http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/rss Designers Blog http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/public/images/keechdesign.gif http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/rss http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/113/better-by-design.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/113/better-by-design.html A sports car made out of fabric and a collapsible electric plug are among 100 or so items currently on show at the Design Museum in London, and in the running to win the 2010 Brit Insurance Design Awards. Evan Davis - accompanied by Museum Director Deyan Sudjic, and sculptor and awards judge Antony Gormley took a look at the ingenious and stylish creations. Link to the BBC audio slideshow is http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8536000/8536968.stmhere Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:49:06 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/111/skeleton.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/111/skeleton.html Skeleton bob is the sport that we're all talking about at the moment, thanks to the great Amy Williams who rocketed to Winter Olympic glory to provide us with our first gold medal since the curling team worked their magic in Salt lake City back in 2002. Curling, like skeleton, was another of those sports you'd sort of heard of but had no idea of the depth of skill, intrigue and cool equipment. Personally I like Bill Bailey's musings on curling: why not curl furniture? Sofas, coffee tables etc. - with points awarded for nice arrangements... But the skeleton 'sled' is a sophisticated piece of design, as you'd expect. Here's what http://www.bobskeleton.org.ukBritish Skeleton have to say about it... Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:54:04 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/110/the-future-is-here-next-to-the-albert-hall.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/110/the-future-is-here-next-to-the-albert-hall.html I've been lucky enough to have been a recent visiting tutor in one of the most exciting departments of the most exciting design school in the world. For a taste of this, don't miss the Work-in-progress Shows of the Royal College of Art's Innovation Design Engineering school. 3rd-9th Feb. RCA Galleries, Kensington Gore London. (Next to the Albert Hall.) As well as IDE you'll get to see work in progress from architecture, design interactions, vehicle design, printmaking and animation students. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:37:21 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/108/apple-ipad-launched.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/108/apple-ipad-launched.html Apple introduces iPad tablet device. Breaking news http://mashable.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipadhere. Let us know what you think to it... Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:16:03 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/107/whats-it-to-be-then.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/107/whats-it-to-be-then.html What exactly WILL Apple be launching at 18.00 GMT this evening? A sort of hybrid iPhone/laptop tablet? A car? An e-book? A Jesus tablet? A space mission? Some possibilities to ponder on your way to the bookies http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8481829.stmhere Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:39:45 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/106/dieter-rams.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/106/dieter-rams.html The work of Dieter Rams, currently showing at http://designmuseum.orgThe Design Museum, London. Exhibition running until 9th March. Lots of good stuff http://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/2009/2009-dieter-ramshere, including footage of the man himself in conversation with Deyan Sudjic. You know, it's all very nice, but couldn't it do with a bit more colour and perhaps some decoration? Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:58:57 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/105/slick-art.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/105/slick-art.html A vast waist-high tank of recycled engine oil - Richard Wilson's 20:50 first excited the art world around 20 years ago and is now re-housed at The Saatchi Gallery in http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/current/richard_wilson_2050.htmChelsea. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:30:15 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/104/detroit-motor-show-2010.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/104/detroit-motor-show-2010.html You can feel the tingle of electricity around this year's North American International Auto Show in Michigan's motor city. Here's what they say: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/detroits-deafening-electric-car-buzz-2010-01-11?reflink=MW_news_stmpDetroit's Deafening Electric Buzz http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iCVlLc5XjoyAKcccm2l6o4jfC5VQSmall, Hybrid and Electric Cars http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8449457.stmDoors Open at Detroit Motor Show http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/First-Official-Pictures/Audis-electric-R4-at-the-Detroit-motor-show-2010Audi's Electric E-tron (pictured above) Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:40:53 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/103/what-trends-for-2010.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/103/what-trends-for-2010.html This is not actual trends forecasting; that costs money! Just some casual yet assured observations that have blipped on the Keech Radar. So what's in and out for 2010? Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:54:18 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/102/google-nexus-one.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/102/google-nexus-one.html Google is about to unveil a new phone; the Nexus One. This is more than significant as it will surely go head to head with our beloved iPhone. Carrying the obligatory 300 quid plus price tag, it apparently rides on Google's own Android mobile phone software first launched in 2007. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:43:48 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/101/what-was-it-about-2009.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/101/what-was-it-about-2009.html A quick look back and a long look forward is my way of thinking. So here are a few bests and mosts of the year that was 2009, seen fleetingly, whilst re-focussing the design binoculars. Best Architecture James May's http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8269479.stmLego house Best News Article Epic struggle? Gap under the door? Arrest the snake? Sounds more like a Viz article than a http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7999909.stmBBC News one. Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:12:33 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/100/merry-christmas.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/100/merry-christmas.html Erithacus rubecula not really showing the true spirit of Christmas. Image courtesy of http://www.moorhen.me.ukMoorhen. Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:34:57 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/99/way-to-go.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/99/way-to-go.html This is the Tesla Roadster. It's an electric car. Top speed: 130 mph and 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Range: 244 miles. Available in Europe next year. Already on sale in the US, people in Europe will be able to buy them next year for €100,000. A new €49,000 family car called the Model S is also in the pipeline. Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:05:33 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/98/a-warm-wellcome.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/98/a-warm-wellcome.html Brand Identity, product identity, corporate identity. Phrases much used but less often considered in depth. Johanna Jansdotter sheds some light on the 'I' word with the help of the Wellcome Collection. If you come across the following sentences, then you probably just entered the exhibition IDENTITY: EIGHT ROOMS, NINE LIVES currently held at the Wellcome Collection, London: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:17:08 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/97/a-cool-reception.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/97/a-cool-reception.html We have just designed, built and fitted a stylish yet highly functional concierge/ reception desk at 15 Portland Place, London W1. What we feel is unique about this kind of project, is that the whole process, from client discussions and initial sketches, through to manufacture and fit-out, is handled by us. Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:59:01 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/96/in-the-know-10.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/96/in-the-know-10.html Our occasional series where great design objects are described by those who know them best; their owners. Keechdesign design assistant Johanna Jansdotter looks (and listens) to a very small thing... Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:13:40 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/95/from-charlie-parker-to-jackson-pollock-to-ducati.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/95/from-charlie-parker-to-jackson-pollock-to-ducati.html Thank you to all of you who attended my CPD lecture at KLC School Of Design in Chelsea last night. For those of you who couldn't make it, here's a selection of the images, in no particular order, to give you a flavour... 1. Oi music industry! Stop going on about how radical punk was! Can you imagine what it must have been like to hear the likes of Charlie Parker's Ornithology or Yardbird Suite for the first time? And that was in the mid 1940's! Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:54:15 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/94/design-and-diversity.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/94/design-and-diversity.html This is the title of a lecture that I'm giving tomorrow evening at KLC School Of Design, Chelsea Harbour. There is more information about KLC http://www.klc.co.uk/InteriorDesignhere. Hope to see you there! Here are the details... Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:20:27 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/93/starckdrives.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/93/starckdrives.html LaCie hard drives by Philippe Starck Philippe Starck, after his recent outing on the Good Old British Telly is even more in the public eye than usual. Creater of objects weird, wonderful, beautiful, provocative and occasionally daft, his latest offering for LaCie; mobile and desktop hard drives, are good ones to have a look at. I had a look at one this morning, courtesy of graphic design guru Jonathan Miller of http://www.alembic.co.ukAlembic... Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:26:15 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/92/what-you-got.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/92/what-you-got.html Products are everywhere. Branded products, designed by designers and made by manufacturers. We love them dearly, lavish our hard-earned money on them, and keep them like fetishes or talismans in our houses, in our pockets, and (in some cases) in the bedside cabinet. They range from objects of worship to highly sophisticated tools without which our life would be difficult. So what you got? What products do you own that you cannot live without, or that you simply adore for the sheer sake of it? If you take a pen and write down the first five that come to mind, it's a fair bet that they are your true faves. Here are mine... Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:42:18 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/91/design-for-life.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/91/design-for-life.html This is the BBC reality TV show on design that everyone seems to be taking about, with design superstar Philippe Starck taking the role of Big Brother. I'll assume you've seen it, but if not be sure to catch previous episodes at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00mw165/Design_for_Life_Episode_1/BBC iPlayer. If you don't know what it's all about then here's the concept in the BBC's own words: BBC Two and Philippe Starck are teaming up for a brand new TV series to find the next great British designer. Internationally renowned designer Starck will be heading up a specially created School of Design in Paris. Ten aspiring designers with the talent, drive and vision to create the next 'must have' products of the 21st Century will be given the unique opportunity to learn and work alongside Starck and his team over a period of several months. To add to that there is the tired old format of gradual elimination and winner takes all at the end. By the way, one of the candidates had designed an innovative cork-screw coffin, so technically that's Design For Death, but we won't split hairs. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:11:24 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/90/brand-new-heavy-light.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/90/brand-new-heavy-light.html I first saw Benjamin Hubert's concrete lamps at last year's 100% Design and was instantly attracted to them. For me, they breathed new life into a familiar material and process. Great to see then, that the range is now extended to include a desk lamp. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:04:42 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/89/spot-the-difference.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/89/spot-the-difference.html Our beloved Harry Beck 1933 masterpiece - the London Underground map is every inch a design classic. For me it sits very firmly in the top 10 greatest designs of all time. But over the years it has become increasingly cluttered with all sorts of bits and pieces, including the addition of grey fare zones, which have diminished its purity and elegance. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:30:29 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/88/where-i-work.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/88/where-i-work.html Keechdesign article in issue 72 of http://www.newdesignmagazine.co.ukNew Design Magazine - 'Where I Work' feature. Here is the text followed by some shots of the office that were used. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:41:05 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/87/from-kings-cross-to-kyushu.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/87/from-kings-cross-to-kyushu.html British architects and designers have a long history of making their mark at all corners of the globe. Interior designer Chisa Kono talks about a project that is literally close to home... What an exciting building this is! I've never seen a building quite like it. It's a temple, designed by Heatherwick Studio, and is scheduled to be built in Kagoshima at the south-western tip of the Kyushu island of Japan. British designer http://www.heatherwick.comThomas Heatherwick was commissioned by a the Shingon-Shu Buddhist sect to create the new temple and ossuary. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:18:33 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/86/perfect-packaging.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/86/perfect-packaging.html Five of the best 1980s album covers. 1. Power Corruption and Lies 2. Rain Dogs 3. Meat Is Murder 4. Off The Bone 5. Uprising 1. New Order, Power Corruption And Lies 1983 - Factory Records Sleeve design: Peter Saville. Just when you think you are looking at an old master (Fantin-Latour, 1890 to be precise) you notice the irreverantly technical print colour coding top right. But there's more to the coding than that as the owners of this album will http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power,_Corruption_and_Liesknow. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:06:32 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/85/recycled-products-tokyo-style.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/85/recycled-products-tokyo-style.html Small packet of off-cuts from an industrial timber process sold as craft items by the great Tokyu Hands in Tokyo. Price 189 Yen - that's about £1.25. Instructions not included! Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:21:11 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/84/a-sense-of-scale.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/84/a-sense-of-scale.html 210mm x 150mm plaster cast of the artist as Isaac Newton after William Blake, by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. Compare with the monumental bronze one that sits in the piazza of the British Library. The plaster pre-dates the bronze of course, and I believe to a certain extent was a working maquette. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:34:03 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/83/radii-r-us.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/83/radii-r-us.html The image above is a teaser shot (as much as we dare show at this stage) of a gorgeous new kitchen we designed for London based manufacturers http://www.rtimmons.co.ukRobert Timmons Furniture. It's called R45 and will be launched at this year's http://www.100percentdesign.co.uk100% Design at Earls Court London. Here's what RTF say about the project... Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:59:30 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/82/ones-to-watch.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/82/ones-to-watch.html Hotbed of creativity is perhaps an overworked metaphor, but always does nicely for the Royal College of Art. Particularly around degree show and finals time when things get very warm indeed; creatively speaking. This year I was teaching a module in the college's http://www.rca.ac.uk/Default.aspx?ContentID=160473andGroupID=159384andMore=1Industrial Design Engineering department. Helping final year students with the process of metamorphosis whereby concepts and plans become fully functioning reality. The core philosophies of the department are an inspiration in themselves: Innovation is the bedrock of IDE and our philosophy is that of the Enlightenment: creativity, design and science in harmony. This year there were five Distinctions awarded in IDE. Here's the pick of the bunch... Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:25:53 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/81/sounds-like-harrods.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/81/sounds-like-harrods.html Yamaha Music commissions Keechdesign to create inspiring and ground breaking piano lounge space in Harrods Knightsbridge We are delighted to have been commissioned by Yamaha Music UK Ltd to create an inspiring, contemporary and creative area for Yamaha Pianos in Harrods. The space will also incorporate a studio lounge dedicated to Yamaha's award-winning Disklavier Pianos which combine traditional pianos with unique Yamaha state of the art hi-technology offering playback and recording facilities with the capability to 'communicate' with each other online. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:31:32 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/80/wish-you-were-here.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/80/wish-you-were-here.html What: A collection of souvenirs that can be sent by e-mail and then materialize using a 3D printer (stereolithography rapid prototyping). Who: http://www.hectorserrano.comHéctor Serrano Studio sponsored by 3D Systems. When: When you are on holiday and want to send a postcard/souvenir with a very low carbon footprint. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:51:03 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/79/the-shapely-things-to-come.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/79/the-shapely-things-to-come.html NASA's X-48B Blended Wing Body aircraft passed a milestone when the experimental aircraft made its 50th flight in April this year. Potential benefits of the aircraft include increased volume for carrying capacity, efficient aerodynamics for reduced fuel burn and possibly significant reductions in noise due to propulsion integration options. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:09:30 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/78/yes-but-is-it-art.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/78/yes-but-is-it-art.html Of course it is. And industrial design and architecture too. Eric Parry's new door handles for izé are exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the first door handles ever to appear there. (The http://www.royalacademy.org.ukRA summer show runs until 16th August 2009) The genesis of the Z handle, from concept drawings in Parry’s sketchbook to working models, and a cast prototype are used to address curator Will Allsop's theme of illustrating the process through working models. The Z handle, which comes in three sizes, is part of http://www.ize.infoizé's growing portfolio of creative collaboration in the field of architectural ironmongery. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:40:49 GMT http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/77/buy-it-change-it-own-it.html http://www.keechdesign.co.uk/blog/read/2010/03/77/buy-it-change-it-own-it.html Five of the best subcultural adaptions of standard products. 1. Hot Rod 2. Mod Parka 3. Punk Safety Pin 4. Cafe Racer 5. Scratch Turntable 1. Take a venerable standard American production car, chop it, lower it, cook it, and then cram as much horse power under the hood as humanly possible. I'll see you out on the strip... Wed, 20 May 2009 17:21:57 GMT