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Muratto x Momentum Collection transforms spaces with eco-chic innovation

When two design powerhouses come together, the results can be truly transformative. The new Muratto x Momentum collection is a testament to the power of creative collaboration, merging the expertise of Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering with the innovative approach of Muratto. This partnership has produced a collection that is not only visually stunning but also deeply rooted in sustainability and natural inspiration, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their interiors with a conscience.

The Muratto x Momentum collection is redefining eco-friendly interiors with a unique blend of artistic design and sustainable materials. This collaboration between Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering and Muratto introduces two standout product lines: Organic Blocks and PrimeCork. Each line brings its own distinct style, while both offer the many benefits of cork, including acoustic insulation, exceptional tactility, durability, and a commitment to environmentally friendly design.

Deisgner: Muratto x Momentum

Organic Blocks is the bold centerpiece of the collection. This series features nine different Design Blocks, each with sculptural shapes and geometric patterns inspired by the forms found in nature. From clean, modern lines to beehive motifs, the versatility of the Organic Blocks makes it easy to create customized wall sculptures that turn any interior into a dynamic work of art. The range also includes Cork Strips, with eight variations of linear profiles, providing even more ways to personalize a space. Accessories such as cork pieces with natural moss or modular lighting can be added, giving designers and homeowners the freedom to enhance the visual and sensory experience of every room.

PrimeCork takes a different approach, offering tiles that are more than just a green alternative to paint or wallpaper. These tiles are designed to add sophisticated texture to interiors, with finishes that include matte, velvety, and metallic surfaces. Whether you want to create a subtle accent wall or a bold design statement, PrimeCork tiles provide the flexibility to match a wide range of styles. The color palette is equally impressive, featuring hues like leather, rich terracotta, light champagne, and dark gray. These options make it easy to coordinate with warm, bold, or neutral decor, seamlessly tying a room’s look together.

Both Organic Blocks and PrimeCork are crafted from cork, a sustainable and biodegradable material that is harvested without damaging trees. This makes every piece in the Muratto x Momentum collection not only beautiful but also kind to the planet. The products are entirely recyclable and designed to last, providing acoustic comfort and durability for years to come. They are also lightweight and easy to install, which is a huge plus for both professional designers and DIY enthusiasts.

What sets this collection apart is its zero-waste manufacturing approach. Every stage of production is carefully managed to eliminate waste, making these wall coverings and tiles a truly responsible choice for eco-conscious projects. The collection is suitable for a wide variety of settings, including homes, offices, hotels, and even healthcare spaces, thanks to its blend of durability, sustainability, and contemporary style.

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A Better Design for Pill Cases

Brothers Tavish and Breton Rice shared an unfortunate experience: Watching their father, who suffers from a neurological condition, struggle with the vessels containing his numerous medications. “We watched our father go through every issue imaginable with his pill containers,” they write. “Breaking, spilling, accidentally opening–constantly. Handling a flimsy plastic pill box is already a hassle, and even more so when your hands aren’t working very well due to his disease.

“We tried every pill case we could find. Unfortunately, none worked for him.”

The Rice brothers then set about producing a better pill case, and launched Ikigai Cases.

The company produces sturdy, minimalist, anodized aluminum cases with a spring-loaded ball mechanism that keeps the lid securely closed; pressing down on the textured part of the lid allows you to slide it open. Furthermore, hidden detents make it so the lid clicks open at each pocket. ” This makes it super easy to dump single pockets out while holding the case with just one hand,” they explain.

They also offer engraving.

The cases come in multiple sizes, and draw rave reviews from owners. They come with a lifetime warranty, and have a 100-day return policy—even for the engraved cases.

Simply put, “We make the best pill cases in the world,” they write.

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Lamborghini Manifesto flexes sharper lines and a muscular stance that define the brand’s bold future

Lamborghini stands out from other performance supercars with its sharp, angular design language, which hasn’t changed much over the years. The Italian manufacturer matches the unique look with exceptional performance and handling in every creation. Now, their 20th anniversary supercar treads down the same lane, giving us a glimpse of what the Italian brand’s future will be.

Revealed over the weekend to celebrate two decades of their in-house design venture, Centro Stile, the concept car turned heads. Called the Manifesto, the supercar is a reflection of the “potential future of our unique design DNA,” as informed by the company’s design director, Mitja Borkert. According to him, the car is a styling exercise and a visionary sculpture that is not meant for production anytime soon.

Designer: Lamborghini / Mitja Borkert

Sticking close to the brand’s DNA, the Manifesto seems to have borrowed some elements from the limited production Fenomeno, launched a couple of months ago. There is a wedge-shaped body having sharp lines and dynamic form, along with the flowing silhouette that gets aggressive with every subtle crease. The headlights leading to the DRLs have a distinct Y-shaped motif, fusing into the nose that reminds me of the Revuelto and Aventador. This interpretation makes the Manifesto have that intimidating hunter eye stare. The lower front fascia has large carbon fiber intakes, signifying the performance car’s capability under the hood. The sides don’t have any of those intakes, making the performance car look ultra-muscular.

Lamborghini has experimented a bit with the panoramic windshield that is highlighted by the double-bubble glass, as it blends into the rear. There are huge diffusers and short rear fenders to expose the beefy rear tires, just like a Hot Wheels sports car. The rear is beefier than the front, and the 12 vents on the spine body panel hint at a V12 engine under the hood. The Y-shaped motif for the taillights too balances out the dark indentation along the width of the rear. The front section has the Lamborghini logo, while the rear has the brand’s name inscribed in the familiar font.

Manifesto has a very low-slung profile just like its elite performance supercars, with a ride height meant for race tracks, not the scarred road surfaces. The wheels are big and chunky as well, to lend maximum grip, and have superior traction while cornering at the chicanes. Those big diffusers at the rear help with the downforce to keep the supercar glued to the tarmac. The side profile reveals the absence of any doors and the absence of any wings for aerodynamic stability at high speeds, which further solidifies the fact that the Manifesto will never see the production lines. The best we can expect is to see hints of this design inspiration in a future model.

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Pier Pavillion is a stunning landmark that uses recycled rock oyster shells

Sydney has long been celebrated for its innovative architecture and vibrant waterfront. The new Pier Pavilion, designed by the talented duo Besley & Spresser, is a shining example of how modern design can blend seamlessly with sustainability and community needs. Located at the edge of Sydney’s sparkling harbor, this pavilion is quickly becoming a must-see for architecture lovers, local residents, and visitors alike.

The Pier Pavilion stands out with its striking landscape roof, which gracefully curves to echo the natural lines of the water and the city’s dynamic skyline. The roof is not just visually captivating; it’s also an environmental statement. Besley & Spresser have taken an imaginative approach, using recycled oyster shells as a key material for the pavilion’s construction. This choice addresses two important concerns at once: reducing waste from Sydney’s thriving seafood industry and creating a structure that is both beautiful and eco-friendly.

Designer Name: Besley & Spresser (photos by Rory Gardiner)

Oyster shells are typically discarded in vast quantities, creating environmental challenges. Instead of letting these shells go to waste, Besley & Spresser have transformed them into a durable building material, giving the pavilion a unique texture and subtle, pearly sheen. Visitors to the Pier Pavilion will notice how the shells catch the sunlight, illuminating the area with a soft, natural glow. This innovative use of recycled materials is not just about aesthetics; it’s a meaningful step toward more sustainable urban development.

The Pier Pavilion is designed to be a welcoming public space. Its open layout invites people to gather, relax, and enjoy the harbor views. The pavilion’s form provides shelter from the sun and rain, making it a comfortable spot all year round. Whether you’re meeting friends, taking a stroll along the waterfront, or simply looking for a quiet place to reflect, the Pier Pavilion offers something for everyone.

Besley & Spresser have also considered the pavilion’s impact on the wider landscape. The structure is carefully positioned to frame panoramic views of the city and the water, creating countless photo opportunities and encouraging visitors to linger. At night, subtle lighting highlights the roof’s curves and the shimmering surface of the recycled oyster shells, making the pavilion a magical sight after dark. Community engagement was a central part of the pavilion’s development. Local stakeholders were consulted throughout the design process, ensuring that the finished space would meet the needs of those who use it most. The result is a pavilion that feels truly integrated into Sydney’s urban fabric, reflecting both the character of the city and the creativity of its people.

The Pier Pavilion by Besley & Spresser is much more than a functional shelter. It’s a celebration of sustainable design, community spirit, and Sydney’s stunning waterfront. As more cities look for ways to build responsibly and beautifully, this unique pavilion stands as an inspiring example of what’s possible when imagination meets environmental consciousness.

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11 unmissable designboom competitions in october 2025 with deadlines approaching

designboom competitions in october 2025 closing soon

 

 

designboom rounds-up the latest competitions open for entries for architects, designers, and creatives in October 2025. From urban planning in Mongolia to Renaissance-themed design and sustainable solutions to logistical challenges in Africa, there is a wide variety of challenges available.

 

The diverse range of international contests invites aspiring entrants to push their skills and enter before the submission deadlines to have the chance of winning an array of prizes. designboom competitions is not only a vital launchpad for creatives, but it also directly connects institutes to a global readership. It makes designboom the premier location to submit your competitions’ open calls.

 

Readers are urged to check out the complete list here, and competition organizers can submit an open call here.

TITAN Property Awards Season 2

 

 

Organization: IAA
Competition name: TITAN Property Awards Season 2

Submission deadline: October 22, 2025

 

The TITAN Property Awards Season 2 honors those whose groundbreaking designs and architectural excellence set new benchmarks in the industry. It celebrates the visionaries who push the limits of architecture and interior design, creating spaces that blend beauty, functionality, and innovation. This is split into eight categories: Property Development, Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design, Lighting Design, Conceptual Design, Real Estate and Property Marketing.

 

Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025

 

 

Organization: Buildner
Competition name: Unbuilt Award 2025

Submission deadline: October 30, 2025

 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 marks the inception of an annual competition dedicated to celebrating architectural design excellence. This international competition invites submissions of unbuilt work that participants are most proud of, regardless of whether these projects are published or unpublished, fully designed or still conceptual. A mind-blowing prize pool of €100,000 highlights its commitment to celebrating and supporting architectural innovation.

 

Hunnu City International Urban Planning Competition

 

 

Organization: Hunnu City
Competition name: Hunnu City International Urban Planning Competition

Submission deadline: November 4, 2025

 

The Hunnu City International Urban Planning Competition invites architects, planners, and innovators to shape the conceptual plan of Hunnu City — a next generation urban center blending innovation with tradition. International design studios or cross-disciplinary team of forward-thinkers are invited to create a city that is smart, sustainable, climate-resilient, and deeply human-centered. With over 1.4 billion MNT in prizes and opportunities to influence a landmark project, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark on the urban future of Mongolia.

 

2025 Rome Design Awards Season 2

 

 

Organization: IAA
Competition name: 2025 Rome Design Awards Season 2

Submission deadline: November 28, 2025

 

The 2025 Rome Design Awards Season 2 champions the spirit of the Renaissance, dedicated to the modern creatives who are sculpting visionary works, just as the virtuosos of the past once did. Celebrating the art of transformation, the competition recognises designers who pioneer new techniques and set new standards of excellence. This theme represents the journey of design from its classical roots to the present, spotlighting those who lead the charge in redefining the industry.

 

un Design Award

 

 

Organization: International Competition Association
Competition name: un Design Award

Submission deadline: November 30, 2025

 

The International Competition Association calls architects, designers, developers, manufacturers, owners, teachers and students from colleges and universities around the world to enter the un Design Award. Split across two criteria – professional group and student group – concept designs, ongoing designs or design works completed within the past 5 years are all eligible to participate. These must fit with one of the Architecture, Interior, Landscape, Lighting, Product, and Graphic Design categories.

 

VAND Design Award 2025

 

 

Organization: VAND INTERNATIONAL
Competition name: VAND Design Award 2025

Submission deadline: November 30, 2025

 

VAND Design Award 2025 internationally calls for calm, responsible, and purposeful design. The competition honors work that goes beyond trends and spectacle, seeking instead balance, dignity, and quiet strength in design. Entries should fit into one of the following categories: Architecture & Interior Design, Product & Industrial Design, Visual Communication, Visual Identity, and UI / UX.

Toyota Logistic Design Competition 2026

 

 

Organization: Toyota
Competition name: Toyota Logistic Design Competition 2026

Submission deadline: December 1, 2025

 

The seventh edition of the Toyota Logistic Design Competition (2026) shifts its spotlight on Africa. With an open call to design students and recent graduates worldwide, the competition invites creative, sustainable solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing logistical challenges. Submissions should be categorized as Product Design, Digital Platforms, Business Innovation, and Open Category – for unconventional but impactful ideas. The winning design will receive a $6,000.00 USD prize.

Rising from Ashes

 

 

Organization: TerraViva
Competition name: Rising from Ashes

Submission deadline: December 8, 2025

 

TerraViva’s Rising from Ashes competition invites participants to rethink sacred architecture as a sensory, symbolic and communal experience. The aim is to envision a new place of worship for 400 people, where the mystical meets the social, and the liturgical engages with the everyday life. Proposals should specifically explore the possibility of building a new Christian church for Altadena – a Californian region, where multiple religious buildings were lost in the wildfires in early 2025.

Alpine Refuge World Architecture Competitions

 

 

Organization: AG360
Competition name: Alpine Refuge World Architecture Competitions

Submission deadline: December 15, 2025

 

The Alpine Refuge World Architecture Competitions seeks a design for a mountain retreat for all athletes or simply travelers who need a comfortable and contemplative space to rest before continuing their journey to the Swiss Alps. It should feature accommodations, an infirmary, a café, and an elevated viewing platform, making it a perfect stop for rest and contemplation. Its strategic location will serve as a connection between the Hospice and the Julen Theater, located in the area. It must be designed as a structure that will withstand the test of time and be easy to maintain.

 

New Zealand Nature Retreat – A lost retreat in New Zealand’s landscape

 

 

Organization: nonarchitecture
Competition name: New Zealand Nature Retreat – A lost retreat in New Zealand’s landscape

Submission deadline: December 21, 2025

 

Set in the extreme isolation of Antipodes Island, New Zealand, this competition invites architects and designers to explore architectural duality by designing a nature retreat in one of the world’s most remote locations. Participants are challenged to create a sustainable, off-grid structure that harmonises with the island’s harsh climate, fragile ecosystem, and rich biodiversity. By thoughtfully integrating these factors, designs can harmoniously coexist with the unique environment of the Antipodes Islands. The three winning proposals, one special award, and 10 honourable mention teams of New Zealand Nature Retreat – A lost retreat in New Zealand’s landscape will split total of 10.000€ in prizes.

London Urban Retreat – An Urban Oasis in the middle of London

 

 

Organization: nonarchitecture
Competition name: London Urban Retreat – An Urban Oasis in the middle of London

Submission deadline: December 30, 2025

 

Set in East London, the historic Haggerston Baths – an abandoned Grade II listed Edwardian bathhouse – offers a striking backdrop to explore themes of urban care and restoration. Participants are challenged to reimagine this former civic space as a new retreat for mind, body, and spirit, balancing technical renewal with architectural sensitivity. The three winning proposals, one special award, and 10 honourable mention teams of London Urban Retreat – An Urban Oasis in the middle of London will split total of 10.000€ in prizes.

The post 11 unmissable designboom competitions in october 2025 with deadlines approaching appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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How to Use a Router to Create a Sphere

Design/build firm Stand and Build operates out of a workshop in Long Island City. The staff, consisting of a dozen creatives, turns out furniture, fixtures, cabinetry, displays and more for both retail and residential clients.

An upcoming project required them to produce a large sphere, about two feet in diameter, made out of blue foam. The firm’s clever Kristin Taibl, a/k/a KT, built a simple jig that gets the job done with a regular ol’ router:

I well remember working with blue foam in my ID school days. I can almost guarantee that stuff is all over not just the studio, but was also tracked back to their apartments….

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5 Best Phone-Sized Devices for Digital Detox, Strain-Free Reading, and Focus

The relentless glow of modern smartphones has become both a blessing and a curse, turning our pockets into portals of endless distraction. With every ping, pop-up, and notification, our eyes are glued to screens that leave us squinting, tired, and sometimes just plain overwhelmed. Blue light bombardment, endless scrolling sessions, and the constant pressure to stay connected have transformed what should be helpful tools into sources of digital fatigue and anxiety.

But what if your next phone or pocket device could help you break free from that exhausting cycle? A new wave of phone-sized gadgets is putting eye comfort, focus, and digital wellness front and center, challenging the idea that more features always mean better experiences. Here are five standout devices that completely rethink what it means to stay connected, productive, and truly present in our hyperconnected world.

TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra

The TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra looks like a modern Android phone from a distance, but its display is anything but ordinary once you pick it up. With a matte, paper-like finish and zero flicker technology, this phone is built specifically for people who want to read, write, and scroll without the usual eye strain that comes with traditional screens. A physical switch on the side lets you toggle between “paper” and “color” modes instantly, making it easy to dial down distractions when you need to focus.

Designer: TCL

Under the hood, the NXTPAPER 60 Ultra offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, stylus support, and a generous 5,200mAh battery that easily keeps up with your day. It’s a full-featured smartphone with all the Android apps you’d expect, but the display technology makes it feel more like carrying around a sophisticated digital notebook than a typical glowing slab. The experience is surprisingly comfortable, even during marathon reading sessions.

What We Like

Exceptionally comfortable for the eyes with zero flicker and ultra-low blue light
Full Android experience with stylus support for note-taking and sketching
Versatile display modes that adapt to your needs and environment

What We Dislike

Large size pushes the limits of what feels truly “phone-sized” for some users
Camera and AI features are underwhelming compared to flagship smartphones at similar prices

Mudita Kompakt

The Mudita Kompakt is a minimalist’s dream device, wrapped in a sturdy, pocketable shell that feels refreshingly different from today’s glass rectangles. Its monochrome E Ink display is incredibly gentle on the eyes, perfect for calls, texts, and the occasional note without any of the usual smartphone distractions that pull you into endless scrolling sessions. The phone is designed specifically for digital detox, with a strong focus on privacy, wellness, and intentional simplicity.

Designer: Mudita

With days-long battery life, IP54 dust and splash resistance, and thoughtful hardware touches like a real headphone jack and satisfyingly tactile buttons, the Kompakt feels like a modern classic. It’s not about cramming in apps or endless features that you’ll never use. Instead, it’s about reclaiming your attention and enjoying a quieter, more intentional relationship with technology that actually serves your needs rather than demanding constant engagement.

What We Like

True E Ink screen provides exceptional eye comfort with no blue light or flicker
Superb battery life measured in days, not hours
Minimalist, distraction-free design that encourages mindful usage

What We Dislike

No app store or third-party apps means limited functionality for some users
Relatively bulky design for such a small screen compared to modern smartphones

Bigme HiBreak Pro Color

The Bigme HiBreak Pro Color represents a rare breed in the smartphone world: a true E Ink device with a color display and full 5G connectivity that doesn’t compromise on essential phone features. It runs Android 14, supports calls and texts like any regular phone, and even includes a stylus for note-taking or sketching when inspiration strikes. The Kaleido 3 color E Ink screen is remarkably easy on the eyes, especially for reading articles or messaging outdoors, where regular phones become unreadable mirrors.

Designer: Bigme

With Google Play support, generous storage options, and a battery built specifically for endurance rather than just getting through the day, the HiBreak Pro Color is perfect for anyone who wants the eye-friendly benefits of E Ink technology without giving up smartphone essentials. It’s designed as a productivity tool that doesn’t constantly tempt you with flashy animations or attention-grabbing notifications, letting you focus on what actually matters.

What We Like

Full phone functionality combined with the comfort of color E Ink technology
Excellent legibility in bright sunlight where regular phones struggle
Stylus support and full app ecosystem for productivity and reading

What We Dislike

Color E Ink is still noticeably muted compared to vibrant LCD or OLED displays
Some ghosting and refresh lag, especially when navigating quickly through apps

reMarkable Paper Pro Move

The reMarkable Paper Pro Move takes the beloved reMarkable note-taking experience and shrinks it down into a genuinely pocket-sized package that goes anywhere you do. Its color E Ink display is specifically engineered for note-takers, readers, and anyone who craves a distraction-free digital space for capturing and developing ideas. Weighing just 235 grams and designed to slip effortlessly into your pocket, it’s built for people who think while they move.

Designer: reMarkable

With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and eSIM connectivity for messaging and seamless cloud sync, the Paper Pro Move transcends the traditional boundaries of what a digital notebook can be. Its premium build quality, impressive battery life, and remarkably accurate handwriting-to-text conversion make it a favorite tool for those who want to focus on thinking and creating rather than constantly tapping and swiping through endless interfaces.

What We Like

Outstanding writing and note-taking experience that feels remarkably close to real paper
Color E Ink display perfect for highlighting and organizing visual information
Extremely portable design that fits comfortably in most pockets

What We Dislike

Not a full phone replacement since it lacks voice calling capabilities
Limited app ecosystem compared to full Android or iOS devices

BOOX P6 Pro

The BOOX P6 Pro represents the next evolution of the phone-sized e-reader concept, offering both color and black-and-white E Ink display options in a form factor that truly feels pocketable. Running a full Android operating system, it supports messaging apps, reading platforms, and note-taking software, with stylus support for those moments when you need to jot down ideas or sketch out concepts on the fly.

Designer:
BOOX

With a hybrid SIM tray for connectivity, generous storage capacity, and a design that feels as comfortable and natural in your hand as holding a paperback book, the P6 Pro is built specifically for productivity on the go. It’s the ideal device for anyone who wants the flexibility and app ecosystem of Android without the constant glare, eye fatigue, and battery drain that come with regular smartphone screens.

What We Like

Choice between color or black-and-white E Ink displays depending on your needs
Full Android app support combined with stylus input for maximum versatility
Truly pocketable and lightweight design that doesn’t feel cumbersome

What We Dislike

Not a complete phone replacement since it lacks traditional voice calling features
Still in early release stages with limited global availability and uncertain pricing

These five devices prove that staying connected doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your eyesight, attention span, or peace of mind. Whether you’re drawn to the versatility of the TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra, the intentional simplicity of the Mudita Kompakt, or the focused productivity of the reMarkable Paper Pro Move, each offers a refreshing alternative to the endless scroll of mainstream smartphones. The future of mobile devices might just be about doing less, but doing it better.

The post 5 Best Phone-Sized Devices for Digital Detox, Strain-Free Reading, and Focus first appeared on Yanko Design.

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The Portable AeroTrack Workstation System, for Creatives On the Go

When designers rove between spaces, they’re typically spaces equipped with desks. But for furniture-free fieldwork, the laptop wants a surface to rest on, and a mobile desk would come in handy. This problem has been solved by Tether Tools, an Arizona-based manufacturer of photography accessories.

The company’s Aerotrac WorkStation System recalls workshop T-track jigs. It’s made of aluminum extrusions arranged in two leaves, like a book. Folded shut, it measures just 8.5″ x 11″ and is just ¾” thick.

Once unfolded, the two surfaces are rendered into one by a locking insert bar.

The worksurface can then be attached to a tripod, via a threaded insert integrated into the underside. (You can also use optional quick-release tripod adapter plates, if you don’t feel like screwing the thing on each time.

Two orange-knobbed “tech clamps” hold your laptop in place, securely enough that you can even carry it while attached to the worksurface. A handle is included.

Additional accessories allow you to manage cables and attach hard drives and other accessories.

Overall it’s pretty versatile, as you’ll see below:

The AeroTrac runs $300.

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HMD Touch 4G Brings Retro Simplicity to the Digital Detox Era

The digital overwhelm of modern smartphones has sparked a growing movement toward intentional tech use, with many people seeking ways to reduce screen time and app addiction without completely disconnecting from essential communication. The challenge lies in finding devices that offer just enough connectivity for modern life while encouraging more mindful, distraction-free habits. Most solutions force you to choose between staying connected and staying sane.

The HMD Touch 4G offers a thoughtful middle ground by reimagining what a phone can be when stripped of unnecessary complexity. This compact, Nokia-inspired feature phone provides essential modern connectivity through 4G data, video calling, and cloud apps, while maintaining the focused simplicity that made classic phones so appealing for actual communication rather than endless scrolling.

Designer: HMD

The design immediately evokes nostalgia with its candybar form factor and minimalist curves that feel borrowed from Nokia’s golden era of feature phones. The 3.2-inch color touchscreen provides enough space for basic tasks without overwhelming your attention, while the physical home button and dedicated quick call button on the top edge offer tactile satisfaction that touchscreen-only devices simply can’t match.

The feature set strikes a careful balance between connectivity and simplicity. You get 4G data for essential apps like YouTube, WhatsApp, and Google Maps, plus a front-facing camera for video calls when you need face-to-face communication. However, the device keeps things focused by avoiding the app ecosystem bloat that turns phones into attention-stealing black holes.

The digital detox appeal becomes clear when you consider what the Touch 4G doesn’t do. No social media feeds to endlessly scroll, no notification badges demanding constant attention, no games or productivity apps that blur the line between useful and addictive. Instead, you get the tools for genuine communication and navigation while maintaining the mental space that smartphones often steal.

Of course, the practical features support this lifestyle approach beautifully. The 2000mAh battery delivers up to seven days of standby time, eliminating the daily charging anxiety that plagues smartphone users. FM radio and MP3 playback with expandable storage provide entertainment that doesn’t require data or internet connectivity, perfect for offline moments or travel.

That said, the Touch 4G works best as either a primary phone for people committed to digital minimalism or as a secondary device for specific situations. Weekend getaways, outdoor adventures, or simply times when you want to be reachable without being overwhelmed all become more enjoyable with a device that prioritizes communication over consumption.

The limited market availability, currently focused on India, reflects HMD’s careful approach to launching products that serve specific regional needs and preferences. You can see how this kind of thoughtful device might find broader appeal as more people recognize the value of intentional technology choices.

The HMD Touch 4G demonstrates that stepping back from smartphone complexity doesn’t mean stepping back from modern life. You can stay connected to what matters while reclaiming the mental clarity and focus that constant connectivity often compromises, proving that sometimes less really can be more.

The post HMD Touch 4G Brings Retro Simplicity to the Digital Detox Era first appeared on Yanko Design.

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rope-making machine by conrad shawcross weaves umbilical-like cords with motorized ‘arms’

Forty rotating arms weave in Conrad Shawcross’ rope machine

 

Conrad Shawcross creates The Nervous System (Umbilical) (2025), a large mechanical and rope-machine artwork that weaves umbilical-like cords with motorized arms. On view for the first time at Here East in London between September 11th and November 2nd, 2025, the rope-making sculptural machine is part of the British artist’s long-running project called Rope Makers, which explores how machines can make rope through complex patterns of movement. The device was originally commissioned by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania, and the artist brings it over to London for a while before it is set to be permanently installed in Australia. The rope-making machine is both a sculpture and a functioning device, standing 10 meters high and 12 meters wide. 

 

It is made from metal, timber, and mechanical parts, all assembled in the artist’s studio in Hackney, London. The design has 40 interlocking rotating arms that move around a central point, and each arm carries a spool with fibers, twisted and woven together to form a long rope. The machine works based on how traditional rope is made, but on a much larger and more complex scale. In a normal rope-making process, several threads are spun together while they are pulled tight, creating tension that keeps the rope strong and consistent. In the artist’s machine, this process is multiplied and expanded, with 40 arms rotating in different orbits, each moving at a slightly different speed and direction. As they turn, they twist and combine the threads into a single rope that grows from the center.

all images courtesy of Conrad Shawcross | photos by Richard Ivey, unless stated otherwise

 

 

Two other mechanical artworks on view at here east in london

 

The arms of The Nervous System (Umbilical) by artist Conrad Shawcross are connected by a network of gears, motors, and joints, programmed to move in specific cycles. These cycles never fully repeat, meaning that every moment of the weaving process and the rope-making machine is never the same. The rope produced is continuous and long, but no two parts of it are made in exactly the same way, and it results in an umbilical-like cord. Industrial fibers make up the woven cord, and as the rope passes through the middle of the structure, it collects the effects of every motion made by the machine’s arms. Over time, small changes in the way the arms move, caused by mechanical shifts, timing differences, or small errors, become visible in the texture and pattern of the rope.

 

The movement of the arms and spools is modeled after the way planets orbit the sun. Each arm represents a planetary orbit, and the rope at the center represents the path of the sun as it travels through the galaxy. The spools move around one another in complex, overlapping loops, similar to how celestial bodies move through space. This gives the machine a system-like structure, similar to a solar system, but made of gears and spools instead of planets. The exhibition also connects Umbilical to earlier artworks that deal with machinery and the passage of time. The other rope machines on display at Here East in London include Yarn (2001) and Ode to the Difference Engine (2007), both of which were built from oak and with mechanical systems. They remain on-site alongside Umbilical, weaving cords and ropes using motorized and mechanical arms for the viewers.

view of Ode to the Difference Engine (2007)

 

 

Umbilical to head to Museum of Old and New Art

 

The series of rope-making machines began more than ten years ago when Conrad Shawcross discussed the idea with David Walsh, the founder of MONA. The artist developed the concept through mechanical studies and built several smaller rope-making machines before this one. Earlier works in the Rope Makers series include Yarn (2001) and Ode to the Difference Engine (2007), making Umbilical a continuation of the artistic study but using more advanced engineering. When the exhibition closes in London, the mechanical sculpture is to be taken apart and shipped to MONA in Hobart, Tasmania, where it will be permanently installed in its own atrium by 2027. 

 

Once it begins running there, it is expected to operate continuously, stopping only once a year to change its spools. The rope then will slowly pile up beneath the machine, creating a growing archive of time. Every section of the rope can be linked to a specific period during the machine’s operation. The design of The Nervous System (Umbilical) was created with help from engineers and fabricators at Structure Workshop and Brier Solutions, and lighting was provided by TM Lighting. The sculptures are on view at Here East in London until November 2nd, 2025.

even the Ode to the Difference Engine (2007) weaves cords using mechanical wooden arms

the machine works based on how traditional rope is made

view of Ode to the Difference Engine (2007) at Here East in London

view of Yarn (2001)

Yarn (2001) is made with oak and mechanical systems

view of The Nervous System (Umbilical) (2025)

each arm carries a spool with fibers, twisted and woven together to form a long rope | image by The Wick

portrait of Conrad Shawcross with The Nervous System (Umbilical) (2025) at Here East in London

the mechanical sculpture remains on-site until November 2nd, 2025

 

project info:

 

artworks: The Nervous System (Umbilical), Yarn, Ode to the Difference Engine

artist: Conrad Shawcross | @conradshawcross

on view: Here East | @hereeast

dates: September 11th to November 2nd, 2025

location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 14 E Bay Ln, London E15 2GW, UK

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