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Modos Paper Dev Kit Brings High-Refresh E Ink to Designers and Makers

Digital eye strain has become the silent epidemic of creative work. Designers, developers, and artists spend countless hours staring at bright screens, fighting fatigue that builds throughout the day. E Ink displays have long promised a paper-like alternative that’s easier on the eyes, but they’ve always come with a major catch.

Traditional E Ink monitors refresh at glacial speeds, typically updating once or twice per second. This makes them perfect for reading static text but absolutely terrible for anything interactive. Try scrolling through a design mockup or sketching with a stylus, and you’ll quickly understand why E Ink has remained stuck in the e-reader world.

Designer: Modos Tech

The Modos Paper Dev Kit changes this equation completely. This 13.3-inch, open-source monitor pushes E Ink technology into uncharted territory with refresh rates up to 75Hz. That’s a massive leap from the sluggish performance we’ve come to expect from electronic paper displays.

Built around a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, the kit delivers 1600×1200 resolution at 150 PPI with 16 levels of grayscale. The open hardware and software approach means developers and designers can tinker, customize, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with E Ink technology.

Here’s where things get interesting for creative professionals. That 75Hz refresh rate transforms E Ink from a static display into something genuinely interactive. Sketching with a stylus could become responsive instead of frustrating. UI mockups can be scrolled and navigated in real-time rather than waiting for painful screen updates.

The implications for design work are significant. Imagine wireframing on a display that looks like actual paper but responds like a modern monitor. Digital annotation becomes natural and immediate. Even basic animations and transitions become possible, opening creative workflows that were previously unthinkable on E Ink.

There are tradeoffs, of course. Higher refresh rates can increase ghosting and reduce contrast compared to slower E Ink modes. But for many creative tasks, the ability to see immediate feedback outweighs these compromises. The reflective, flicker-free nature of E Ink still delivers on its core promise of reduced eye strain.

The modular design sets this apart from closed commercial alternatives like Dasung’s Paperlike monitors. HDMI input, USB-C connectivity, GPIO pins, and expansion headers invite experimentation. Want to build a custom drawing tablet? Integrate it into an art installation? The open-source approach makes these projects possible.

What makes this particularly exciting is the community potential. Open hardware and software mean improvements and innovations can come from anywhere. Designers who understand their own workflows can contribute directly to making E Ink more useful for creative work.

The Modos Paper Dev Kit represents more than just another monitor option. It’s proof that E Ink can evolve beyond its traditional limitations and become a legitimate tool for creative professionals. Sometimes the most interesting innovations happen when someone asks why we’ve been accepting compromises for so long.

The post Modos Paper Dev Kit Brings High-Refresh E Ink to Designers and Makers first appeared on Yanko Design.

Pony Seat and Table Lets You Saddle Up for Creative Work

The modern office has become a shape-shifting beast, constantly evolving between collaboration zones, quiet corners, and everything in between. Traditional furniture that’s bolted down or locked into single functions just doesn’t cut it anymore. Enter Pony, a hybrid seat and table that rolls with the punches of contemporary work life.

Designed by German-Portuguese duo Relvāokellermann for Bavarian manufacturer gumpo, Pony embodies a refreshingly simple philosophy: office furniture should adapt to us, not the other way around. This isn’t about cramming more features into a product, but about creating something genuinely flexible and human-centered.

Designer: Ana Relvao and Gerhardt Kellermann (Relvaokkellermann) for gump

The design team believes in what they call “normcore” furniture, pieces that avoid over-specification and embrace openness instead. Pony fits perfectly into this philosophy, designed to be equally comfortable whether you’re seeking a solitary retreat or spontaneous collaboration. It’s part of gumpo’s broader collection that prioritizes transformation and adaptability over rigid functionality.

What makes Pony particularly clever is its deceptively simple form. The compact seat features a round tabletop mounted on a central wooden column, but here’s where things get interesting: that table rotates eccentrically, meaning you can adjust its position and distance to match however you want to sit. Sideways, forward, slightly behind, whatever feels natural.

The tabletop works as a side table for your coffee, a mini desk for your laptop, or just a convenient shelf for whatever you’re carrying. This flexibility supports the kind of spontaneous, intuitive use that makes good design feel effortless. You don’t think about how to use Pony, you just do.

Mobility is baked into every aspect of the design. Set on smooth castors, Pony can be grabbed and repositioned in seconds, whether you’re working solo or grouping multiple units for an impromptu meeting. It’s designed to move as quickly as your next idea, supporting the fluid, dynamic nature of creative work.

The materiality feels refreshingly honest in an age of plastic everything. Pony is crafted almost entirely from wood, with a pressed plywood shell and a wooden tube column that allows for unified finishing. Many manufacturing steps happen by hand at gumpo’s Teisbach facility, giving each piece a quality and attention to detail that’s increasingly rare.

Sustainability runs deeper than just material choices. The seat cushions use fabrics made entirely from recycled plastic waste, and gumpo’s high proportion of in-house production means they can customize finishes and fabrics for individual projects. Six standard finishes and six fabric options provide plenty of flexibility without overwhelming choice.

The playful name isn’t accidental either. Like its namesake, Pony is nimble, compact, and ready to trot wherever creativity calls. There’s something delightfully approachable about a piece of office furniture that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering serious functionality.

Pony represents something bigger than just another office chair or table. It’s a flexible tool for the way we actually work today, supporting both the planned meetings and the spontaneous conversations that drive creativity. In a world where our workspaces need to be as adaptable as our thinking, Pony proves that the best solutions often come from asking simple questions about complex problems.

The post Pony Seat and Table Lets You Saddle Up for Creative Work first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Cable Management Solutions For Clean Creative Workspaces

Let’s be real about something that drives every creative professional crazy: cables. You spend hours perfecting your workspace aesthetic, only to have it ruined by a nest of charging cords, USB cables, and power strips that seem to multiply overnight. The good news is that cable management doesn’t have to be another creative hurdle to overcome. I’ve seen numerous solutions over the years, ranging from basic cable ties that break after just two weeks to elaborate systems that require engineering degrees to install. What you’ll find here are ten products that solve real problems.

These aren’t just pretty organizers that look good in product photos but fall apart in daily use. Each system deals with specific pain points you face as a creative professional, whether you’re bouncing between coffee shops or managing a complex home studio setup. The best cable management feels invisible when it works. You shouldn’t have to think about where cables go or spend ten minutes untangling headphone cords before you can start working. These solutions get out of your way so you can focus on what matters: creating amazing work in a space that inspires rather than frustrates you

1. LEGO-Like Cable Organizer

Remember playing with LEGO blocks as a kid? This cable organizer taps into that same satisfying modularity, but for your grown-up workspace problems. The silicone body feels substantial in your hands, not like those flimsy plastic organizers that crack after a month. Those circular pegs on top work exactly like you’d expect, giving you a secure place to wrap cables without them slipping off.

You can layer two cables in the same row when space gets tight. The micro suction tape sticks where you put it and stays there, unlike those adhesive solutions that peel off and leave sticky residue on your desk. You can start with the mini 2×2 version and add more pieces as your setup grows, which is perfect when you’re not sure how complex your cable situation will become.

What we like

Modular design grows with your workspace needs.
Playful aesthetic makes cable management feel less like a chore.

What we dislike

Silicone surface attracts dust and pet hair.
Won’t accommodate thicker cables like some monitor cords.

2. WireStax

The zipper inspiration in this cable management system isn’t just marketing; it actually makes sense when you use it. Those circular openings work like zipper teeth, and you can feel the cable click into place with that same satisfying snap. Adding and removing cables becomes intuitive rather than frustrating, which is crucial when you’re reconfiguring your setup for different projects.

The stacking capability means you can start small and build up as your cable situation gets more complex. Different sizes can be mixed to handle everything from thin headphone cables to thick power cords in the same organizational scheme. The modular approach works well for creative professionals whose equipment needs change frequently, since you can easily reconfigure without starting over from scratch.

What we like

Intuitive zipper-inspired operation feels immediately familiar.
Stackable modules accommodate growing equipment collections.

What we dislike

Multiple small components can get separated or misplaced.
Requires specific cable positioning for optimal organization.

3. SuperCalla

I’ll admit I was skeptical about magnetic cables at first. How many times have we seen “revolutionary” cable solutions that work great for a week, then fall apart? SuperCalla surprised me because the magnets actually hold up to daily abuse. You can coil them any way that makes sense for your workflow, and they stay exactly how you left them.

The real test came during travel. Instead of fishing tangled cables out of my bag’s depths, I could grab exactly what I needed without disturbing anything else. The magnetic alignment happens naturally, so you’re not fumbling around trying to make connections work. Having both 3-foot and 6-foot options means you can match cable length to specific uses rather than dealing with excess cord everywhere.

What we like

The self-organizing system requires zero maintenance.
Travel-safe design prevents bag chaos.

What we dislike

Premium pricing compared to standard charging cables.
Limited to charging functions only.

4. Function 101 Desk Mat Pro

The pebble leather surface caught my attention first, but the hidden metal layer is where the magic happens. Those Cable Block XL cubes snap into place with satisfying precision, and you can feel the magnetic connection lock in securely. The cutout design makes sliding cables in and out genuinely effortless, not like those cable guides where you have to wrestle with tight tolerances.

I love the complete design freedom this system offers. You can create neat rows when you want everything perfectly aligned, or scatter blocks strategically around your workspace for a more organic arrangement. The blocks work on any metal surface, so you’re not locked into using just the included mat. This flexibility means the system adapts to your working style rather than forcing you to adapt to it.

What we like

Complete freedom to arrange cables, however, works best for you.
Premium leather mat serves double duty as desk protection.

What we dislike

Individual blocks can get misplaced when removed from the setup.
Requires thoughtful planning to optimize block placement.

5. Nolii Wrap

Here’s something I never thought I needed until I tried it: a charger designed specifically for cable wrapping. Most of us have been wrapping cables around rectangular charger blocks for years, slowly damaging the wires with each tight bend. The drum shape eliminates those stress points completely, which means your cables actually last longer instead of fraying at the connector.

The compact size makes perfect sense for mobile creative work. Instead of shoving loose cables into bags where they tangle with everything else, you wrap the cable around the charger and drop it in your bag with confidence. No more pulling out a rat’s nest of cords when you need to charge your phone during a client meeting. The round design feels natural in your hands and won’t poke holes in other equipment.

What we like

Extends cable lifespan by eliminating damaging bends.
Compact drum design perfect for mobile workflows.

What we dislike

Only works with smartphone charging applications.
Takes practice to develop efficient wrapping technique.

6. ME-1

Power strips usually prioritize function over form, which is why most workspaces end up with ugly rectangular blocks sprawled across the floor. The ME-1’s U-shape serves multiple purposes beyond just looking different. The curved design actually saves space compared to linear strips while creating natural cable management through the ability to wrap excess cord around either leg.

The magnetic backing opens up mounting possibilities that traditional power strips can’t match. You can stick it under your desk, on a wall, or even on the side of a metal filing cabinet. The spacing between outlets prevents those frustrating situations where one bulky adapter blocks adjacent plugs. Even the strip’s own power cable can be wrapped around the structure to eliminate tripping hazards.

What we like

Space-efficient curved design with built-in cable wrapping.
Magnetic mounting provides flexible positioning anywhere.

What we dislike

Unusual shape may not fit existing power strip spaces.
Fewer total outlets compared to similarly sized linear strips.

7. M/Connect 2

The USP of this system lies in recognizing that not all cables are created equal. Some connections, like your monitor and power cables, get plugged in once and stay there for months. Others, like USB drives and card readers, get swapped out constantly throughout the day. The M/Connect 2 splits these functions intelligently, hiding permanent connections underneath your desk while keeping frequently used ports easily accessible on top.

The clamp design attaches to any desk edge without requiring permanent modifications to your furniture. Most people mount it at the back edge where it stays completely out of sight while providing comprehensive connectivity. The modular hub on top can be removed for cleaning or repairs without disturbing the hidden cable connections below, which is a thoughtful touch that shows real-world testing went into this design.

What we like

Smart separation of permanent and temporary connections.
Modular design allows maintenance without full disassembly.

What we dislike

Requires sufficient desk edge clearance for proper mounting.
Bottom ports can be challenging to access for troubleshooting.

8. ZAGG Pro Dock

Most laptop docks try to cram every possible port into one unit, creating cable chaos right on your desk surface. The ZAGG Pro Dock takes a smarter approach by splitting connectivity between what you see and what you don’t need to see. Essential ports stay on the main stand for easy access, while less frequently used connections like HDMI and Ethernet get banished to a satellite hub you can hide anywhere.

The stand function works for both laptops and tablets, which is genuinely useful if you switch between devices throughout the day. The 150W power delivery through a single cable means you can run demanding equipment without needing multiple power connections. This approach keeps your visible workspace clean while maintaining comprehensive connectivity exactly where you need it.

What we like

Strategic port distribution maintains clean desk aesthetics.
High power output supports professional creative equipment.

What we dislike

Two-piece system requires careful planning for hub placement.
All hub connectivity depends on single cable connection.

9. TAIM

Sometimes the simplest solutions really do work best. TAIM solves one specific problem exceptionally well: MacBook charger cable management. The wrap attaches securely around your charger block and provides a foolproof way to wind the cable, then locks everything in place until you need it again. The operation takes seconds, which is crucial when you’re packing up quickly between locations.

The design acknowledges how MacBook users actually work, moving between home offices, coffee shops, client meetings, and co-working spaces. Instead of fighting with loose cables that tangle with everything in your bag, you wrap and secure everything in one quick motion. Since the wrap stays attached to the charger, you can’t lose it or forget it when rushing out the door for your next creative session.

What we like

Perfectly optimized for MacBook charging workflows.
Stays attached to charger so it can’t get lost.

What we dislike

Only works with MacBook chargers specifically.
Adds slight bulk to otherwise compact laptop setups.

10. Steno Desk

Most standing desk solutions treat cable management as an afterthought, which creates a mess every time you adjust height. The Steno desk builds cable organization into its core design, so your carefully arranged cords move seamlessly as you transition between sitting and standing. The round cable tray isn’t just functional; it becomes part of the desk’s visual identity.

This works especially well if you’re building a workspace from scratch rather than trying to retrofit existing furniture. The side brackets give you attachment points for additional cable accessories, creating a comprehensive system that can handle even complex multi-monitor setups. When everything moves together as one unit, you never have to choose between ergonomic positioning and organized cables.

What we like

Cable management moves with height adjustments automatically.
Integrated design eliminates need for separate organizers.

What we dislike

Requires replacing your entire desk setup.
Higher investment than standalone cable solutions.

Building Your Organized Creative Space

The right cable management solution depends entirely on how and where you work. If you’re constantly moving between locations, portable solutions like SuperCalla and TAIM make the most sense. Studio-based creatives with complex multi-device setups benefit more from comprehensive systems like the Function 101 Desk Mat Pro or Humanscale M/Connect 2.

You don’t have to choose just one strategy either. Many successful setups combine a desk-based system for permanent equipment with portable solutions for mobile devices and temporary connections. The key is choosing products that actually solve your specific problems rather than trying to force your workflow into someone else’s organizational system. Your workspace should support your creativity, not create barriers to it.

The post Top 10 Cable Management Solutions For Clean Creative Workspaces first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nike’s KD 18 Immortalized sneakers lets you relive Olympic glory

If you’re one of those sneakerheads who wait for all the newest drops from the leading brands, you’d better watch out in the next few days. Nike is expected to release the newest KD 18 sneakers, specifically the Immortalized edition for superstar Kevin Durant. This is part of the Nike Basketball Immortalized collection, a tribute to Team USA’s performance during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

The collection features sneaker tributes to other members of Team USA from last year, namely LeBron James, Devin Booker, and the aforementioned KD sneakers. Every time the Olympics roll around, the USA is expected to win gold in basketball, but that doesn’t lessen the excitement for basketball fans. These Immortalized sneakers will help you relive that gold medal performance from your favorite players.

Designer: Nike

The shoe uses a bold palette of Metallic Gold, Blue Void, White, and University Red. The Blue Void mesh base keeps the sneaker lightweight and highly breathable, while Metallic Gold overlays add both visual pop and structural reinforcement. University Red accents on the Swoosh and molded sidewalls inject energy and nod to Team USA’s signature colors. The upper features engineered mesh for ventilation and flexibility, complemented by sculpted overlays for durability and support. These overlays frame the silhouette in gold, making the design both performance-driven and visually striking.

Near the heel, you’ll find a subtle “EASY” stamp, referencing Durant’s nickname. The insole is decorated with the Victory of Samothrace motif, a classical symbol of triumph. This connects the shoe to Olympic glory and Durant’s personal legacy. A translucent blue outsole with a unique bubble pattern provides not only a cool visual effect but also traction and stability on the court.

The full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit is engineered for top-tier responsiveness and court feel. It delivers plush, springy cushioning to support the explosive movements and quick changes of direction that define Durant’s style of play. Molded sidewalls and metallic overlays reinforce key areas for lockdown support, ensuring the sneaker performs under high-pressure, competitive conditions without sacrificing comfort or breathability.

Whether you’re a fan of KD, Team USA, or stylish basketball sneakers, the KD 18 Immortalized will probably be on your wishlist. It’s expected to be released this August 8 with an SRP of $235. From the engineered mesh to the sculpted overlays and thoughtful details, it is crafted for both collectors and athletes who appreciate performance and storytelling in their footwear. It stands out for its combination of high-performance features and rich storytelling, making it a must-have for fans of Kevin Durant, Olympic basketball, and premium Nike releases.

The post Nike’s KD 18 Immortalized sneakers lets you relive Olympic glory first appeared on Yanko Design.

LEGO Ideas celebrates Pixar film with new WALL-E and EVE set

If I tell you that Pixar’s critically acclaimed film WALL-E is turning 17 years old this year, you will probably feel a bit of back pain and realize you’re that old. But yes, that is the reality we have to face. The good news is that to celebrate this milestone, LEGO is releasing a new set featuring your favorite characters from this landmark movie, which is both critically acclaimed and loved by Pixar and animated film fans in general.

LEGO Disney is set to release the WALL-E and EVE set, which will let grown-ups display four characters from the movie in your collectibles case. We say grown-ups because the set is recommended for “kids” 18 and up, since it may be a bit complicated for the young ones, as it’s made up of 811 pieces in total. But if you’re under 18 and you love the movie or love building pop culture LEGO sets, then you are probably welcome to try it out too.

Designer: LEGO

The set, which came from the fan-designed LEGO Ideas platform, brings four WALL-E characters to life: WALL-E himself, EVE, M-O the cleaning “Microbe Obliterator,” and Hal, WALL-E’s pet cockroach. The brick-built, posable version of WALL-E features movable arms, an adjustable neck, and expressive eyes. The details capture his boxy, mechanical look straight from the movie. EVE, meanwhile, is sleek and curved, with a translucent blue eye piece and printed elements for her face and body. She stands on a custom display stand, and her arms can be posed. Just like in the film, WALL-E comes with the iconic boot containing a green plant, a symbol of hope and renewal.

M-O comes with a spinning brush, although it is, of course, too small to do any actual cleaning. These three items are all poseable, so you can move their parts around when you want to create a “scene” for display. Hal the cockroach is, well, a cockroach. He can ride on WALL-E or you can place him wherever you want, maybe even use him to scare some gullible friends. When you finish constructing it, the set stands over 5 inches tall.

The LEGO Ideas WALL-E and EVE set (43279) is a heartwarming and display-worthy tribute to the film, blending iconic character design with clever LEGO engineering. It is a must-have for fans of the movie and those who love unique, story-driven LEGO sets. So, whether you watched WALL-E as a kid or discovered its magic a little later, this LEGO set is a wonderful way to celebrate the film’s anniversary and relive its timeless message of hope, love, and environmental care.

The post LEGO Ideas celebrates Pixar film with new WALL-E and EVE set first appeared on Yanko Design.