Sep
15

By

AirPods Pro 3 Review: Almost Perfect with Audiophile Sound, Live Translation and Heart‑Rate Monitoring

Category: YankoDesign

PROS:


Audiophile Sound Quality – Multi-port architecture delivers sound rivaling $2,000+ headphones with spatial audio that transforms music listening

Real-Time Translation – Accurate, hands-free communication across language barriers that works in real-world conversations

Medical-Grade Health Monitoring – Heart rate accuracy matching dedicated fitness equipment while eliminating additional devices

Perfect Ergonomic Fit – Most comfortable earbuds ever made with 10+ hour wearability and five tip size options

All-Day Battery Life – Extended power supports advanced features throughout typical usage without compromise

CONS:


Limited Language Support: Live Translation on AirPods Pro 3 currently works only in English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish.

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR’S QUOTE:

AirPods Pro 3 is the first product in two decades to deserve a near‑perfect score. It combines audiophile sound, hearing‑aid support, live translation and a heart‑rate sensor; no other earbuds match that level of integration.

I’ve reviewed tech products for 20+ years. Most promise transformative breakthroughs but deliver minor improvements wrapped in marketing hyperbole. The wireless earbud market exemplifies this perfectly – every brand fights over 10-minute battery differences while ignoring fundamental flaws that make these devices frustrating to use daily.

Designer: Apple

The AirPods Pro 3 solve real-world problems by converging multiple advanced technologies into a single, seamless package. Apple engineered FDA-cleared hearing aids, real-time translation across five languages (with four more coming later this year), heart rate monitoring, and acoustic performance that rivals $2,000+ audiophile headphones into earbuds costing $249. This represents the first product in two decades of tech reviews that earns a near-perfect score – not because of incremental improvements, but because Apple fundamentally redefined what’s possible with personal audio technology. After extensive testing against everything from my $2,000 custom Breggz Zohn-1 earbuds to premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Pro 3 delivers something genuinely transformative.

Design & Ergonomics

Apple completely redesigned these earbuds based on 10,000 ear scans and 300 million anatomical data points. The internal architecture was completely re-engineered to make each AirPod smaller, while the external geometry of the ear tip was aligned to the center of the body for increased stability. The new foam-infused ear tips now come in five sizes including a new XXS option, ensuring proper fit for virtually everyone. The earbuds create an immediate seal and stay secure during intense workouts, while the upgraded IP57 sweat and water resistance provides significantly better protection against tough workouts and unpredictable weather compared to the previous generation.

The familiar stem design remains, but everything inside represents a complete engineering overhaul. The multi-port acoustic architecture required repositioning drivers closer to your ear canal while maintaining the comfortable weight distribution that makes extended wear possible. This thoughtful balance eliminates the ear fatigue that plagued previous generations, making these genuinely comfortable for 10+ hour sessions.

During my recent SF-Dallas flight, I wore these for nearly 4 hours straight without the discomfort that typically forces me to remove earbuds after 2-3 hours. What strikes me most about the physical design is how Apple achieved dramatically improved performance without sacrificing the familiar form factor that makes AirPods instantly recognizable and socially acceptable in professional environments. The custom-molded feel rivals my Breggz Zohn-1’s personalized fit while offering the convenience of immediate use without scanning and manufacturing delays.

The charging case maintains Apple’s familiar design language while adding practical improvements. It supports wireless charging through Qi, Apple Watch chargers, and USB-C for maximum flexibility. The new U2 chip improves Find My precision by extending ultra-wideband range up to three times compared with the U1 chip in previous models – a godsend for anyone who’s spent twenty minutes searching couch cushions for misplaced earbuds. What I love and will continue to love is how perfectly the case fits in the coin pocket of my jeans – making these the ultimate everyday carry device that’s always within reach. Putting the case into pairing mode is as simple as tapping the front a few times – gone are the buttons, similar to the AirPods 4’s elegant approach. The magnetic closure feels more precise than previous generations, with a satisfying click that ensures the earbuds seat properly for consistent charging.

Performance

The multi-port acoustic architecture delivers Apple’s most significant audio engineering advancement, controlling airflow with surgical precision to create spatial audio that embarrasses over-ear headphones costing 8 times more. Adaptive EQ analyzes your specific ear geometry and adjusts frequency response in real-time for your unique anatomy.

I tested these extensively against reference monitors and high-end audiophile equipment, including my JH Audio JH16 reference monitors and $2,000 custom Breggz Zohn-1 earbuds. The AirPods Pro 3 consistently delivered superior detail retrieval and soundstage width that rivals custom-fitted solutions while eliminating the touch control reliability issues that plague premium alternatives.

The Weeknd’s synthwave anthem “Blinding Lights” highlights the precision of Apple’s multi-port architecture. The analog-inspired synths expand with warmth and dimension, while the driving bassline propels the track forward without smearing the crisp percussion. The AirPods Pro 3 preserve the retro textures yet layer in modern clarity, keeping the mix spacious and detailed where lesser earbuds collapse into flat digital noise.

Dua Lipa’s “Physical” pushes the earbuds with its high-octane disco-pop layers and soaring vocals. The driving bassline lands with precision, never swallowing the stacked harmonies or the crisp synth accents. Each instrument and beat holds its own position in the mix, creating an enveloping club-like atmosphere that feels larger than the earbuds themselves.

Billie Eilish’s “bad guy” tests dynamic range through its stark, minimalist framework. Those signature bass drops pack real punch while the breathy whispers and mouth sounds remain crystal clear. The AirPods Pro 3 navigate the song’s extremes – quiet vulnerability to thunderous low-end – without the compression that flattens most earbuds. Every subtle detail survives intact.

Travis Scott’s “SICKO MODE” is a three-part epic with beat switches that keep audiences guessing. The track glides from airy introductions into hard-hitting 808s and swirling trap drums, with Scott and Drake trading auto-tuned hooks over dense atmospherics. On cheaper earbuds, those abrupt transitions can smear together, but the AirPods Pro 3 keep the swirling pads, booming low end and sharp hi-hats in their own lanes, letting each section breathe. In my tests, the earbuds navigated every switch without losing clarity or balance, which makes this complex production sound effortless.

Active noise cancellation represents a quantum leap forward – 2x better than AirPods Pro 2 and 4x better than the original. Apple demonstrated this across multiple challenging environments during controlled demos: the constant drone of airplane cabins, the clatter and conversation of busy restaurants, and the persistent hum of office HVAC systems. During extensive testing across these challenging real-world environments, these earbuds eliminated distracting background noise while preserving spatial awareness needed for productivity.

The airplane cabin performance proves most impressive – that relentless low-frequency drone that makes cross-country flights miserable disappears completely during 4-hour flights. The AirPods Pro 3 cut through the complex mix of engine noise, air circulation systems, and passenger conversations that typically make in-flight entertainment nearly impossible to enjoy at reasonable volumes. Restaurant chatter becomes barely audible whispers even in crowded spaces with multiple conversations. Office HVAC systems go silent while preserving the audio detail needed for conference calls and music playback.

The foam-infused ear tips provide exceptional passive isolation that works synergistically with the active system. Live Translation captures speech from multiple conversation participants, processes everything locally on your iPhone using Apple Intelligence, and plays translated audio directly in your ears while adaptive noise cancellation intelligently lowers the original speaker’s volume to help you focus on the translation. The advanced computational audio pipeline cleans up incoming speech before routing it through custom on-device models, creating remarkably natural conversational flow even with ambient noise present.

I haven’t put Live Translation through its paces yet, but I will soon. In fact, I’m heading to Paris in a couple of days, and I’m looking forward to seeing how well this feature works when ordering coffee or navigating metro stations. Apple says the beta currently supports English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, with Italian, Japanese, Korean and simplified Chinese slated for later this year. The feature processes everything locally on your iPhone and displays on-screen text if the other person lacks AirPods, making it practical for real-world interactions. Worth noting: Apple’s feature-availability page warns that Live Translation is disabled if you are physically in the European Union and your Apple Account region is also in the EU. I’ll report back once I’ve tried it in the real world.

Apple integrated their smallest heart rate sensor using photoplethysmography technology that pulses infrared light 256 times per second through your ear canal. The algorithms draw from over 50 million hours of activity data from Apple’s Heart & Movement Study, building on a decade of Apple Watch development compressed into a single year of engineering.

While I don’t work out much, I’m traveling to Paris for work in a couple of days, which gives me the perfect opportunity to put the new Workout experience in the Fitness app to the test through extensive city walking. The sensor provides convenient heart rate data, though it’s best viewed as a backup to dedicated monitors since Apple’s software defaults to Apple Watch data when available because ear-based readings can be inconsistent due to fit variations. I’ll report back on how well the heart rate tracking performs during extended walking sessions around the city.

The convenience of integrated audio and health tracking without additional devices makes this a valuable supplement rather than a replacement for serious fitness monitoring.

Workout Buddy leverages Apple Intelligence to provide personalized coaching based on your fitness history and current session performance – I’m curious to see how this works during my Paris walking sessions. The automatic conversation boost feature addresses a daily struggle that’s deeply personal to me. Having mild hearing loss myself, I’ve loaded my own hearing profile into the system, and this feature dynamically amplifies speech frequencies while suppressing background noise without any manual intervention. This represents a truly game-changing advancement for anyone dealing with hearing challenges in noisy environments – the seamless, automatic nature means you’re not constantly fumbling with controls or drawing attention to your hearing needs.

Beyond the headline features, Apple integrated several intelligent audio enhancements that work seamlessly in the background. Conversation Awareness automatically lowers your music when it detects speech around you – perfect for those moments when someone needs your attention without you fumbling for controls. Voice Isolation cleans up phone calls by filtering out ambient noise, ensuring crystal-clear communication even in crowded spaces.

Personalized Volume adapts playback levels based on your environment and listening habits, while Loud Sound Reduction protects your hearing from sudden volume spikes. The comprehensive Hearing Health suite includes both a built-in hearing test and active hearing protection alongside the conversation boost features. There’s even a practical touch: a single press of the stem can trigger your iPhone camera remotely, eliminating the need for timer delays during photo sessions.

The 10-hour battery life in Transparency mode ensures all-day hearing support without power anxiety. Music playback with active noise cancellation provides up to 8 hours of continuous use – a 33% improvement over the previous generation.

Sustainability

Apple uses 100% fiber-based packaging made from recycled or responsibly-sourced paper fibers, with the smaller box design enabling 25% more units to ship per trip. The earbuds incorporate 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnetic components, while the charging case uses 65% recycled plastic.

About 40% of the electricity used to manufacture AirPods Pro 3 comes from renewable energy projects, with Apple offsetting remaining emissions through corporate-level environmental programs. While Apple’s trade-in program doesn’t currently offer credit for old AirPods, the company provides free recycling for all AirPods generations, reducing the environmental impact of upgrading to new technology.

The modular approach to internal components means future repairs and battery replacements become more feasible compared to fully-integrated designs. While not reaching the complete modularity of products like the Breggz Zohn-1 with its replaceable “pebble” system, Apple has made meaningful progress in extending product lifespan through improved repairability and material recovery programs.

Value & Wrap-Up

At $249, the AirPods Pro 3 consolidates functionality that would typically require multiple specialized devices costing dramatically more. Premium wireless earbuds like my custom Breggz Zohn-1 cost $2,000+ while providing inferior integration despite superior fit customization.

Consider the math: hearing aids start at $1,000+ for basic models, fitness trackers with accurate heart rate monitoring cost $200+, and translation devices cost $300+ while offering inferior accuracy and usability. Purchasing these capabilities separately would exceed $3,000 while providing inferior integration and functionality.

Each feature enhances the others rather than simply coexisting. Perfect fit enables accurate biometric monitoring, advanced microphone arrays make translation functionality possible, and extended battery life supports all-day hearing assistance without interruption. The multi-port acoustic architecture enables both audiophile sound quality and precise voice isolation for translation accuracy.

Most impressively, every advanced feature works as promised without the compromises that typically plague multi-function devices. Translation technology handles complex real-world conversations with remarkable precision, and hearing assistance operates transparently without artificial processing artifacts. Audio quality rivals dedicated audiophile equipment costing 10 times more.

For anyone still using previous-generation wireless earbuds, the upgrade path is clear. The combination of perfect fit, exceptional audio, hands-free translation, and precise health monitoring creates possibilities that extend far beyond traditional earbuds into genuine life enhancement territory.

The post AirPods Pro 3 Review: Almost Perfect with Audiophile Sound, Live Translation and Heart‑Rate Monitoring first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sep
15

By

Pecadora’s Simple but Elegant Bent Plywood MT Chair

Category: Core77

This MT Chair is by Spain-based industrial designers Rafa Peris and David Guilmain, collectively known as Pecadora.

It’s made from just two sheets of plywood; there is no hardware. It can support 200kg (440 lbs) in weight.

The pair don’t mention how the chair was assembled, though they do say its production involves a 5-axis CNC. I assume that’s to trim the edges of the chair into final shape after the two sheets, which surely started out a lot larger, are adhered to one another.

The MT Chair appears to be a statement piece and does not appear to be in production.

Sep
15

By

5 Best EDC Designs Of September 2025

Category: YankoDesign

Everyday carry has grown beyond basic functionality into something closer to personal expression. September 2025 brings us designs that feel more like small works of art than simple tools. These pieces show how makers are rethinking what belongs in our pockets, blending traditional craftsmanship with fresh ideas that make familiar objects feel completely new.

The month delivers designs that challenge expectations about pocket tools. From mechanisms that utilize gravity to ancient metalworking techniques given modern updates, each piece offers something unique. These aren’t just tools that happen to look good. They’re carefully considered objects that make daily tasks more enjoyable while proving that functional doesn’t have to mean boring.

1. Split Handle Damascus Knife

This remarkable knife transforms the simple act of opening a blade into a mesmerizing mechanical ballet. The split-handle design creates one of the most captivating deployment mechanisms ever conceived, where the handle literally disassembles before reassembling into an open knife. The clever linkage system allows the handle to morph between an ergonomic grip when deployed and a protective sheath when closed, creating a piece that functions as much as a sculpture as a practical tool.

The material selection elevates this knife to jewelry-like status through its VG10 Damascus steel blade paired with a yellow sandalwood handle. Damascus steel’s marbled appearance results from meticulously folding different steel types together in a forge before acid-etching reveals the intricate patterns within. This ancient technique, originally from Damascus, Syria, but lost to history, lives on through modern tributes that capture the same artistic spirit while delivering exceptional performance.

What we like

The split-handle mechanism turns opening the knife into something genuinely mesmerizing to watch.
VG10 Damascus steel creates patterns that make each blade unique while cutting exceptionally well.

What we dislike

All those moving parts will probably need more attention than a basic folding knife.
The premium materials and complex engineering likely put this well outside casual budgets.

2. ScytheBlade

The ScytheBlade reimagines the Grim Reaper’s iconic tool in miniature form, creating a curved blade profile that resembles a tiger claw more than a traditional knife. At just 46mm when deployed, this tiny powerhouse proves that size doesn’t dictate capability through its robust titanium construction and thoughtful engineering. The curved blade design maximizes cutting efficiency while maintaining an incredibly compact form factor that disappears in your pocket.

Titanium construction delivers the perfect balance of strength and weight, creating a knife that feels substantial without burden. Weighing only 8 grams, the ScytheBlade becomes virtually unnoticeable until needed, while the titanium’s natural corrosion resistance ensures decades of reliable service without constant maintenance. The material choice reflects serious consideration for daily carry demands where durability and low maintenance are essential qualities.

What we like

At 46mm and 8 grams, it’s probably the most capable knife you’ll forget you’re carrying.
Titanium handles daily wear without babying, while the curved blade cuts surprisingly well for its size.

What we dislike

The curved shape limits what you can do compared to a straight blade.
Sharpening that curve will require either special tools or a trip to someone who knows what they’re doing.

3. Cubik

The Cubik revolutionizes knife deployment through pure physics rather than complex mechanics. Press the trigger and hold the knife upside down, and gravity casually deploys the blade, creating a deployment method that’s both satisfying and remarkably simple. Release the trigger, and the blade locks securely in place, ready for heavy-duty tasks like piercing hardwood without concern for mechanical failure or maintenance requirements.

This gravity-powered system eliminates the springs, ball bearings, and complex mechanisms that typically require maintenance or replacement over time. The simplicity creates reliability while the satisfying deployment becomes almost addictive for fidgeters and knife enthusiasts alike. A tungsten carbide glass-breaker on the rear transforms this gentleman’s EDC into a potential lifesaver, adding emergency functionality without compromising the clean aesthetic.

What we like

Gravity does all the work, so there are fewer parts to break or maintain over time.
The glass-breaker adds genuine emergency capability without making the knife look tactical.

What we dislike

You need to hold it upside down to deploy, which feels awkward until you get used to it.
The gravity mechanism might confuse people who borrow your knife and expect it to work normally.

4. Micro Katana

The Micro Katana brings samurai aesthetics to everyday carry through its impressive 9.5-inch length and pen-like proportions. The fixed carbon steel blade measures 5.8 inches with an American Tanto profile that delivers two distinct cutting edges and tips for maximum versatility. The narrow profile creates an illusion of larger size, while the dual-edge design handles everything from precision piercing to heavy-duty carving with equal confidence.

Carbon steel construction ensures exceptional edge retention while the laser-etched pattern adds character to an otherwise utilitarian design. The knife is concealed within a plain metal sheath that doubles as a fidget-friendly baton when closed. Weighing 5 ounces including the sheath, the Micro Katana delivers serious cutting capability in a package that rivals most writing instruments for discretion.

What we like

The 5.8-inch carbon steel blade cuts like something much more expensive while holding its edge well.
Two cutting edges give you options, and the pen-like profile flies under the radar.

What we dislike

At 9.5 inches total, it might be too long for some local knife laws.
Fixed blades take up more pocket space than folders, even when they’re designed this slim.

5. COMADNI-CORET Revolutionary Titanium Tape Measure

Most tape measures feel like afterthoughts, built from the cheapest materials possible and designed to frustrate anyone trying to measure something alone. COMADNI-CORET took a different approach, rebuilding this essential tool from the ground up with materials and mechanisms that actually make measuring enjoyable. The result challenges everything you thought you knew about what a tape measure could be.

GR5 titanium alloy construction immediately sets this apart from plastic hardware store alternatives. This aerospace-grade material brings serious durability while remaining surprisingly lightweight, creating a tool that feels substantial without weighing down your pocket. The automatic locking system works like magic, sensing when you’ve reached your desired measurement and securing the tape without manual intervention. The controlled retraction eliminates the violent snap-back that typically sends traditional tape measures flying while leaving your knuckles bruised.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $95 (27% off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $47,000.

What we like

Automatic locking finally makes one-handed measuring work properly instead of being an endless struggle.
Aerospace-grade titanium construction will probably outlast you while staying light enough for daily carry.

What we dislike

Premium engineering and titanium construction likely mean this costs many times more than basic alternatives.
The sophisticated mechanisms add complexity that might eventually need service compared to simple mechanical designs.

Editor’s Choice: AirTag Carabiner

This ingenious carabiner transforms Apple’s tracking technology into a seamless EDC solution for the chronically forgetful. Crafted from Duralumin composite alloy, the same material used in aircraft and spacecraft, this lightweight carabiner delivers aerospace-grade strength while housing your AirTag securely. The integration feels natural and purposeful, turning location tracking into an elegant accessory rather than an obvious tech addition.

The handcrafted construction and premium materials elevate this functional piece into something worthy of daily admiration. Duralumin’s suitability for extreme environments means this carabiner handles water and altitude changes without degradation, making it perfect for outdoor adventures or travel. The design also comes in untreated brass and stainless steel options, allowing personal preference to guide material selection.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149.00

What we like

Duralumin is strong enough for aircraft but light enough that you barely notice it on your keys.
The AirTag integration looks intentional rather than like an afterthought bolted onto a regular carabiner.

What we dislike

You need an iPhone and an AirTag for this to make any sense, which limits who can use it.
Hand-crafted premium materials probably mean you’ll pay significantly more than basic carabiners.

Where EDC Goes From Here

These designs show how everyday carry has evolved beyond pure function into something more personal. Each piece demonstrates that the things we carry daily deserve the same thoughtful design as objects we display at home. When something lives in your pocket for years, details like deployment mechanisms and material choices start mattering more than you might expect.

The integration of technology and traditional craftsmanship appears to be where EDC is heading. Rather than choosing between old-school reliability and modern features, the best new designs find ways to blend both approaches. These pieces suggest that future pocket tools will be more engaging to use while remaining dependable enough for daily tasks.

The post 5 Best EDC Designs Of September 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sep
15

By

breathable brickwork clads multigenerational home by live out studio in vietnam

Category: Design Boom

Live Out Studio Creates Breathing Brick Home

 

Tucked away in a narrow laneway of Da Nang, Vietnam, architecture practice Live Out Studio has completed Terracotta Breath, a multigenerational residence defined by its porous brick facade. Designed to accommodate two households on a modest 7 × 22-meter urban plot, the project balances intimacy and independence. At its heart lies a planted courtyard — a shared space that nurtures sunlight, greenery, and moments of togetherness.

all images courtesy of Live Out Studio

 

 

A Palette Rooted in Earth and Climate

 

The design by Live Out Studio embraces Vietnamese feng shui principles and a restrained budget, resulting in a home that feels both grounded and inventive. Passive climatic strategies ensure natural ventilation and shade, while a material palette of brick, bamboo, timber, clay-toned render, and corrugated roofing ties the building to its local context. This cohesive, earthy language crafted by the Vietnamese studio flows from facade to garden path, forming a thermally responsive envelope that integrates seamlessly into its dense urban surroundings.

 

Every detail carries the imprint of local craftsmanship. Operable brick screens filter light and airflow, handwoven rope balustrades soften circulation spaces, and the carefully patterned brickwork adds texture and rhythm to the façade. These gestures are as practical as they are poetic — ensuring comfort in the tropical climate while creating subtle layers of privacy and openness.

the multigenerational residence is defined by its porous brick facade

at the heart of the project lies a planted courtyard

passive climatic strategies ensure natural ventilation and shade

a material palette of brick, bamboo, and timber tie the building to its local context

this cohesive, earthy language flows from facade to garden path

the dwelling integrates seamlessly into its surroundings

operable brick screens filter light and airflow

the home feels both grounded and inventive

designed to accommodate two households, the project balances intimacy and independence  the design by Live Out Studio embraces Vietnamese feng shui principles     

 

 

project info: 

 

name: Terracotta Breath

architect: Live Out Studio | @_liveoutstudio_

location: Son Tra, Da Nang, Vietnam

The post breathable brickwork clads multigenerational home by live out studio in vietnam appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Sep
15

By

Bigme Hibreak Pro Color Challenges Distraction-Heavy Smartphones with E Ink Innovation

Category: YankoDesign

Phone-like devices that deliberately avoid the addictive qualities of modern smartphones are becoming surprisingly common. From the reMarkable Paper Pro Move to various E Ink readers shaped like phones, manufacturers are recognizing that many people want the connectivity of a smartphone without the constant dopamine hits from social media notifications and bright, attention-grabbing screens.

The Bigme Hibreak Pro Color joins this movement with a twist that sets it apart from most alternatives. While devices like the reMarkable focus on note-taking and reading, the Hibreak Pro Color runs full Android 14 with Google Play support, making it a legitimate smartphone that just happens to use an eye-friendly E Ink display instead of the usual LCD or OLED screen.

Designer: Bigme

The standout feature is the new Kaleido 3 color E Ink screen, which adds a limited but useful color palette to what was previously a black-and-white display. The colors aren’t as vibrant or crisp as you’d see on a traditional phone screen, but they’re perfectly adequate for app icons, simple graphics, and reading materials. The trade-off comes with reduced sharpness compared to monochrome E Ink, but the eye comfort benefits remain intact.

Bigme kept most specifications nearly identical to the original black-and-white Hibreak Pro, with the main upgrade being Bluetooth 5.3 for better connectivity. The 4G and 5G network support means you can use this as your primary phone, complete with calling, texting, and data access. This distinguishes it from WiFi-only devices that require you to carry a separate phone for cellular connectivity.

The screen aspect ratio feels much more phone-like compared to the tall, narrow display of the reMarkable Paper Pro Move. This makes the Hibreak Pro Color easier to use one-handed and more familiar for anyone switching from a traditional smartphone. However, unlike the reMarkable, there’s no stylus support, positioning this device firmly in the smartphone category rather than the digital notebook space.

Competition in this niche is heating up, with BOOX teasing its own color and cellular upgrade to the popular Palma 2, though details remain unconfirmed. The reMarkable Paper Pro Move takes a different approach entirely, focusing on handwriting and annotation rather than general smartphone functionality. Each device serves different needs within the broader movement toward more mindful technology use.

The Hibreak Pro Color makes the most sense for people who want to reduce eye strain and digital distractions without giving up smartphone convenience. It handles reading, messaging, and light productivity tasks well, though you’ll need to adjust expectations for media consumption and gaming. The E Ink refresh rates simply can’t match traditional displays for video or fast-moving content.

These devices represent a growing recognition that our relationship with technology needs rebalancing. The Hibreak Pro Color offers a middle ground between complete digital detox and the overwhelming stimulation of modern smartphones, suggesting that sometimes the best innovation comes from deliberately doing less.

The post Bigme Hibreak Pro Color Challenges Distraction-Heavy Smartphones with E Ink Innovation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sep
15

By

eye-catching works of A’ design award and competition winners between art & architecture

Category: Design Boom

 

A’ DESIGN AWARD AND COMPETITION INVITES VISIONARY ENTRIES FOR 2026

 

To get selected and celebrated as an A’ Design Award and Competition winner, creative professionals must craft works that stand out among the broad spectrum of design, art, architecture and technology fields. With an annual call for entries due to September 30, 2025, the award platform gives players in all corners of the industry the chance to get their works recognized, publicized and pushed forward. 

 

From art performances and exhibition spaces to temporary pavilions and public installations, a curated selection of past A’ Design Award winners exemplifies a transformative power, encouraging creative minds to submit their own visionary creations.

 

banner and above: Flowers And Butterflies Are Dancing Public Art by Kuo Hsiang
image credit: Kuo Hsiang

 

 

name: Flowers And Butterflies Are Dancing

artist: Kuo Hsiang

category: Fine Arts and Art Installation Design

award: Iron

year: 2021

 

 

GLOBAL RECOGNITION THROUGH A’ DESIGN AWARD BENEFITS

 

A’ Design Award winners gain unparalleled exposure through international exhibitions of their work, features in leading design publications, and inclusion in an exclusive yearbook. They are also invited to high-profile networking events like the award’s gala-night. The extensive A’ Design Prize also encompasses inclusion in the prestigious World Design Rankings, project translations into over 100 languages, and widespread PR services. 

 

Each submission is reviewed by a distinguished Grand Jury Panel, composed of over 300 esteemed professionals, academics, and industry experts, ensuring that only the most innovative and impactful designs are recognized.

Nanhua Glimmer Public Landscape by Atelier Let’s and JR Architects
image credit: Monserrat Castro

 

 

name: Nanhua Glimmer

design team: Atelier Let’s + JR Architects

category: Landscape Planning and Garden Design 

award: Gold

year: 2022

 

 

A CATEGORY FOR EVERY CREATIVE VISION

 

While this article highlights the fusion of art and architecture, the A’ Design Award is open to submissions from across a wide spectrum of creative fields. Winning entries include everything from conceptual designs to commercial products and social initiatives. See the full list of categories here.

Pop Star View Platform by Li Hao
image credit: Li Wei, Ai Song, Li Hao

 

 

name: Pop Star

artists: Ai Song, Nan Xueqian

award: Gold

category: Fine Arts and Art Installation Design

year: 2021

Trojena Ski Village Mixed Use Development by Aedas
image credit: Aedas

 

 

name: Trojena Ski Village

Design team: Aedas

category: Architecture, Building and Structure Design

award: Platinum

year: 2024

River Cloud Outdoor Landscape by Shang Cai image credit: Chong Qing Shen Sheng Space Aesthetics

name: River Cloud

designer: Shang Cai

category: Landscape Planning and Garden Design 

award: Gold 

year: 2023

Golden Dot Invasion Christmas Decoration by Impactplan Art Productions
image credit: Impactplan Art Productions

 

 

name: Golden Dot Invasion

designers: Patrícia Cunha and Catarina Maria

award: Gold

category: Fine Arts and Art Installation Design

year: 2021

Hi Ladders High Pavilion by Hao Li
image credit: Hao Li

 

 

name: Hi Ladders High

designers: Wang Xiaoyang, Kang Wei, Zhou Xueer and Cai Xinyuan

category: Architecture, Building and Structure Design

award: Bronze

year: 2020

Amore New Performing Art by Chia-Hui Lu
image credit: Chia-Hui Lu

 

 

name: Amore

designer: Chia-Hui Lu

Category: Performing Arts, Stage, Style and Scenery Design

award: Bronze

year: 2022

The Folding Boat Community Center by Xuechen Chen image credit: Xuechen Chen

name: The Folding Boat

designer: Xuechen Chen

category: Idea and Conceptual Design

award: Silver

year: 2024

Chenglong Wetland Environmental Art Event by Yunlin County Government
image credit: Yunlin County Government

 

 

name: Chenglong Wetland

designers: Chang Li-Shan, Chen Pi-Chun, Chen Shih-Hsun, Wu, Hsiu-Mei / Tai-Jih 

category: Event and Happening Design

award: Silver 

year: 2024

Nature Dreams Digital Art Exhibition by Refik Anadol Studio
image credit: Refik Anadol Studio

 

 

name: Nature Dreams

designers: Refik Anadol, Alex Morozov, Carrie He, Christian Burke, Daniel Seungmin Lee, Efsun Erkilic, Kerim Karaoglu, Pelin Kivrak, Ho Man Leung, Nidhi Parsana, Raman K. Mustafa, Rishabh Chakrabarty, Toby Heinemann and Yufan Xie

category: Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric and AI-Assisted Design

award: Platinum

year: 2022

City of Pearl Commercial, Hospitality, Residential by Hpa Architects Engineers and Development Consultants
image credit: Hpa Architects Engineers and Development Consultants

 

 

name: City of Pearl

design team: Hpa Architects Engineers and Development Consultants

category: Urban Planning and Urban Design

award: Gold

year: 2018

Spiral Bloom Public Art by Kuo Hsiang
image credit: Jaroslaw Markowicz

 

 

name: Spiral Bloom

artist: Kuo Hsiang

category: Fine Arts and Art Installation Design

award: Gold

year: 2025

Absinthe Production Design by Vivian Lu image credit: Vivian Lu

name: Absinthe

designer: Vivian Lu

category: Performing Arts, Stage, Style and Scenery Design

award: Silver

year: 2020

Brilliance Public Artwork by Chen Xin
image credit: ChillShine Studio

 

 

name: Brilliance

designers: AaRT, Lian Xuehui, Zhao Yingtong, Wang Yin, Wang Jingyi, Guo Siheng, Zhang Jianpei, Zhang Xinyu, Mo Qiting, Wu Jingwen, Zheng Xiaopeng, Zhang Daisong, Chen Simin, Zhu Haoyu, Yi Zhihua, Chen Jianlin, Lin Zhiruo, So Jiahao, Chen Tingting

category: Fine Arts and Art Installation Design

award: Gold

year: 2025

Wagon Remodeling Food Van by Taichi Hirata
image credit: studio tata

 

 

name: Wagon Remodeling

designer: Taichi Hirata

category: Social Design 

award: Silver

year: 2025

Merchants International Cruise City Demonstration Area by Jialian Design image credit: Xi Tang

name: Merchants International Cruise City 

designers: Zhang Zhang, Changming Xu, Jianhua Zhang, Lin Tang,Guangchen Shao,Shuai Xing,Meixiang Ming, Lingdong Zhang

Category: Landscape Planning and Garden Design 

award: Gold

year: 2022

Shadows Of The Sky Flower Troughs by Zsolt Szalai
image credit: Zsolt Szalai

 

 

name: Shadows Of The Sky

designer: Zsolt Szalai

category: Garden and Outdoor Furniture Design

award: Silver

year: 2023

Royal Mansion Exhibition Center by Qidi Design Group
image credit: QIDI Design Group

 

 

name: Royal Mansion

designer: Fengbin Guo, Guangjian Dai, Ying Zhang, Xiao Zhu, Peilin Wang , Yumao Li, Xinyi Zhou , Xuguang Liu, Pengxun Guo, Zhimin Shao , Jing Lu, Wenyue Cai, Menghui Li, Ying Luo, Kewen Hu and Meiqiong Luo

category: Landscape Planning and Garden Design

award: Gold

year: 2022

Bamboo Mountains River and Moon Wedding Scene by Wei Zhang image credit: XIAOMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

name: Bamboo Mountains River and Moon

designers: Wei Zhang

category: Event and Happening Design

award: Iron 

year: 2023

The post eye-catching works of A’ design award and competition winners between art & architecture appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Sep
15

By

woven bamboo poles form cheng tsung feng’s large-scale theatre installation in taiwan

Category: Design Boom

cheng tsung feng introduces bamboo installation in taiwan

 

At the historic Wenwu Temple in Lukang, Changhua, artist Cheng Tsung Feng completes Theatre, a vast bamboo installation that reinterprets the disappearing tradition of temporary opera stages once central to Taiwanese temple festivals. Built from thousands of interlaced poles, the work stands as a contemporary architectural structure and a living reminder of a cultural form that once defined community gatherings but is now seldom seen.

 

Theatre takes inspiration from bamboo stages that, until recent decades, were rapidly erected for opera performances and temple celebrations across Taiwan. Feng’s structure echoes this ephemerality while translating it into an experiential space. The framework is composed of a strict vertical-horizontal grid of bamboo lengths, softened by split bamboo strips that trace sweeping arcs across the facade and ground plan. 

images courtesy of Cheng Tsung Feng

 

 

audience Becomes PerformeR in theater’s Stage of Light

 

Visitors are invited to step inside the Taiwanese artist’s installation by climbing bamboo stairways that lead to the broad central platform. Once within, they are enveloped by the transparent grid, where light filters through the slatted walls and floors, and the tactility of bamboo comes to the fore. In the daytime, the stage becomes a resting ground, a place to gather or to play. By night, lit by glowing festival lamps, the installation transforms into a ceremonial space that recalls the atmosphere of traditional opera performances with their color, spectacle, and sense of shared ritual.

 

As people move through Theatre, they oscillate between the roles of audience and performer, embodying the cyclical exchange at the heart of theater itself. Feng’s project situates memory within lived experience, animating tradition through participation. Standing before the centuries-old Wenwu Temple, the bamboo theater draws in festival visitors and passersby, offering them a space to rest, play, or perform.

Cheng Tsung Feng completes Theatre in Taiwan

a vast bamboo installation that reinterprets the disappearing tradition of temporary opera stages

built from thousands of interlaced poles

the work stands as a contemporary architectural structure

the framework is composed of a strict vertical-horizontal grid of bamboo lengths

split bamboo strips trace sweeping arcs across the facade and ground plan

visitors are invited to step inside the installation by climbing bamboo stairways

the stairs lead to the broad central platform

light filters through the slatted walls and floors

the tactility of bamboo comes to the fore

the stage becomes a resting ground, a place to gather or to play

by night, lit by glowing festival lamps, the installation transforms into a ceremonial space

recalling the atmosphere of traditional opera performances

 

project info:

 

name: Theatre
artist: Cheng Tsung Feng

location: Lukang, Changhua, Taiwan

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

The post woven bamboo poles form cheng tsung feng’s large-scale theatre installation in taiwan appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Sep
15

By

david lynch’s mid-century compound in hollywood hills, los angeles comes on the market

Category: Design Boom

mid-century compound of david lynch hits the market

 

The David Lynch mid-century Compound spreading across 2.3 acres in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, hits the market. A 1963 Lloyd Wright design, the property consists of five contiguous parcels centered around the Beverly Johnson House. The home serves as the architectural anchor for an expanded creative complex that filmmaker David Lynch assembled over several decades, a convergence of mid-century architectural heritage, Hollywood cultural history, and cinematic production infrastructure.

 

The design exemplifies what architectural historians call hillside modernism, an approach that responds to Los Angeles’s challenging topography. Bold geometric forms and extensive glass walls maximize the views while creating seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. Lloyd Wright, working within his father Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture philosophy, designed the structure to follow the natural contours of the hillside rather than imposing a rigid geometric grid. The elements of post-and-beam construction come through too, with exposed structural parts as well as large expanses of glass, likely single-pane in the original 1963 construction.

all images courtesy of The Agency

 

 

Listed property that appears in the movie Lost Highway (1997)

 

David Lynch acquired the neighboring properties at 7029 and 7035 Senalda Drive of his mid-century Compound to expand his residence and include his workshop and studio. The listing includes the filmmaker’s private editing suite and screening room within the residential structure, complete with the acoustic treatment as well as video and audio equipment. In 1991, the filmmaker commissioned Eric Lloyd Wright, Lloyd Wright’s son and Frank Lloyd Wright’s grandson, to design the pool and pool house, creating what architectural historians would recognize as a rare example of three-generation family design continuity on a single property and resulting in a pool house design that complements the original 1963 structure. 

 

David Lynch’s collaboration on his mid-century Compound appears in the two-story guest house and one-bedroom structure finished in smooth grey plaster. The style and finish align with the filmmaker’s documented aesthetic preferences and create visual continuity across structures built at different times by different designers. The choice of stained concrete, mixed materials, and hardwood flooring reflects mid-century modern material preferences while incorporating updates for modern living requirements. The Historic Places LA recognizes the property as ‘excellent example of Mid-Century Modern/Organic residential architecture’, and one of the houses in the mid-century Compound appears in David Lynch’s movie Lost Highway (1997) as the Madison residence.

exterior view of the compound

the David Lynch mid-century Compound spreads across 2.3 acres

a 1963 Frank Lloyd Wright design, the property consists of five contiguous parcels

the home serves as the architectural anchor for an expanded creative complex of David Lynch

view of the pool

workshop view within the property

 

 

 

project info:

 

name: The David Lynch Compound

location: 7017 Senalda Rd, LOS ANGELES, CA 90068

listing: The Agency | @theagencyre

The post david lynch’s mid-century compound in hollywood hills, los angeles comes on the market appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Sep
15

By

“An amazing strategist” – the design legacy of Otl Aicher

Category: Design Week

In 2006, Benji Wiedemann joined forces with Alex Lampe to open their new design consultancy, that would later become Wiedemann Lampe.

He found, running his own business, he was more in control of his own schedule. And that gave him time to indulge his new passion – hunting down examples of designer Otl Aicher’s work on eBay.

Posters featured in Otl Aicher: The Legacy Archive at Wiedemann Lampe

Drawn to Aicher’s work, which included identities for Braun, Erco, Lufthansa and the Munich 1972 summer Olympics, it was a bit of a homecoming for Wiedemann.

He had spurned his native German culture when he first moved to the UK to study. But as his taste in music and design had “matured” he found himself returning to work that felt “true to him.”

“What is so beautiful about Aicher, he’s incredibly analytical, while also being an artist at heart,” Wiedemann says. But, compared to other names of 20th Century design, Aicher’s works could also be snapped up for a few Euros. “For me, that entry point is thrilling,” he adds.

Almost 20 years later, having built relationships with collectors Bernd Brandt and Stefan Haberl, and made visits to Aicher’s former studio in Rotis, Wiedemann Lampe has now been entrusted with the Aicher archive, from which the new LDF show has been curated.

The Rainbow Olympics

Much of what Wiedemann found on eBay were posters and ephemera from the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Arguably the project he is best-known for today, Aicher led a large and capable design team to produce an identity remembered for its colour – it was dubbed the Rainbow Games – as well as its innovative sporting pictograms, and its breadth and detail, consistent and considered across the enormous scope of its output.

The designer Jack Renwick first came across Aicher’s work via one of these posters in the local gymnastics club she attended as a child.

“I remember seeing it – not having a clue that people design these things – and having such a motivating feeling to it,” Renwick remembers. “It was just so striking on this wall, and I looked a bit like that gymnast with short brown hair. I thought, ‘God, I could be her’.”

Renwick did not become an Olympic gymnast, but did end up following in Aicher’s design footsteps. She remembers at art school realising that Aicher was the person who designed that poster she had loved as a youngster, and being “blown away by this whole epic identity system” she discovered.

While the visual output of Aicher’s work is compelling for Renwick and many others, it’s the thinking behind the visuals that has been most influential.

“An amazing strategist”

Designer Mark Holt first became interested in Aicher’s work around the same time as co-founding studio 8vo in the early 1980s. Pushing against the British design scheme of the time, he found in Aicher’s work a similar ideology he says, where design was “a conscious, reasoned act, an objective one, never to be aesthetically-led.”

Holt, who in 2019 published Munich ’72 The Visual Output of Otl Aicher’s Dept.XI, explains that many of the celebrated design elements were the work of the other designers working for Aicher: Gerhard Joksch drew the pictograms, Elena Winschermann created the mascot Waldi the dachshund, and Rolf Müller, Aicher’s deputy, was responsible for advertising and publications – as well as bringing much of “the sweetness on the eye,” Holt suggests.

Mark Holt’s Munich ’72 The Visual Output of Otl Aicher’s Dept.XI

Holt was compelled to create the book to document “easily the most far reaching brand identity, or corporate identity, as it was back then, ever produced.”

For Aicher to win this work at the age of 33 was evidence of the designer’s persuasive vision. “He could tell very good narratives,” Holt explains. “He could bring people along with him, get their empathy.”

Above all, Holt says, Aicher was “an amazing strategist.”

Meaning and social responsibility

Born in Germany in 1922, Aicher’s outlook was shaped by his experiences of Nazi Germany. In 1946, with activist Inge Scholl, later his wife, he co-founded a school for adult education in Ulm (vh Ulm).

It was built around the idea of freedom through education, and built on the White Rose resistance movement that Scholl’s siblings had participated in, and been executed for.

In 1953, he also set up a design school, the Hochschule für Gestaltung Ulm, founded with Swiss polymath Max Bill.

Inspired in part by the Bauhaus, and employing designers such as Josef Albers, it carried the vh Ulm’s ethos of social responsibility through a holistic design curriculum, encompassing politics, philosophy and science.

From the school’s visual communication department, Aicher led influential graphic design projects for clients such as Braun, (then working with new designer Dieter Rams), and Lufthansa.

Posters featured in Otl Aicher: The Legacy Archive at Wiedemann Lampe

It was a crucial period of rebuilding in Germany, and Aicher, “took on a very societal role – he was very much interested in design serving a purpose,” Holt says. “You know, he had no time at all for embellishment.”

The Olympics work, “demonstrates Aicher’s philosophy to understand the current state of the world and recognise a need to create a positive impact through this global opportunity,” Renwick says.

Alongside the great designs, she wants more people to appreciate this “moral responsibility in action” that characterised Aicher’s approach. As design feels the pressure from the rise of AI, she thinks we need to be thinking about, talking about, and educating new generations in developing these ways of thinking.

“You can just ask AI to come up with a design for you. But AI can’t do the philosophical understanding of our society, and people’s mindset; of why it would be creating something,” she says.

Thinking and making: a human touch

For Bob Young, creative partner at Alphabetical, it is easy to “take for granted the complexity and visual impact of Aicher’s work in modern society.”

“Our daily lives are oversaturated with creative imagery that are basically assimilations of each other, that feel familiar and comfortable and fit into a genre so that audiences understand precisely what they are.”

There was a bravery to Aicher’s work, he argues. “Admittedly, many of Aicher’s typographic approaches would not pass accessibility standards today.

“However, as much as you have to admire the control and clean grid systems he regularly used, there are wildly experimental type treatments that often responded to unique compositions and ideas within his work that still inspire, and may never be seen again in such wide-reaching public-facing designs.”

Otl Aicher: The Legacy Archive at Wiedemann Lampe, part of the London Design Festival

Compared to the present day – where “we’ve reached peak mock-up” as Wiedemann puts it – the new show features Aicher’s laboriously-made ‘logograms,’ where he would present hand-cut elements of the design system on one page.

It is this human touch that Wiedemann wants to share with visitors to the exhibition.

“To look at something that is so striking, so considered, it’s so beautifully reduced, but it’s so warm and human, for me, it’s disarming,” he says.

Posters featured in Otl Aicher: The Legacy Archive at Wiedemann Lampe
Posters featured in Otl Aicher: The Legacy Archive at Wiedemann Lampe
Posters featured in Otl Aicher: The Legacy Archive at Wiedemann Lampe
Posters featured in Otl Aicher: The Legacy Archive at Wiedemann Lampe
Posters featured in Otl Aicher: The Legacy Archive at Wiedemann Lampe

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Sep
15

By

Duzi Studio’s identity helps Picoso rewrite the rules of non-alcoholic branding

Category: Design Week

When Tish Carless gave up drinking in 2020, she quickly realised how little choice there was for people who wanted something beyond tepid imitations of alcohol or sugary soft drinks.

Soon after moving from Madrid to London, she spotted the gap – there were hardly any drinks that could sit confidently in the hands of both drinkers and non-drinkers.

Together with co-founder Tom Bowerman-Wake, Carless launched Picoso, a range of premium spicy sodas developed in Mexico and infused with carefully selected chillies.

Drunk on its own, or stirred into a cocktail, Picoso defines a category in its own right. “It blurs the lines between drinking and sobriety,” Carless says.

That challenge – carving out a category rather than fitting into one – called for an identity with the same sharpness and energy as the drink itself.

Duzi Studio’s brand for Picoso

To build that brand, Carless and Bowerman-Wake turned to London-based strategic design agency Duzi Studio. “We knew that we wanted to work with an agency that would be able to create an entire brand world instead of just a pretty logo,” says Carless.

“It’s actually quite easy to create beautiful identities,” says Ella Donald, co-founder and director of Duzi Studio. “The more difficult challenge, especially for creative agencies these days, is to deliver a genuinely purposeful brand that has a story, and represents the vision of the product.”

That vision became central to the narrative that Duzi Studio built the identity around.

This is felt in the brand language (Zesty Lime cut with Scotch Bonnet), and is translated into the illustrations and the typography, which bring much of the flavour to the identity.

The bespoke wordmark, given prime real estate on the can, features letterforms with unexpected cuts and angles that inject flair. “Its stretched form is intentional, giving Picoso both shelf presence and the stature of a premium, crafted brand,” says Donald.

A visual from a campaign shot in Mexico, capturing the vibrancy of the country where Picoso was developed

Supporting this is the Highway Gothic type family, chosen to represent the brand’s confident voice, designed originally for maximum legibility on US road signs.

“The boldness and impact of these fonts now echo Picoso’s energetic spirit and command attention,” says Donald. The sharp letterforms, especially in the Condensed cut, echo the elongation of the logo, creating a cohesive visual rhythm.

This energy is tempered by Hal Four Grotesk, which introduces neutrality, providing balance and clarity for longer text, while Mashine Rounded adds nuance and character where needed. Together, the trio creates a system that shifts easily between impact and clarity.

The wordmark’s nod to the central narrative is extended to the suite of illustrations, which draws on the tactile quality of woodblock and linocut.

The angular, jagged forms common to the techniques become a visual metaphor of the sharpness of the chilli heat that cuts through the fruity notes.

Duzi Studio’s brand for Picoso

This is reflected in the emblem of a dragon, a reinterpretation of Mayan iconography with a contemporary twist. “It was important for us that the identity captures the Mexican roots of the product, without feeling gimmicky and resorting to stereotypical Mexican visual elements,” says Carless.

The symbol, which was crafted to scale effortlessly, sits comfortably alongside the illustration of the flavour profiles that punctuate the brand world, and appear on the back of the can rather than the front.

“A lot of beverage brands put illustrations of fruits and flavours on the front of the pack, which is very helpful from a shelf perspective; it conveys a sense of deliciousness,” says Donald.

“But with Picoso, we really didn’t want to put the flavour so overtly on the front. Instead, we wanted the story to take centre stage.”

Duzi Studio’s brand for Picoso

It was also important for Duzi Studio to take visual cues from the branding of alcoholic drinks, “so that when you’re holding a Picoso in an environment where people are drinking alcohol, you don’t look like you’re drinking a soft drink,” says Donald. “This speaks to the idea of inclusiveness that’s very important to Picoso.”

The team looked at the labels of alcoholic beverages, and leaned on a clean, considered typographic layout for the front of the can, lending the product a premium, polished look.

This decision is already paying dividends. “Our sales strategy from the get-go was to target bars, restaurants, and hospitality before pushing into retail,” says Carless. “And in a lot of those spaces, we sit in the fridges behind a bar. The look of the drink is drawing attention – people are asking what it is.

“To add to that, many venues avoid serving cans because glass feels more premium, but Picoso’s design is so strong that venues are willing to serve it on tables, which helps the brand’s visibility.”

A visual from a campaign shot in Mexico, capturing the vibrancy of the country where Picoso was developed

While the branding has helped Picoso to move confidently into new spaces, Duzi Studio was careful to design beyond the launch. “When we started working on the identity, we always thought of designing a brand, not a product. It’s always a mistake when people start from the point of view of product,” says Donald.

That long-term view means the framework isn’t fixed but flexible – robust enough to anchor Picoso today, while adaptable enough to stretch into new flavours and formats tomorrow.

The visual system can be pushed, pulled, and remixed effectively, ensuring the brand has the elasticity to evolve without losing its bite.

Duzi Studio’s brand for Picoso
Duzi Studio’s brand for Picoso
Duzi Studio’s brand for Picoso
A visual from a campaign shot in Mexico, capturing the vibrancy of the country where Picoso was developed

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