Here's what we looked at this week:

Production methods: Pultrusion, for producing lonnnng (up to 10km!) carbon fiber profiles.

A stunning spectacle: The world's largest drone display. This is surely how we'll be advertised to in the future.

Gerber's EAB utility knife is minimum viable product, well-executed.

Do people really want touch-capacitive HMI designs? I'd hate to have to use this thing, which is intended for the automotive market:

This object by Unnecessary Design Studio harvests burrito waste for tacos.

AquaFence's clever design for anti-flooding barriers.

New LOVR material: Leather made from industrial hemp waste. VW may use it for car seats.

Designed by Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, ÜNOS are sneakers that grow with your kids.

Yet another record-breaking drone show. Need the military fear it?

Yea or Nay? An update to Belotti's Spaghetti Chair.

Great Industrial Design student work: A mobile laundry bus.

Costa Coffee's autonomous, small-footprint 24-hour coffee shop in kiosk form.

Industrial design case study: A beautiful modular mouse, designed with fanaticism.

New food delivery method: A robot brings it to a drone, who flies it over to you.

Ikea's improved anchor and lock system for securing chests of drawers to the wall.

Design detail: The knurled handle on this Staub x Buster + Punch cookware.

This TriCreate adds three portable screens to your laptop.

Felix Alejandro Hernandez expertly blends modelmaking, photography and digital compositing.

UX design case study: Tactile revamps Starbucks' behind-the-counter system.

This project, "Bringing Interactive Unity to All Starbucks In-Store Connected Devices," is by design consultancy Tactile. The firm straightened out the coffee chain's behind-the-counter systems by tackling the work in five phases.

Starbucks Professional Design SystemAt the heart of the Starbucks café experience are their employees–an essential factor in delivering the perfect treat to customers. No minor feat, given the wide array of choices available. So, to help streamline the beverage-building process, Starbucks asked Tactile to craft a common UX strategy and UI design system for all their connected behind-the-counter equipment, now and into the future.Tactile's hands-on experience and direct working knowledge of Starbucks' device ecosystem left us well-positioned to take on such a challenge. The resulting design system helped Starbucks realize more intuitive, enjoyable, and effective devices that balance the needs of both employee and customer. All this was done in an effort to continually deliver a better, more cohesive Starbucks experience.

Unifying the Starbucks EcosystemStarbucks employees (also known internally as "partners") rely heavily on their trusted tools to craft thousands of delicious beverages per day. This load capacity emphasizes the need for a seamless and efficient work experience, one supported by equipment that's immediately recognizable and easy to use across all locations.The resulting Starbucks Professional Design System is crafted from a foundation of highly functional interactive components and visually intuitive patterns. This system helps Starbucks and their partners realize a more accessible, enjoyable, and effective device experience.Our ApproachTo develop this unified vision for current and future connected devices, we began by establishing a strong foundation of knowledge. Tactile interviewed stakeholder groups from across the Starbucks business in order to establish a core set of guiding UX principles prior to establishing the foundational UI patterns that make up the system.In the end was a newly defined design language that was integrated into the product development process. Our work with Starbucks elevated the quality and consistency of Starbucks device UI in order to create a more cohesive family of equipment. It is a system intended to be more modular, flexible, and scalable across different users and types of equipment, now and into the future.

Phase 1Insight Driven Research16 stakeholders, 11 teamsEach interview was conducted as a virtual one-on-one that covered questions from current design and development processes to existing and upcoming equipment, and in-store experiences.The goal of these interviews was to gain an understanding of the current device landscape and processes, as well as gather any intel on current needs, desires, and areas of opportunity.

Once the interviews were complete, we evaluated the feedback to identify common themes. These insights highlighted strengths and challenges associated with current and past Starbucks equipment. At the same time it helped to establish a clear set of priorities and opportunities, bringing focus to our ongoing design work.The themes were distilled into six essential design principles. The intention being to guide decision-making, while also defining the experience for key product features and functionality. This helped the system strike the right balance between business goals, in-store partner experience, and customer convenience.

Phase 2Device Audit and Deep DiveIn this auditing phase, we took a closer look at current and past equipment. Evaluating the various UX/UI implementations, we gained a clearer understanding of existing features, patterns, and functions.Using our six design principles as a guide, we audited device experiences to identify areas of alignment and opportunities for improvement. This work would steer our path forward for the new design system.

Phase 3Building Common UX PatternsLeveraging the findings from the research and audit phases, we began design exploration for a prioritized set of foundational UX components and UI patterns. These would act as a basis for all devices, drawing on common features and functionality within the ecosystem.We started with device agnostic wireframes that described basic pattern behaviors for common features like alerts and sequenced tasks. Each pattern was documented in a living file that was incrementally updated and refined as we moved ahead into the validation phase.

Phase 4Validation + RefinementUsing Tactile's ongoing device development projects, we were able to begin implementing and experimenting with the core UX patterns. Through this process, we gained valuable learnings in an effort to optimize the experience and validate solutions before moving forward with design refinement. This is where the Starbucks Pro Design System really began to take shape–by intentionally crafting unity between the brand, their apps, and all the connected devices that baristas use every day.While approaching visual design for the system, we employed a minimal color strategy of black and white plus copper accentuations. The simple use of the copper color gives all baristas a sense of craft pride by referencing physical materials seen in the higher-end Starbucks Reserve stores.These were just some of the elements that helped elevate important information without distracting customers or disrupting partner attention. Other aspects included high contrast text (adhering to strict accessibility guidelines), clear iconography, and simple, intentional typography. All of which came together to create a better informational hierarchy that's easy to read and understand. And always foundational to the process was the ability to build with enough flexibility to scale across a wide range of device types and sizes.

Phase 5Finalization + System GuidelinesTactile worked closely with a variety of Starbucks stakeholder groups, over the span of a year, to deliver a holistic and intuitive design language for all of their connected equipment. The resulting Starbucks Pro Design System improves device usability by reducing steps and streamlining the engagement experience for partners. It also helps optimize the Starbucks product development process. Our work with Starbucks helps pave the way for a more coherent and connected equipment future.

You can see more of Tactile's work here.

These photographs are by Felix Alejandro Hernandez.

The thing is, Hernandez isn't just a photographer, but an expert modelmaker and digital artist.

His Instagram features a bunch of fun videos showing you the behind-the-scenes. In this one, he creates a sci-fi set using a combination of modelmaking, practical photography and digital skills:

Plenty more to see here, and Hernandez offers courses on how he does it all here.

More multi-screen madness. This TriCreate object consists of three 15.6", 1080p screens, an internal battery and a built-in stand. It folds flat into a briefcase form factor for easy transport, and weighs 3kg (6.6 lbs). It works with both Macs and PCs.

The stand is height-adjustable, with the trade-off being that the lower you position the screens, the more the supporting arms intrude into your workspace.

Here's how it folds and unfolds:

The TriCreate has been successfully Kickstarted, closing in at $400K at press time with 4 days left to pledge. Buy-in starts at $650.

UK-based Costa Coffee has rolled out this elaborate robotic coffee station. The company says their completely automated, AI-powered station is "capable of matching or exceeding human barista quality," and is targeting locations where a 24-hour unattended small-footprint coffee shop are desirable.

The self-cleaning machine can operate for "up to 7 days" without human intervention. It's already started popping up at U.S. airports and college campuses.

Here's what the real thing looks like in action, and it is quite the spectacle, from the making to the serving:

Flowing with Blessings is a nonprofit that provides free, hot showers to Atlanta's unhoused population. Founder Nicky Crawford aims to restore hygiene, dignity and hope to the disadvantaged with his mobile shower units.

Crawford saw a need to expand into mobile laundry services. To design and build his Mobile Laundry Bus, Crawford collaborated with the Industrial Design department at Georgia Tech. ID juniors and seniors Zaria Hardnett, David Hounyo, Lily Liang, Claudia Ross, and Anushka Vaidya worked on the project.

"Using their design and engineering skills, the team was involved in every step of the process, from brainstorming and sketching concepts to developing 3D models and ensuring the final design was practical and user-centered. Since the solution had to be mobile, and there was no guarantee of clean water at some locations, the students had to determine how to add large tanks of clean water. They thought through how the workflow for the helpers could work and then designed the layout of the washers and dryers for an effective operation."

Sadly that's all the visual documentation I could find, but you can get a look at the bus, and hear more about Crawford's mission, in the news clip below.

We really are hurtling into the future here, folks.

So this company Serve Robotics makes these sidewalk delivery robots.

A restaurant worker loads them, then the autonomous 'bot drives itself over to your building. While the 'bots have a range of up to 25 miles, they're not that fast—they top out around 6 MPH—so most of the deliveries they're used for are within a 2-mile radius.

However, now the company is partnering with Wing Aviation, a drone delivery provider. Under the arrangement, Serve's robots will transport the delivery to a Wing Autoloader station nearby. Then a Wing drone picks the order up and freaking flies it to your building.

The arrangement means they can offer "30 minute autonomous delivery across an entire city," says Serve CEO Dr. Ali Kashani.

Other advantages:

- Fast: Wing drones fly above the gridlock and Serve robots operate exclusively on sidewalks, so deliveries avoid being snarled in street traffic.- Cost Efficient: Drones and robots both lower delivery costs for the operator and consumer with no need for tipping.- Environmentally-Conscious: Both fully-electric, Wing and Serve reduce vehicle emissions associated with food delivery, as well as reducing traffic and congestion.- Safe: By keeping vehicles off the roads, Serve and Wing help to cut down on traffic accidents.- Convenient: Curbside robotic package pickup allows merchants to access drone delivery without modifying their facilities or installing new equipment.

The companies say they'll roll out the arrangement "in the coming months," though they don't say where. (Let me guess: San Francisco.)

As a pure object, I'm really impressed with the form of this Pathfinder modular mouse, by startup Orbital Works. Intended to provide the best possible UX for gamers, it's been designed with fanaticism.

Developed from hundreds of hand scans and match analyses, Pathfinder fits your palm like a second skin and can be enhanced with pro-approved shapes until it feels like an extension of yourself.
Defined by Research, Refined by Experts.Why is shape the most important factor when choosing the ultimate FPS mouse? We spent two years finding the answer, analyzing hundreds of hand scans and studying how gamers grip their mice during competitive matches. Throughout, we kept an open mind, focused on delivering a mouse that provides gamers with the perfect shape.

GRIPSWe identified three groups of finger placement: front, center, and back along the length of the mouse. Some gamers prefer sculpted surfaces for greater control, while others favor flat surfaces for freer movement.

HANDSWe discovered that our mouse must accommodate different widths on both the left and right sides of the palm. To create the ideal mouse length, it must respond to playstyle, not just hand size.

One Small Change of Shape, One Giant Leap in GameplayWe concluded that the ultimate FPS mouse must be modular, allowing precise adjustments for hand size, play style, and grip preference. Our next objective is to ensure this modularity enhances gameplay in a meaningful way, encouraging gamers to explore until they find their perfect shapes.

Validation
We developed prototypes and tested them with top FPS gamers to determine the ideal level of modularity, focusing on where customizability has the greatest impact while maintaining aesthetic quality and a lightweight design.

RefinementWe worked with top players and aimers to refine each modular shape through over 30 iterations, making sure all 2,500+ configurations will be top-performing and help you discover the Ultimate Mouse

Patent-Pending MechanismOur Modular parts are rated for 20,000 cycles. Almost 3 years of changing shapes 20 times a day.PATHFINDER CoreLightweight with top-tier specs, designed to be future-proof for even greater customization.

The $189 mouse will only have a production run of 4,000 units, the company says, to ensure quality.

It's a small detail, but I suspect it will go a long way. French cookware company Staub has collaborated with British hardware manufacturer Buster + Punch, adding the latter's hardware to the former's cookware. This has yielded two sizes of cast-iron cocotte and one cast-iron frying pan with these attractive knurled handles, available in brass or steel:

The Staub X Buster + Punch line launches today.

Ikea's new, improved anchor and lock system should give parents some extra peace of mind. Once installed, it allows every drawer in a chest of drawers to be open, and the unit will not tip.

The improved design adds an interior metal strip that runs the entire height of the cabinet, and is locked to the wall by a beefier metal L-bracket.

You can see how it's installed, and how it works, in the video below:

Ikea is incorporating the system into their new STORKLINTA and GULLABERG line of furniture.

The Spaghetti Chair, designed by architect Giandomenico Belotti in 1979, became a design classic of the '80s. The parallel lines of the PVC noodles gave it a striking look, and the steel-framed chair was suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It's still in production today.

Over the years, Italian manufacturer Alias produced several variants. None of them (to my eye) capture the spirit of the original design well.

More recently, the company has released a special edition that I think really breaks with Belotti's vision: Gone are the spaghetti straps, replaced with…hide leather.

Modern update, or design crisis?

Gerber's EAB Lite is an example of well-executed minimum viable product. It is the smallest possible form you could have for a folding utility knife that takes standard blades.

There's a liner lock, and the grooves in the handle are meant to provide the grip you need on something this diminutive. The pocket clip lets it do double-duty as a money clip. As a bonus, it's easy on the eyes.

Overall, a handsome little piece of industrial design.

The company has priced it for $18, but on Amazon it's $13 and change.

Footwear designer Dr. D'Wayne Edwards has designed ÜNOS by Sz, a line of sneakers designed to grow with your kids.

The sole is divided by a Z shape, which allows the shoe to expand, in length and width, up to a half-size (or a full size in the adult sizes, if your kid's got big feet). This allows parents to get a little extra bang for their buck, rather than having to buy new kicks to replace outgrown ones.

The ÜNOS line, which stands for "U Need One Size," is being offered by Target. Sixteen different styles are available, and the shoes retail for less than $50.

"We are here to change the rules of the game," writes German company Revoltech. "Prove that it is possible to reinvent materials. Make them clean. Honest. Uncomplicated."

"Our mission is to have maximum impact by making responsible and creative use of what the earth has in abundance. No exploitation. No fossil fuels. With combined forces, we are bringing together agriculture, engineering and material design to achieve our common goal: Transforming the way materials are made."

The company has invented a material called LOVR. It's a leather substitute made from hemp waste produced by the food industry.

"[It] is an all-natural, 100% biological single-layer surface material called LOVRTM (the letters stand for leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based) that is being developed specifically with the automotive industry in mind. The hemp fibers and a fully bio-based adhesive are combined using a special technology and processed to become a surface material. This truly circular material is sourced from regional hemp fields and is fully recyclable or compostable once it has reached the end of its service life. It is produced from residues of the hemp industry that have no further use. In addition, it can be manufactured on existing industrial plants, thus enabling swift scalability – and is therefore also suitable for use in large-scale production."

The material has attracted the attention of Volkswagen, who is investigating its application for automotive seating. If it passes VW's sniff test, the company says LOVR could start showing up in their vehicles by 2028.

As Hurricane Helene ravaged the southeastern United States, Tampa General Hospital managed to ward off flooding using this AquaFence system. Unlike sandbags, these barrier wall systems are reusable, and can be stored flat.

The design is simple, but ingenious: The more water they're keeping out, the stronger the structure becomes. That's because each component is L-shaped, braced diagonally with steel struts, and designed to be used with the bottom of the L pointed towards the water. As floodwaters rise, they weigh down on the bottom of that L, anchoring each component in place. The upright of the L cannot collapse, because it is held fast by the high tensile strength of the steel braces.

In this video released by the hospital, you can see how effective the 9-foot-tall barriers are:

Hot on the heels of their record-breaking 7,598-drone light show, the city of Shenzhen has broken the record again. In celebration of China's National Day, which is today, the city held a 10,197-drone light show, all run from a single computer.

The footage looks even more impressive from afar, though business strategy consultant Robert Sterling captioned his footage with a chilling message:

The potential martial applications are a bit worrying. At the very least, I imagine they'd provide good fodder for a Hollywood movie.

Here's an amusing project by Unnecessary Design Studio, a/k/a Matty Benedetto. Who knew, when CAD and 3D printing were invented, that they'd one day allow such creations as the Burrito Bumper:

I'm kind of surprised he's not selling these.

I'm trying not to write about negative things on here (you should see the things in my in-box), but I really dislike this new speculative HMI design called Pulsar. It's billed as a "Plastronics" system, which the developer defines as an "ultra-thin smart interface for interacting with the new generation of cars."

I believe I'd find using it deeply dissatisfying. See the video below and judge for yourself.

The Eurecat technology centre has developed a smart plastic surface just 3 millimetres thick which has an interface that allows users to interact and communicate with a machine, software or intuitive system with built-in LED lighting and capacitive sensors which is expected to be embedded in the central electronic control system of the new generation of cars."The need for digital transformation and the growing importance of design, integration, personalisation and standing out from the competition means the industry is constantly evolving and developing highly innovative products and services," says David Pardos, Head of Business Development in Eurecat's Mobility team. "By way of example, functional surfaces with haptic response activation featuring tactile sensations are gaining ground."

Are they gaining ground, and if so, why? Is this solving an end-user's problem, or a manufacturer's? Do people actually enjoy running their fingertips across plastic surfaces in vague swiping motions? When did we decide this was better than interacting with controls that actually provide tactile feedback?

This is technology for technology's sake. If I rented a car that had this for an interface, I'd exchange the car for another.

The city of Shenzhen recently held the world's largest drone display. Some 7,598 drones took to the night sky to create a stunning display of images including dragons, tigers, Chinese landmarks and more. Incredibly, they were all run by a single laptop.

If you enjoy visual spectacles, it's well worth the watch:

This is definitely how we'll be advertised to in the future, no? Think of that giant "Geisha-eating-a-snack" billboard in the opening of Blade Runner, just without the billboard, the video floating in space.

Like many people in Copenhagen, Danish designer Jens Martin Skibsted is a bicycle enthusiast. In fact, "enthusiast" is quite an understatement, as in addition to his day job as VP Foresight & Mobility at the strategy, design and technology consulting firm Manyone, he is also the founder and designer at Biomega, a Danish design brand focused on making bicycles capable of replacing cars in urban environments.

His latest project is the BER, a new electric bicycle that includes many features designed specifically for the US urban/commuter market. The frame is made from lightweight aluminum tubing, with front and rear safety lights integrated in the handlebar and seat post respectively. The head tube charging port is easy to access and use, and the design features a smooth, quiet and durable carbon fiber belt drive, which helps reduce maintenance costs.

The elegant design uses the same size tubing for the top and down tubes, avoiding the heavy look in most e-bikes with oversized down tubes. The state-of-the-art UL certified motor and batteries, along with the minimal Scandinavian design result in a bike, with batteries, weighing less than 16KG. This light weight helps give the bike an impressive 70 mile range, which is more than double the range capacity from Biomega's earlier bikes.

The bike will retail for $2,500 when it is available in 2025, and the first 500 purchasers through the Prelaunch campaign can order it for only $2,000. In addition, anyone making an early order will be entered to win a week-long, all expense paid trip for two to Copenhagen during the summer of 2025, to experience Danish bike culture first-hand. More info, specs and the pre-order form can be found on their launch page.

In many parts of the world bikes are used as viable commuting vehicles. With the BER Skibsted hopes to bring that mindset to commuters in the US.

Editor's note: Jens Martin Skibsted was the Transportation Category Jury Captain for the 2021 Core77 Design Awards. (https://designawards.core77.com/2021/Transportation)