The Facebook Page for Design Something has been running now for a few months now and has now grown to over a 150 members! I want to thank everyone who has become a fan of the page, I encourage you to pass on the page to all of your friends so we can soon hit 200 members! The facebook is the place to go for all the updates regarding Design Something, and is an open forum for any thoughts and feelings you have regarding the blog. Here at Design Something we would love to hear your thoughts!

I hope you’ll consider checking out the page if you haven’t already, and joining the numbers of people who have already joined!

Shameless Self Promotion!

As long as I’m on the self promotion bandwagon, here are some other ways you can stay connected…

My Twitter

RSS Feed

Flickr Group

Other News

Keep your eyes peeled over at Design Juices for the official launch!

Mini Beachcomber (Concept)

Looking at future vehicles that maybe coming into the market over the next few years, the Mini Beachcomber is a vehicle that has been specifically designed and aimed towards a market of users who are going to use their vehicle when taking their surfboard, wet-suit, down to the beach. The vehicle has been designed with the surfer and water sports user in mind, with a rugged ability for the vehicle to go off road when driving down to the beach, the seat themselves almost look like they are wet-suits themselves. The boot of the car offers large amounts of space for wet-suits, bikes, safety equipment and maybe even a hamper of food, so I see no reason why this couldn’t be used for day trips.

This concept could be explored further to incorporate a similar styled motor home/toy hauler trailer, by adding this trailer you would have the ability for the extreme sports user to be on the road for as long as they wished. The mini beachcomber could be used to pull the trailer between sites and locations whilst at the same time could unhitch the trailer and go
exploring when you arrive at your location.

Nissan Qashqai

Described as ‘A stylish crossover vehicle dynamic driving characteristics of a sporty hatchback with the robust, solid virtues of a compact SUV.’

The Qashqai has been around since 2007, and has now got a revamp in 2010. The Qashqai known for its economic features, with lower exhaust emission levels and improved fuel economy over other cars in its class. This car I would categorise to be aimed towards the outdoors pursuits user, someone who enjoys the outdoor lifestyle of camping and such activities as rock climbing. I would also suggest that motor sports adventurers that partake in motocross and bmx racing would also be attracted to this type of vehicle. The boot space can be extended with flattened back seats, which would allow more equipment to be stored. With the same token I feel this car would welcome the design of a stylised trailer which could be towed by the vehicle as a living space so users could camp overnight/weekend when at an extreme sports location.

Skoda Yeti

Could this be the answer in bringing together the high-riding nature of SUV and the practicality of a hatchback for an extreme sports user?

Much like the Nissan Qashqai it is a four wheel drive which aims to be a hybrid of SUV and hatchback, the Yeti offers the user large amounts of space throughout the whole car either for passenger comfort or more space to stuff in your extreme sports equipment? More space offers more room that if the car was to be used by a surfer/bmx biker, it would mean that the trailer doesn’t need to be as large and concentrate on being a living and sleeping space for when on the road.
The slightly elevated middle part of the bumper flows alongside the lines of the
elevation down both sides of the front of the car and these lines in styling flow right down the sides of the car. The car holds enough round and smoothed off areas for it not to be considered heavily boxed like and restricted, it has its own feel of smooth lines and flowing shape to be attractive (although not as much as the Qashqai.)
The four by four nature of the design would allow the car to adequately pull a small trailer (living space,) for an outdoor pursuits user. The styling and lines could be echoed in the trailers design carrying through from car to trailer, the trailer could be made a great stylistic extension of the car itself.

Ford Kuga

“its intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) system allows you to escape off-road… The bold, contemporary exterior is matched by an interior that’s sophisticated, spacious..”

This crossover vehicle aims to be a vehicle which can cater for the off-road user with the pictures showing the functions of carrying your surfboard, bicycle, as well as dealing with any type of road condition. Whether you choose to have your outdoor pursuits in the snow, the beach or off road in mountains and rocky roads.
The vehicle has very distinct styling and is something I am immediately drawn towards, with great space for loading equipment and takes advantage of the split rear tailgate technology. It looks rugged and at the same time maintains the styling of a sports vehicle which appeals to the younger audience which takes part in outdoor pursuits. I believe that trailers could be part of the Kuga’s design and take advantage of the styling and unique detail the Kuga has transporting it onto a trailers design making it distinctive in their own right as well as not looking out of place when the trailer is towed by the Kuga on the road. The Kuga would be a perfect vehicle for which someone could explore the mountains or surrounding area of a trip away leaving the trailer behind as a base camp to come back to relax to at the end of a long days extreme sports.

And for something which combines car and trailer design..

Mini Cooper: S Clubman

This design caught my eye for its flowing style, looking at the trailer you immediately see the copied stylistic lines and curvature. As well as the colour scheme in outside paintwork as well as the subtle use of the green/yellow used in the mini cooper’s front bumper is then used on the interior of the Clubman and in the inlays of the windows.

Although the height of the Clubman is obviously several feet higher the lines flow from the start of the mini through to the back of the Clubman, the curvature and subtlety of the back end of the mini cooper is also used at the back of the Clubman. The Mini Cooper often a fan to many water sports users (such as surfers) has the ability to carry the board on its roof rack, their is no reason why surfboards (and kite boards, etc) couldn’t be stored away safely inside the Clubman. The retro styling of the Mini Cooper (first released in the 70s) comes through in the Clubman with the interior it has, as well as the pair of Swan chairs.

Did you disagree with any of my selections?

Drop us a comment below.

Article written by Jared Thompson

Head writer of Design Something Blog, currently studying Product design at the University of Central Lancashire in his final year. He has interest in minimal, clean and simplistic design styles.

Follow Jared (@Jthompsondesign) on twitter!

I hope to improve the content and quality of the blog as much more this year, even as I undertake a busy and hectic few months ahead keep a look out for more content each week. I would also say ask that you continue to pass on the news, articles and good word to friends across the board. Whether it is to re-tweet an article, through our Facebook page or any other way, its great to see people becoming involved in the blog all the time.
For contact to the authors of the website please use our contact page and we would welcome any feedback, guest authors and any advertising opportunities.

Thanks
Jared Thompson
Head Writer of Design Something
and Daniel Wolstenholme of Design Something

In the design community we are a different bunch of people and interesting eclectic mix of personalities. I wanted to see what the design community thought of being their New Years Resolutions, whether design related or otherwise. I want to say a big thank you to those people who responded to my messages and I look forward to any responses made in the comments below!

You may be interested in the following related articles as well:

What are Designers Thankful for this Thanksgiving?

My New Year Resolution for 2010 is …

bkmacdaddy: Web and graphic designer

I resolved many years ago to not make new year’s resolutions but instead to strive to continually improve, grow, learn and give.

crflores84: A rising designer trying to find my footing

I’d love to see the widespread popularity of minimalism with the simultaneous death of clutter and disorganization.

FredzGraphics: Freelance artsy dude

I haven’t given it much thought to be honest but I guess it would be to either take some courses or go to school to learn graphic design. =)

designthatrocks: Creative Director for Design That Rocks

My design resolution for this year is to do more creative/inspiring things in my life. This year was thin on concerts and events, which greatly inspire me to be and think more creatively, so this year I am going to attend more shows and events!

McConnellDesign: Web, print, brand design studio

Our design resolution this year will be expanding our blog audience and client base through awesome posts and great design!

gaksdesigns: Freelance Graphic Designer, Illustrator

My new years resolution for 2010 would be, to put out more personal work, better management of my time and to finally get my site/sites up and running.

sarahspooner1: Trainee designer, interested in logo design, illustration and digital art.

My design new years resolution will be to create my own website so that all my work is in one place.

mistygirlph: Graphics/avatar design, blogger.

To be able to make more designs and try to influence more people to bring out their creativity in a medium that they love

kalstudio: Designer. design & architecture affectionado.

To learn a new design app or something related; to schedule some time each week to draw or sew.

trudesign: Graphic, logo, web designer from VA(NY).

2010 will be an iconic year. More color, more design, more awesome than ever before. Take my skills to the next level. I resolve to develop my color use, continue to learn and hone my design skills, and increase my involvement in the community at large.

designshard: Lover of Typography, Web Design, CSS, XHTML , Illustration, Rock Music.

Try to make the best designs out of the the worst possible assets and not settle for anything less.

noellebydesign: Long time Graphic Designer/Visual Artist.

hhhmmm…. design resolutions? To continue acquiring knowledge and transitioning my Graphic Design degree into Interior Design.

francoispham: French graphic designer and illustrator. Games, music, manga, football, cinema, photos and drawing. PC user for now.

For 2010, I would like to experiment new ways about webdesign. I want to finish the next blog about stories and illustrations to, aswell as draw, draw, draw.

robertoblake: Ever since I was young I always knew I wanted to become a visual artist. Learning about Photoshop put me on the path to achieving that dream.

I think getting featured in more publications is one of my resolutions, and finding a cause I can put my designs behind would be the other.

mathewballard: Graphic designer, amateur photographer & random person.

That one is easy. To get my new website launched and get more freelance gigs then I did for 2009. Also, to become a stronger programmer.

nymphont: Dweeb. font geek. freelance designer. single mommie.

Personally my new years resolution for design is to start using my domain (nymphont.com) and to stop procrastinating on design projects.

myinkblog: I am a designer, blogger, twitter’er, wordpress’er, silverstripe advocate, blessed father and husband.

Improve the usability of the sites that I create and write better code.

GraceSmith: A 26 year old Freelance Web and Graphic Designer in ♥ with web standards and social media. An unashamed Apple Fangirl.

As a designer it would be to spend more time creating and developing my own projects and work with a wider range of talented designers and developers. Outside of design, I would like to focus on becoming a better photographer, as this summer I bought my first DSLR – a Canon 350D. I want to keep progressing and learning in all aspects of photography as it’s something I have developed a real passion for.

This Thanksgiving I Am Thankful For…

Leslie Kingery

(@kalstudio)

Is Thankful for squarespace, itunes, always illustrator with wacom pad & online- pandora, grooveshark.

Eric Noguchi

(@pixel_jockey)

I Couldn’t do without InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Acrobat. Totally essential to what I do, oh, & dual monitors.

Nikki Smith-Morgan

(@nsmithmorgan)

Thankful for an online design culture where everyone freely shares ideas. Not a problem you can encounter that someone has already solved.

Nikki Brown

(@nikibrown)

I’m thankful for my netbook – it enables me to work on the go (and it runs photoshop and illustrator pretty well!)

Amanda Manz

(@GritFX)

What am I thankful for… can I say “my brain” – best piece of software I have (or would you call it hardware!?) Also thankful for Skype, it makes it easier to work from a remote location + has helped break down old expectations when it comes to networking.

BK Macdaddy Designs

(@bkmacdaddy)

Hmmm… well the obvious answer is Adobe CS4. But I am most thankful (in advance) for the new computer I am planning for Christmas. I could also say Twitter because it has been integral in blowing up my freelance design business.

Danelle Bailey

(@danellesheree)

It’s a bit cliche, but my iPhone (named Lucida!) It helps bring everything with me – work, finances and family – and makes my life easier.

Francois Pham

(@francoispham)

I don’t know. My artist pen and my brushes maybe, i’m French and don’t want to tell you anything.

Lauren Thompson

(@nymphont)

I’m thankful for FontCreator, an affordable but very capable program that allowed me to make the fonts that I make.

Scarletbits

(@Scarletbits)

I am thankful for the new awesome working station: iMac 27″ and the 64bit snow leopard!

Christopher Flores

(@crflores84)

I am thankful for SketchUp, it gives you the complexity of AutoCAD with the easy to use interface of Google.

Mathew Ballard

(@mathewballard)

Hardware wise, my Macbook Pro and iPhone for sure. They do pretty much everything for me. Software wise the Adobe CS3 suite.

Laurent Bourrelly

(@Laurent8)

I guess MAMP made a breeze to develop local under OS X. WordPress is better and better. CODA is cool, but Dreamweaver is flawless.

Brian Hoff

(@behoff)

I am definitely thankful for Dropbox. It’s intuitive and convenient! Love it

Elizabeth Daniell

(@EDGraphicDesign)

I am very thankful for my MAC and the Adobe Creative Suite 3. InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop & Dreamweaver are 4 of my best friends.

Jared Thompson (Me)

(@Jthompsondesign)

I’m thankful for Adobe CS4 and My Aluminium Macbook, without these tools i would not have passed my second year. I’m thankful for Indesign making my research look presentable and neatly spaced.

Anca Foster

(@anca_foster)

I’m thankful for Adobe Illustrator.

Michelle

(@BellasMental)

Thankful for picasa 3, photoshop, any USB connectable device & incredimail.

Misty Belardo

(@Mistygirlph)

My macbook pro.. has made my designing a lot efficient and my new moleskin I do a lot of sketching, gets me inspired.

Jeff Claeson

(@dreamtime)

Thankful for great clients, the design community, twitter, ExpressionEngine and the patience of my family since i work so much

Karen McDade

(@KarenMcDade)

My Cinitq 21″ UX (And of course photoshop)

Mary ann

(@somethiing)

I am thankful for my colored pencils, photoshop & illustrator, my wacom tablet. And to get through creative block, my xbox360 & pandora!

Christy Latz

(@OuttheOtherSide)

I am very thankful for my 9 month old Macbook Pro/child, for Adobe After Effects and (as always) Adobe Illustrator.

Gerrel Saunders

(@gaksdesigns)

I’m thankful for Photoshop CS4 and most definitely Twitter,it’s done wonders for me!

Abby Bonwell

(@AbbyBonwell)

That’s a toss up between my love for my genuine fractals package but also am loving my TextSoap app too… both great investments!

Design Pro

(@Design_Pro)

I’m thankful for Macs. They allow me to work on projects without worrying about the computer crashing or freezing and losing all of my work.

Don’t Forget To Leave Your comments below!

Article written by Jared Thompson

Head writer of Design Something Blog, currently studying Product design at the University of Central Lancashire in his final year. He has interest in minimal, clean and simplistic design styles.

Follow Jared (@Jthompsondesign) on twitter!

Check out his Design Portfolio here!

Be sure to subscribe to the RSS Feed for the best in design blog posts every week of the year!

Dieter Rams started out his life in Germany in the 1930s and did first begin as an apprentice carpenter, he then worked his way up as an architect and interior designer before working for Braun. It wasn’t until the 1950s and working for Braun did his interest move away from architecture and interior design and move towards the design of products.

Dieter Rams is probably most famous for his work with Braun in the 1950s and 60s, many of which can be found in the Museum of Modern Art as they are such iconic pieces of product design. His work for Braun is highly regarded as being a huge influence over Jonathan Ive who’s work on the iMac and iPod began Apple’s huge rise to fame and fortune in the late 20th century and to the present day.

Dieter Rams has a great passion for simplicity and honesty in design, people looking at Rams should also recognize his work on the “ten principles of design.”

1. Good design is innovative.

2. Good design makes a product useful.

3. Good design is aesthetic.

4. Good design helps us understand a product.

5. Good design is unobtrusive.

6. Good design is honest.

7. Good design is durable.

8. Good design is consequent to the last detail.

9. Good design is concerned with the environment.

10. Good design is as little design as possible.

The first picture is the Braun T3 pocket radio, this has the same styling characteristics as the original iPod. Its simplistic design and minimal functions showcase his design principles and this is one of my favourite Dieter Rams product. The second picture shown above is the Braun T1000 Radio heavily influential on the Powermac G5. The third picture being the Braun LE1 speaker which has the complete look and feel of the Apple iMac. Dieter Rams work ended up providing the basis for Johnathan Ive who has recycled them into new and improved design products of high quality.

Other Products Dieter Rams Designed for Braun:

Article written by Jared Thompson

Head writer of Design Something Blog, currently studying Product design at the University of Central Lancashire in his final year. He has interest in minimal, clean and simplistic design styles.

Follow Jared (@Jthompsondesign) on twitter!

‘Echos in Eternity.’

‘That’s why its so complicated.’

‘Choose a job you love.’

‘What is Graphic Design?’

‘Chaos’

‘What is Graphic Design.’

‘Design is Desire.’

‘Design.’

‘Walter Tracy.’

‘Creativity.’

‘Make a Difference.’

‘Design is.’

‘Motivation.’

‘Art is.’

‘Transparent.’

‘Be safe.’

‘Routine.’

‘Progress.’

‘Man cannot master the machine.’

‘First Draft.’

Leave Your comments below!

Article written by Jared Thompson

Follow Jared (@Jthompsondesign) on twitter!

Download as a zip file from here

Wallpapers designed by Jared Thompson

Follow Jared (@Jthompsondesign) on twitter!