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This compact trailer’s clamshell design unfolds and inflates into cozy base camp in matter of minutes

I would be frank in admitting, when I saw the first picture of the Booba it seemed like an AI-generated floor cleaning robot. Since IFA Berlin, I have been seeing a lot of new robovacs with every passing day and the imagery has kind of stuck with me. But this is not a random graphic representation of anything like that: It’s an actual example of what a small trailer can be.

Yes, it’s a travel trailer so lightweight and small that it can be towed by an electric vehicle of any size, and when docked, it can inflate from its shell to become a tent facility with basic amenities for a couple or even more, if you may. The little trailer, which is 10.7 feet long (3.3 meters) and weighs only 530 lbs (240 kg), is surely one of the lightest towable trailers on the market. If my memory serves me well, I cannot think of any other this small.

Designer: Urbanoid

The functional trailer with an automotive-inspired body – definitely the taillights and exhausts (one of which houses a secret outdoor shower) – Booba looks more like a stylish roadster than a traditional camper. The ribbed clamshell top gives it a tough, hardtop luggage-like appearance. And this portable camping pod combines the portability of a tent with the comfort of a trailer, all packed into a sleek, compact design that doesn’t compromise on style.

Talking about which, camping is definitely about style! It has always been about leaving the hustle of city life and finding solitude in nature, within a comfortable and exceptionally styled tent setup or a luxury-filled camper. If large trailers, oversized RVs, and cumbersome tent setups are a dealbreaker, give Urbanoid Booba a shot. The cute little trailer may not be carved out for the unpaved roads, but it should make escaping the urban grind a lot easier, and most importantly, quicker.

Its lightweight design means the trailer is easy to tow and park, while the overall compactness makes it perfect for spontaneous family adventures. Yes, it might look small, but the Booba can comfortably seat the whole family. Somehow Urbanoid has managed to squeeze in enough space by allowing the user to fold the shelled Booba’s lid forward – when docked – and support it with deployable legs attached to the retractable tow bar. Then either manually or through an electric pump, the Booba can be inflated into a full-fledged tent in minutes. Unlike traditional camping setups, therefore, the Booba doesn’t require long hours of pitching or unfolding bulky tents and trailers.

Once pitched – of course, slightly above the ground – the tent on the trailer features a semi-circular lounge sofa, a swiveling table, which, with a double mattress in the far end, combines to form a bed measuring roughly 73 x 54 inches. And when you have packed and headed home, with the Booba, you don’t need a special parking space. It can be parked almost anywhere, since it folds back into a compact, garage-friendly size. In the garage, with a special lift and hold mechanism, it can be stored vertically to save space in the garage real estate.

Urbanoid debuted the Booba, earlier this year and the response has been positive. The company has confirmed that pre-orders will open within the next two months. While we don’t have pricing details yet, we can affirm that given the Booba’s compact size and simplicity, it would be priced affordably compared to traditional trailers. Keep a watch here, we will update with more information as and when it comes.

The post This compact trailer’s clamshell design unfolds and inflates into cozy base camp in matter of minutes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Hisense 100U65QF Review: The Fire TV Experience Scaled to 100 Inches

Over the weekend, I’m calibrating the Hisense 100U65QF’s picture settings when my neighbor walks through the front door and stops dead. “That’s not a hundred-inch TV,” he says, squinting at the massive display. “Those cost like six grand.” I pull up the Amazon listing on my phone: $1,899.99, marked down from $2,599.99. His expression shifts from skepticism to genuine shock.

Designer: Hisense

The neighbor’s reaction captures exactly what makes this television extraordinary. Hisense has fundamentally altered the premium television equation with Mini-LED technology, native 144Hz gaming, and Fire TV’s most advanced features at a price point that seemed impossible just two years ago. After weeks of intensive testing across streaming, and cinematic content, I can confirm this 100-inch 100U65QF delivers experiences that traditionally required spending $4,000+ on competing premium displays.

What makes the 100U65QF special isn’t just the size, but how Hisense has built Fire TV into the television’s DNA rather than bolting it on as an afterthought. The result feels seamless in ways that surprised me – the TV’s picture processing and Amazon’s content algorithms work together naturally, creating the most refined Fire TV experience I’ve encountered on any brand. The Mini-LED backlighting creates dramatic contrast that basic LCD displays simply cannot match, while the massive scale transforms how content feels in your living space. The U6QF delivers far more than budget-friendly size; it directly challenges how we define premium pricing.

Design / UI / UX / Ergonomics

Amazon’s partnership with Hisense delivers the most refined Fire TV experience I’ve encountered across any brand implementation. The 10-foot UI design philosophy reaches its full potential on the 100U65QF’s massive screen real estate, with every interface element perfectly scaled for comfortable living room viewing distances. Beyond television viewing, this display has become my favorite work monitor, streaming wirelessly from my MacBook Pro with remarkable clarity and zero input lag that makes document editing and video calls genuinely productive at this massive scale, albeit in 1080p, which is perfectly fine for my 50-year-old eyes.

The physical presence transforms how you experience your living space. At 87.8 inches wide, this display becomes the dominant architectural element in any room, yet somehow avoids feeling overwhelming. The dark charcoal finish acts as visual camouflage when powered off, allowing the TV to disappear into contemporary living spaces rather than demanding attention like traditional black bezels. The slim profile and refined proportions mean it integrates naturally with modern furniture layouts – whether flanked by bookcases or floating on a wall above a credenza. When active, the screen creates an almost window-like effect that changes your relationship with the room itself – you’re no longer watching television, but looking through a portal into other worlds. This design language speaks directly to the balance between technology and livability that defines premium home environments. Seating distances that felt too close for smaller TVs become perfectly immersive at this scale, while thoughtful cable routing eliminates visual clutter that could compromise the clean aesthetic even with multiple connected devices.

Installing a 100-inch display fundamentally reshapes room dynamics in ways smaller TVs simply cannot. Furniture must be repositioned to accommodate new sight lines, while ambient lighting needs adjustment to prevent glare on the massive surface. The screen becomes both the focal point and a light source that can wash out nearby artwork or create reflections on opposite walls, demanding thoughtful interior planning that balances viewing comfort with overall room aesthetics.

Performance

Mini-LED backlighting changes how the 100U65QF handles dark and bright scenes. In practice, the panel delivers far deeper blacks than standard LCDs, with highlights that punch through even in daylight viewing. HDR peaks lit up bright daylight scenes without washing out, though full-screen brightness fell short of OLED’s precision. The real takeaway is how the screen feels in motion: Gotham’s alleys in The Batman looked convincingly ink-black while neon signs and explosions cut through with brilliant intensity.

HDR scenes occasionally pushed brighter than intended, a side effect of the TV’s tone-mapping approach, but the overall impact was cinematic. Compared directly with OLED, the 100U65QF can’t match the perfect per-pixel black, yet in a bright living room it more than holds its own by delivering highlights OLED panels still struggle to reach.

Gaming on a 100-inch screen fundamentally changes how you experience interactive entertainment. The 144Hz refresh rate transforms everything from competitive shooters to cinematic adventures into something that feels genuinely different from smaller displays. Dual HDMI 2.1 ports keep next-gen consoles and PCs running at their highest settings without compromise, while features like FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC eliminate the screen tearing that can break immersion during fast action sequences.

The TV automatically switches to gaming mode when it detects console input, reducing lag to levels that make competitive play viable on this massive canvas. Fast motion does show some blur inherent to VA panel technology, but the sheer scale of the experience more than compensates. I plan to conduct comprehensive gaming testing with both PlayStation 5 and RTX 4090 gaming PC to fully explore how different game genres translate to this enormous format.

Color accuracy impressed me consistently throughout testing. The quantum dot color technology achieves 90% DCI-P3 coverage with good out-of-box color accuracy, requiring minimal calibration adjustments.

Audio quality surprised me more than expected from built-in TV speakers. The integrated subwoofer delivers genuine low-end punch that eliminates the tinny sound plaguing most flat panels. During action sequences, explosions carry actual weight rather than harsh treble, while dialogue stays clear and centered even at high volumes. Dolby Atmos creates convincing spatial effects for a TV-based system, though the physical limitations become apparent during complex surround passages. DTS content passes through cleanly to external systems, but the TV handles most streaming audio formats natively without issue. For casual viewing and even moderate movie nights, the sound system holds its own. However, anyone building a dedicated home theater will want to pair this display with external audio to match the visual impact.

Fire TV Experience

Coming from Google TV, I expected to miss a few favorite apps. I did not. Fire TV had everything I needed on day one, including Dish Anywhere and F1 TV, Apple TV, plus the usuals like Netflix and Prime Video. Voice search felt natural with the Alexa remote and returned results across the services I already subscribe to. When I asked for “dark sci-fi movies with Dolby Atmos,” it actually understood the request and surfaced relevant titles from multiple streaming services rather than just dumping generic results. If you share the TV, create separate profiles so recommendations do not get muddled.

Smart home control is genuinely useful from the couch. The Smart Home Dashboard pulled up a live Ring feed with a single voice command, and Hue lighting tied in through Alexa as expected. Nest can be linked as well, though it may require extra account steps in some homes. If you want quick casting from a phone, Amazon’s Matter Casting is already rolling out on compatible Fire TVs for Prime Video, and it worked reliably in my testing.

Ambient Experience is the most delightful surprise. When the TV is idle, motion near the screen triggers gentle, interactive artwork that responds to movement throughout the room. Even better, you can generate custom backgrounds with voice commands. I asked for “a moody watercolor skyline at night,” and the screen filled with an original scene that made the room feel curated rather than blank. The AI art generation actually works well, creating backgrounds that feel artistic rather than generic.

Content discovery feels remarkably broad. Universal search aggregates results across installed apps, while Fire TV Channels provides access to hundreds of free, ad-supported live channels and on-demand content without requiring separate app installations. During my browsing sessions, I found everything from classic movies to niche documentaries readily available. The caveat is advertising. Autoplay promos and banner ads intrude during navigation more than I’d prefer, though the frequency has decreased compared to earlier Fire TV versions. If you value a cleaner home screen experience, Apple TV or Google TV platforms feel less cluttered.

The Fire TV mobile app turns your phone into a full-featured companion for the 100U65QF, and it quickly became my go-to for day-to-day control. It doubles as a remote with playback buttons and a real keyboard for fast text entry, so signing into apps and searching feels far less tedious than hunting with the physical remote. The app also supports voice search from your phone, and it can cast Prime Video and other supported content to the TV or trigger screen mirroring when needed, which made sharing clips from my phone trivial during testing. You can browse and open apps on the TV directly from the app, which speeds up setup and lets you push content to the 100U65QF without touching the physical remote. If you lose the included remote or want private listening through headphones, the app handles that too, making the overall Fire TV experience feel more polished and complete.

Compared to rival smart platforms, Fire TV strikes a middle ground between Google TV’s cleaner interface and Samsung’s Tizen with its deeper hardware integration. Where Google TV feels more polished but less connected to smart home ecosystems, and Tizen offers Samsung-specific optimizations but limited voice control, Fire TV provides the broadest app selection with genuinely useful Alexa integration that extends throughout your home.

Bottom line. Fire TV on the 100U65QF feels complete, fast enough, and genuinely helpful once you lean on voice, profiles, and the Smart Home Dashboard. The platform won me over with breadth of apps, capable search, and a surprisingly artful idle mode. Keep in mind that ads are part of the deal, and plan your settings accordingly.

Sustainability

Hisense highlights several environmental moves around its ULED lines, most notably ambient-aware picture modes that lower peak output when a room is dim and broader corporate targets to increase recyclable packaging. Hisense Europe, for example, has publicly committed to moving product packaging to fully recyclable materials and reports progress on recycled content and waste-reduction programs.

At the product level, the 100U65QF includes scene-adaptive brightness features that dial back peak output in darker rooms, and the included voice remote uses replaceable batteries rather than a sealed cell. These small details extend usable life and reduce waste. The company also delivers firmware and feature updates over Wi-Fi, and the Fire TV platform leans on cloud services for some AI and gaming features, which can reduce the need for more powerful on-board silicon for every device.

Manufacturing Scale and Market Context

Hisense leverages its position as the world’s fourth-largest television manufacturer with comprehensive vertical integration advantages.

The company operates extensive manufacturing facilities from its Qingdao headquarters, enabling quality control throughout production while maintaining cost efficiencies through scale. This manufacturing footprint allows Hisense to offer genuine Mini-LED technology at pricing points that would be impossible for smaller manufacturers operating through contract assembly. The company commands nearly 40% market share in the 87-inch and larger segment domestically, demonstrating serious commitment to large-format displays rather than treating them as niche products. The 100U65QF benefits from Hisense’s broader momentum, including significant growth in the premium television segment during 2024 and global leadership in displays exceeding 100 inches.

Build quality shows throughout daily use. The enormous screen surface maintains consistent brightness and color across every inch, something that becomes obvious when you’re sitting close enough to notice variations. During extended gaming sessions, the TV runs completely silent with no fan noise or heat issues that plague some large displays. Hisense’s ULED system feels purposeful rather than marketing fluff – the Mini-LED backlighting and quantum dots work together in ways you can actually see. This manufacturing scale lets Hisense price aggressively while competitors struggle to match both features and cost at this size.

Value and Buying Considerations

Amazon’s current pricing at $1,899.99 (reduced from $2,599.99 MSRP) positions the 100U65QF as a genuine market disruptor rather than budget alternative. The competitive landscape reveals the 100U65QF’s exceptional value proposition clearly: TCL’s 98-inch QM6K QLED costs $1,999 for a slightly smaller display with anti-glare coating, while Samsung’s 98-inch Q80C QLED ranges from $2,350-4,500 depending on retailer with premium brand positioning that demands higher costs.

Only one major brand offers Mini-LED technology at 100 inches with native Fire TV OS integration. The 100U65QF occupies this unique market position entirely alone. Amazon ecosystem users seeking premium display technology can now bypass traditional premium pricing barriers. Best Buy financing at $87.50 monthly makes this investment accessible for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize screen size and feature density over brand prestige.

Customer satisfaction metrics reinforce the value proposition consistently. Best Buy customers rate the television 4.7/5 stars, with users consistently praising the immersive experience. Representative feedback includes: “The size of the TV is mind-blowing: it’s not just a screen, it’s a full-on wall of entertainment that transforms how I experience movies and sports.” Gaming enthusiasts highlight the 144Hz refresh rate and Game Mode Pro creating “smooth, ultra-responsive experiences” that rival dedicated gaming displays.

However, honest assessment requires acknowledging limitations alongside strengths. Motion handling shows blur at maximum refresh rates, while HDR tone mapping issues affect color accuracy compared to premium alternatives.

For families considering large-screen television upgrades in 2025, the Hisense 100U65QF Fire TV MiniLED represents democratized access to premium display technology. This television succeeds in making 100-inch Mini-LED displays accessible at historically mid-range pricing while establishing a unique position in the Fire TV ecosystem. The market landscape shifted permanently with this launch: every competing manufacturer must justify premium pricing against the U6QF’s comprehensive feature set and performance capabilities.

The post Hisense 100U65QF Review: The Fire TV Experience Scaled to 100 Inches first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Travel-Friendly Tiny Home Ditched The Loft & Changed Everything

Matt Troyer never planned to revolutionize tiny living, but his latest creation is getting serious attention from people tired of massive mortgages and cramped apartments. The Overnighter, built by his Tennessee company Nordic and Spruce, isn’t your typical tiny home on wheels.

Troyer was working in construction when the pandemic hit in 2020. Instead of waiting things out, he decided to build something different. His tiny homes aren’t just about downsizing—they’re about what he calls “space to rest.” It sounds simple, but when you see The Overnighter, you’ll understand. This isn’t about cramming your life into a shoebox. It’s about living better with less.

Designer: Nordic and Spruce

No Loft? No Problem

Here’s where The Overnighter breaks the mold. Most tiny homes are built with a loft, which is great if you’re 25 and flexible. But try climbing up there when you’re 50, or dealing with summer heat trapped near the ceiling. Troyer ditched the loft completely in this 18-foot model. Everything happens on ground level, which means you can actually live in the thing long-term.

The whole space flows together—bedroom, living area, kitchen. Only the bathroom gets its own walls. Those massive windows everyone’s talking about? They’re not just for show. When you’re parked somewhere beautiful, it feels like you’re camping, but with actual plumbing.

Smart Design That Actually Works

The bed sits right under a big window, so you wake up to whatever view you parked next to the night before. There’s a wooden bench that doubles as seating and storage, tucked between the kitchen and sleeping area. The kitchen keeps things simple—sink, stove, and cabinets that you can customize depending on whether you’re a gourmet cook or someone who lives on coffee and cereal. What’s clever is how nothing feels wasted. Every corner, every cabinet, every inch has a job to do.

Plenty of people are buying these not just to live in, but as rental properties ǔe202turn0search0. Think glamping, but more comfortable. Park one of these on some land with a good view, and city folks will pay decent money to unplug for a weekend. For someone just starting in the hospitality business, it’s a lot easier than building a cabin.

Built Right

Nordic and Spruce have all the right certifications—ANSI and Noah—which matters when you’re dealing with something that has to be roadworthy and liveable. They’re even partnering with tiny home communities where residents get discounts on models like The Overnighter.

Housing costs are nuts right now. For a lot of people, traditional homeownership is off the table. The Overnighter offers something different—not just cheaper housing, but a completely different way of thinking about home. You’re not tied to one spot, one job, or one massive monthly payment. It’s designed for people who’d rather spend money on experiences than on mortgage interest. In a world that keeps getting more complicated, sometimes the answer is surprisingly simple.

The post This Travel-Friendly Tiny Home Ditched The Loft & Changed Everything first appeared on Yanko Design.

Butter Yellow Bose SoundLink Plus packaging turns a speaker into a kitchen staple

Bose’s latest portable speaker isn’t just a tech gadget; it arrives in a package that looks like a stick of butter. The design, created by the creative agency Coffee ‘n Clothes (CNC), wraps the SoundLink Plus in a soft cream‑colored foil with blue gradient accents that mimic the familiar butter wrapper you’d find in a kitchen pantry. The concept was unveiled alongside the speaker’s new “Citrus Yellow” colorway, a shade that has become one of 2025’s hottest trends in fashion and tech.

The idea behind the buttery packaging is simple yet clever: use the rectangular shape of the SoundLink Plus to resemble a block of butter, then dress it in a foil sleeve and a minimal paper band. The result feels both premium and playful, turning an ordinary unboxing into a moment of surprise and delight. CNC’s team described the kit as a “seed” for influencers, meant to spark social media buzz while reinforcing Bose’s sleek aesthetic.

Designer Name: Coffee ‘n Clothes (CNC)

Color psychology plays a key role in the design. “Butter yellow” conveys warmth, optimism, and a sense of comfort that contrasts with the typically sterile look of electronic accessories. By adopting this hue, Bose taps into a broader cultural shift toward softer, more approachable aesthetics in consumer electronics. Trend analysts note that the move reflects a growing preference for products that feel familiar and inviting, especially among younger shoppers who value experiential branding.

Beyond visual appeal, the packaging serves a strategic marketing purpose. Influencer kits that double as collectible items generate organic reach on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where users love to showcase quirky, eye‑catching unboxings. The Instagram post from CNC’s official account highlights the “smooth as butter” details and encourages creators to share their own takes on the design. This approach aligns with the rise of “food‑themed” product designs that leverage nostalgia to deepen emotional connections with consumers.

The butter‑themed box also underscores Bose’s commitment to sustainability. While the outer foil is recyclable, the inner paper sleeve is made from responsibly sourced material, reducing plastic waste compared to traditional speaker packaging. This eco‑friendly angle resonates with environmentally conscious buyers, especially women and collectors who often prioritize sustainable choices in their purchases.

By turning a functional item into a conversation piece, Bose differentiates itself from rivals that rely solely on technical specifications. The design’s blend of humor, trend awareness, and brand consistency demonstrates how packaging can become a powerful extension of product storytelling. Overall, the butter‑yellow SoundLink Plus packaging is more than a novelty; it reflects a strategic blend of color trends, influencer marketing, and sustainable design. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a design collector, or simply someone who enjoys a touch of whimsy in everyday objects, the buttery wrapper invites you to experience high‑quality sound with a smile.

The post Butter Yellow Bose SoundLink Plus packaging turns a speaker into a kitchen staple first appeared on Yanko Design.

This LEGO Tarantula is so realistic, it’s a Must-Have for your Halloween Decor

As the calendar flips closer to Halloween, the usual suspects in home decor start to appear: plastic skeletons, cotton-ball cobwebs, and oversized inflatable pumpkins. For those of us who like to build our own decorations, the season often means turning to official LEGO sets like the haunted house or various spooky BrickHeadz. These are fun, to be sure, but the really interesting stuff often comes from the fan community, where builders are free to create whatever horrors, or in this case, arachnids, they can imagine. One such project is a brilliant and frankly unsettlingly realistic tarantula model that’s been making waves online.

What we’re looking at is a custom creation submitted to the LEGO Ideas platform by a builder known as Realestateagent. LEGO Ideas, for the uninitiated, is the company’s official crowdsourcing site where fan designs can be voted on; if a project gets 10,000 supporters, it enters a review phase where it could become an actual retail set. This particular tarantula stands out immediately for its lifelike posture and texture, achieving a look that feels far more organic than you’d expect from a pile of hard plastic bricks. It’s a build that perfectly captures the creepy-crawly spirit of the season, and it does so with a level of design ingenuity that deserves a closer look.

Designer: Realestateagent

The real masterstroke here is the parts usage, a concept LEGO fans call “NPU” or Nice Part Usage. The builder has used the common brown bush or plant piece to simulate the fine, bristly hairs, known as setae, that cover a tarantula’s legs. This is an inspired choice. The piece itself has a spiky, multi-pronged shape that, when layered repeatedly along the legs, creates a fuzzy, almost bristly texture that perfectly mimics the real thing (there’s a close-up image below). It’s a clever, outside-the-box application of an existing element that elevates the entire model from a simple representation to a detailed sculpture. This is the kind of creative problem-solving that defines the best custom LEGO builds.

Beyond the clever aesthetic, the model is also a neat bit of engineering. Composed of around 410 pieces, the tarantula is fully poseable. Making a spindly, eight-legged creature that doesn’t immediately collapse under its own weight is a real design challenge, requiring strong joints and a balanced center of gravity. According to the creator, the inspiration struck when they saw the brown bush pieces on a Pick-a-Brick wall at a LEGO store, and the project grew from there. The body uses a mix of curved slopes and tiles to create a more rounded, organic shape, with varied coloring that adds visual depth and realism.

Newly submitted to the LEGO Ideas forum, this LEGO Tarantula is currently looking for votes from the broader LEGO community so that it gets turned into a real, buyable box set. If you’d love to see that happen, give this MOC (My Own Creation) your vote on the LEGO Ideas website! However, the process from vote to retail set is often longer than one would expect, so if you’re in a bit of a rush to get your halloween decor in order for the year, there’s a PDF file on the Rebrickable website with detailed instructions.

The post This LEGO Tarantula is so realistic, it’s a Must-Have for your Halloween Decor first appeared on Yanko Design.

“Empathy is The Only Secret Ingredient”: Why Luca Nichetto Thinks Pretty Design Isn’t Enough

Yanko Design’s new podcast, Design Mindset, is fast becoming a Friday ritual for design enthusiasts around the world. With a mission to uncover the principles and personalities that shape our built environment, the show doesn’t just scratch the surface. Each episode peels back the layers of the design process, revealing the values, dilemmas, and cultural forces that drive the world’s most influential designers. Whether you’re a student, practitioner, or simply a fan of thoughtful innovation, Design Mindset offers insight that goes beyond the glossy final product.

For its latest episode, the podcast welcomes Luca Nichetto, one of Italy’s most celebrated contemporary designers. Born on the glassmaking island of Murano and now leading Nichetto Studio between Venice and Stockholm, Luca has become synonymous with a rare blend of poetic craft and Scandinavian rigor. His work, ranging from traditional Murano glass to global furniture icons, has been exhibited and produced worldwide, but what truly sets him apart is his relentless focus on empathy. This conversation reveals how Nichetto’s roots, experiences, and worldview have shaped a philosophy that places people, not just objects, at the heart of design.

Empathy: The Invisible Force Shaping Meaningful Design

For Luca Nichetto, empathy isn’t a marketing buzzword or a step in the design-thinking playbook. It’s the “only secret ingredient” that brings meaning to objects and unites the many hands involved in making them. As he shares, “Empathy is not just nice to have in design, it’s everything. The only secret ingredient that you can put in the project that you are doing, and if there is also fun and there is a passion, you bring people together with you to be able to create something that makes sense.” His belief is that objects lacking empathy are reduced to mere function – beautiful perhaps, but ultimately empty.

Nichetto’s approach to empathy extends beyond the user to include every collaborator in the process. He sees every project as the formation of a small, temporary community – suppliers, artisans, clients, and the eventual users. “Every time that we are designing something, we are not only designing an object, we are also able to create a little community. Most important, we are also able to create jobs,” he explains, highlighting design’s social impact. For Nichetto, empathy is the glue that aligns everyone’s efforts, creating both purpose and pride in the finished product.

From Murano to the World: Lessons in Craft, Communication, and Adaptation

Growing up in Murano, Nichetto was immersed in a culture where craft is both tradition and innovation. His grandfather was a glassblower, his mother decorated glass, and Nichetto himself began selling drawings to local factories while still a teenager. This early exposure was less about the romance of glass and more about learning the “language” of making – the necessity of trust, the need for fast, clear communication, and the humility to listen to those shaping your ideas with their hands. “Being clear, quick, and considerate enables translating vision into craft without arrogance,” he says.

Murano also taught him about the speed and risk inherent in glasswork – where a missed moment can ruin hours of effort, and feedback is immediate. This environment forced Nichetto to develop a design process that’s both decisive and deeply respectful of the craftsperson’s expertise. These lessons, he notes, have stayed with him no matter the material, medium, or scale of the project. For Nichetto, design is always a dialogue – a process of constant negotiation between vision and reality, head and hands.

Bridging Two Worlds: When Italian Storytelling Meets Scandinavian Clarity

Nichetto’s journey eventually took him from the intimacy of Venetian craft to the structured world of Scandinavian design. After moving to Sweden about 15 years ago, he faced what he calls a “crisis of identity.” Initially, the homogeneity and efficiency of Scandinavian design felt at odds with his Italian roots. “Scandinavian design prioritizes function, sustainability, recyclability, and product lifecycle, leading to homogeneity,” he observes. However, rather than abandoning his heritage, Nichetto found new strength in embracing both traditions.

He now describes his practice as a fusion of “functional rigor and storytelling.” Objects, in his view, should be both useful and full of character. “Objects must be functional and have strong character (not merely form) to build relationships with users; otherwise, no reason to design ‘another chair,’” he argues. This synthesis allows him to create pieces that resonate emotionally while meeting the demands of modern life. He resists fleeting trends and globalized sameness, drawing instead on personal memories, client stories, and cultural references, even Japanese cartoons from his childhood, to give each project its own identity.

Navigating Cultures: Empathy as a Tool for International Collaboration

Operating studios in both Italy and Sweden and working with clients as far afield as China and the US, Nichetto has developed a keen awareness of how culture shapes design. Each context brings its own expectations and norms. In China, for instance, he encountered a kind of deference that led teams to follow his instructions too literally, leaving little room for creative initiative. “I was so frustrated of that. I was almost screaming, you know, why are you not trying?” he recalls. Over time, he realized this behavior was rooted in deep respect rather than passivity. “What I learned is you need to understand the culture you are working in, to adapt your communication and expectations accordingly,” Nichetto says.

In contrast, Italian collaborators often assert their own vision, requiring him to adopt a different approach – sometimes persuading, sometimes yielding, but always listening. For Nichetto, true empathy means adjusting not only your design but also your process and your leadership style to fit the people you’re working with. This flexibility is, he believes, a prerequisite for authentic design that honors both local craft and global collaboration.

From Decoration to Problem-Solving: Redefining the Value of Design

Nichetto is adamant that an object’s beauty is meaningless if it doesn’t address a real need. “Beautiful objects are useless if they don’t solve real human problems. Empathy means understanding actual needs beyond stated wants; honoring humans strengthens aesthetics,” he insists. For him, the designer’s job is not to create eye candy or win awards, but to improve lives in tangible ways.

He describes design as a mission – a way to inspire future generations and create a legacy of thoughtful, impactful work. “I prefer work that evokes love or hate (‘black and white’) over pleasing everyone. I seek long-term inspirational legacy over short-term awards or ego boosts,” Nichetto explains. This philosophy is evident in his refusal to chase trends or dilute his vision to appeal to everyone. Instead, he strives to create objects that will matter decades from now, not just look good in this year’s catalog.

Orchestrating Complexity: The Designer as Director and Problem-Solver

Nichetto likens the role of the designer to that of an orchestra conductor, balancing an array of sometimes competing interests – sales, warehousing, customer behavior, craft, packaging, and price. He’s not afraid to challenge a client’s brief if it misses the real problem, and he’s committed to nudging every project forward, even if progress is incremental. “Designer as orchestra director balancing sales, warehouse, customer behavior, craft, packaging, price. Identifies real problems versus client’s brief and pushes improvements, even ‘one millimeter’ forward,” he says.

This orchestration requires empathy not only for the end user but for everyone involved in the journey from idea to object. Nichetto frames even difficult negotiations and compromises as opportunities for learning and growth, advocating for solutions that serve both human needs and business realities. In his view, design’s true value lies in its ability to bridge gaps – between people, between cultures, and between the present and the future.

The Lasting Message: Make Things That Matter

As the episode wraps up, Nichetto distills his philosophy into a single, actionable takeaway: “Before you worry about how something looks, understand who will use it, how they’ll feel when they interact with it, and what problem is it actually solving in their life. That’s the difference between decoration and design.” It’s a call for designers to focus less on aesthetics and more on meaning; less on trends and more on lasting impact.

For those eager to follow his work, Nichetto points listeners to NiketoStudio.com and his Instagram, with a new studio website launching soon. His career stands as a reminder that great design is not just about making things pretty – it’s about making them matter, for everyone involved.

Design Mindset continues to deliver these in-depth, thoughtful conversations every Friday, only on Yanko Design. Whether you’re designing, commissioning, or simply appreciating, Nichetto’s story is proof that empathy is the secret ingredient the world needs most.

The post “Empathy is The Only Secret Ingredient”: Why Luca Nichetto Thinks Pretty Design Isn’t Enough first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lotus Clock is a Minimalist Timekeeping Concept with a Space-Saving Twist

Modern living spaces increasingly demand objects that serve multiple purposes without compromising on aesthetics or taking up precious real estate. Wall clocks, despite being essential, often feel purely decorative in an age where smartphones tell time, leaving many wondering how these classic fixtures can earn their place in contemporary homes.

What makes the Lotus Clock concept particularly compelling is how it addresses this challenge by transforming a traditional wall clock into something genuinely useful for daily routines. Inspired by the lotus leaf’s natural ability to collect and hold raindrops, this design adds a curved tray beneath the clock face, creating a thoughtful catchall for keys and small essentials.

Designer: Pascal Grangier

The inspiration from nature feels both poetic and practical here. Just as lotus leaves gather water with their gentle curves, the clock’s tray provides a natural resting place for the small items that tend to scatter around our homes. This biomimetic approach transforms what could have been a simple storage addition into something that feels intentional and meaningful.

Of course, the execution maintains the minimalist aesthetic that makes wall clocks timeless. The wooden frame features soft, rounded corners that feel approachable rather than stark, while the clean white face keeps time-reading effortless. The broad, flat hands coordinate with the tray’s finish, creating visual harmony between the clock’s two functions.

The curved metal tray sits perfectly beneath the clock face, sized to hold a set of keys, loose change, or other daily carry items without overwhelming the design. You can choose between subtle colorways like soft gold or gentle green, allowing the piece to complement different interior styles while maintaining its understated presence.

That said, the real genius lies in how this concept addresses everyday frustrations. The tray provides a designated spot for items you need when leaving home, eliminating the frantic search for keys that happens far too often. The placement at eye level near entryways makes both the time and your essentials immediately visible.

The mounting system appears straightforward, with keyhole slots on the back that suggest easy installation without complicated hardware. You’ll notice how the proportions remain balanced despite the added functionality, keeping the overall profile slim enough for smaller spaces while providing enough storage to be genuinely useful.

This concept represents a thoughtful evolution of the wall clock, proving that familiar objects can be reimagined without losing their essential character. The Lotus Clock maintains everything we expect from good timekeeping design while adding genuine utility that modern life demands.

You might find yourself reconsidering other everyday objects after seeing how elegantly the Lotus Clock solves multiple problems at once. The concept shows how a simple curved tray can transform a wall clock from decoration into something genuinely useful for daily routines. This kind of thoughtful design makes you wonder what other familiar objects could benefit from a similar rethinking.

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USM Haller Re-framed revives classic modular system

The USM Haller system, launched in the late 1960s, is celebrated for its chrome‑plated steel frame and ball‑connector that lets shelves, desks and storage units be re‑configured at will . For the 2025 Designers’ Saturday biennale in Oslo, the theme “Repurpose” inspired a group of ten Norwegian designers to reinterpret the system using reclaimed and self‑sourced materials.

Martin A. Andersen, founder of Studio M3, began the project by rescuing a batch of old USM filing cabinets from the former Kreditkassen headquarters. The sturdy frames were still functional, providing a ready‑made skeleton for new ideas . Andersen’s own contribution consists of two benches wrapped in reclaimed timber, climbing rope woven into a macramé back, tall grass inserts and a transparent balloon pump that adds a light, playful accent.

Designer: Studio M3

Bård Arnesen took a different route, covering his re‑imagined Haller piece with large tapestry blankets. Rather than cutting or stapling the fabric, he left the blankets whole so they can be reused as wall hangings after the exhibition. Kjetil Smedal transformed a standard Haller unit into a functional record player. He applied a fibreglass shell over the frame and incorporated mass‑timber panels to create a resonant acoustic enclosure, turning the modular furniture into a retro‑style audio device.

Lloyd Winter’s entry looks as if it has been abandoned for years. Weathered paint, rusted bolts and a patina of dust give the piece a deliberately aged appearance, prompting viewers to consider the life cycle of objects and the beauty of decay. Josefin Johansson contributed a sleek bench that combines the classic USM geometry with a mix of reclaimed oak slats and soft upholstery, offering a comfortable seating option that still respects the system’s clean lines.

The exhibition also featured work by Bjarte Sandal, Hunting & Narud, Mic Poy, Marianne Skarbøvik, Stian Korntved Ruud and others, each employing materials such as surplus acrylic tiles, reclaimed metal, and even repurposed office furniture components. All eleven pieces served as audience seating during the talks programme, demonstrating how modular design can be both functional and expressive.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the project highlights a broader shift in contemporary design toward circularity. By reusing the original steel frames and pairing them with locally sourced or salvaged materials, the designers reduce waste while showcasing the adaptability of a system that was originally intended for corporate offices. The modular nature of USM Haller makes it an ideal platform for such experiments; components can be detached, re‑assembled and combined with new surfaces without compromising structural integrity.

Visitors praised the diversity of approaches, noting that the exhibition offered “inspiration” and “playful solutions” that could be applied in everyday interiors . The success of USM Haller Re‑framed suggests that classic mid‑century systems still have relevance today, especially when designers embrace up‑cycling and local craftsmanship. As sustainability becomes a central concern for consumers and manufacturers alike, projects like this may encourage more brands to open their archives for reinterpretation, turning legacy products into fresh, environmentally conscious statements.

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