design - what's that?

For me design is the best creative way to solve a problem by technical means. It could be a draw, an action, an object, etc. Usually has an aesthetically appearance: the best design is simple, easy, beautiful and, preferably, sustainable.

Today I'll show you some paper projects that should come to life:

Sand Glass LED Traffic Lights

Traffic lights via Yanko Design

These were designed by Thanva Tivawong and he has three other designs related to traffic that really facilitates our lives.

Easylock Handle

With the Easylock handle, consumers use the same hand to fold and close a folding door. Featuring a clean design, its on-off button shape suggests technological elements, bringing added value to the brand's folding doors. (FastCo Design)

Designed by NóDesign (São Paulo, Brazil), via FastCo Design

This project received the 2010's IDEA silver award.

Still One

Inspired by the concept of "less is more," the Still One faucet features brief lines and simplicity, integrating practicality and elegance. The valve is made of stainless steel, extending the faucet's lifespan, while the faucet is made of lead-free brass or stainless steel, both of which meet standards to ensure the safety of drinking water. (FastCo Design)

Designed by Justime Design Team of Shengtai Brassware Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), via FastCo Design

This project received also the 2010's IDEA silver award.

Share with me your favourite design projects in the comments. It will be much appreciated. :)

Fall into temptation

Siete Pecados by Sidecar (Spain), via Lovely Package

Yesterday I was checking my Google Reader when suddenly I see this amazing post by Lovely Package. As you can see, is a Spanish project from the advertising agency Sidecar: a series of wines inspired by the seven deadly sins that leads us into temptation.

I like the theme, it suits perfectly the product and the design is very appealing. This is a real project and will be for sale at March. I would love to see this bottles at stores in Portugal to buy every single one of them.

Wrath

Greed

Lust

Envy

Pride

Gluttony

Laziness

My favourite sin is Laziness, but I love the design of all the bottles. What's yours?

Me

I was playing with vectors and this came out. I love that cup. :)

Waxing love

wax seal by ~never-think, via dA

I wish letters would be closed with wax seals again. They're beautiful and special. But even letters are being forgotten. Very few cares about handwriting or calligraphy. But in my world they will exist forever.

The last love letter by Raquel Laranjo, via dA

Wax seals exists forever (since Mesopotamia!) and were used as a label and as a symbol of authenticity, as we use brands nowadays. But they're associated, most of the time, with the Medieval Age (which I adore). Why's that? Waxseals.com explains:

In Medieval Times, betrothals were prearranged-therefore true words of love were secretly written and the envelope's contents secured by a wax seal, so that the recipient could be assured that their passion would be unknown to others.

Love and danger are the perfect couple. They were chanted, books were written, movies were made, paintings have been created. It's difficult to take that from our minds.

Lovers via Washington State University

Now some tutorials about wax seal and calligraphy to show your romantic side. Valentine is coming!

Vitinho

Maybe you don't know him, but this guy gave me the good-night's every single night when I was a child. He was born with the intention to put kids at bet earlier, like 9 o'clock. Believe it or not, we all obeyed him.

He has 25 years now, so Google - Portugal decided to celebrate it:

He was an icon for the 80's generation and is still in our minds and hearts, we miss him.  See what I'm talking about:

Isn't he cute? And the story is funny and full of magic. I would love to go to bed like that.

But I have my own story about Vitinho. When I was little I thought every television in the world was different. I never caught the same program in my television and in my grandfather's or friends tv.

Until one day, my parents put a black and white television in my bedroom. My tv and the living room's one were both turned on in the same channel. Vitinho was saying the goodnight's. I was perplexed. I looked to one and the other. One time, two times, three times. I couldn't believe it! So I said out loud to my family: I'm watching the same thing in the two televisions! I was very admired and thought that it was some kind of magic and then I realized that there was no difference between televisions.

I love to tell this story because I find it funny and reminds me how I looked to the world back then. I don't want to loose that innocence.

Me with my favourite doll