So. This is quite the venture. A group of individuals set out to create an app that achieves a visceral quality in photos… something that Instagram can’t always achieve perfectly (not to say this is a perfect solution either). Rather than recreating a retro effect with software, InstaCRT actually uses the aging titular tech to achieve its goals.

The concept is simple. You take a photo on your iPhone using the InstaCRT app. You upload that photo to a developer. This developer displays your image on a 1 inch CRT in a defined space (office or otherwise). A picture of the photo is then taken with a DSLR, and sent back to your iPhone.

The results are really nice. The scanlines are genuine, the distortion doesn’t follow any equation, and the look and feel are pretty spot on. It results in a standard that many other apps are striving for.

However, it has to be equally as inefficient. The more people begin to use the app, the more time is needed to deliver a result. So what if this app soars? Would it take days, maybe weeks to get an image sent back to you? Is there a better way to streamline this process? There are plenty of possibilities, as well as many conflicts begging to be solved. But nevertheless, the idea is nice, and the effort is present. The results could potentially be fantastic.

You can currently buy InstaCRT in the app store for $1.99.

The mouse and keyboard have been essential parts of the computing experience for years now. Touch technology has further progressed our interaction with computer experiences. Now, Leap wants to bring us beyond both. This product represents an entirely new way to interact with computers. Leap Motion claims to be more accurate than a mouse, more reliable than a keyboard, and more sensitive than a touchscreen.

We now can officially control a computer in three dimensions with natural hand movements.

In fact, the technology behind this product can distinguish your individual fingers and track your movements down to 1/100th of a millimeter – an incredibly precise scale. Do we even need an instruction manual to use our hands?

Pre-order LEAP Motion here: http://live.leapmotion.com/pre-order-the-leap/

Electronic (and EDM) music fans might be familiar with the Nordik Impakt festival, and if they are, then they’re most likely familiar with latest promotional and packaging materials related to the event. Murmure agency had the pleasure of developing the most recent conceptual products for the invitations. They’re obviously based around electronic music and, more interestingly, phosphorescence.

Murmure created posters and invitation cards which extend beyond the typical graphic approach, and reveal an electronic spirit when the lights go out. The innovative design makes for electro-phosphorescent glasses that are light weight and applicable to just about any environment as they’re made out of paper. The aesthetic itself is very futuristic and “technologic” – a familiar vibe for us EDM fans. Murmure has done a pleasant job of accentuating a taste of culture surrounding this genre of music, in a simple, precise manner.

I’m unfamiliar with the name(s) behind Zeitguised, but I can tell you it wouldn’t matter because I’ve fallen hard in love with their work. Zeitguised boasts the intricate biography, “The strange, obscure twin of contemporary zeitgeist imagineering.”

From what I gather, they’re a motion and 3D creative studio that dabbles heavily in obscure, abstract, and visually stimulating work that proves effective both in motion and in print.

This piece in particular is a more recent example of the experimental nature of Zeitguised. “Sample Sample” is the portrayal of nanoscopic materials inspired by images of fabric materials. In essence, this is creating the simulation of photographed space which seduces the viewer to imagine an existing material reality.

The piece is created with two different levels of translation of textile pattern. The first is color – where a scan of the textile is taken to directly color individual parts of the structure. The second is fabric weavings – 3D dimensional stacks of interlocked platonic bodies. The key then is to offset these layers in relation with each other which results in the visual effect we see here.

It’s no wonder the work was shown at Kiss The Design Gallery in Lausanne, Switzerland. It’s smartly constructed, and visually gorgeous.

By all means, explore their portfolio…it’s pretty intriguing stuff.

(If I happen to misread or misunderstand the making of this piece, I apologize in advance!)

There are plenty of impressive industrial designers and product visionaries out there. René Lee happens to be one who’s portfolio is filled with tech specific wonder. One of the most intriguing pieces, however, is the Bean. It’s actually a simple device: a mouse. It’s attention to ergonomics and universal behavior are what sets it apart.

Bean is essentially a mouse device containing only one touch sensitive bottom that clicks both edges. Its shape is symmetrical, making for easy use no matter what your primary hand is. The hot areas for clicking, scrolling, etc are all familiar and structured off the common layout. At the very least, it looks pretty beautiful…

I was going to feature these pieces yesterday but opted not to. Because I caught myself staring at them again for a half hour today, it only makes sense to showcase a preview of Ben Collette’s recent iPhone casings. These are simply beautiful. Under the name Lazerwood, Collette has begun experimenting with veneer, water based varnish, laser etching and more in an effort to produce wonderfully sculpted cases for the iPhone 4.

I’ve featured work by Pedro Gomes before so I’ll do it again because, again, I love Gomes’ projects. The Ecoball is a sweet alternative to hearing music on the go. The portable ball splits into two, revealing speakers and a volume control. The more interesting aspect is that the ball has the option of solar charging via the panels integrated into the carry strap. As with any device, it will sync with most music gadgets effortlessly. Love the simplicity!

1. I’m no longer using Digg. I now use Reddit. Why? Traffic, that’s why!

2. Four Fifths Design is now on Facebook! Just click here!

3. While you’re at it, follow me on Twitter to know each time there’s a new feature (and a few personal thoughts here and there). Just click here!

Cheers!

Patrick

This concept is simple. Based around the appeal of sleek electronics and our love as humans for innovation comes the DIY Player. It combines our love for phones, PMPs, gaming, GPS, and other electronics into one and allows for particular customization. The product would come with a base screen and would host detachable modules. Utilize the keypad module and you’ve got a phone; utilize the gaming controls and you’ve got gaming; etc. You can imagine what else could be included…

Four Fifths Design is officially 2 years old as of today! I want to personally thank all my readers for their constant input and enthusiasm. I also want to thank the numerous artists, designers, organizations, collectives and companies who have continuously shown interest in Four Fifths Design, especially General Motors, American Apparel and KDU for their ongoing support, feedback and exclusive features.  2010 looks to be another promising year, and I will do my best to continue the growth of Four Fifths Design!

Cheers,
Patrick Branigan