The Ovei Pod, A Personal Cocoon In Various Forms From Artist-Decorated to Gaming.

above: Designer Lee McCormack with the Vince Fraser decorated Ovei (more pics later in the post)

The Ovei Pod is a self contained unit with a built-in 5.1. surround sound system, variable lighting control, climate control, luxury leather seating and the latest flat screen technology.








Way back in 2002, British designer Lee McCormack conceived the first, embryonic form of the Ovei. With ‘i-pod’ already registered by Apple, he instead called it the ‘Oculas’:



In 2005 discussions began with McLaren Applied Technologies – the specialised design & technology division within the McLaren Group – culminating in the all-new Ovei. Various customizable versions, specially designed SPA versions, gaming versions, branded versions and artfully decorated ones (like the one by Vince Fraser shown further down in this post) have since been designed.



In addition to the black and white ones shown, the Ovei can be produced in various colors:

And various styles:


“Ovei is inspired by the evolution of modern architecture, design and technology during the past twenty years. The underlying concept, is a sanctuary for the individual. It’s not about isolation or disconnection, it’s about nurturing inner wellness and strength. Focused and invigorated we perform better and become more resilient to the aggressive demands of modern life. The Ovei is now recognised by renowned architects and designers as a perfect compliment modern residential and commercial projects”.-Lee McCormack.

Designer McCormack in his Ovei:


The Ovei Pod at the 2009 Monaco Yacht Show:



The HALO 3 Gaming Ovei:


F1 Racer Lewis Hamilton in the Johnnie Walker Ovei:


Vince Fraser's 3D Ovei:

Vince Fraser with his decorated Ovei:

Vince Fraser 3D Ovei photographs by Christoffer Rudquist.

See Vince Fraser's promotional film for his Limited Edition 3D Ovei here.

Ron Dennis, the Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group, sits in the Ovei 8 elements Wellbeing Capsule:


The Ovei pod has appeared in multiple exhibitions like the London Science Museum’s Fast Forward F1 technology exhibition:


Acoustics.
The Ovei format creates a perfect 5.1 surround sound environment; the interior has an acoustic surface design treatment supported by optimal material density.

Visuals.
The main viewing screen is positioned at an optimal 60cm from the user. Where necessary, additional side and control interface screens provide surround viewing.

Seating.
The seating position is designed to support the length of the body, reducing stress on the back for maximum comfort. The reclined position is surrounded by armrests, touch screen capabilities, work surface and screen positioning to facilitate the optimal work, play or rest conditions.

Encapsulation.
Ovei is a fully enclosed environment. Optional windows allow use within environments like schools, where a clear view of occupants is needed. As an encapsulated environment all external distractions are removed. This enables greater cognitive application to the task at hand.

Mobility.
Ovei is a plug and play device that can be transported and placed in almost any environment indoors or, in some cases, outdoors. Ovei can be deployed to remove the need to build traditional room environments. It is lightweight, easy to dismantle and erect, robust and hardwearing. It requires only 1m by 2m floor space.

Technology.
The design and engineering of Ovei focus on creating the perfect experiential environment for the user. The team’s approach to technology is one of facilitation; Ovei can incorporate most types and formats of existing consumer technology. In instances where Ovei is required for a specific function, the design team has created bespoke hardware and software.

Modular Design.
Ovei has been designed for maximum application flexibility. The device accommodates one, two or three people by addition or removal of extension modules. The interior works on a modular basis, transforming easily between videoconferencing, flight simulation, diagnostics, gaming, marketing etc. Mobile devices are supported by updating the mobile device module.

Branding.
Ovei offers a comprehensive suite of branding opportunities.

Exterior:
Window branding
Half exterior
Full exterior
Floor placement mat
Exterior Screen
Sponsors Placard Stand

Interior:
Seating fabric
Table area
Screen, speakers, and control devices

Screen based branding:
Corner logo permanent
Star-up screen welcome
Sign off screen message
Banner advertising
Interface screen branding
Advertising Commercials

Other:
Bluetooth Broadcasting
Augmented Reality Tools

The Ovei team will work with you to configure, install and support suitable capsules. In exchange for sharing your findings with us, the agreement gives you market sector exclusivity to use Ovei for the period of the trial.

Demonstration kiosk showcasing software, hardware or media? Point-of-Sale? Promotional device? Brand-building tool? Creative workspace? Everything is possible.

To discuss your ideas or proposals and for full commercial trial detail, get in touch.

Ovei

Solar Powered Soft Rockers (Video & Gallery) By MIT Professor & Students

Professor of the Practice of Architecture, Sheila Kennedy, and a group of Design, Architecture and Engineering students from MIT have designed solar-energy storing modern wood rockers on which you can lounge and chat or charge. Smartphones, cell phones, mp3 devices, laptops and other gadgets can be connected via USB. What's more, the soft rockers are designed with a solar powered ambient light that gives them a soft glow in the dark.











above: Image by SOFT ROCKER TEAM: Sheila KENNEDY, MIT Professor of the Practice of Architecture; James BAYLESS, KVA UC Intern; Kaitlyn BOGENSCHUTZ, KVA UC Intern; Wardad INAM, MIT PhD Candidate, Electrical Engineering; Jungmin NAM, GSD March I 2009, KVA Designer; Shevy ROCKCASTLE, MIT Smarchs 2011; Phil SEATON, MIT March 2012; Matt TRIMBLE, MIT March 2009, RADLAB; Adnon ZOLIJ, MIT BS 2010, Electrical Engineering

Soft Rockers description and video from MIT:
Recharge yourself and your electronics while relaxing with friends outdoors in Killian Court. The MIT SOFT Rockers are smart, clean energy charging stations disguised as outdoor rocking lounge furniture. Unlike conventional ‘hard’ urban infrastructure, The SOFT Rocker leverages its environment in a dynamic manner by using the human power of balance to create an interactive 1.5 axis 35 watt solar tracking system. Soft power electronics designed for this project charge the 12 ampere-hour battery and store solar energy harvested during the day. Put your body weight in play with an interactive, real time energy harvesting feedback loop that senses how you orient the rocker to the sun. Charge or run any USB device from speakers to cell phones and bring your friends to enjoy cool lighting loops at night for social gatherings.



The leaf-like loop form of the SOFT Rockers explores how standard softwood panels can be mass-customized to adapt to the latitude and sun angle of any site using parametric design software and automated fabrication with a lightweight Kuka robotic arm. The SOFT Rocker combines hi-tech and low-tech design strategies: it produces electricity but engages the body and works like furniture “by hand”; it mixes sun tracking and social dynamics; it is a site specific object and a flexible form family of ‘soft’ wood construction. The SOFT Rocker blurs distinctions between pleasure and work and recasts power generation as an integrated and distributed public activity rather than a centralized, singular off-site project of ‘engineering’.


SOFT ROCKER TEAM:
Sheila KENNEDY, MIT Professor of the Practice of Architecture
James BAYLESS, UC MArch 2014, KVA Intern
Kaitlyn BOGENSCHUTZ, UC BS Arch 2013, KVA Intern
Wardah Inam, MIT PhD Candidate 2015, Electrical Engineering
Jungmin NAM, GSD MArch 2009, KVA Designer
Shevy ROCKCASTLE, MIT SMarchS 2011
Phil SEATON, MIT MArch 2012
Matt TRIMBLE, MIT MArch 2008, RADLAB
Adnon ZOLIJ, MIT BS 2010, Electrical Engineer Vicor, Inc.

MIT gives special thanks to:
• Vicor, Inc. Applications Engineering provided power electronics support. Picor, a subsidiary, provided Cool-O-Ring controllers for battery/load interfacing.
• Global Solar, Inc. Technology Development Team provided advance samples of Gen II flexible photovoltaics.
• LightTape, Inc. Assisted with manufacture of custom electroluminescent lighting materials
• Peter Murray at Fine Finish, Inc., in Waltham, MA.

images and info courtesy of Arts at MIT

Kohler Numi, The High-Tech Luxury Toilet That Does Everything But Take The Crap For You.

Kohler introduces Numi, Kohler’s most advanced toilet. The Numi toilet is a state of the art, modern, automatic and motion-sensor, self-cleaning toilet combination bidet that also warms your feet, your tush, can play music with its built-in speakers, audio input jack and docking station and keeps itself odor-free.


above: the Numi remote in its magnetic docking station

That's not all, it has ambient lighting that gives it an inviting glow in the dark, the lid is hands-free and motion activated, the seat has adjustable heating options and it has a built in automatic charcoal filter deodorizer. It even cleans itself with your choice from three patterned water sprays. And everything can be controlled by a modern looking remote.




By the looks of the promotional lifestyle product shots, Kohler is marketing the Numi like a piece of modern luxury furniture. The stylized, and come on, let's face it.. over the top, images were shot in the famous Pierre Koenig Stahl House (also known as the Case Study House #22) in Los Angeles.



The Numi combines modern design, technology and engineering to bring you the finest in personal comfort and cleansing. From its striking form and features to its unrivaled water efficiency, the Numi toilet marks a new standard of excellence in the bathroom.



Features:

• Motion activated lid and seat:
Front sensors react to your movement when you enter the room for hands-free opening and closing of the cover. Motion at the floor-level engages sensors to raise and lower seat.

Side view of the hands-free, motion-sensor lid and seat activation:


Front view of the hands-free, motion-sensor lid and seat activation:



• Advanced Bidet Functionality:
Self-cleaning wand features multiple options for water spray pattern. Adjust wand position, water pressure and temperature to your preferences



• Integrated Air Dryer:
Located in the wand for more efficient drying.



• Deodorizer:
Air is pulled through a powerful deodorizing charcoal filter.

• Heated Seat:
Warms the seat to your comfort level.

• Feet Warming:
Warm air from floor-level vents, heats the floor surface and warms your feet.



• Numi Remote Interface Home Screen:
You can remotely control everything from the basic functions to the music, heating and lighting.


• Illuminated Panels:
Ambient lighting illuminates your space with a soft, inviting glow.




• Music:
Built-in speakers allow you to play a selection from the Numi toilet’s pre-programmed audio, FM radio or to connect your MP3 player through the audio input jack in the remote docking station.

The Kohler Numi has a retail price of $6,500 USD.

Learn more here