of slowing. As these devices become ubiquitous partners in our lives, manufacturers see growing opportunities in this market. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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Phones having semi-professional camera lenses? Wow. It's crazy to think that designers are no longer looking at the photographer's typical setup, but now focusing their attention on our devices as the home base for camera lenses and photography equipment. Going further, designers and engineers alike have their work cut out for them for years to come with consumers asking for device protection against wicked mother nature.
Matt Dean, Industrial Designer
Best way to improve your mobile pics is still @olloclip, great new lens solutions at #CES2015
Pulse audio & charge cables by @PilotAutomotive bring sound and electricity to light
Never knew how naked my iPhone was till I saw all the options to guard & protect it at #CES2015
Battery pack built into your belt buckle by @GetXOO... Smart solution and holds up your pants
If a fraction of brain power used to invent iPad stands could be turned to solving world hunger.
OLLO CLIP
PILOT AUTOMOTIVE
PHONE CASES
XOO BELT BY NIFTY
IPAD CASES
WEARABLES
Wearables continue to be among the hottest and most hyped categories at CES. As with other technologies, we saw 2015 as the year the market matured to offer truly practical, effective and economical solutions for the average consumer. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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Technology continues to become more intimately integrated into our lifestyles. Wearables are uniquely personal items and their design requires a refined and careful approach. In addition to the normal functional requirements, the design of a successful wearable product must consider human behavior, style preferences, safety and innovative user interface. Look for wearable products to increase in subtlety, sophistication and intelligent biometric sensing.
David Carhart, Director of Prototyping
@Visijax cycle jacket the #first to incorporate motion-activated turn signals. Rare #wearable addressing safety rather than tracking.
@Sony presents its replacement for #GoogleGlass but enables user to make their own glasses smart...or take the component off to look normal.
World changing tech from #Adlens... Fully adjustable RX glasses at twist of dial
Newest wearable entry competitors look 50% less silly, still 100% not ready for avg person to wear?
VISIJAX
SONY
ADLENS ADJUSTABLES
SMART GLASSES
FITNESS
As CES starts the first week of January, most attendees are still committed to their New Years' resolutions of exercising more and losing weight. Manufacturers oblige with a focus on new ways for technology to supercharge our workouts. Some of these are no doubt effective, others probably fall into the novelty category. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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The fitness segment provides product developers ample opportunity to eliminate all of the excuses people have for not working out. The goal is to solve the riddle of how to seamlessly incorporate a fit for life" lifestyle into a hectic schedule. The solution is to use technology to integrate entertainment and data collection and automate reporting of fitness metrics to maximize the results of time spent on fitness. It's not just the design of the equipment but designing the experience.
Scott Semenik, Mechanical Engineer
So many #fitness tracking wearables here. @iFIT is showing the common "movement, sleep, food" trio in action
24/7 #wellness tracking meets smartwatch. @myBasis looks sporty, wouldn't want to rock it when dressed up.
Activetainment shows you a course and the machine delivers the #experience, bumps and all. Biking through a trail without killing myself? Cool.
IFIT
BASIS
ABOVE BY ACTIVETAINMENT
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The meeting of classic, traditional, and at times iconic designs with modern and forward looking technology comes together seamlessly in these products. With iconic designs as the Gibson Les Paul guitar, new developments can be met with criticism from traditionalists at first, but it shows that designers should not be afraid to be progressive in their thinking, and look to the future for new technologies to challenge previously unmet needs. Additionally, retro, classic styling enhanced with modern materials and finishes can make any product relevant in today's highly competitive market places.
Andy Last, Designer, United Kingdom
New @Polaroid such an impressive story... Brand-driven tech & design = new relevance to old value
SocialMatic by Polaroid brings back instant gratifiaction, weighs a ton. +concept, too big to carry
Classic ATT Genie phone from '60s, reincarnated by @Philips
Shower radio and lightshow speakers by @SharperImage. Good to see the brand back, 80's vibe and all #CES2015
Old school meets new school at @gibsonguitar... Lovely integration of digital tech
POLAROID
AT&T
SHARPER IMAGE
GIBSON GUITAR
Connected home gadgets were around every corner. From cameras to appliances, manufacturers keep finding unique ways to apply technologies to connect and automate our households. Roll over the products below to learn more about what we saw:
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Security, privacy, convenience and the delicate balance between them all. With the explosion of devices and do it yourself wireless platforms, almost everything in your home can be controlled remotely. Being able to find that delicate balance between the convenience these products can offer while protecting the user and their privacy. These products will really highlight what the customer values most and what they are willing to sacrifice to incorporate these items into their homes.
Always entertaining #drones airshow by @Parrot awes the crowd at #CES2015
@flyZANO nano #drone provides aerial photography and video power all in the palm of your hand
Shouldn't #drones look friendly and harmless? Looking more intimidating each year
DRONE AIR SHOW
ZANO DRONE
PARROT EXOM