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Forget Your SUV: Kia’s PV5 WKNDR is the Ultimate Weekend Escape Pod

For the modern nomad, the line between transportation and living space has always been fluid, but Kia’s PV5 WKNDR Concept obliterates it entirely. Winning the Red Dot’s ‘Best of the Best’ award isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a nod to how well this thing understands its audience. This isn’t another van trying to be all things to all people. It’s a precision tool for those who want to haul their life with them, whether that means bikes, laptops, or a full camping kitchen, without the usual compromises in comfort or efficiency.

Kia’s PBV platform has always leaned into practicality, but the WKNDR takes it further by wrapping that utility in a design that’s both striking and functional. The target user here is obvious: urban professionals who want to disappear into the wilderness on Friday afternoon, digital nomads who need a mobile office with a view, and outdoor enthusiasts tired of sacrificing space for capability. The real test, though, is whether this concept can escape the show floor and survive the brutal transition to production. Because right now, it’s making a lot of promises, and the auto industry has a habit of breaking those.

Designer: KIA Design Team

The exterior design balances ruggedness with a futuristic edge, avoiding the cliché of looking like a rolling toolbox. The boxy shape and lifted stance scream capability, while the minimalist front end and integrated lighting keep it from feeling like a relic of the past. Then there are the hydro turbine wheels and solar panels, features that sound like they’re ripped from a cyberpunk novel. Kia claims these can recharge the battery using kinetic energy and sunlight, which, if true, would be a massive win for off-grid adventurers. The “gear head,” that external storage pod, is the kind of innovation that makes you wonder why no one thought of it sooner. It keeps bulky equipment outside but protected, freeing up interior space for the things that matter, like a proper bed or a workspace.

Step inside, and the WKNDR feels like a cross between a high-end tiny home and a modular workspace. The rail system lets users reconfigure the interior in minutes, swapping between sleeping quarters, a dining area, or a gear storage hub. The materials are durable yet refined, with a color palette that manages to be both calming and energizing. Kia’s designers clearly thought about real-world use cases, not just how it would photograph for a press kit. Even the ceiling is utilized for storage, and the inclusion of an onboard compressor for tires or inflatable gear is the kind of detail that separates a well-thought-out design from a half-baked one.

Power specs are still vague, but the WKNDR is built on Kia’s E-GMP platform, which currently powers vehicles like the EV6 and EV9. That suggests a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup with a battery pack good for at least 300 miles of range, though real-world conditions and off-road tires will likely shave some of that off. The wild card is how much the hydro turbines and solar panels can extend that range. If they can add even a modest boost, say 10 to 15 percent, during a weekend trip, that’s a serious advantage over traditional EVs that still leave drivers sweating over charge levels in remote areas.

The WKNDR’s greatest asset might also be its biggest liability. Concepts are famous for dazzling on paper while collapsing under the weight of real-world constraints. The gear head, rail system, and hydro turbines are brilliant ideas, but they’ll need to prove themselves outside the controlled environment of an auto show. If Kia can pull it off, they’ll have a vehicle that redefines the adventure van segment. If not, it’ll join the graveyard of concepts that looked incredible in renderings but never made it to production. Either way, it’s pushing the industry in the right direction, and that’s something worth paying attention to.

For now, the WKNDR offers a tantalizing vision of what’s possible when a vehicle is designed around how people actually live, not just how they drive. It’s a statement that the next wave of adventure vehicles won’t just get you to your destination. They’ll let you stay there, comfortably and sustainably, without feeling like you’ve left civilization behind. Whether it ever hits the road in this form remains to be seen, but it’s a conversation starter, and that’s exactly what the industry needs.

The post Forget Your SUV: Kia’s PV5 WKNDR is the Ultimate Weekend Escape Pod first appeared on Yanko Design.

Windows Finally Has a Premium Haptic Trackpad That Rivals MacBooks

Windows laptops and desktops have always lagged behind when it comes to trackpad quality, leaving users stuck with imprecise, clunky touchpads that feel like afterthoughts. Most people eventually give up and switch to a mouse, accepting the limitations rather than fighting against hardware that was never designed with creative professionals or power users in mind.

The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro changes this dynamic by bringing MacBook-level precision, customization, and tactile feedback to the Windows ecosystem. This premium haptic trackpad finally gives Windows users an external input device that feels as sophisticated and responsive as the software they’re using, eliminating the compromise between comfort and control.

Designer: Hyper

The design immediately signals quality with its sleek, minimalist rectangular form featuring a glass touch surface and CNC-machined aluminum housing. The low-profile build, minimal 5mm bezel, and gently rounded corners create a modern aesthetic that fits naturally into professional workspaces without looking like typical gaming peripherals or budget office equipment.

The glass surface delivers a smooth, precise touch that feels premium under your fingers, while the aluminum chassis adds durability and substantial weight that keeps the trackpad stable during use. Rubber feet prevent sliding even during aggressive gestures or rapid navigation, ensuring the device stays exactly where you place it on your desk.

Third-generation piezo haptic actuators provide the most noticeable upgrade over standard trackpads with consistent, satisfying click feedback across the entire surface. Unlike mechanical switches with dead zones near the edges, every millimeter responds with uniform tactile precision. The haptic feedback feels natural and responsive, whether you’re clicking in the center or near the corners.

Full-force sensing recognizes pressure variations across the entire tracking surface, enabling deep-click actions, pressure-sensitive gestures, and customizable click profiles. Users can adjust feedback from soft taps to firm presses, tailoring the experience to match personal preferences or specific workflow requirements for different applications and tasks.

The companion software transforms the trackpad into a true productivity powerhouse through deep customization options. Users can create custom deep-click zones, assign shortcuts to specific areas, and build app-specific profiles that switch automatically when jumping between applications. Pre-loaded profiles for Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and Figma make the trackpad immediately useful for creative work.

Performance specs back up the premium positioning with a 240Hz report rate and zero-latency response that makes cursor movement feel instantaneous. Multi-touch support for up to ten independent touches enables complex gestures, while smart palm rejection prevents accidental cursor movement when your hand rests on the surface during typing or drawing sessions.

Real-world applications span from graphic design and video editing to spreadsheet work and presentation creation. The force-sensitive surface allows for nuanced control in design software, while customizable zones speed up repetitive tasks in productivity applications. The device works equally well in creative studios, home offices, or anywhere users demand precise input control.

The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro represents what Windows users have been missing for years. By combining premium materials, advanced haptics, and deep customization into a thoughtfully designed package, it finally puts creative control and precision at your fingertips without requiring a switch to entirely different computing ecosystems.

The post Windows Finally Has a Premium Haptic Trackpad That Rivals MacBooks first appeared on Yanko Design.

This $300 Backpack Blends Smart Design With Sustainability

Sometimes a backpack is just a backpack. And then sometimes, it’s a carefully considered piece of design that makes you rethink what’s possible. The AXIS Backpack by Maverick & Co., designed by Andrea Ponti, falls firmly into the second category. This is a product that proves functionality and beauty aren’t opposing forces, they’re partners in creating something genuinely special.

Let’s start with the silhouette, because it’s where you’ll notice something different right away. AXIS features a thoughtfully designed rectilinear shape that’s been softened with rounded corners. It’s a smart move that does two things at once: maximizes the internal capacity so you can actually fit everything you need, while keeping the overall profile clean and compact. You get all the space without looking like you’re hauling around a bulky box.

Designer: Andrea Ponti

But here’s where it gets really interesting. The unique side hinge system is what sets AXIS apart from every other backpack you’ve seen. It offers versatile access that adapts to how you actually use it. Need quick access from the top? Done. Want to lay it completely flat at 180 degrees for suitcase-style packing? You’ve got it. This kind of flexibility means you’re not fighting with your backpack to get what you need, whether you’re standing on a crowded subway or unpacking in a hotel room. The two iconic front pockets are another thoughtful touch. They’re not just there for show, though they do add real character to the design. These pockets offer practical storage for all those things you need within reach during your commute or travels. Your phone, wallet, keys, boarding pass, whatever you grab for constantly throughout the day.

Material choices matter, and AXIS doesn’t compromise. It’s crafted from premium vegan leather and 100% recycled polyester, proving that sustainable and luxurious can absolutely coexist. The manufacturing approach combines advanced techniques with hand-tailored sewing and finishing. You can see the attention to quality in every detail, from the zipper pullers to the straps. Nothing feels like an afterthought. Every component has been meticulously designed to work together, creating a cohesive, modern design language.

Open up AXIS and you’ll find an interior that actually makes sense. The system of zippered and slip pockets offers intuitive storage with easy access to your belongings. It’s organized in a way that feels natural, not like someone just threw in a bunch of random compartments and hoped for the best. The CMF design, that’s Color, Material, and Finish for those not immersed in design speak, reflects a sophisticated identity throughout. The muted tonal palette and precise detailing create something timeless. This isn’t a backpack that’s going to look dated in two years. It balances practicality and elegance in that sweet spot where you can take it anywhere and feel confident.

Andrea Ponti, the designer behind AXIS, brings a unique perspective shaped by his Italian heritage and seven years working with Japanese design masters. Now based in Hong Kong, he’s known for combining the elegance of Italian design with the lightness of Japanese minimalism. His work for major brands like Samsonite, Fender, and KEF has earned multiple Red Dot Design Awards and iF Design Awards. With AXIS, you can see how that global design sensibility translates into something both sophisticated and genuinely useful.

The AXIS Backpack represents thoughtful design at its best. It’s for people who appreciate when every detail serves a purpose, when sustainability doesn’t mean compromise, and when your everyday carry can be something you’re actually proud to use. Whether you’re navigating city life or exploring new places, AXIS adapts to your needs with style and intelligence. That’s what great design should do.

The post This $300 Backpack Blends Smart Design With Sustainability first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Office Furniture Finally Makes Plant Care Effortless

Remember when office plants meant a sad fern dying in the corner? Those days are officially over. The new Plantable collection from SurfaceWorks is changing how we think about bringing nature into our workspaces, and honestly, it’s about time.

Designed in collaboration with Australia’s bangdesign studio, Plantable isn’t just another furniture line trying to jump on the biophilic bandwagon. This collection was born from a beautifully simple idea: what if we could seamlessly blend people, tables, and plants together to create more productive, happier spaces?

Designer: SurfaceWorks

The genius lies in the execution. Instead of forcing you to choose between functionality and greenery, Plantable gives you both. The collection includes tables available in three different heights (seated, counter, and standing), various sizes, and both square and rectangular shapes. But here’s where it gets interesting: these aren’t just tables that happen to accommodate plants. They’re designed with integrated planters and modular accessories that make incorporating living elements effortless.

What makes this collection particularly smart is its modular approach. You can start simple with a basic table and gradually add accessories as your needs evolve. Want to create a more intimate meeting space? Add the canopy option with integrated planters. Need mobility? The freestanding planters come on wheels, so you can rearrange your green oasis whenever inspiration strikes.

The timing couldn’t be better. We’re finally understanding that plants aren’t just decorative office accessories; they’re essential for our wellbeing. Research consistently shows that incorporating biophilic elements reduces stress, improves air quality, and boosts creativity. Yet many offices struggle with the practical challenges of maintaining greenery without creating maintenance headaches for staff.

Plantable solves this problem elegantly. The integrated design means plants become part of the furniture ecosystem rather than afterthoughts. No more awkward plant stands cluttering walkways or forgotten succulents gathering dust on windowsills. Everything has its place, and that place is thoughtfully designed to support both human productivity and plant health. The aesthetic is refreshingly clean and contemporary. Available in SurfaceWorks’ full range of colors, materials, and edgebands, you can customize the look to match any interior design vision. Whether you prefer the warmth of natural wood tones or the sleekness of modern laminates, there’s a configuration that works.

What’s particularly appealing about this approach is how it democratizes biophilic design. You don’t need a massive budget or a complete office renovation to start incorporating these elements. The collection works equally well in corporate environments, educational settings, healthcare facilities, and hospitality spaces. A single Plantable table can transform a sterile conference room into a more inviting, human-centered space.

The collaboration with bangdesign brings an international perspective that elevates the entire concept. Australian design sensibility often emphasizes the relationship between indoor and outdoor living, and that philosophy shines through in Plantable’s seamless integration of natural elements.

For anyone who’s ever tried to maintain office plants, you know the struggle is real. Plantable acknowledges this reality by making plant care part of the furniture’s natural workflow rather than an additional burden. When watering and tending plants becomes as routine as using the table itself, everyone benefits. The Plantable collection represents more than just smart furniture design; it’s a recognition that our work environments should support our humanity, not suppress it. In a world where we spend countless hours at desks and in meeting rooms, having living, breathing elements nearby isn’t luxury, it’s necessity.

As offices continue evolving to prioritize employee wellbeing and environmental consciousness, collections like Plantable point toward a future where good design serves both people and planet. Now that’s something worth growing.

The post This Office Furniture Finally Makes Plant Care Effortless first appeared on Yanko Design.

Only 1,957 of This $199 Elvis Cassette Player Exist — Gen Z Is Obsessed

We Are Rewind just dropped an Elvis-themed cassette player limited to 1,957 units, and if you’re wondering why anyone would pay $199 for a device that plays 40-year-old tapes in 2025, you clearly haven’t been paying attention to Gen Z. If you’ve been stuck in Spotify and Apple Music streaming, you probably have not realized that cassette sales actually drove 5.7% of physical music sales and that Gen Z is the biggest demographic buying them.

Now even if you’re not Gen Z but you have a special place in your heart for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, you’ll pay attention to the WE-001 Elvis Presley Limited Edition Box Set. This is a special edition version of We Are Rewind’s best-known WE-001 portable cassette player that was created to celebrate what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday this January 2026. It has the iconic red Elvis sign used for his Comeback Special back in 1968.

Designer: We Are Rewind

Since streaming is the number one way that we consume music nowadays, we assume that the days of physical music are all but over. But if you’ve been paying close attention, you’ll realize that CDs and cassette tapes are still pretty popular to a certain market. Cassette sales were up 204.7% in the first quarter of 2025 and searches for “best portable cassette player” actually rose by 50%. It’s pretty ironic (and cute) that it’s those who never experienced it originally are the ones driving the demand for physical music.

The WE-001 is popular because it has improved on the portable cassette players like the Walkman by including a lithium-ion battery and built-in Bluetooth so you can play both actual cassettes and also play wireless audio on it. You can play music on it up to 12 hours if fully charged and you can charge it via USB-C once it runs out of juice. It also supports line-in recording in case you’re in the mood to create mixtapes or something.

This special edition cassette player has a matte black finish with gold details plus the name ELVIS in all caps. It also comes in a collector’s box that has archival imagery to honor one of the greatest musicians of all time. Of course it also comes with a remastered cassette edition of Elvis’ Christmas Album which is still one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time.

They will only be releasing 1,957 units for this special edition in honor of the album’s original release year. So there will probably be a scramble to get one of the rare units of this cassette player, whether it’s fans of Elvis or the aforementioned Gen Z that are looking for the best cassette players for the cassette tapes they’ve been collecting. If you’re an Elvis fan, a cassette collector, or someone who wants to own a piece of analog music history before it sells out, this is a no-brainer. At $199, you’re getting a modern cassette player with Bluetooth and USB-C charging, plus a remastered Elvis Christmas album, all wrapped in gorgeous collector’s packaging.

But here’s the catch: with only 1,957 units available worldwide, these won’t last long. Based on how fast limited-edition cassette players have been selling out in 2025, you’ve probably got a few weeks at best. The WE-001 Elvis Limited Edition is available for pre-order at We Are Rewind’s website. Don’t say we didn’t warn you when they’re all gone.

The post Only 1,957 of This $199 Elvis Cassette Player Exist — Gen Z Is Obsessed first appeared on Yanko Design.

Fujifilm’s $235 Instax mini LiPlay+ Prints Photos With Audio Clips

Fujifilm has always found ways to make nostalgia feel new again. From the charm of instant film with the likes of Instax Mini 41 to the hybrid convenience of its LiPlay lineup, each generation has pushed the boundaries of what instant photography can be. Merging tangible prints with playful digital creativity, the Japanese multinational has kept the fire alive with its X half premium compact digital camera and the X-E5 camera.

Continuing that spirit, the company has introduced the instax mini LiPlay+, a compact hybrid camera that turns moments into both memories and mementos, layering innovation atop the analog joy of instant film. At its core, the LiPlay+ maintains the familiar dual identity of its predecessor. It captures digital photos and prints them instantly on instax mini film. All this with a more polished design and a series of thoughtful upgrades.

Designer: Fujifilm

The instax mini LiPlay+ comes with a dual-camera system, combining a main front-facing lens with a wide-angle selfie camera on the back. This setup gives users the flexibility to switch perspectives on the fly, with the new layered photo mode allowing creative composite images using both lenses through preset templates rather than old-school double exposures. Though the 5-megapixel sensor remains unchanged, Fujifilm focuses on improving the shooting and printing experience. The 3-inch LCD screen offers a larger, clearer view for framing shots, while color styles like instax Rich and instax Natural give each print its own visual personality. Users can also experiment with new filters and frames, letting physical prints carry the same expressive flair as digital edits.

A defining feature of the LiPlay series is the ability to “print sound onto photos” with the downloadable instax mini LiPlay+. Each photo can still store a short audio clip accessible via a QR code, though the clip duration is now three seconds instead of ten. These sound-linked moments can be played back anytime within two years through the companion app, adding a playful dimension to photo sharing that extends beyond the visual. Inside, the LiPlay+ can store around 45 photos, with microSD expansion and Bluetooth connectivity to the instax mini LiPlay app for remote control, printing, and editing. The switch to USB-C charging modernizes the experience, while the Bluetooth link ensures quick transfers and print-on-demand functionality straight from a smartphone.

Design-wise, the camera takes on a sleeker, more rectangular form that sits comfortably in hand, especially for vertical shooting. It comes in Sand Beige and Midnight Blue, each finished with subtle gloss accents and tactile textures that enhance its premium feel. Fujifilm also pairs the release with a new instax mini Soft Glitter film, featuring a gold-tinted frame to add a touch of sparkle to every print.

Launching in late October 2025 for $234.95 (€219.99), the instax mini LiPlay+ reflects Fujifilm’s ongoing effort to evolve instant photography without losing its magic. By pairing sound, selfies, and instant prints in a pocketable body, it continues to make analog fun feel refreshingly modern. That’s pure fun, one click, one print, and one glitter-framed smile at a time!

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