Jeu de Cintre is a decorative toy collection that transforms a single wooden hanger into playful, minimalist objects. The project is the latest from aequo.design, a studio known for merging industrial design with craft to reframe overlooked or standardized materials. Founded in 2020 by designers Tim Defleur and Arthur Lenglin, aequo.design draws inspiration from construction, everyday life, and local contexts, often working with what’s readily available to create objects that are both functional and poetic.

In Jeu de Cintre, this philosophy takes shape through the Spacéo hanger — a mass-produced, utilitarian object reimagined with just a few simple tools. By focusing on small gestures and subtle transformations, the project highlights the creative potential embedded in even the most ordinary materials, fashioning joyful sculptures of birds, dinosaurs, planes, and much more.

all images by Benjamin Helle

jeu de cintre’s toys can be assembled from just one hanger

Each toy in the Jeu de Cintre series is crafted from just one hanger, with a manufacturing process intentionally simplified down to essentials to suit all ages and skill levels. This approach makes the project ideal for public workshops and also informs aequo.design’s pared-back aesthetic and the team’s commitment to inclusive, hands-on design.

The project will be presented at the Leroy Merlin booth during Maker Faire 2025, held from June 13th to 15th at Euratechnologie in Lille, France, where visitors will be invited to build their own objects using assembly instructions and guided support from on-site facilitators. Each design is made from a Spacéo hanger, an off-the-shelf wooden clothes hanger sold by Leroy Merlin as part of its home storage range, highlighting the studio’s interest in reimagining standardized, everyday materials.

Jeu de Cintre is a decorative toy collection

aeuqo.design transforms a single wooden hanger into minimalist toys

the designers often work with what’s readily available to create objects that are both functional and poetic

the series comprises joyful sculptures of birds, dinosaurs, planes, and much more

the assembly process focusing on small gestures and subtle transformations

manufacturing is intentionally simplified down to essentials to suit all ages and skill levels

aequo.design will present the toys at the Leroy Merlin booth during Maker Faire 2025

at the fair in France, visitors can build their own objects

the project informs aequo.design’s pared-back aesthetic and their commitment to inclusive, hands-on design

the project looks to the Spacéo hanger — a mass-produced, utilitarian object

project info:

name: Jeu De Cintre
designer: aequo.design | @aequo.design

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom

The post from hangers to birds and planes: aequo.design turns household items into wooden toys appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Kenny Scharf releases a recent KarBombz! art car in full scale with a toy-sized Hot Wheels version. The project is a collaboration between the artist and the brand based on a 1967 Ford Thunderbird. It is a significant model in Hot Wheels history since it was one of the first 16 toy car designs the company released in 1968. These are known as the Original 16. Kenny Scharf paints the car’s exterior using his KarBombz! style. For the project, he uses spray paint to create art directly on cars, just like the other models he’s done in the series.

Kenny Pfitzer, a car builder at Pfitzer Designs in Corona, California, has handled the 1967 Ford Thunderbird mechanical construction for the Hot Wheels and Kenny Scharf collaboration. The vehicle also features American Racing 500 Mono Cast wheels as well as BF Goodrich Silvertown Redline radial tires. Hot Wheels expects to induct the Thunderbird art car into its Garage of Legends, which is a Hot Wheels collection that houses actual cars that the brand has built or selected. This art car, after induction, appears at Hot Wheels events in coming years. So far, it includes joining the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, an event series where the brand showcases its cars to the public.

all images courtesy of Kenny Scharf and Hot Wheels

1:64 die-cast models of the original 1967 Ford Thunderbird

The artist Kenny Scharf started his KarBombz! series in 2013. He thought then that cars were boring. They all looked the same, so gray and dull. He imagined drivers being stuck in traffic inside their lifeless-looking vehicles. That’s when the idea ignited: tattoos for car, spray painted by hand, street style that’s thriving in colors and graphics. ‘What an exciting traffic jam that would be,’ the artist says. Nearly over a decade later, he’s right. These KarBombz! designs add so much life, jazz, and flair to the copy-and-paste-looking cars on the roads. 

Working with Hot Wheels then feels natural to Kenny Scharf. The artist admits he’s been a fan of the brand’s toy cars, even as he was growing up. During this time, he developed an art career that often used cars as his canvas. Now, that blank slate comes in two forms. First, a real-life 1967 Ford Thunderbird production model. The other, a 1:64 die-cast Hot Wheels version, which is 64 times smaller than the actual car. The latter is available from Mattel Creations on June 9th, 2025. There’s also a limited edition, which includes only 100 die-cast models. Kenny Scharf has signed each of these 100 units, and these versions also come with a base showing more of the artist’s designs.

Kenny Scharf releases a recent KarBombz! art car in toy-sized Hot Wheels version

the artist’s name appears on the rear plate

a summer-looking blue shade becomes the color foundation

a balloon-looking figure zooms through on the side of the vehicle

surface view of the die-cast model

the artist uses spray paint to create art directly on the car

the 1:64 die-cast version on top of the real-life 1967 Ford Thunderbird

the project is a collaboration between the artist and the brand based on a 1967 Ford Thunderbird

Kenny Scharf spray painting on the Ford Thunderbird for the art car

Hot Wheels expects to induct the Thunderbird art car into its Garage of Legends

project info:

name: Hot Wheels x Kenny Scharf Custom T-Bird

artist: Kenny Scharf | @kennyscharf

brand: Hot Wheels | @hotwheelsofficial

company: Mattel | @mattel

The post kenny scharf unveils iconic KarBombz! art car in full scale and toy-sized hot wheels version appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Using text prompts, users can generate their own buildable LEGO designs à la OpenAI’s ChatGPT with LegoGPT. Designed by the researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, it can produce physically stable LEGO brick models based on text inputs. The AI language model uses a dataset of LEGO structures paired with descriptive captions. It predicts where to put the individual LEGO bricks using next-token prediction. After it gives the results, users just follow the ‘design plan’ to start building their generated models using their existing bricks or produce their custom bricks for the design. LegoGPT even uses a validity check to make sure that each LEGO brick is in the right place.

The ChatGPT-like dataset used to train LegoGPT, called StableText2Lego, includes more than 47,000 LEGO structures. These represent more than 28,000 3D objects. Then, each structure comes with a caption that describes the model in natural language. The ChatGPT for LEGO also includes a feature that assigns colors and surface textures to the buildable structures still based on the text prompts. Another feature noted by the researchers is that the project can be assembled by either a human or a robot (arm).

all images courtesy of the researchers from Carnegie Mellon University

researchers convert the real brick models into ‘digital’ formats

The ChatGPT for LEGO starts when the researchers convert and scan the real models into digital formats, so the computers can analyze and save them. They do this by turning each design into a sequence of text tokens. Basically, these are written descriptions of each LEGO brick, ordered from bottom to top like poetry stanzas. Then, these sequences are paired with descriptions of what the models represent. All this forms a training dataset, which is then used to teach a language model how to predict LEGO brick layouts.

When users give LegoGPT a prompt, it begins building the model one brick at a time. After placing each brick, it checks if the brick is valid, doesn’t overlap with others, and fits with the rest of the structure. It’s the phase when the system generates different structures, and each variation goes through stability analysis. Because of this, the ChatGPT for LEGO removes the designs that aren’t physically ‘stable’ from the dataset, such as parts that are weak and could fall apart in the process. The full dataset, trained models, and source code of LegoGPT are available for public use and download. The researchers – composed of Ava Pun, Kangle Deng, Ruixuan Liu, Deva Ramanan, Changliu Liu, and Jun‑Yan Zhu of Carnegie Mellon University – have also uploaded the demo site for the users to try.

the AI language model uses a dataset of LEGO structures paired with descriptive captions

text prompt used: couch with vintage floral tapestry and deep reds and golds

users just follow the ‘design plan’ to start building their generated models using their existing bricks

users can generate their own buildable LEGO designs à la OpenAI’s ChatGPT with LegoGPT

LegoGPT, the ChatGPT for custom LEGO designs, shows users how to build their own models

at the present time, the current dataset includes more than 47,000 LEGO structures

project info:

name: LegoGPT

researchers: Ava Pun, Kangle Deng, Ruixuan Liu, Deva Ramanan, Changliu Liu, Jun‑Yan Zhu

institution: Carnegie Mellon University | @carnegiemellon

study: here

The post you can now generate your own buildable LEGO designs from text à la chatGPT appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Hot Wheels Ferrari car series makes a comeback after more than five decades, with die-cast models of a Fiat 642 RN2 Bartoletti Transporter and a remote-controlled Ferrari SF90 Stradale that goes through loops. During the unveiling designboom attends in the Ferrari factory at Maranello, Italy, Roberto Stanichi, the executive vice president of Hot Wheels and head of vehicles and building sets at Mattel, says that the last time the two brands collaborated was back in 1969 for the Ferrari 312P. In the venue, four glass cases reveal the 11 recent Hot Wheels Ferraris in the collection. One of them includes the revived and upgraded 312P.

Part of the collection is the duo Hot Wheels Premium Ferrari 250 GTO and Fiat 642 RN2 Bartoletti Transporter. The firetruck-looking model is historically known for transporting Ferraris to racetracks. At the unveiling, designboom interviews Ted Wu, the global head of design for Hot Wheels, who tells us why they’ve decided to produce the transporter for the recent Hot Wheels Ferrari car series. ‘In our series, we have what we call the Team Transport models, which are transport vehicles, like haulers. With Ferrari, we wanted to do a transport that is on-brand and feels like it belongs. There’s also a long history between Fiat and Ferrari, as the transporter is the one that actually takes the racing cars to the tracks, so that one just made sense to us,’ he says.

499p Modificata | all images courtesy of Hot Wheels and Ferrari

Debut of the remote-controlled SF90 stradale

It’s also the first time in the Hot Wheels Ferrari series to have a playable, remote-controlled car in the form of the SF90 Stradale. ‘We have it in both the die-cast model and the RC version,’ Ted Wu shares with us. ‘With the RC model, it’s got the ability to go through loops. It has a 320 miles per hour scale speed and has a radio control installed in the car, but at 1:64th scale. We have other RC models in this scale, but this is our first remote-controlled Ferrari.’ 

The head designer adds that the team needs to make modifications for the specific model because of how tight it is and to fit all the electronics inside the 1:64-scaled model of the sports car. Luckily, the adjustments allow the design team to also improve the speed of the RC version, making it its fastest Hot Wheels model so far of its kind. Alongside the SF90 Stradale, the Hot Wheels Ferrari cars series recreates some of the Italian car manufacturer’s iconic models in 1:64 scales. There’s F40 Competizione, the sports car intended to race at Le Mans instead of the F40 LM. Then, there’s 365 GTB4 Competizione. It has taken home the crown at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona 24 Hours. 

side view of the 499p Modificata

Hot wheels develop the cars using ferrari’s color palettes

The series isn’t complete without the Ferrari 499P. It marks a historic return to endurance racing for Ferrari. Then, the F50 that combines Formula 1-inspired technology with a street-legal roadster design. The Hot Wheels Ferrari series includes the scaled version of LaFerrari, the mild hybrid sports car of the manufacturer. As a cherry on top, the brand brings back the 312p. It’s the first-ever Hot Wheels Ferrari car released in 1969. It features a design with a silver-plate red Spectraflame paint and Neo-Classics Redline wheels. Beside it is the 499p. It has raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, sporting a silver-plate red Spectraflame paint and 10-spoke Real Riders wheels.

Our conversation with Ted Wu progresses to the materials Hot Wheels uses to produce the recent Ferrari cars series. He explains that the base materials are the same, meaning die-cast and even plastic for some of the models. ‘But there are a lot of things we’ve done, specifically for Ferrari,’ says Hot Wheels’ Global Head of Design. ‘For example, the color. Ferrari has 15 shades of red. We wanted to get the colors right, so we actually added shades to our existing palettes, like Rosso Corsa and Rosso Scuderia, to match the colors of the real-life models to the series. Then, for the 312p and 499p Modificata, they’ve got this special flair, which is essentially a shiny, candy-coated paint.’

return of the 312p model

The design team wants to get the colors right for the Hot Wheels Ferrari series. In fact, they’ve developed a paint process for some specific models like the 312p and 499p Modificata. Ted Wu tells designboom that they silver plate the scaled models first before putting the paints on. The result gives the cars a brighter, coated paint compared to when they don’t subject them to this process. ‘To be very transparent, it actually costs more to do it, but again, we wanted to do justice for this partnership,’ he says. 

Aside from the new process, the design team has also developed another way to put the cars together throughout the Hot Wheels products. One of them is a new latching system that lets them add details on the already-miniscule side mirrors. It has taken Hot Wheels and Ferrari more than five decades to revive their collaboration. Ted Wu shares that while ‘it sort of ended back then,’ restarting it allows them to look back and pay homage. In this way, when the current fans own the cars from the series, they see history, respun using the new techniques and color shades to establish a new kind of legacy.

the first-ever Ferrari 312p came out in 1969

view of the Hot Wheels Ferrari Heritage Set with 499p Modificata and 312p

all images courtesy of Hot Wheels and Ferrari

Ferrari SF90 Stradale

view of the 499p model

view of the Hot Wheels Ferrari F40 Competizione

Hot Wheels Ferrari 365 GTB4 Competizione

Ferrari 250 GTO on top of Fiat 642 RN2 Bartoletti Transporter

project info:

name: Hot Wheels Ferrari

brand: Hot Wheels | @hotwheelsofficial

company: Mattel | @mattel

car manufacturer: Ferrari | @ferrari

global head of design: Ted Wu | @wuhou

The post hot wheels ferrari returns with fiat firetruck and remote-controlled car that drives in loops appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Hautlence reveals Retrovision ‘85 at Watches and Wonders 2025, a watch that flips into a miniature robot around the wrist. It pays homage to a design from a ‘well-known Japanese toy manufacturer,’ as the brand describes it. The Hautlence miniature-robot watch features a self-winding movement from the Vagabonde Tourbillon collection. Its design even evokes retrofuturism. Once the user transforms the Hautlence watch into a miniature robot, they see the display clearly, featuring a central-minute disc with three-hour satellites rotating around it.

There’s a button that the wearer clicks to unfold the timepiece design. The robot shows its form then. Its head unfurls, and its arms and legs stretch out. At the center, time-telling is unconventional than the typical watches. There aren’t any watch hands. Instead, the minutes are at the top of the central disc. Then, the numbers written on the minute markers are the seconds for the timer. Their starting point is at the bottom rather than at the top.

all images courtesy of Hautlence

Hautlence retro-designed watch encased in a miniature robot

The hours of the timepiece appear as the three-hour rotating satellites on the dial, which orbit around the central disc. When the users unfold the timepiece, the three purple discs rotate as if they were dancing. The design team places sapphire crystal at the rear of the Hautlence watch that turns into a miniature robot. Through this, the wearer can see the mechanism operate from the outside. For the case, bezel, and crown, the design team uses 3D printing and titanium for them all, with partial copper-colored PVD coating. The base dial also emerges from titanium with a frosted finish. As for the intermediate dial, it features rhodium-plated brass with blue and purple PVD.

The minute discs come with sapphire as well and applied numerals and Globolight rings. The straps are black rubber with a steel pin buckle. There are a total of 217 components and 39 jewels for the timepiece model. The Hautlence Retrovision ‘85 watch encased in a miniature robot pays tribute to the early days of cartoon and anime shows. It’s the period pixelated graphics in video games and the boom of skateboarding culture. The design team describes their creation as ‘a robot watch inspired by the iconic design of the original, but with a mechanical movement equipped with a flying tourbillon.’ So far, the timepiece design is limited to only eight units in total.

the Hautlence miniature-robot watch features a self-winding movement from the Vagabonde Tourbillon series

the minutes are at the top of the central disc

view of the miniature robot once the wearer unfolds the timepiece

transparent glass at the rear to see the inside mechanism

detailed view of the rear

so far, the timepiece design is limited to only eight units in total

project info:

name: Retrovision ‘85

brand: Hautlence | @hautlence

The post hautlence retrovision ‘85 watch flips into a miniature robot around the wrist appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

SERIES OF HIGH-TECH TOYS FOR GROWN-UPS

High-tech toys these days aren’t just for children, but grown-ups, too. They combine technology with intuitive designs to make the experience more interactive and engaging. Some of these toys can challenge the grown-ups technical skills and bits of their patience, at least with building the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set. For others, they momentarily take the users away from reality and into the mixed reality, like the Meta Quest 3. There’s a rise in the next generation of high-tech toys for grown-ups, and our list explores their design features and capabilities.

XREAL ONE SMART AR GLASSES

The XREAL One is a high-tech pair of smart glasses slash toy for grown-ups, powered by the advanced X1 Chip. It plays clear visuals without lag. The glasses create a large virtual screen, up to 147 inches, so the grown-ups can enjoy movies, games, or work in a bigger field of view. The display stays sharp and stable without flickering or blurring. The glasses have built-in speakers, tuned by Bose engineers. The XREAL One connects easily to many devices, including iPhones, iPads, Android phones, gaming consoles, and computers, without needing extra apps or adapters.

XREAL One smart AR Glasses | image courtesy of XREAL

3D PRINTING pen SCRIB3D P1

Next up in the list of next-gen toys for grown-ups is the SCRIB3D P1. It’s a printing pen that lets the grownups draw and create in 3D. The smart device features adjustable speed for precise control, whether working on detailed designs or larger fills. It comes with a kit, which includes three colors of PLA filament, a power adapter, and a guide to get started. The 3D printing pen is safe and beginner-friendly. It even has an auto-sleep function, an anti-clogging design, and simple controls. The device works with both PLA and ABS filament.

SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen | image courtesy of SCRIB3D

OTAMATONE PORTABLE SYNTHESIZER

The Japanese musical toy Otamatone is a portable synthesizer for grown-ups and children. Users play it by sliding their fingers along the stem. By doing so, they also change the pitch. They can squeeze the cheeks for a vibrato effect. The musical toy for grown-ups has different pitch levels that users can play with. The device is lightweight and portable, and it’s also suitable for home, outdoor gatherings, or campfire singalongs. Three AAA batteries power the device, and it’s compact and travel-friendly enough for users to bring anywhere.

Otamatone | image courtesy of Otamatone

MCLAREN P1 SUPERCAR LEGO SET

The LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set lets grown-ups create a detailed 1:8 scale model of the iconic supercar. The toy kit features a seven-speed gearbox, opening doors, an adjustable rear wing, and a V8 piston engine. There’s a unique serial number tile that provides access to exclusive online content. Then, the grown-ups can download the LEGO Builder app for 3D instructions on how to construct the next-gen toy. The LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set is designed for both supercar enthusiasts and LEGO fans.

LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set | image courtesy of LEGO

META QUEST 3 MIXED REALITY HEADSET

The Meta Quest 3 features a slim, wireless design that includes a 4K+ Infinite Display. As a high-tech toy for grown-ups, it comes with two displays, each with a resolution of 2064×2208. It has Meta’s Infinite Display optical stack, which expands the field of view. The headset supports mixed reality, so digital objects can be integrated into physical environments. Users can navigate using hand tracking for gesture-based interactions. If not, they can use the Touch Plus controllers, which provide haptic feedback for precision control.

Meta Quest 3 | image courtesy of Meta

LENOVO LEGION GO S 

Lenovo unveils the Legion Go S as a handheld gaming device and high-tech toy for grown-ups. It comes with AMD RDNA 2 graphics, which allow the device to operate fast, have a long battery life, and project vivid visuals when playing games. There are ergonomic Legion TrueStrike controllers included. Then, the 8-inch WUXGA display provides a 37 percent larger viewing area than standard handheld gaming devices. The screen has a 120Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio for wider view. The device is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and Z2 Go chips.

Lenovo Legion Go S | image courtesy of Lenovo

NEX PLAYGROUND

There’s another high-tech toy for grown-ups, and it’s the Nex Playground. It’s a motion-tracking gaming console designed for interactive play. The boxy device features a sleek, compact design that easily connects to any TV or projector via HDMI. There’s a built-in wide-angle camera that uses AI-powered motion tracking. In this way, players don’t need controllers or wearables to play it; they just need their bodies. Up to four players can join at once, and its lightweight design allows for portability. It’s also small enough to fit into any home setup or travel bag. 

Nex Playground | image courtesy of Nex Playground

POWERUP 4.0 PAPER PLANE

The POWERUP 4.0 transforms paper airplanes into smartphone-controlled flying machines. Its lightweight Bluetooth module attaches to paper, foam, or balsa wood models. It allows for precise control and high-speed tricks. The high-tech toy for grown-ups has Acro Mode for loops and rolls. It also includes a built-in stabilizer for windy conditions. There’s a companion app that allows for real-time control, flight logging, and competitive challenges. A quick 30-minute charge provides 10 minutes of flight, with a range of up to 230 feet. Built with a carbon fiber body and reinforced motor mount, it is durable and includes a self-landing feature for out-of-range flights.

POWERUP 4.0 | image courtesy of POWERUP

ROBOT COMPANION EILIK

Meet Eilik, a robot companion designed as a high-tech toy for users of all ages, including grown-ups. It flashes different emotions and expressions. When users touch its head, belly, or back, it responds with animations. Each area triggers different reactions. Eilik can interact with other robots of its kind. It chats, plays, and engages with them in friendly arguments. Users need to update its firmware, so they can get the new features and mini-games.

Eilik robot companion | image courtesy of Eilik

GOCUBE WITH BLUETOOTH CAPABILITIES

Grown-ups looking for high-tech toys with a nostalgic twist can appreciate GoCube. It’s a speed cube that has Bluetooth capabilities. Users connect it to a companion app. Then, they can use the cube to compete with other online, play games, and even learn from interactive lessons. The design of GoCube is for all skill levels. There’s a step-by-step tutorial to help beginners master it and the different games. The device tracks the users’ progress and mistakes, allowing real-time feedback. GoCube says the device promotes problem-solving, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination through educational mini-games.

GoCube | image courtesy of GoCube

at designboom, we are dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring designs, trends, and products from around the world. in our mission to support the creatives/companies mentioned, if you buy through links on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you. thank you for supporting us and the global design community.

The post 10 next-gen toys for grown-ups, from meta’s mixed-reality headset to lenovo’s gaming device appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

X+Living takes over the design of the first global flagship store of TOP TOY, located on Shanghai’s Nanjing East Road, introducing a ‘gamified design approach’ to retail. Drawing from pixelated gaming aesthetics, classic consoles, modular building blocks, and bold color schemes of red, blue, and purple, the space features oversized toy-packaging facades to create an interactive and immersive environment. The store’s open visual pathways and game-map layout encourage exploration and engagement. Functional zones, including IP-themed cafés and brick-building areas, mimic gaming quests and reinforce the interactive experience while strengthening the brand’s identity and enhancing offline retail’s role as a social hub.

all images courtesy of X+Living

entering TOP TOY store mimics entering large-scale packaged toys

For the design of TOP TOY’s first global flagship store in Shanghai, architectural studio X+Living adopts a dynamic, playful approach. The external facade features a large-scale toy-packaging design with irregular transparent display windows, creating a visually striking entrance. A prominent TOP TOY character, the Great Power Fortune Cat, is displayed at an exaggerated scale, establishing a recognizable landmark and inviting exploration. The interplay of vivid colors and open sightlines act as a loading screen, setting the stage for a ‘gamified’ retail experience.

Inside, the spatial design reflects the aesthetics of classic red-and-white gaming consoles. Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, the design deconstructs and reinterprets familiar elements to create a connection across multiple generations. Modern visual elements ensure relevance for younger audiences while maintaining an aesthetic continuity that appeals to all ages.

oversized toy-packaging facades create an immersive storefront

X+Living arranges game map layout for TOP TOY flagship store

Gaming-inspired modularity informs the TOP TOY flagship store’s layout, with rectangular elements derived from gaming consoles forming display platforms, shelving, and seating arrangements. The design integrates brand identity through elements inspired by TOP TOY’s game ‘China Bricks,’ arranging modular units in varied configurations. Transparent columns and staggered display platforms resemble the plastic texture of retro games, creating an open, layered visual experience. On the ceiling, a grid of perforated trusses is interspersed with mirrors, reflecting and inverting the space. The central staircase serves as a focal point, connecting multiple levels and reinforcing the sense of vertical exploration akin to progressing through game levels.

The layout mirrors a game map, with interconnected pathways guiding visitors through different sections. A zigzag circulation pattern on the first floor ensures smooth movement and product accessibility, while a circular route on the second floor avoids rigid layouts. X+Living’s design aims to create a multi-dimensional consumer experience that blends aesthetics, engagement, and brand identity.

large-scale toy-packaging facade features irregular transparent display windows

a pixel-inspired aesthetic connects gaming and retail

a bold color scheme of red, blue, and purple defines the space

open visual pathways guide visitors through a game-like layout

strategic lighting and color enhance the immersive atmosphere

mirrored ceilings create an illusion of infinite space

custom lighting and reflections create an interactive ambiance

geometric display platforms integrate product and space

the store layout functions like a navigable game map

playful circulation paths encourage exploration at every turn

the staircase structure resembles a game level progression

project info:

name: Top Toy’s First Global Flagship Store

architect: X+Living | @xlivingart

location: Shanghai, China

area: 682 sqm

lead architect: Li Xiang

technical directors: Wu Feng, Li Yaping
project directors: Yang Qiong, Xiang Shengming

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post pixelated gaming visuals turn into bold colored blocks within x+living’s top toy flagship store appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Casio releases Moflin, a pet robot that can develop feelings for its owners over time using AI. The hamster-like device moves, has emotions, and behaves as if it were alive. Moflin has what Casio calls a 2D Emotion Express Map, meaning its emotions change depending on the furry robot’s surroundings and how it interacts with its owner. The AI technology helps decode, learn, and understand the owner’s words and movements, translating them into appropriate emotions, and channels them to Moflin so it can act according to what the owner needs.

Moflin emotionally grows every day. During its first couple of days, its – or he, she, or they, depending on the owner – behavior may appear childlike. Over time, around a month, it can express its own emotions and get attached to the owner. Its personality develops according to how the owner treats it. When they pet, hold, and talk to Moflin, the Casio robot perceives these actions as positive emotions, thereby registering them into its system. When the owner pays no attention to the AI pet, it starts to feel negative emotions and updates its emotional log data.

all images courtesy of Casio

Casion creates an app so owners can see how moflin feels

Owners of Casio’s Moflin might want to download the dedicated app called MofLife. It’s how they can check the AI pet robot’s emotions as the app projects animations that let them know how it feels at the moment. On the app, graphs and messages about the hamster-like device are on view so the owners can review them and figure out how to build a healthier relationship with their Moflin. Casio also offers a paid membership service called Club Moflin, where owners are afforded ‘hospitalization’ and fur care fees for Moflin (essentially, it covers the device’s repairs).

Moflin listens. In fact, it can remember its owner’s voice and only shows them specific gestures and sounds. It interacts differently, but kindly, with outsiders. It is small enough to be held in the arms or with two hands. It can also fit in a basket or small bag, so the owner can carry Moflin anywhere they go. When the AI pet robot needs charging, the owner simply puts it into its included ‘house’, which looks like a bathtub, to recharge its batteries. As of the story’s publishing, Casio has introduced Moflin in furry brown and gray variants, priced at 59,400 yen (around 398 USD) per unit. Reservations are available, and shipping begins on November 7th, 2024.

Casio’s Moflin is small enough to fit in a basket or a small bag

the pet robot can develop feelings for its owners over time using AI technology

Moflin perceives petting a positive emotion and registers it into its system

the Casio AI pet robot moves and interacts as if it were a living being

the dedicated app called MofLife can show the AI pet robot’s emotions at any time

Casio’s Moflin can remember its owner’s voice

furry brown variant

furry gray variant

Casio’s Moflin is priced at 59,400 yen (around 398 USD) per unit

project info:

name: Moflin

company: Casio | @casio_us, @casiowatches_jp

The post casio’s AI pet robot moflin gets emotionally attached with owners everytime they cuddle it appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Megahouse and Iriso Precision Company team up to produce the dubbed world’s smallest metal Rubik’s Cube in time for the 50th anniversary of the 3D puzzle. This one’s so tiny that the gamer might need a pair of tweezers to move or rotate it. All of its parts are made by cutting metal using the machine company’s equipment and ultra-fine trimming processes. As a result, the duo has achieved an approximate size of 1/1,000 of a regular 3×3 Rubik’s Cube.

Each square on the main body of the dubbed world’s smallest metal Rubik’s Cube is 0.16 cm x 0.16 cm x 0.16 cm, while the length of each side is 0.50 cm. The inside of the puzzle toy is still similar to the original Rubik’s Cube, so it has movable parts that can rotate and shift around despite its miniature size. These needed to be cut and shaped precisely to maintain their targeted size while allowing the gamer to still turn them. The companies say that these parts are manually assembled by hand rather than by a machine to precisely put them together.

all images courtesy of Megahouse Corporation

‘micro cutting’ involves shaping microscopic-scale parts

Producing the world’s smallest metal Rubik’s Cube, which the Guiness World Records acknowledged in August 2024, can come with a few hurdles. For Megahouse and Iriso Precision, it’s making sure that all the tiny pieces can move and rotate freely. It may sound simple, but looking at the Rubik’s Cube, which has almost the same width as three rice grains, that might just be the opposite. When the corporation and machine company assemble it, they carve out each part and fit it together one by one.

In this way, the middle part has the ‘cross’ design of the Rubik’s Cube, so the other parts move or rotate. The technique used is called ‘micro cutting,’ which also involves shaping microscopic-scale parts. On top of this, the location where the cutting happens, as well as the cutting conditions like temperature, pressure, and vibration, must be tightly controlled. These factors can also make the assembly process a bit more complicated if not followed.

RUBIK’s logo engraved in the middle of world’s smallest metal cube

RUBIK’s logo engraved on the world’s smallest metal cube

The companies say that when working at such a small scale, it’s also hard to see what is being done while cutting, so the craftsman must rely on data and their mental image of the final product instead of focusing on and watching the process directly. Thanks to Iriso Precision’s machines, they’re able to produce parts for the world’s smallest metal Rubik’s Cube as tiny as 0.0001 mm. ‘The thickness of a human hair is approximately 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, but we are able to work with a precision of even 1/100 mm, so we use this technology to create each part,’ the teams say.

To challenge themselves even further, they’ve managed to engrave the RUBIK’S logo at the center of one of the sides, which might be challenging to see with the naked eye considering the toy’s miniature size. The dubbed world’s smallest metal Rubik’s Cube also comes with an aluminum base or case, which is a lot bigger than the cube itself. It mimics a trophy with the cube sitting in the middle of it and a serial number printed on the bottom plate. So far, the world’s smallest metal Rubik’s Cube is priced at 777,777 yen (or around 5,250 USD), excluding shipping fees.

the world’s smallest Rubik’s Cube is so tiny it may need tweezers to move or rotate

when the companies assemble the cube, they carve out each part and fit it together one by one

the Rubik’s Cube might almost have the same width as three rice grains

size difference between the world’s smallest and the normal-sized Rubik’s Cube

the cube is priced at 777,777 yen at the moment

project info:

name: Smallest Rubik’s Cube

companies: Megahouse Corporation, Iriso Precision Co. Ltd. | @megahouse_official

reservation: here

The post world’s smallest metal rubik’s cube is so tiny it may need tweezers to move or rotate appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Teaming up with Nordic designers, Finnish Design Shop created PELATA, a range of sculptural objects with a playful twist. The signature collection presents a series of heirloom-quality wooden games and instruments, designed to be enjoyed for generations to come. Launched in 2024 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Finnish Design Shop, the works are all about embracing the extraordinary in everyday life.

Anderssen & Voll draws on the classic labyrinth game, crafting a simplified, sculptural version from solid ash for Sokkelo. Prikka by TAF Studio is a classic backgammon board in beech that doubles as a tray, while Huippa by Kaksikko is a classic ring toss reimagined with a collapsible structure. Designed to capture the connection Finns have with their forests, Studio Tolvanen’s Metsäpallo is a yard bowling game in beech. Meanwhile Krroc and Bic-Bac-Boc by Anderssen & Voll is a simple percussion instruments in solid ash with a quirky, animalistic appearance.

all images courtesy of Finnish Design Shop

nordic designers create series of games and instruments

Finnish Design Shop is a leading online store for over 300 design brands sold to more than 180 countries. From the outset, its mission has been to introduce the Nordic lifestyle and values to homes all around the world. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the store teamed up with celebrated Nordic designers including Anderssen & Voll, TAF Studio, Studio Tolvanen, and Kaksikko to create its first-ever signature collection. ‘We wanted to create a collection of games that you won’t want to hide away when not in use,’ says CEO, Teemu Kiiski. ‘They will blend in with your favourite design items and become conversation starters, but they also work as fully functional objects.’

The games, instruments, and playthings of PELATA are designed to be joyful, aligned with the shop’s mission to ‘fill the world with Nordic Happiness’. Local materials and craftsmanship, features valued highly in Nordic culture, are further embodied across the collection in a tactile and engaging way.

Finnish Design Shop unveils first signature collection, PELATA

the collection presents a range of sculptural objects with a playful twist

a series of heirloom-quality wooden games and instruments

drawing on nostalgia, and designed to be enjoyed for generations to come

launched in 2024 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Finnish Design Shop

Krroc and Bic-Bac-Boc by Anderssen & Voll

Studio Tolvanen’s Metsäpallo is a yard bowling game in beech

Prikka by TAF Studio is a classic backgammon board in beech that doubles as a tray

local materials and craftsmanship are embodied across the collection in a tactile and engaging way

project info:

name: PELATA pieces

store: Finnish Design Shop | @finnishdesignshop

designer: Anderssen & Voll | @anderssenvoll, TAF Studio | @taf_studio, Studio Tolvanen | @studiotolvanen, Kaksikko | @studio_kaksikko

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom

The post nordic designers craft nostalgic wooden games and instruments for finnish design shop appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.